Summary - After a great loss, Elladan is devastated. Can a young human help
him regain his light?
Note: The response to chapter 3 was overwhelming! Thank you so much to all who read it and especially to those who took the time to review! To those who have been begging for an update - here it is, I did want to post earlier but I had some work to do on it and I refuse to post anything that I see as sub-standard. I hope you find it was worth the wait!
Half a Heart
Chapter 4 - Miracles happen
Estel's jaw dropped. "Excuse me?" He said in sheer disbelief. He was sure he had heard wrong. "I'm not Elladan." The elf repeated. Estel stared and his eyes narrowed. "Is this some sort of joke Elladan?" He said slowly. "Because it is not funny." The elf shook his head. "It is no joke." He replied. "I..." Before he could go on, Estel had started speaking again. "Well, who are you then?" He asked, his voice laced with suspicion and sarcasm. Because you look Exactly like Elladan." Two seconds later, the implications of that statement sunk in. Exactly like Elladan. Then that would mean he could only be - but no it wasn't possible! He was dead! Long dead! Wasn't he? In a voice he didn't recognise as his own, he whispered one word. "Elrohir?" The elf nodded, a slight smile playing about his face. "But you - they said - Elladan he - You're dead!" He blurted accusingly. The elf - Elrohir - laughed. "Aye, by all rights I should be dead! But the Valar had something they needed done and said that I was the best one for the task. In return, I was allowed to live." At Estel's confused look he added, "It is a very long story. I will explain it all in time. For now I can only ask you to take my word for it. I am Elrohir and I am alive."
Estel didn't reply, he couldn't. He simply stared in shock at the impossible reality before him. His muddled mind tried to make sense of the million thoughts and emotions running through his brain. The elf he'd rescued and tended wasn't his brother. No, he corrected himself, technically it *was* his brother, just not the one he'd thought it was. But then, he'd never ever thought to meet Elrohir. He had always been a fantasy figure, the lost twin, the missing half of Elladan's heart.
Elladan. "By the Valar!" He thought suddenly. "If this is truly Elrohir, then we must find Elladan as soon as possible! At last, I can end his suffering!" He dropped down besides Elrohir. "Look at me." He commanded gently. "Look at me and tell me who you are." Elrohir looked up and locked his eyes with Estel's. "I am Elrohir Elrondion, twin to Elladan and brother to Arwen." He spoke without hesitation or doubt. His words and his gaze struck Estel to his very core. In that moment, he knew beyond a shadow of doubt that this truly was Elrohir. He grinned. "Ai, I cannot wait to find Elladan! He's missed you so much, grieved for so long." Elrohir sighed. "I knew he would. I was so scared that the severing of our bond would cause him to fade. It lightens my heart to know that he lives. But not until I re- establish the bond between us will we be complete. The distance severed it and my brother closed off his heart. He needs to open his heart before I can reach him again." A look of unbearable pain filled the younger twin's eyes. Estel moved and wrapped his arms around the elf. No matter that this was not the brother he had grown up with, this was still his brother and everything he'd ever wanted.
Elrohir was a little startled but strangely touched by the sudden embrace. It was obvious that this ranger, this Estel, knew his brother well and cared deeply for him. He knew there would be many questions to ask and be answered in the coming weeks, and all he really wanted was to get home. Still, there was one question he wanted answered now. "You obviously know my brother well and you have an elvish name as well as speaking it as one born to it. How is that?" He asked. Estel smiled. "I was brought to Rivendell as a child after my parents were killed. Lord Elrond took me as his son." He looked to Elrohir to see his reaction. Elrohir let out a small gasp. "His son? Why, then that would make us brothers!" Estel grinned and nodded. "Yes. Elladan has always been that to me. I would be delighted to call you brother also." It was not only his resemblance to Elladan that caused him to say this, something about the lost twin called to him. He shared Elladan's soul he was sure. In just a few minutes of meeting him, he knew he would trust Elrohir with his life. The elf grinned. "I hardly know you - but I am happy to call you brother." "I'm glad." Estel said. "As for getting to know me - there will be plenty of time for that on the way to Rivendell!" Elrohir's stomach rumbled then, causing them to laugh. "But right now I will get you that food!" Estel laughed and disentangled himself from his newfound brother.
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Elladan traipsed wearily through the gates of Imladris. He had been forced to abandon his plan to visit Mirkwood when an encounter with a band of human bandits had left him with a broken wrist. He smirked, despite the pain. The humans were far worse off than he. All six of them. "Elladan!" He looked up to see Glorfindel hurrying towards him, a horrified expression on his face. He smiled weakly. "What happened?" Glorfindel asked. "Human bandits tried to get the better of me." Elladan said casually. "They failed, not to worry." Glorfindel looked at Elladan's wrist, held to his chest by a makeshift bandage. "Not entirely it would seem." He said, slightly reproachfully. Elladan looked away and Glorfindel sighed. "Come, let us find your father and tend to your injuries. We will talk later."
Elrond carefully bandaged Elladan's wrist. The break was clean and would heal within a few days, as long as he refrained from using it. "I wish you would be more careful." Elrond said carefully. "Surely you know how much I fear something happening to you?" Elladan could not meet his father's eyes. "I know." He muttered. "I know this Ada. But I - I am sorry." Elrond sighed and placed his hand under his son's chin, gently forcing him to meet his gaze. "Stay home for a while. Please, I miss you." Elladan knew his father was lonely. Bad enough that he should lose his wife and son to tragedy, his eldest wandered constantly, his adopted son was rarely home and he hadn't seen his daughter in years.
Elladan thought about Arwen for a moment. She was home even less than he, spending all her days in Lorien. The last time she'd been in Imladris was 1000 years ago for her brother's funeral. She had come, grieved as was proper, then returned to Lorien, much to her father's disappointment. Elladan sighed. He didn't hate his sister, he just didn't know her. Estel was more a sibling to him than she had ever been.
He took a deep breath and looked at his father. "I will stay." He said. "For a while." Elrond smiled. "Thank you." In truth, he was deeply proud of his son. He knew the pain that Elladan felt in his heart and the strength it took to live through that. Sometimes he wondered if it would have been kinder to send Elladan to Valinor, but after the accident that had claimed Elrohir's life, he had been unable to give up on his remaining son. He was glad Elladan had stayed on Middle-Earth. Elladan reached out and hugged his father with his good arm. "I've missed you too." He said simply.
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"He what?!" Estel and the rangers with Elrohir were heading back to Rivendell. He was taking the time to get to know Elrohir and was discovering quite a bit about Elladan in the process. It would seem that his brother had been even more of a mischief-maker than Glorfindel had said. He laughed as Elrohir related another tale from their youth. Behind them, Calendil watched the two with a smile. The revelation of the elf's identity had shocked them all and there had been more than a few sceptics, but they had accepted him, knowing what his return would mean to his twin and the elves of Imladris, among others. Though most of them would only be truly convinced when they saw the brothers side-by-side. Despite Strider's reassurances, they wondered if Elladan had finally lost his mind and believed he was his dead twin.
Elrohir for his part was greatly enjoying Estel's company. The ranger intrigued him and was able to fill him in on at least some of what had happened while he'd been gone. Yet he would not truly stop worrying until he saw his home for himself, until he saw Elladan and finally renewed their bond.
A sudden smell washed across Elrohir's nose. He halted so suddenly that Estel almost crashed into him. "What is it?" The ranger asked, sensing something was wrong. Elrohir took another sniff of the air before facing the ranger. "Wargs. A lot." No sooner had he spoken than a hideous howl rent the air. A moment later a huge pack of wild wargs came into view. There was no time to prepare for battle, the beasts were upon them too quickly and they were left on the defensive, fighting for their lives. Estel's sword flashed as it carved at the animals trying to savage him. Elrohir was to his left, his presence comforting, reminding Estel of the many times he had fought side-by-side with Elladan. Slightly further away, Calendil fought with several other rangers, their swords slicing and hacking as they defended themselves against the creatures. Surrounded in a sea of blue-grey fur and gnashing teeth, Estel tried to remain focused, to not let the whirling, savage beasts catch him unawares. Plunging his sword through the throat of a warg, he looked quickly for Elrohir. He found him amidst a group of wargs several feet away. He let out a cry as he saw his brother charged by several of the animals at once. Fear shot through him, a terrible vision of seeing Elrohir killed before he got him home, before he healed Elladan's heart. "Elrohir!" He called the elf's name as he charged, barrelling through the animals carelessly, determined to get to him. Suddenly he tripped over a dead warg, his sword flying from his hand. As he looked up he saw a warg pounce on Elrohir, who fell and was lost under several of the evil beasts. "No!" He cried, but could do nothing as his faced his own problems, caught on his hands and knees, unarmed between four wargs.
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Elladan tossed and turned in restless slumber. Visions of his brother plagued his dreams, Elrohir fighting what seemed to be a hundred wargs, calling, reaching out. To who? To him? Blood then, running red and swiftly. Whose blood was that? He wondered. Elrohir's? Or someone else's? Then he saw his brother's eyes, wide, grey and full of fear. So much fear. "Elrohir!" He woke with a start, gasping for breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He blinked as his surroundings became clear. "A dream." He breathed. "Just a dream." He put his head in his hands. "Of course it was a dream Elrohir. Always a dream, my brother." Knowing he would sleep no more that night, he rose and dressed. The sun would rise in a couple of hours anyway. He decided to walk to the gardens and spend the time under the weeping willow. He wanted more pleasant images of his brother to think of; as opposed to those he had just dreamed.
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Estel tried to get to the small knife he kept in his boot. Perhaps it would be enough to let him escape and help Elrohir. He was desperately worried about him, knowing that few people, human or elf, could survive a warg attack. As he moved his hand to his boot, all thought left him as the warg charged. He raised his arms in a futile attempt to protect himself from the razor-sharp teeth. Closing his eyes, he prayed to the Valar for a quick end and waited for the bite that would end his life. It never came. Hearing a soft 'thud' he opened his eyes. The warg that would have ripped out his throat lay dead on the ground, an arrow protruding from its throat. Instantly the others turned to face the new threat. Before they had even fully turned, another arrow shot through the air and a second warg fell with an arrow in its chest. An elven arrow.
When the warg had pushed Elrohir to the ground, he'd had the presence of mind to pull his knees up to his chest. When the beast had gone for his throat he'd planted his feet on its torso and pushed hard, sending it flying off of him and into two of its companions. He'd used the moment that had given him to spring to his feet and draw his sword. He'd swiftly killed two trying to surround him before dispatching the three that were still stunned from his previous move. He'd turned just in time to see one of the largest wargs he had ever seen lunging at Estel. In a split second he'd drawn his bow and sent an arrow through the animal's throat. The wargs turned their attention to him instantly and he wasted no time in shooting another. Deeply relieved to see Elrohir alive and in one piece, Estel grabbed his sword and hacked the head off the third beast as a thrust from Elrohir's sword ended the life of the fourth. There was no time to speak though as they found themselves rushing to the defence of the rangers who were still fighting off at least a dozen of the creatures.
By the time the battle was over there was not a single one of them who was not covered in warg blood and utterly exhausted. Many were injured Estel realised, as he saw Calendil limping towards him, blood flowing from a nasty gash in his leg. Others were even worse off, one ranger having lost two fingers to warg teeth. Luckily, it was not his sword arm. "Looks like we have our work cut out for us." Elrohir said, stepping up beside the ranger. He gasped as he was suddenly caught up in a bone- crushing hug. "Estel? I can't breathe!" He gasped, trying to loosen the human's hold. Sensing the elf's discomfort, Estel released Elrohir and placed his hands on his shoulders as he looked at him critically. "Don't you ever do that again!" He all but yelled, surprising Elrohir who had not seen the outburst coming. "Do what?" He asked, confused. Estel shot him a withering look. "Almost get yourself killed before we get back home! What would I tell Elladan? 'I discovered your brother alive after 1000 years, but a warg ripped his throat out on the way here!'? He was red in the face but Elrohir could see the fear behind the anger. The human had truly feared his death. "I'm sorry." He said softly. "I never meant to scare you. I swear we will get home safely! I will not die after all I've been through!" He smiled comfortingly and pulled the fraught ranger into a comforting embrace. Estel sighed and relaxed, calmer now that he knew the elf was all right. Then Elrohir released him, inclining his head to the injured rangers. "Come. Let us tend to them and then continue on our way home."
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"Glorfindel!" The warrior stopped at the sound of his name. Elrond was hurrying after him. "Good morning Elrond," He greeted him cheerfully. However, the smile on his face died as he took in the Lord's concerned expression. "Elrond?" "Have you seen Elladan? I cannot find him." Glorfindel frowned. "Nay, I have not seen him." A look of horror crossed his face. "You do not think he has returned to the wilds?" "He promised me he would remain here for a time." Elrond said. "I do not believe he would intentionally lie to me. However, I fear what action he might take in a fit of poor judgement." Glorfindel sighed. "I will look for him. Let us hope he is still within the boundaries of Imladris."
Elrond sighed. He still hadn't found his son. An examination of his rooms had shown that he had taken neither weapons nor provisions. He could not have gone far. He ran his mind over all the places his son might be. He'd checked them all. All except one. "Could it be?" He murmured. Elladan rarely went there anymore. It was too painful for him. Still, it was the only place he had not been to. Without further ado, he hurried off, praying he would find him there.
He walked back into the house, his feet taking him to the place he sought. Past his rooms, past Glorfindel's and Erestor's rooms, to the end of the long corridor. The airy corridor had two doors at the end. One room was Elladan's, the other, connected by a now-sealed passage, had been Elrohir's. Slowly, he pushed the door open and looked inside for the first time in almost 1000 years. The room had been lovingly preserved, cleaners and servants caring for it if the young lord was still among them. Everything was still exactly as it was the last time the younger twin had been here. The only difference was his eldest son, fast asleep on the soft couch under the window.
Elladan had spent some hours under the weeping willow. However the strange dream had shaken him more than he cared to admit and the tree did not offer it's usual comfort. As the sun had begun to rise he had made his way back to the house, intending to return to his rooms. Instead, he had found himself outside Elrohir's door. He had hesitated at first, not sure if he was willing to confront all the memories that dwelt in that room. But he was in desperate need of something of Elrohir's that he could touch, something that could connect him to the past. He'd stepped inside closing the door behind him. Instantly, he was almost overwhelmed by memories of times spent here. He walked around the room slowly, running gentle fingers over his brother's hairbrush, lingering on a stray strand that was still attached to the bristles. He went to the table and picked up the papers that lay there. A half-written poem was at the top, a work that Elrohir had never gotten the chance to finish. Placing the paper down his eyes caught a small silver flute by the bedside table. He'd never mastered the instrument, but Elrohir had delighted in playing it. He fingered the beautifully crafted flute, remembering all the times his brother's talent had created beautiful melodies. He could still hear his favourite tune in his mind. All the memories soon became far too much for Elladan. He sat wearily on the couch and simply observed the room. As the sun rose higher, filling the room with warmth, pleasant memories filled Elladan's mind and before he knew it, sleep had claimed him.
Elrond watched his sleeping son. Elladan looked more peaceful than he had done in centuries. He stood at the doorway, simply looking at the peaceful form. If he didn't know better, he could almost believe it was Elrohir asleep in there. Almost. Glorfindel came up behind him and went to speak, but Elrond silenced him with a wave of his hand. He pointed into the room and Glorfindel had to smile at the slumbering elf, bittersweet though the scene was. "Let him sleep." Elrond whispered and the two eldar left, closing the door quietly behind them.
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The rest of the journey was thankfully uneventful. Those who had been injured were healing well and only needed rest before they would be truly on form again. The ranger who had lost two fingers was in the worst shape, suffering from mental trauma as well as the physical injuries. However, both Estel and Elrohir were confident that Elrond would be able to help him.
However, as they approached Rivendell's borders, Elrohir became quiet and withdrawn. He stopped speaking and spent hours lost in thought. After three days, Estel was deeply worried and took the elf aside. "What is wrong?" The ranger asked. "I thought you would be happy to be going home." "I am." Came the quiet reply. "But I fear it also. I tried so hard to get back sooner, but I simply could not. The Valar would not allow it. Do you think they will understand? Do you think Elladan will understand? I've caused him so much pain." He tried to hide the tears that rose unbidden in his eyes. Estel was slightly shocked. He couldn't believe that of all things, Elrohir feared rejection. "Don't you know?" He asked incredulously. "Elladan has grieved a thousand years for you, as has your father. You are so loved, they will be overjoyed to have you returned to them!" Elrohir did not seem convinced. "But when they find out that I was not dead, that they need not have grieved, will they not be angry?" Estel sighed. "Do you truly believe that?" He asked. Elladan is your twin; surely he will be able to see that you have also suffered. He has never shown me anything but kindness, nor spoken of you with anything less than deep love." Elrohir could not meet Estel's eyes. "I am sure you are right." He whispered. "But I cannot help my fear, it has been so long and so much has changed." "Indeed it has." Estel agreed. "But much has not changed. Fear not, you will be welcomed home with great joy, I am certain." Elrohir smiled. "Thank you Estel. You have eased my heart some. Let us press on; I am anxious to have my fears proved unfounded. The ranger grinned and nodded as he and Elrohir rejoined the rest of the rangers, now only a few days from home.
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Elrond took a deep breath of the cool night air. The sun had set some two hours ago and the stars were twinkling brightly in a perfectly clear night sky. He had not wished to sleep on such a beautiful night and had opted to go for a late walk instead. He was deep in the gardens, near a small pond containing a myriad of brightly coloured fish, their scales reflecting the moonlight and causing the water to take on the appearance of a shimmering rainbow. It was a peaceful and tranquil setting and he felt the burdens of the days work begin to lift from him. A gentle rustle made him aware of the presence of another. He turned to see the newcomer. When his eyes fell upon the figure before him, he could not believe his eyes.
Unlike many, he had long been able to distinguish between his sons. Though the figure in front of him bore an uncanny resemblance to his eldest, he knew it was not Elladan who stood there. However, he found himself doubting his age-old skill, for in all his days he had never again expected to lay eyes on the younger twin. "Elrohir?" He whispered, suddenly more afraid of the answer than of anything else in his long life. Elrohir nodded. "Aye Ada." He said softly. "I'm home."
END CHAPTER 4
TBC! I love those three letters! *Evil grin* Review please!
Note: The response to chapter 3 was overwhelming! Thank you so much to all who read it and especially to those who took the time to review! To those who have been begging for an update - here it is, I did want to post earlier but I had some work to do on it and I refuse to post anything that I see as sub-standard. I hope you find it was worth the wait!
Half a Heart
Chapter 4 - Miracles happen
Estel's jaw dropped. "Excuse me?" He said in sheer disbelief. He was sure he had heard wrong. "I'm not Elladan." The elf repeated. Estel stared and his eyes narrowed. "Is this some sort of joke Elladan?" He said slowly. "Because it is not funny." The elf shook his head. "It is no joke." He replied. "I..." Before he could go on, Estel had started speaking again. "Well, who are you then?" He asked, his voice laced with suspicion and sarcasm. Because you look Exactly like Elladan." Two seconds later, the implications of that statement sunk in. Exactly like Elladan. Then that would mean he could only be - but no it wasn't possible! He was dead! Long dead! Wasn't he? In a voice he didn't recognise as his own, he whispered one word. "Elrohir?" The elf nodded, a slight smile playing about his face. "But you - they said - Elladan he - You're dead!" He blurted accusingly. The elf - Elrohir - laughed. "Aye, by all rights I should be dead! But the Valar had something they needed done and said that I was the best one for the task. In return, I was allowed to live." At Estel's confused look he added, "It is a very long story. I will explain it all in time. For now I can only ask you to take my word for it. I am Elrohir and I am alive."
Estel didn't reply, he couldn't. He simply stared in shock at the impossible reality before him. His muddled mind tried to make sense of the million thoughts and emotions running through his brain. The elf he'd rescued and tended wasn't his brother. No, he corrected himself, technically it *was* his brother, just not the one he'd thought it was. But then, he'd never ever thought to meet Elrohir. He had always been a fantasy figure, the lost twin, the missing half of Elladan's heart.
Elladan. "By the Valar!" He thought suddenly. "If this is truly Elrohir, then we must find Elladan as soon as possible! At last, I can end his suffering!" He dropped down besides Elrohir. "Look at me." He commanded gently. "Look at me and tell me who you are." Elrohir looked up and locked his eyes with Estel's. "I am Elrohir Elrondion, twin to Elladan and brother to Arwen." He spoke without hesitation or doubt. His words and his gaze struck Estel to his very core. In that moment, he knew beyond a shadow of doubt that this truly was Elrohir. He grinned. "Ai, I cannot wait to find Elladan! He's missed you so much, grieved for so long." Elrohir sighed. "I knew he would. I was so scared that the severing of our bond would cause him to fade. It lightens my heart to know that he lives. But not until I re- establish the bond between us will we be complete. The distance severed it and my brother closed off his heart. He needs to open his heart before I can reach him again." A look of unbearable pain filled the younger twin's eyes. Estel moved and wrapped his arms around the elf. No matter that this was not the brother he had grown up with, this was still his brother and everything he'd ever wanted.
Elrohir was a little startled but strangely touched by the sudden embrace. It was obvious that this ranger, this Estel, knew his brother well and cared deeply for him. He knew there would be many questions to ask and be answered in the coming weeks, and all he really wanted was to get home. Still, there was one question he wanted answered now. "You obviously know my brother well and you have an elvish name as well as speaking it as one born to it. How is that?" He asked. Estel smiled. "I was brought to Rivendell as a child after my parents were killed. Lord Elrond took me as his son." He looked to Elrohir to see his reaction. Elrohir let out a small gasp. "His son? Why, then that would make us brothers!" Estel grinned and nodded. "Yes. Elladan has always been that to me. I would be delighted to call you brother also." It was not only his resemblance to Elladan that caused him to say this, something about the lost twin called to him. He shared Elladan's soul he was sure. In just a few minutes of meeting him, he knew he would trust Elrohir with his life. The elf grinned. "I hardly know you - but I am happy to call you brother." "I'm glad." Estel said. "As for getting to know me - there will be plenty of time for that on the way to Rivendell!" Elrohir's stomach rumbled then, causing them to laugh. "But right now I will get you that food!" Estel laughed and disentangled himself from his newfound brother.
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Elladan traipsed wearily through the gates of Imladris. He had been forced to abandon his plan to visit Mirkwood when an encounter with a band of human bandits had left him with a broken wrist. He smirked, despite the pain. The humans were far worse off than he. All six of them. "Elladan!" He looked up to see Glorfindel hurrying towards him, a horrified expression on his face. He smiled weakly. "What happened?" Glorfindel asked. "Human bandits tried to get the better of me." Elladan said casually. "They failed, not to worry." Glorfindel looked at Elladan's wrist, held to his chest by a makeshift bandage. "Not entirely it would seem." He said, slightly reproachfully. Elladan looked away and Glorfindel sighed. "Come, let us find your father and tend to your injuries. We will talk later."
Elrond carefully bandaged Elladan's wrist. The break was clean and would heal within a few days, as long as he refrained from using it. "I wish you would be more careful." Elrond said carefully. "Surely you know how much I fear something happening to you?" Elladan could not meet his father's eyes. "I know." He muttered. "I know this Ada. But I - I am sorry." Elrond sighed and placed his hand under his son's chin, gently forcing him to meet his gaze. "Stay home for a while. Please, I miss you." Elladan knew his father was lonely. Bad enough that he should lose his wife and son to tragedy, his eldest wandered constantly, his adopted son was rarely home and he hadn't seen his daughter in years.
Elladan thought about Arwen for a moment. She was home even less than he, spending all her days in Lorien. The last time she'd been in Imladris was 1000 years ago for her brother's funeral. She had come, grieved as was proper, then returned to Lorien, much to her father's disappointment. Elladan sighed. He didn't hate his sister, he just didn't know her. Estel was more a sibling to him than she had ever been.
He took a deep breath and looked at his father. "I will stay." He said. "For a while." Elrond smiled. "Thank you." In truth, he was deeply proud of his son. He knew the pain that Elladan felt in his heart and the strength it took to live through that. Sometimes he wondered if it would have been kinder to send Elladan to Valinor, but after the accident that had claimed Elrohir's life, he had been unable to give up on his remaining son. He was glad Elladan had stayed on Middle-Earth. Elladan reached out and hugged his father with his good arm. "I've missed you too." He said simply.
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"He what?!" Estel and the rangers with Elrohir were heading back to Rivendell. He was taking the time to get to know Elrohir and was discovering quite a bit about Elladan in the process. It would seem that his brother had been even more of a mischief-maker than Glorfindel had said. He laughed as Elrohir related another tale from their youth. Behind them, Calendil watched the two with a smile. The revelation of the elf's identity had shocked them all and there had been more than a few sceptics, but they had accepted him, knowing what his return would mean to his twin and the elves of Imladris, among others. Though most of them would only be truly convinced when they saw the brothers side-by-side. Despite Strider's reassurances, they wondered if Elladan had finally lost his mind and believed he was his dead twin.
Elrohir for his part was greatly enjoying Estel's company. The ranger intrigued him and was able to fill him in on at least some of what had happened while he'd been gone. Yet he would not truly stop worrying until he saw his home for himself, until he saw Elladan and finally renewed their bond.
A sudden smell washed across Elrohir's nose. He halted so suddenly that Estel almost crashed into him. "What is it?" The ranger asked, sensing something was wrong. Elrohir took another sniff of the air before facing the ranger. "Wargs. A lot." No sooner had he spoken than a hideous howl rent the air. A moment later a huge pack of wild wargs came into view. There was no time to prepare for battle, the beasts were upon them too quickly and they were left on the defensive, fighting for their lives. Estel's sword flashed as it carved at the animals trying to savage him. Elrohir was to his left, his presence comforting, reminding Estel of the many times he had fought side-by-side with Elladan. Slightly further away, Calendil fought with several other rangers, their swords slicing and hacking as they defended themselves against the creatures. Surrounded in a sea of blue-grey fur and gnashing teeth, Estel tried to remain focused, to not let the whirling, savage beasts catch him unawares. Plunging his sword through the throat of a warg, he looked quickly for Elrohir. He found him amidst a group of wargs several feet away. He let out a cry as he saw his brother charged by several of the animals at once. Fear shot through him, a terrible vision of seeing Elrohir killed before he got him home, before he healed Elladan's heart. "Elrohir!" He called the elf's name as he charged, barrelling through the animals carelessly, determined to get to him. Suddenly he tripped over a dead warg, his sword flying from his hand. As he looked up he saw a warg pounce on Elrohir, who fell and was lost under several of the evil beasts. "No!" He cried, but could do nothing as his faced his own problems, caught on his hands and knees, unarmed between four wargs.
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Elladan tossed and turned in restless slumber. Visions of his brother plagued his dreams, Elrohir fighting what seemed to be a hundred wargs, calling, reaching out. To who? To him? Blood then, running red and swiftly. Whose blood was that? He wondered. Elrohir's? Or someone else's? Then he saw his brother's eyes, wide, grey and full of fear. So much fear. "Elrohir!" He woke with a start, gasping for breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He blinked as his surroundings became clear. "A dream." He breathed. "Just a dream." He put his head in his hands. "Of course it was a dream Elrohir. Always a dream, my brother." Knowing he would sleep no more that night, he rose and dressed. The sun would rise in a couple of hours anyway. He decided to walk to the gardens and spend the time under the weeping willow. He wanted more pleasant images of his brother to think of; as opposed to those he had just dreamed.
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Estel tried to get to the small knife he kept in his boot. Perhaps it would be enough to let him escape and help Elrohir. He was desperately worried about him, knowing that few people, human or elf, could survive a warg attack. As he moved his hand to his boot, all thought left him as the warg charged. He raised his arms in a futile attempt to protect himself from the razor-sharp teeth. Closing his eyes, he prayed to the Valar for a quick end and waited for the bite that would end his life. It never came. Hearing a soft 'thud' he opened his eyes. The warg that would have ripped out his throat lay dead on the ground, an arrow protruding from its throat. Instantly the others turned to face the new threat. Before they had even fully turned, another arrow shot through the air and a second warg fell with an arrow in its chest. An elven arrow.
When the warg had pushed Elrohir to the ground, he'd had the presence of mind to pull his knees up to his chest. When the beast had gone for his throat he'd planted his feet on its torso and pushed hard, sending it flying off of him and into two of its companions. He'd used the moment that had given him to spring to his feet and draw his sword. He'd swiftly killed two trying to surround him before dispatching the three that were still stunned from his previous move. He'd turned just in time to see one of the largest wargs he had ever seen lunging at Estel. In a split second he'd drawn his bow and sent an arrow through the animal's throat. The wargs turned their attention to him instantly and he wasted no time in shooting another. Deeply relieved to see Elrohir alive and in one piece, Estel grabbed his sword and hacked the head off the third beast as a thrust from Elrohir's sword ended the life of the fourth. There was no time to speak though as they found themselves rushing to the defence of the rangers who were still fighting off at least a dozen of the creatures.
By the time the battle was over there was not a single one of them who was not covered in warg blood and utterly exhausted. Many were injured Estel realised, as he saw Calendil limping towards him, blood flowing from a nasty gash in his leg. Others were even worse off, one ranger having lost two fingers to warg teeth. Luckily, it was not his sword arm. "Looks like we have our work cut out for us." Elrohir said, stepping up beside the ranger. He gasped as he was suddenly caught up in a bone- crushing hug. "Estel? I can't breathe!" He gasped, trying to loosen the human's hold. Sensing the elf's discomfort, Estel released Elrohir and placed his hands on his shoulders as he looked at him critically. "Don't you ever do that again!" He all but yelled, surprising Elrohir who had not seen the outburst coming. "Do what?" He asked, confused. Estel shot him a withering look. "Almost get yourself killed before we get back home! What would I tell Elladan? 'I discovered your brother alive after 1000 years, but a warg ripped his throat out on the way here!'? He was red in the face but Elrohir could see the fear behind the anger. The human had truly feared his death. "I'm sorry." He said softly. "I never meant to scare you. I swear we will get home safely! I will not die after all I've been through!" He smiled comfortingly and pulled the fraught ranger into a comforting embrace. Estel sighed and relaxed, calmer now that he knew the elf was all right. Then Elrohir released him, inclining his head to the injured rangers. "Come. Let us tend to them and then continue on our way home."
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"Glorfindel!" The warrior stopped at the sound of his name. Elrond was hurrying after him. "Good morning Elrond," He greeted him cheerfully. However, the smile on his face died as he took in the Lord's concerned expression. "Elrond?" "Have you seen Elladan? I cannot find him." Glorfindel frowned. "Nay, I have not seen him." A look of horror crossed his face. "You do not think he has returned to the wilds?" "He promised me he would remain here for a time." Elrond said. "I do not believe he would intentionally lie to me. However, I fear what action he might take in a fit of poor judgement." Glorfindel sighed. "I will look for him. Let us hope he is still within the boundaries of Imladris."
Elrond sighed. He still hadn't found his son. An examination of his rooms had shown that he had taken neither weapons nor provisions. He could not have gone far. He ran his mind over all the places his son might be. He'd checked them all. All except one. "Could it be?" He murmured. Elladan rarely went there anymore. It was too painful for him. Still, it was the only place he had not been to. Without further ado, he hurried off, praying he would find him there.
He walked back into the house, his feet taking him to the place he sought. Past his rooms, past Glorfindel's and Erestor's rooms, to the end of the long corridor. The airy corridor had two doors at the end. One room was Elladan's, the other, connected by a now-sealed passage, had been Elrohir's. Slowly, he pushed the door open and looked inside for the first time in almost 1000 years. The room had been lovingly preserved, cleaners and servants caring for it if the young lord was still among them. Everything was still exactly as it was the last time the younger twin had been here. The only difference was his eldest son, fast asleep on the soft couch under the window.
Elladan had spent some hours under the weeping willow. However the strange dream had shaken him more than he cared to admit and the tree did not offer it's usual comfort. As the sun had begun to rise he had made his way back to the house, intending to return to his rooms. Instead, he had found himself outside Elrohir's door. He had hesitated at first, not sure if he was willing to confront all the memories that dwelt in that room. But he was in desperate need of something of Elrohir's that he could touch, something that could connect him to the past. He'd stepped inside closing the door behind him. Instantly, he was almost overwhelmed by memories of times spent here. He walked around the room slowly, running gentle fingers over his brother's hairbrush, lingering on a stray strand that was still attached to the bristles. He went to the table and picked up the papers that lay there. A half-written poem was at the top, a work that Elrohir had never gotten the chance to finish. Placing the paper down his eyes caught a small silver flute by the bedside table. He'd never mastered the instrument, but Elrohir had delighted in playing it. He fingered the beautifully crafted flute, remembering all the times his brother's talent had created beautiful melodies. He could still hear his favourite tune in his mind. All the memories soon became far too much for Elladan. He sat wearily on the couch and simply observed the room. As the sun rose higher, filling the room with warmth, pleasant memories filled Elladan's mind and before he knew it, sleep had claimed him.
Elrond watched his sleeping son. Elladan looked more peaceful than he had done in centuries. He stood at the doorway, simply looking at the peaceful form. If he didn't know better, he could almost believe it was Elrohir asleep in there. Almost. Glorfindel came up behind him and went to speak, but Elrond silenced him with a wave of his hand. He pointed into the room and Glorfindel had to smile at the slumbering elf, bittersweet though the scene was. "Let him sleep." Elrond whispered and the two eldar left, closing the door quietly behind them.
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The rest of the journey was thankfully uneventful. Those who had been injured were healing well and only needed rest before they would be truly on form again. The ranger who had lost two fingers was in the worst shape, suffering from mental trauma as well as the physical injuries. However, both Estel and Elrohir were confident that Elrond would be able to help him.
However, as they approached Rivendell's borders, Elrohir became quiet and withdrawn. He stopped speaking and spent hours lost in thought. After three days, Estel was deeply worried and took the elf aside. "What is wrong?" The ranger asked. "I thought you would be happy to be going home." "I am." Came the quiet reply. "But I fear it also. I tried so hard to get back sooner, but I simply could not. The Valar would not allow it. Do you think they will understand? Do you think Elladan will understand? I've caused him so much pain." He tried to hide the tears that rose unbidden in his eyes. Estel was slightly shocked. He couldn't believe that of all things, Elrohir feared rejection. "Don't you know?" He asked incredulously. "Elladan has grieved a thousand years for you, as has your father. You are so loved, they will be overjoyed to have you returned to them!" Elrohir did not seem convinced. "But when they find out that I was not dead, that they need not have grieved, will they not be angry?" Estel sighed. "Do you truly believe that?" He asked. Elladan is your twin; surely he will be able to see that you have also suffered. He has never shown me anything but kindness, nor spoken of you with anything less than deep love." Elrohir could not meet Estel's eyes. "I am sure you are right." He whispered. "But I cannot help my fear, it has been so long and so much has changed." "Indeed it has." Estel agreed. "But much has not changed. Fear not, you will be welcomed home with great joy, I am certain." Elrohir smiled. "Thank you Estel. You have eased my heart some. Let us press on; I am anxious to have my fears proved unfounded. The ranger grinned and nodded as he and Elrohir rejoined the rest of the rangers, now only a few days from home.
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Elrond took a deep breath of the cool night air. The sun had set some two hours ago and the stars were twinkling brightly in a perfectly clear night sky. He had not wished to sleep on such a beautiful night and had opted to go for a late walk instead. He was deep in the gardens, near a small pond containing a myriad of brightly coloured fish, their scales reflecting the moonlight and causing the water to take on the appearance of a shimmering rainbow. It was a peaceful and tranquil setting and he felt the burdens of the days work begin to lift from him. A gentle rustle made him aware of the presence of another. He turned to see the newcomer. When his eyes fell upon the figure before him, he could not believe his eyes.
Unlike many, he had long been able to distinguish between his sons. Though the figure in front of him bore an uncanny resemblance to his eldest, he knew it was not Elladan who stood there. However, he found himself doubting his age-old skill, for in all his days he had never again expected to lay eyes on the younger twin. "Elrohir?" He whispered, suddenly more afraid of the answer than of anything else in his long life. Elrohir nodded. "Aye Ada." He said softly. "I'm home."
END CHAPTER 4
TBC! I love those three letters! *Evil grin* Review please!