*walks into room flanked by matching sons of Elrond* Hmm, everyone seemed to like that last chapter...excellent. I'm going to make this a really long chapter, at least in comparison to my other chapters. Sorry about the delay. I got a bit...sidetracked. Hope y'all like it! And oh yeah, it has been brought to my attention that Elladan and Elrohir's ages are in the appendix of ROTK...I'm such an idiot. Legolas is actually 43 years older than Elladan and Elrohir. Hennaid evyr Acacia Jules!
To my beloved reviewers:
SilverKnight7: Don't worry, the plot-bunnies escape all the time, but they always come back. I caught an extremely large one yesterday, so it makes for a nice long chapter.
hit: Thanx, I hope this wasn't too much of a wait:)
Arian: I feel that Erestor is severely underrated. He deserves a little drama now and then:)
Mellaithwen-ElvenMaiden: He-he, you want to see back grammar, you should check out the Gollum story I just posted:)
C-chan96: Favorite stories list? I might cry! So many questions! This chapter will answer most of them for you...hope you haven't gone insane yet.
*Nicole*: Well, if you were a baby who new only elves your whole life, you'd be scarred too:)
Roccovende: Oh, good, I thought you were gone for a minute. That was a close one! I know, I really love Erestor too. He deserves more credit than he's given. I love Christmas, but then I feel guilty because you know that Santa uses Elves for slave labor :P
Cat15: Yay! I feel honored!
Kier the Werewolf Elf: Oh, good, I can keep writing without fear of death.
Frisha: Can do!
rasberry-drops: Mmm...that sounds like a good candy:)
angelic_star: I have no intention of quitting!
Nikola Greyhaym: Ah! A board with a sharp rusty nail in it! *writes really long chappie in hopes of appeasing the board wielder* Thanks a lot! I know that I'm getting the desired effect of my story when I get reviews like yours:)
Teari: You angered me terribly! Be happy that it doesn't say 'not for teari'!
Lutris: Thanks a lot, I put a lot of thought into it.
Acacia Jules: I am such a dimwit. Period. *smacks self in head with ROTK themed 7up can* I search half the globe looking for it, and the answer is right there on my bookshelf. Do you know how many of my books I went through looking for it? All of them! My Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, my Tolkien Companion, the first five Histories of Middle-Earth books that I own, and not once did I think to look in the time-table. I'm an idiot. And don't bag on yourself too much. I guarantee you that I have and equal amount of dork in me...at least. There's nothing wrong with having a good grasp of the Elvish language, mellonin. :)
victoria: Impatiently waiting? Well, here's a nice long chapter for you:)
~Amariel~: Very entertaining review. In answer to your most *important* question, very little leather*evil grin*
Onward!
********
Young and Free
Chapter 5
Fool Me Once, Shame On You...
********
Lord Elrond stood by a window looking out over the Valley. I t had been nearly an hour since he had sent out Galdor and Lindir, and he had seen no sign of them since. He had a mind to ride out to the Bruinen himself, only that would most likely complicate matters.
He heard stirring in the bed behind him, and turned to meet Glorfindel's gaze.
"My Lord?" he asked, rubbing his head.
"How do you fell, Glorfindel?" Elrond asked evasively.
"I am well," but it was clearly a lie. Glorfindel's head was pounding, but there seemed to be something on his Lord's mind. "What has happened?"
Elrond took a deep breath. "We were assailed at the Bruinen, as you know," at this, Glorfindel nodded, "Your horse, and those of my elder sons, spooked and ran. I gave Estel to Erestor and bid him ride to the second guard-post along the river. I took you on mine and rode back here--"
"And left Elladan and Elrohir weaponless at the bank?" Glorfindel interjected with raised eyebrows, "That does not sound like you..."
Elrond smiled slightly. "Had I been given a choice, it would have been my sons riding back with you," and Glorfindel understood.
"Where are they now?" the golden-haired Elf asked, swinging his legs over the bed.
"They started to follow Erestor, I believe. I Sent Galdor with mounted archers to find them, and those responsible for this. Lindir, I sent to the guard-post to collect Estel."
Glorfindel was silent for a moment. "We know not who our attackers were?"
"No, and it troubles me. It has been an hour passed when I sent them out."
Glorfindel stood. "Would you like me to go after them, my Lord?"
"No...not until I find out what's going on." He turned now, back to the window, and Glorfindel with him. His eyes widened. Riders were approaching.
********
"We must go after them," Elladan said as he helped secure Erestor onto his horse.
"At the moment, the only thing you *must* do is return to the house of your father," Lindir replied, mounting his own horse. Both Elladan and Elrohir opened their mouths to argue, but raising a hand, he silenced them. "At the moment, neither of you are exactly equipped to go on a hunt." which was true, for both brothers were still wearing only leggings, and were weaponless. "Galdor is currently searching the bank with archers, Prince Legolas' guards are already on the trail, and I will be joining them once you are off," he finished.
With a nod, Elladan got on the horse behind Erestor. Legolas hopped on his horse, the latter having only a green blanket on its back and a silver bridle on its face.
"I'm riding with you to Lord Elrond," Mirkwood's Prince said as Elrohir mounted his horse, "we should speak with your father."
"Fare thee well, Lindir," Elrohir said, shaking the damp hair from his face. He brought his horse up next to that of the other Elf's. "Estel is counting on you," he said, placing his hand on Lindir's shoulder. Lindir did the same.
Without another word, Lindir turned his horse and rode off.
Legolas, Elrohir, and Erestor with Elladan, turned and rode with great speed to the House of Elrond.
They didn't bother dressing before they sought out their father. Oddly, there had been no attendant to take their horses when they arrived, and they had taken too much time stabling their own steeds. More perplexing still, there were two strange horses already in the stables, adorned heavily in browns and copper.
They took the stairs leading up to Elronds chambers two steps at a time, Elrohir holding Erestor. They burst into his study, only to find that he wasn't there.
"Where is everyone?!" Elladan shouted in frustration.
"Shhh..." Legolas quieted him, and he tilted his head towards the door to listen. They heard raised voices resonating in the corridor leading to the library. Elrohir laid Erestor down on a plush couch in a corner.
"I'll stay with him," Legolas volunteered, "find Lord Elrond."
They stepped out of Elrond's study and slowly started to walk towards the closed library door at the other end of the corridor. They recognized the voice as their father's. He sounded extremely angry. With a cautious glance at Elladan, Elrohir turned the door handle and opened the elegantly carved door.
The yelling ceased immediately and all was silent. The room was filled with Elves, seated and standing. Lord Elrond was standing in the middle in front of two large armchairs, whose backs were to the new arrivals. He was red in the face and his eyes were a fiery orange. He stared in silence at his sons. Everyone was completely still.
Then the people in the armchairs turned around.
Twin pairs of eyes widened in shock. The beings in the chairs were men. They were dressed rather flamboyantly in shades of red, brown and copper. Elladan was suddenly angry.
"Father, what is the meaning of this?" he demanded, taking a step foreword.
Elrond held up a hand to silence him. "Peace, my son," and he said no more. Elladan threw a questioning glance back at Elrohir before moving to stand beside his father. Elrohir followed suit.
Elrond tried to keep up the Elvish mask of indifference in front of his sons. He was having a hard time of it, for he was worried of their safety. Their leggings were covered in blood, and from the scent, Elrond knew it to be Elvish. He stared at them, and his eyes seemed to say, 'keep quiet'. They did as they were told. Elrond turned back to his 'visitors'. He was thoroughly unhappy to find that they were grinning largely.
"I am not one to bargain with outlaws or fools," he said sternly.
"That is a good thing then, My Lord, for we are neither," the man on the left answered. His smile did not fade.
Elrohir studied the men carefully. The man on the left had stringy, shoulder-length black hair, and his features were sharp. His eyes had a strange gleam to then that Elrohir could only describe as sardonic. The man on the right had longer brownish-grey hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. He looked old, but not worn. It was more like experienced. Elrohir did not like the look of them at all.
The man on the right suddenly became very interested in Elladan and Elrohir. "Ah, so these must be the twin sons of Lord Elrond," he said, standing. //My, how did you come to that conclusion?// Elladan thought sarcastically. "Hmm...I would have thought that the sons of an Elvish Lord would care to look more presentable when meeting guests," he finished, staring the twins up and down.
It was true, that they were a sight: shirtless, shoe-less, hair a mess and covered in blood, but who were these men to say such a thing. Elrohir's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent. The man made a move foreword, and Elrond stepped protectively in front of his sons. The man stopped, and his grin broadened. He made a short bow.
"I am Dagland. This," he made a sweeping motion to the man who had not bothered to rise, "is my associate, Leforn. We have come to do business with Elrond." Several Elves in the room made disapproving noises at the flagrant disposal of their Lord's title. Glorfindel, who had said nothing since the men had been sighted, remained quiet.
"This is no business! It is treachery!" Elrond shouted in anger.
"Calm, my friend. There is no need for anger or harsh words," Leforn began, "The deal is simple-" but Lord Elrond cut him off.
"You are no Elf Friend! Your presence is not welcome here!" Elrond had dropped the indifferent act entirely. He was furious, and his voice dripped with malice. It frightened Elladan and Elrohir to see their father so. Never in their presence had he spoken with such anger and hatred, and his eyes betrayed it all. He was positively shaking with rage. Then something attracted Elladan's attention.
"Father, what deal?" he asked in a small voice. Elrond whipped around to face his firstborn, eyes flaming, face red and fists clenched tight. His eyes softened when he saw how Elladan visibly shrank back. He looked into his eyes and saw fear. //Fear of me...// he thought regretfully. He couldn't find the words to answer. Unfortunately, Dagland could.
"It is simple," he began with a tone of superiority, "We have the human child. We will return him safely, but for a price."
Elladan looked his father in the eye, and Elrond held his gaze. He could see that his father was torn.
"What price?" Elrohir asked firmly, taking control of the situation.
"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood," Leforn said as though Legolas were a small trinket easily parted with. Elladan and Elrohir were dumbstruck.
"No!" Elrond shouted, turning to face the men. "I will not trade Thranduil's son for my own!"
"Then the child will die," Leforn said, rising. "Though I suppose it is no great loss to you. The world is filled with human children, and you are a wealthy Elf--" but he never finished the sentence. Elrond took Elladan's arm to keep him from punching the man again. Leforn was doubled over, holding his split lip while blood flowed through his fingers.
"How dare you?!" Elladan shouted, fuming.
"Why? Why Legolas?!" Elrohir joined in. Dagland stepped foreword, seemingly ignoring the plight of his 'associate'.
"We have business with King Thranduil," he said, "it does not concern you."
"All things in the Elvish realm concern me," Elrond said, releasing Elladan from his grasp. The men were for a moment, awestruck, for it seemed to them that Elrond had grown in stature, and he did indeed seem like one of the powerful Lord's of old.
"This, however, does not," Dagland said, bringing himself back to reality. Elladan and Elrohir were still fuming from the 'not caring' comment, but Elrond was actually somewhat relieved. This meant that Estel was merely a pawn in their sick game. they knew nothing of his true heritage.
"I will not do it," Elrond said with conviction.
"You will trade for your son, and Thranduil will trade for his," Dagland said with the air of one who had done this before. The room was completely silent. Glorfindel studied the men for a moment then stood up.
"I will go," he said with the air of one defeated.
Elrond looked puzzled. "Glorfindel-"
"Will no longer be responsible for my keeping here," Glorfindel finished, and Elrond suddenly understood. Elladan and Elrohir, however, were still confused. "My father will understand your actions, Lord Elrond. He will not blame you for this." Now they understood. Glorfindel did indeed look the part: golden hair, green eyes. He was relying on the fact that the men had not yet laid eyes on the real Legolas.
Dagland looked him up and down. "You make a noble choice, son of Thranduil." He had no idea. //They are fools,// Elladan thought, //they look only at physical appearance, and they see not the age and wisdom in Glorfindel's eyes.//
"I am no coward. I will certainly defend a harmless child," Glorfindel said. //He's being arrogant like Legolas as well...// Elrohir thought bemusedly.
Elrond sighed audibly. "Very well..." he said. He seemed tired.
"We have an understanding then," Dagland said. Leforn looked bitter. "When the sun sets tomorrow, we will meet on the banks of the Loudwater, and there we will make our exchange." Elrond nodded.
"But," Leforn added in, "not before you have called back all of the archers that were sent out. Three from Mirkwood and ten from Rivendell."
Glorfindel narrowed his eyes. "Agreed."
"Until tomorrow then," Dagland said, "now if you'll excuse us, we have other matters to attend to." He and Leforn turned and exited the library. Lord Elrond walked over to the window.
"Atar-" Elladan began, but Elrond held up a hand to silence him. He waited until he saw the two men ride away before turning to his sons.
"Are you well?" he asked, brows furrowed in concern. He walked over and placed a hand on each of his sons face's.
"Yes ada," they answered in unison.
"Good, I am glad," he said with a genuine smile. "Where is Prince Legolas?"
"In your study," Elrohir answered.
"Glorfindel, come with me," Elrond said walking towards the door. Glorfindel silently began to follow.
"Ada," Elladan stopped him.
"Yes?"
"Erestor...he..." but he couldn't quite find the words.
Elrond studied Elladan's face for a moment. He raised his eyebrows in concern. "How badly is he wounded?"
"Very badly," Elrohir answered sadly. With a quick look at Glorfindel, Elrond hurried out of the room. He was surprised to find Legolas standing in the corridor.
"Legolas?" he asked cautiously.
Legolas looked Glorfindel in the eye. "I won't let you do it."
"Legolas-" Glorfindel tried.
"No. I will not let you give your life for mine," Legolas said, his eyes desperate.
"We will find a way to-" Elrond began, but Legolas cut him off.
"I know of these men, me father told me of them. They seek to take control of the land beyond our Northern borders. They care for nothing but themselves and their wealth," Legolas said frowning.
"Which is exactly the reason that we cannot hand you over to them," Glorfindel said. "We will find a way to defeat them."
"How? All of our archers must be called back, and they will not suffer being followed," Legolas said anxiously.
Elrond and Glorfindel were silent. Elladan spoke up.
"You forget, Legolas, there is yet one they do not know about. Lindir is trailing them as we speak."
"Is he?" Elrond asked, his heart a little lightened. "I am glad to hear it."
Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, and Glorfindel opened their mouths to speak, but Erestor beat them all to it. "M-my Lord?" he asked in a raspy voice. He was hanging heavily on the doorframe of Lord Elrond's study for support, and his eyelids drooped heavily.
"Erestor!" Elrond gasped in shock. The Elf in question was bleeding heavily and seemed to be having trouble breathing. He didn't look good. Elrond felt sorrow and guilt pull at his heart. Erestor's head hung low, and his legs gave out under him. Legolas was quick to catch him, and he held him tight. Erestor moaned in pain.
Elrond came quickly and helped to support Erestor's quaking form.
"This way," Elrond said, leading them to the hospital room that Glorfindel had recently vacated. They laid Erestor down, and Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir brought Elrond the supplies he needed.
He began to unwrap the strips of cloth that bound Erestor's stomach, and Erestor opened his eyes.
"I-- I'm sorry...m-my Lord," he said as he struggled to breath.
Elrond didn't stop, but looked up. "For what my friend?"
"I...f-failed...you-"
"You did nothing of the sort," Elrond said quickly, but he sensed that Erestor didn't believe him. "I am at fault for what happened, not you." Erestor breathed deeply, but it pained him, and his breath hitched in his throat. Elrond's heart ached for his friend. He leaned in to Erestor and said in almost a whisper, "Hold on, mellonin."
Elrohir sat on the bed opposite his father and began to dab the gash on Erestor's face. He picked up a small jar of milky-yellowish gel and held it up to Elrond questioningly. Elrond shook his head and pointed another jar containing a reddish colored salve. Elrohir picked it up and, as softly as he could, began to spread it across the wound.
Elrond sighed when he got a good look at the wound on Erestor's stomach. He raised his eyes and met Elrohir's gaze. "There is an arrow wound on his back," Elrohir said somewhat distantly. Elrond cringed, but went about helping Erestor to the best of his abilities.
Elladan, for lack of something better to do, sat on the floor and watched his father and brother. Legolas sat rigid in one of the chairs in the room as he watched Elrond work, and Glorfindel stood near-by.
"You know," Legolas said, eyeing the golden twists of hair that led from Glorfindel's temples to the back of his head, "I don't where my hair like that. Especially when I'm traveling," he added as an afterthought. Glorfindel gave him a look between amusement and insult. "And I had better give you a change of my clothes."
Glorfindel smiled softly in response, and turned back to watch Elrond work.
It was nearly two hours before Lord Elrond was completely finished with Erestor, and his efforts showed on him.
"Elladan, Elrohir," he said in a tired voice, "Why don't you two go get cleaned up. Take some rest and eat. I must stay with Erestor for now."
"Yes ada," they both said, and they quietly exited the room.
"Glorfindel, I suggest you make certain to have every aspect of Prince Legolas' character down. We can't take any chances."
"Yes, My Lord. Come Legolas, I will show you to your chambers," and with that, Elrond was left alone with Erestor.
He placed a weary hand on Erestor's pale one. "Hold on, mellonin."
********
Welps, how do you like it? Please R/R!
To my beloved reviewers:
SilverKnight7: Don't worry, the plot-bunnies escape all the time, but they always come back. I caught an extremely large one yesterday, so it makes for a nice long chapter.
hit: Thanx, I hope this wasn't too much of a wait:)
Arian: I feel that Erestor is severely underrated. He deserves a little drama now and then:)
Mellaithwen-ElvenMaiden: He-he, you want to see back grammar, you should check out the Gollum story I just posted:)
C-chan96: Favorite stories list? I might cry! So many questions! This chapter will answer most of them for you...hope you haven't gone insane yet.
*Nicole*: Well, if you were a baby who new only elves your whole life, you'd be scarred too:)
Roccovende: Oh, good, I thought you were gone for a minute. That was a close one! I know, I really love Erestor too. He deserves more credit than he's given. I love Christmas, but then I feel guilty because you know that Santa uses Elves for slave labor :P
Cat15: Yay! I feel honored!
Kier the Werewolf Elf: Oh, good, I can keep writing without fear of death.
Frisha: Can do!
rasberry-drops: Mmm...that sounds like a good candy:)
angelic_star: I have no intention of quitting!
Nikola Greyhaym: Ah! A board with a sharp rusty nail in it! *writes really long chappie in hopes of appeasing the board wielder* Thanks a lot! I know that I'm getting the desired effect of my story when I get reviews like yours:)
Teari: You angered me terribly! Be happy that it doesn't say 'not for teari'!
Lutris: Thanks a lot, I put a lot of thought into it.
Acacia Jules: I am such a dimwit. Period. *smacks self in head with ROTK themed 7up can* I search half the globe looking for it, and the answer is right there on my bookshelf. Do you know how many of my books I went through looking for it? All of them! My Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, my Tolkien Companion, the first five Histories of Middle-Earth books that I own, and not once did I think to look in the time-table. I'm an idiot. And don't bag on yourself too much. I guarantee you that I have and equal amount of dork in me...at least. There's nothing wrong with having a good grasp of the Elvish language, mellonin. :)
victoria: Impatiently waiting? Well, here's a nice long chapter for you:)
~Amariel~: Very entertaining review. In answer to your most *important* question, very little leather*evil grin*
Onward!
********
Young and Free
Chapter 5
Fool Me Once, Shame On You...
********
Lord Elrond stood by a window looking out over the Valley. I t had been nearly an hour since he had sent out Galdor and Lindir, and he had seen no sign of them since. He had a mind to ride out to the Bruinen himself, only that would most likely complicate matters.
He heard stirring in the bed behind him, and turned to meet Glorfindel's gaze.
"My Lord?" he asked, rubbing his head.
"How do you fell, Glorfindel?" Elrond asked evasively.
"I am well," but it was clearly a lie. Glorfindel's head was pounding, but there seemed to be something on his Lord's mind. "What has happened?"
Elrond took a deep breath. "We were assailed at the Bruinen, as you know," at this, Glorfindel nodded, "Your horse, and those of my elder sons, spooked and ran. I gave Estel to Erestor and bid him ride to the second guard-post along the river. I took you on mine and rode back here--"
"And left Elladan and Elrohir weaponless at the bank?" Glorfindel interjected with raised eyebrows, "That does not sound like you..."
Elrond smiled slightly. "Had I been given a choice, it would have been my sons riding back with you," and Glorfindel understood.
"Where are they now?" the golden-haired Elf asked, swinging his legs over the bed.
"They started to follow Erestor, I believe. I Sent Galdor with mounted archers to find them, and those responsible for this. Lindir, I sent to the guard-post to collect Estel."
Glorfindel was silent for a moment. "We know not who our attackers were?"
"No, and it troubles me. It has been an hour passed when I sent them out."
Glorfindel stood. "Would you like me to go after them, my Lord?"
"No...not until I find out what's going on." He turned now, back to the window, and Glorfindel with him. His eyes widened. Riders were approaching.
********
"We must go after them," Elladan said as he helped secure Erestor onto his horse.
"At the moment, the only thing you *must* do is return to the house of your father," Lindir replied, mounting his own horse. Both Elladan and Elrohir opened their mouths to argue, but raising a hand, he silenced them. "At the moment, neither of you are exactly equipped to go on a hunt." which was true, for both brothers were still wearing only leggings, and were weaponless. "Galdor is currently searching the bank with archers, Prince Legolas' guards are already on the trail, and I will be joining them once you are off," he finished.
With a nod, Elladan got on the horse behind Erestor. Legolas hopped on his horse, the latter having only a green blanket on its back and a silver bridle on its face.
"I'm riding with you to Lord Elrond," Mirkwood's Prince said as Elrohir mounted his horse, "we should speak with your father."
"Fare thee well, Lindir," Elrohir said, shaking the damp hair from his face. He brought his horse up next to that of the other Elf's. "Estel is counting on you," he said, placing his hand on Lindir's shoulder. Lindir did the same.
Without another word, Lindir turned his horse and rode off.
Legolas, Elrohir, and Erestor with Elladan, turned and rode with great speed to the House of Elrond.
They didn't bother dressing before they sought out their father. Oddly, there had been no attendant to take their horses when they arrived, and they had taken too much time stabling their own steeds. More perplexing still, there were two strange horses already in the stables, adorned heavily in browns and copper.
They took the stairs leading up to Elronds chambers two steps at a time, Elrohir holding Erestor. They burst into his study, only to find that he wasn't there.
"Where is everyone?!" Elladan shouted in frustration.
"Shhh..." Legolas quieted him, and he tilted his head towards the door to listen. They heard raised voices resonating in the corridor leading to the library. Elrohir laid Erestor down on a plush couch in a corner.
"I'll stay with him," Legolas volunteered, "find Lord Elrond."
They stepped out of Elrond's study and slowly started to walk towards the closed library door at the other end of the corridor. They recognized the voice as their father's. He sounded extremely angry. With a cautious glance at Elladan, Elrohir turned the door handle and opened the elegantly carved door.
The yelling ceased immediately and all was silent. The room was filled with Elves, seated and standing. Lord Elrond was standing in the middle in front of two large armchairs, whose backs were to the new arrivals. He was red in the face and his eyes were a fiery orange. He stared in silence at his sons. Everyone was completely still.
Then the people in the armchairs turned around.
Twin pairs of eyes widened in shock. The beings in the chairs were men. They were dressed rather flamboyantly in shades of red, brown and copper. Elladan was suddenly angry.
"Father, what is the meaning of this?" he demanded, taking a step foreword.
Elrond held up a hand to silence him. "Peace, my son," and he said no more. Elladan threw a questioning glance back at Elrohir before moving to stand beside his father. Elrohir followed suit.
Elrond tried to keep up the Elvish mask of indifference in front of his sons. He was having a hard time of it, for he was worried of their safety. Their leggings were covered in blood, and from the scent, Elrond knew it to be Elvish. He stared at them, and his eyes seemed to say, 'keep quiet'. They did as they were told. Elrond turned back to his 'visitors'. He was thoroughly unhappy to find that they were grinning largely.
"I am not one to bargain with outlaws or fools," he said sternly.
"That is a good thing then, My Lord, for we are neither," the man on the left answered. His smile did not fade.
Elrohir studied the men carefully. The man on the left had stringy, shoulder-length black hair, and his features were sharp. His eyes had a strange gleam to then that Elrohir could only describe as sardonic. The man on the right had longer brownish-grey hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. He looked old, but not worn. It was more like experienced. Elrohir did not like the look of them at all.
The man on the right suddenly became very interested in Elladan and Elrohir. "Ah, so these must be the twin sons of Lord Elrond," he said, standing. //My, how did you come to that conclusion?// Elladan thought sarcastically. "Hmm...I would have thought that the sons of an Elvish Lord would care to look more presentable when meeting guests," he finished, staring the twins up and down.
It was true, that they were a sight: shirtless, shoe-less, hair a mess and covered in blood, but who were these men to say such a thing. Elrohir's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent. The man made a move foreword, and Elrond stepped protectively in front of his sons. The man stopped, and his grin broadened. He made a short bow.
"I am Dagland. This," he made a sweeping motion to the man who had not bothered to rise, "is my associate, Leforn. We have come to do business with Elrond." Several Elves in the room made disapproving noises at the flagrant disposal of their Lord's title. Glorfindel, who had said nothing since the men had been sighted, remained quiet.
"This is no business! It is treachery!" Elrond shouted in anger.
"Calm, my friend. There is no need for anger or harsh words," Leforn began, "The deal is simple-" but Lord Elrond cut him off.
"You are no Elf Friend! Your presence is not welcome here!" Elrond had dropped the indifferent act entirely. He was furious, and his voice dripped with malice. It frightened Elladan and Elrohir to see their father so. Never in their presence had he spoken with such anger and hatred, and his eyes betrayed it all. He was positively shaking with rage. Then something attracted Elladan's attention.
"Father, what deal?" he asked in a small voice. Elrond whipped around to face his firstborn, eyes flaming, face red and fists clenched tight. His eyes softened when he saw how Elladan visibly shrank back. He looked into his eyes and saw fear. //Fear of me...// he thought regretfully. He couldn't find the words to answer. Unfortunately, Dagland could.
"It is simple," he began with a tone of superiority, "We have the human child. We will return him safely, but for a price."
Elladan looked his father in the eye, and Elrond held his gaze. He could see that his father was torn.
"What price?" Elrohir asked firmly, taking control of the situation.
"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood," Leforn said as though Legolas were a small trinket easily parted with. Elladan and Elrohir were dumbstruck.
"No!" Elrond shouted, turning to face the men. "I will not trade Thranduil's son for my own!"
"Then the child will die," Leforn said, rising. "Though I suppose it is no great loss to you. The world is filled with human children, and you are a wealthy Elf--" but he never finished the sentence. Elrond took Elladan's arm to keep him from punching the man again. Leforn was doubled over, holding his split lip while blood flowed through his fingers.
"How dare you?!" Elladan shouted, fuming.
"Why? Why Legolas?!" Elrohir joined in. Dagland stepped foreword, seemingly ignoring the plight of his 'associate'.
"We have business with King Thranduil," he said, "it does not concern you."
"All things in the Elvish realm concern me," Elrond said, releasing Elladan from his grasp. The men were for a moment, awestruck, for it seemed to them that Elrond had grown in stature, and he did indeed seem like one of the powerful Lord's of old.
"This, however, does not," Dagland said, bringing himself back to reality. Elladan and Elrohir were still fuming from the 'not caring' comment, but Elrond was actually somewhat relieved. This meant that Estel was merely a pawn in their sick game. they knew nothing of his true heritage.
"I will not do it," Elrond said with conviction.
"You will trade for your son, and Thranduil will trade for his," Dagland said with the air of one who had done this before. The room was completely silent. Glorfindel studied the men for a moment then stood up.
"I will go," he said with the air of one defeated.
Elrond looked puzzled. "Glorfindel-"
"Will no longer be responsible for my keeping here," Glorfindel finished, and Elrond suddenly understood. Elladan and Elrohir, however, were still confused. "My father will understand your actions, Lord Elrond. He will not blame you for this." Now they understood. Glorfindel did indeed look the part: golden hair, green eyes. He was relying on the fact that the men had not yet laid eyes on the real Legolas.
Dagland looked him up and down. "You make a noble choice, son of Thranduil." He had no idea. //They are fools,// Elladan thought, //they look only at physical appearance, and they see not the age and wisdom in Glorfindel's eyes.//
"I am no coward. I will certainly defend a harmless child," Glorfindel said. //He's being arrogant like Legolas as well...// Elrohir thought bemusedly.
Elrond sighed audibly. "Very well..." he said. He seemed tired.
"We have an understanding then," Dagland said. Leforn looked bitter. "When the sun sets tomorrow, we will meet on the banks of the Loudwater, and there we will make our exchange." Elrond nodded.
"But," Leforn added in, "not before you have called back all of the archers that were sent out. Three from Mirkwood and ten from Rivendell."
Glorfindel narrowed his eyes. "Agreed."
"Until tomorrow then," Dagland said, "now if you'll excuse us, we have other matters to attend to." He and Leforn turned and exited the library. Lord Elrond walked over to the window.
"Atar-" Elladan began, but Elrond held up a hand to silence him. He waited until he saw the two men ride away before turning to his sons.
"Are you well?" he asked, brows furrowed in concern. He walked over and placed a hand on each of his sons face's.
"Yes ada," they answered in unison.
"Good, I am glad," he said with a genuine smile. "Where is Prince Legolas?"
"In your study," Elrohir answered.
"Glorfindel, come with me," Elrond said walking towards the door. Glorfindel silently began to follow.
"Ada," Elladan stopped him.
"Yes?"
"Erestor...he..." but he couldn't quite find the words.
Elrond studied Elladan's face for a moment. He raised his eyebrows in concern. "How badly is he wounded?"
"Very badly," Elrohir answered sadly. With a quick look at Glorfindel, Elrond hurried out of the room. He was surprised to find Legolas standing in the corridor.
"Legolas?" he asked cautiously.
Legolas looked Glorfindel in the eye. "I won't let you do it."
"Legolas-" Glorfindel tried.
"No. I will not let you give your life for mine," Legolas said, his eyes desperate.
"We will find a way to-" Elrond began, but Legolas cut him off.
"I know of these men, me father told me of them. They seek to take control of the land beyond our Northern borders. They care for nothing but themselves and their wealth," Legolas said frowning.
"Which is exactly the reason that we cannot hand you over to them," Glorfindel said. "We will find a way to defeat them."
"How? All of our archers must be called back, and they will not suffer being followed," Legolas said anxiously.
Elrond and Glorfindel were silent. Elladan spoke up.
"You forget, Legolas, there is yet one they do not know about. Lindir is trailing them as we speak."
"Is he?" Elrond asked, his heart a little lightened. "I am glad to hear it."
Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, and Glorfindel opened their mouths to speak, but Erestor beat them all to it. "M-my Lord?" he asked in a raspy voice. He was hanging heavily on the doorframe of Lord Elrond's study for support, and his eyelids drooped heavily.
"Erestor!" Elrond gasped in shock. The Elf in question was bleeding heavily and seemed to be having trouble breathing. He didn't look good. Elrond felt sorrow and guilt pull at his heart. Erestor's head hung low, and his legs gave out under him. Legolas was quick to catch him, and he held him tight. Erestor moaned in pain.
Elrond came quickly and helped to support Erestor's quaking form.
"This way," Elrond said, leading them to the hospital room that Glorfindel had recently vacated. They laid Erestor down, and Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir brought Elrond the supplies he needed.
He began to unwrap the strips of cloth that bound Erestor's stomach, and Erestor opened his eyes.
"I-- I'm sorry...m-my Lord," he said as he struggled to breath.
Elrond didn't stop, but looked up. "For what my friend?"
"I...f-failed...you-"
"You did nothing of the sort," Elrond said quickly, but he sensed that Erestor didn't believe him. "I am at fault for what happened, not you." Erestor breathed deeply, but it pained him, and his breath hitched in his throat. Elrond's heart ached for his friend. He leaned in to Erestor and said in almost a whisper, "Hold on, mellonin."
Elrohir sat on the bed opposite his father and began to dab the gash on Erestor's face. He picked up a small jar of milky-yellowish gel and held it up to Elrond questioningly. Elrond shook his head and pointed another jar containing a reddish colored salve. Elrohir picked it up and, as softly as he could, began to spread it across the wound.
Elrond sighed when he got a good look at the wound on Erestor's stomach. He raised his eyes and met Elrohir's gaze. "There is an arrow wound on his back," Elrohir said somewhat distantly. Elrond cringed, but went about helping Erestor to the best of his abilities.
Elladan, for lack of something better to do, sat on the floor and watched his father and brother. Legolas sat rigid in one of the chairs in the room as he watched Elrond work, and Glorfindel stood near-by.
"You know," Legolas said, eyeing the golden twists of hair that led from Glorfindel's temples to the back of his head, "I don't where my hair like that. Especially when I'm traveling," he added as an afterthought. Glorfindel gave him a look between amusement and insult. "And I had better give you a change of my clothes."
Glorfindel smiled softly in response, and turned back to watch Elrond work.
It was nearly two hours before Lord Elrond was completely finished with Erestor, and his efforts showed on him.
"Elladan, Elrohir," he said in a tired voice, "Why don't you two go get cleaned up. Take some rest and eat. I must stay with Erestor for now."
"Yes ada," they both said, and they quietly exited the room.
"Glorfindel, I suggest you make certain to have every aspect of Prince Legolas' character down. We can't take any chances."
"Yes, My Lord. Come Legolas, I will show you to your chambers," and with that, Elrond was left alone with Erestor.
He placed a weary hand on Erestor's pale one. "Hold on, mellonin."
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Welps, how do you like it? Please R/R!