*****I WANT EVERYONE TO PLEASE READ THIS A/N*****
*sadly dramatic music plays in the background; a spotlight shines on the authoress while the rest of the auditorium remains dark* Well my friends, this is where we bring out journey to a close. We've had good times, bad times, drunk on the floor struggling to wake up Legolas times...ahhh, good times. *the world's smallest violin plays the world's saddest song (YMCA by the way)* This time around, I will not be responding to all reviews, because this is a conclusion chapter, and I think it ruins the ambiance. I will however, take the time to mention everyone who has reviewed this story:
grumpy, Ireth Losshelin, ShadowPirate, leggylover03, Lomiothiel, MoroTheWolfGod, f, Ivory Novelist, Alexis, Mellaithwen-AngelMaiden, Velvet, Vana E, restless-soul, Kier the Werewolf Elf, Coolio02, boromir, ~Amariel~, Kathleen LaCorneille, Artemisa, Arian, Roccovende, amanda, Legolas Greenleaf 00, SilverKnight7, hit, C-chan96, *Nicole*, Cat15, Frisha, cofee-beans, angelic_star, Nikola Geyhaym, Lutris, Acacia Jules, Victoria, Barbara Kennedy, tmelange, anonymous, My name is Hotaru9, Nightshade3, silvertoekee, trustingfriendship, Catmint,
and finally FireValkyie (my Teari) for whom I wrote this story, even though at times she didn't deserve it! *makes angry face for you hogging the compy all the time*
Thank you, you 44, for taking the time to give me your input on my exploding(at times imploding) creative babble. Your reviews and comments have helped me become a better writer.
In this chapter, words enclosed in denote Elvish.
And now, with out further ado, I give you the conclusion of Young and Free
********
Young and Free
Chapter 7
Home Again
********
~*~*~
He saw a green world, filled with lush plants, tall trees, and blooming wild-flowers. There was peace, and the world was new and fresh. Water flowed precious life to the earth, and everywhere, there was warm sunshine. Then the water turned hot, and boiled in the riverbed. Fruit withered and fell from the trees, and the lush grass turned to ash. The sky turned black, and the world was filled with despair.
Then, deep in the heart of the wasteland, he saw a light, small, yet overwhelmingly bright amid the darkness. The darkness threatened to consume this ray of hope, and it flickered as it fought in vain. He saw a mountain, whose head rose into the inky clouds, and it exploded in fire. It seemed to him he saw the light once more.
A man, whose face could not be seen, crouched over a tiny sapling. It brought life and beauty into the world again, but he was sad. He felt he would never see the tree again...a blinding white light flashed on the horizon,
~*~*~
Lord Elrond sat up sharply in his bed, and felt a strong hand pushing him back down again. He blinked several times in an attempt to clear the fog from his eyes, but oh, how that fog was persistent. After a moment or so, he was able to make out the shape of Elladan leaning over him.
"Ada?" Elladan asked tentatively.
"Yes, Elladan," Elrond answered, more as a statement of consciousness than as a question. Quite frankly, the Lord of Imladris had no idea how he had gotten there, and then it hit him. "Estel--!" he said in a panic, but Elladan cut him off.
"He is safe, ada, he is here," Elladan said reassuringly.
Elrond sat up more slowly this time. "What happened?"
Elladan took a weary breath and sighed. "The man, Dagland, set up a trap, and we walked right into it. He had men stationed everywhere on the bank, hundreds of them, all armed with these," at this point, Elladan reached to the side-table and lifted the small dart to his father's eyes. "It was a slow acting poison, and luckily we were able to administer an antidote to our archers in time."
Elrond rubbed his neck absently where the dart had hit him. Elladan continued.
"Our archers pursued them quickly, and took down many of their men. Elrohir and I cornered a man carrying Estel--"
"Was it Dagland or Leforn?" Elrond interjected quickly.
"No, neither of them. Elrohir and I had the man cornered, but he turned his blade on Estel, so we stayed our attack. The Valar were gracious, for Lindir had also been on the trail. Leforn had fallen by his hand. He brought the man holding Estel down from above and slew him as well. Elrohir grabbed the baby...," a shadow fell over Elladan's eyes.
Elrond studied his son's face and various emotions fought to take control of it. He was almost afraid to ask. "Is Elrohir alright?" He said in a small voice, almost a whisper.
Elladan seemed to be studying the floor and his lips formed a contrastingly sharp, thin line on his normally smooth face. "His upper arm had been injured in the battle before we found Estel. He was not as quick as he normally is..."
"Is he alright?" Elrond said in a voice that betrayed his fear.
"He yet lives," Elladan said slowly. "But...barely..."
Elrond closed his eyes and massaged his eyelids with his elegant fingers. "How?" he asked simply.
"It was his stomach. The blade cut deep, and it was coated in the same poison as the darts. There was so much blood..." Elladan was staring off into the distance, and he visibly paled. He took in a hitching breath, but fought to keep his voice steady. "We thought he was alright, coming back across the river, but...he was barely breathing by the time we got him back here. He has not awoken since he blacked out two days ago."
Elrond covered his son's hand with his own and gave it a light squeeze. Elladan squeezed back. "Where is Estel?"
"At the moment, sleeping in his nursery. One of the chamber maids watches over him. He fare's well, but for the welt on his cheek."
"I would like to see him, when he wakes."
"Of course ada."
"You have not spoken much of Lindir. Where is he now? How does he fair?"
"He rests as well, at the moment," Elladan said sadly, "Alas, that his deeds yield such a tragic end."
"Tragic? What tragedy has befallen Lindir?" Elrond asked leaning foreword.
"He slew Leforn. Yes, but was also injured himself when he came to us. A sword bit deeply into his shoulders, and an arrowhead was imbedded in his back. From those wounds, he has already begun to heal," Elladan said enigmatically.
"Why, then, is there sorrow in your voice when you speak of him. You say he has begun to heal..."
"It is the smallest wound from which he is injured most, one that will not be so quick to heal." Elrond looked at his son in polite wonder. "An arrow pierced his right hand, through the palm, at the base of the fingers. Lindir did not stop to tend the wound properly, and without thinking, he tore the shaft from his hand, ripping tendons along with it. He is no longer able to feel his middle and ring fingers."
"Not at all?" Elrond asked balefully.
"He can't even move them. The healers say he will never fire a bow with that hand again.'
"Alas, the fault is mine, for it is I who sent him to collect Estel!" Elrond said in despair.
"Nay, ada, the blame is not yours, and Lindir places it not on you! He is joyed that he was able to help save Estel!"
"Do not tell me this injury does not grieve him, for I have known Lindir many long years. He will despair over the loss of archery abilities," Elrond said in a firm voice.
"That does not mean that it was of your doing," Elladan said hesitantly.
Elrond sighed deeply, and something else came to mind. "I don't suppose Glorfindel went free?"
"Alas no, he was taken by the men. Fear not, ada, for we have archers tracking them even at this very moment."
"How long did I sleep?" Elrond asked thickly.
"Two days past. The sun has only just risen," he looked out the window at the beautiful morning sun for emphasis.
Elrond swung his feet out of bed and swatted at Elladan's hands as he tried to push him back down.
"You must rest, ada," his eldest said matter-of-factly.
"I will rest when this mess is over with, and all my Lords and sons are safe at home," Elrond said, a tone of finality in his voice.
"There is something else," Elladan said, with something akin to latent fear in his voice.
"What might that be?" Elrond asked with knowing anxiety. He noted that Elladan looked strangely similar to the way he had when he had told his father of the tapestry he and Elrohir had "accidentally" thrown into the river.
"When we arrived back at Imladris," he paused, struggling to get the words out. He sighed. "Legolas was no where to be found. When we searched his quarters, we found our guards tied up in his closet. At first we suspected the men, but the guards not-too-politely informed us that it was indeed Legolas who had trapped them in there." Elladan was more that a little scared of his father as he finished, and it was with surprise that he met his fathers eyes.
Not only was Elrond not angry, he was smiling, a broad, knowing smile. "I know," he said, "I hadn't really expected him to allow us to keep him here in the first place." Elronds smile broadened and he actually let out a breath of laughter.
"What's so funny? What do you mean 'you know'? How could you possibly?"
"You didn't see him? He was in the bushes on the river bank," Elrond said with a glint in his eye. Elladan smiled too. Elrond moved to stand, and this time Elladan was on his feet to help him. "I can walk fine, Elladan, you worry about yourself." For the first time, Elrond noticed Elladan walking with a limp. He frowned.
"The wound is not deep, ada, I am fine," Elladan said, trying to sound reassuring.
"Hmm," Elrond responded, and then he turned to his son. "Tell me one thing, my son."
"What is that ada?"
"Does Erestor fare well? I would like to have at least one of my advisors at my side."
Elladan smiled. "Yes, he is well ada. He was not further wounded at the banks."
"That relieves me greatly," he said and continued walking. "Come, Elladan."
"Where are we going, ada?" Elladan queried.
"To see your brother."
********
They went first to see little Estel, and found him awake and kicking around in his crib. Elrond smiled down happily at him and scooped him up into his arms.
"Ada, a-da..." he gurgled out.
"Yes, I'm here," Elrond replied through the growing smile on his face, "so is Elladan."
Elladan leaned over and placed a hand on the baby's head. "Hello, little brother," he said smiling largely.
"How would you like to go see Elrohir? You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Elrond beamed down at the baby.
They walked down the hall to Elrohir's bedchamber, and Elrond entered slowly. Elrohir was laying on his back under a mountain of blankets despite the warm weather, and he turned his head to greet his visitors.
"Ada!" he said happily, but Elrond heard the strain in his voice.
"I'm glad to see you awake. How do you feel?" Elrond asked, his voice dripping with concern.
"Fine," Elrohir lied, "just fine, ada."
Elrond moved to sit down on the bed with Elrohir, but Elladan, foregoing any and all formalities, stretched out on the bed next to his brother and wrapped his arms about his shoulders. "Liar," he said in a weak voice.
"How are you father?" Elrohir asked, ignoring Elladan's baiting.
"I am well, trouble yourself not." Estel gurgled and kicked in Elronds arms. Elrond sat him down on the bed and he stared happily about the room. Elrohir smiled at him, and gently stroked the side of his face were a large purple bruise was forming.
"And how are you, little brother?" he asked, a ghost of a smile playing on is lips. Estel cooed and gurgled and said, "...Roh..." before turning around and crawling up onto his stomach.
Elrohir grimaced and let out a muffled "Umph" of pain, and Elrond snatched the baby off of him.
"It's alright, he's not that heavy," Elrohir said, trying to be reassuring.
Elrond smiled half-heartedly and placed a hand on the side of Elrohir's face. "Rest, my son," Elrond said, before handing Estel to Elladan and exiting the room.
He spent the better part of the morning having a very painful conversation with Lindir, in which he apologized a total of nine times before Lindir told him to "either get a hold of yourself, or leave."
As noon was approaching, Elrond sought out Erestor in his chambers.
"It is good to see you up, My Lord," Erestor said in greeting.
"And you as well, mellonin," Elrond replied. "I will not bore you with sentiment of my condition, only I wish for news of Glorfindel."
"One of the archers sent to track the men returned only a few hours ago. You were with Lindir at the time, so I did not think to disturb you." He waited for a sign of disapproval from Elrond. When there was none, he continued. "He says that the men head north of us towards the mountains."
"They are going to Thranduil's realm. They still mean to bargain for land," Elrond interjected as they made there way to the library.
"What do you intend to do, my Lord?"
"I believe," Elrond began, sitting himself in a large oak chair, "that we should try to waylay them before they reach the Misty Mountains. There won't be much snow this time of year, but the mountains are treacherous to all travelers."
"And suppose they get past the mountains?" Erestor asked, seating himself across from Elrond. "Suppose they get into the forest?"
"Then they have not only us, but also Thranduil to deal with. Not to mention the spiders..." he said, and he shuddered inwardly. They looked thoughtful for a moment and then he spoke once more. "Elladan will lead the recovery party. I would lead it myself--"
"But you have other problems to deal with here. Elrohir is far too ill to travel, and you have been away from Estel long enough."
Elrond gave a half-hearted smile and continued. "Lindir said that Dagland had a hundred men at least. Their pace will be slower because of that alone. And then there is the matter of Glorfindel. I'm sure he will make himself quite the hindrance." Both Elrond and Erestor smiled together. "I trust Glorfindel, and I trust my son. Those men don't stand a chance."
********
Well, there you go. Young and Free has met its end. Now you may be saying, "What is she, crazy? That's no conclusion! What happens to Glorfindel?!" followed by a string of rude remarks in various languages. But give me a chance to stanch the flow profanity you are currently hurling at your computer monitor, and explain myself.
Young and Free is the story of the first real set of trials and tribulations that Elrond and his little family go through after adopting Aragorn. With this chapter, that story is concluded, and another begins. The tale of Glorfindel, Elladan and Legolas does not, in any way, fit in with how I intended Young and Free to end. That's why "Darkness Under Moonlight," the story of what happens to Elladan, Legolas and Glorfindel, will soon be posted for those of you interested in reading. I hope most of you will be interested in the story, because "Young and Free" is like a prologue to it, and if Y&F isn't worth a follow up, I might as well stop right now. Thank you all for reading and commenting, and I hope you will like the sequel just as much, if not more so.
***Snippet from "Darkness Under Moonlight"***
He threw himself at the man, only to be jerked cruelly back by the ropes biting into his elbows. He was thrown to the ground with a sickening pop, and he knew his shoulder was out of the socket.
"A Dwarf is more worthy of power than you!" he said through clenched teeth as sharp pains spread like fire through his shoulder. He whipped his head around just in time to see the club make contact with his temple, and his world was plunged into darkness.
********
Thank you, and enjoy!
*sadly dramatic music plays in the background; a spotlight shines on the authoress while the rest of the auditorium remains dark* Well my friends, this is where we bring out journey to a close. We've had good times, bad times, drunk on the floor struggling to wake up Legolas times...ahhh, good times. *the world's smallest violin plays the world's saddest song (YMCA by the way)* This time around, I will not be responding to all reviews, because this is a conclusion chapter, and I think it ruins the ambiance. I will however, take the time to mention everyone who has reviewed this story:
grumpy, Ireth Losshelin, ShadowPirate, leggylover03, Lomiothiel, MoroTheWolfGod, f, Ivory Novelist, Alexis, Mellaithwen-AngelMaiden, Velvet, Vana E, restless-soul, Kier the Werewolf Elf, Coolio02, boromir, ~Amariel~, Kathleen LaCorneille, Artemisa, Arian, Roccovende, amanda, Legolas Greenleaf 00, SilverKnight7, hit, C-chan96, *Nicole*, Cat15, Frisha, cofee-beans, angelic_star, Nikola Geyhaym, Lutris, Acacia Jules, Victoria, Barbara Kennedy, tmelange, anonymous, My name is Hotaru9, Nightshade3, silvertoekee, trustingfriendship, Catmint,
and finally FireValkyie (my Teari) for whom I wrote this story, even though at times she didn't deserve it! *makes angry face for you hogging the compy all the time*
Thank you, you 44, for taking the time to give me your input on my exploding(at times imploding) creative babble. Your reviews and comments have helped me become a better writer.
In this chapter, words enclosed in denote Elvish.
And now, with out further ado, I give you the conclusion of Young and Free
********
Young and Free
Chapter 7
Home Again
********
~*~*~
He saw a green world, filled with lush plants, tall trees, and blooming wild-flowers. There was peace, and the world was new and fresh. Water flowed precious life to the earth, and everywhere, there was warm sunshine. Then the water turned hot, and boiled in the riverbed. Fruit withered and fell from the trees, and the lush grass turned to ash. The sky turned black, and the world was filled with despair.
Then, deep in the heart of the wasteland, he saw a light, small, yet overwhelmingly bright amid the darkness. The darkness threatened to consume this ray of hope, and it flickered as it fought in vain. He saw a mountain, whose head rose into the inky clouds, and it exploded in fire. It seemed to him he saw the light once more.
A man, whose face could not be seen, crouched over a tiny sapling. It brought life and beauty into the world again, but he was sad. He felt he would never see the tree again...a blinding white light flashed on the horizon,
~*~*~
Lord Elrond sat up sharply in his bed, and felt a strong hand pushing him back down again. He blinked several times in an attempt to clear the fog from his eyes, but oh, how that fog was persistent. After a moment or so, he was able to make out the shape of Elladan leaning over him.
"Ada?" Elladan asked tentatively.
"Yes, Elladan," Elrond answered, more as a statement of consciousness than as a question. Quite frankly, the Lord of Imladris had no idea how he had gotten there, and then it hit him. "Estel--!" he said in a panic, but Elladan cut him off.
"He is safe, ada, he is here," Elladan said reassuringly.
Elrond sat up more slowly this time. "What happened?"
Elladan took a weary breath and sighed. "The man, Dagland, set up a trap, and we walked right into it. He had men stationed everywhere on the bank, hundreds of them, all armed with these," at this point, Elladan reached to the side-table and lifted the small dart to his father's eyes. "It was a slow acting poison, and luckily we were able to administer an antidote to our archers in time."
Elrond rubbed his neck absently where the dart had hit him. Elladan continued.
"Our archers pursued them quickly, and took down many of their men. Elrohir and I cornered a man carrying Estel--"
"Was it Dagland or Leforn?" Elrond interjected quickly.
"No, neither of them. Elrohir and I had the man cornered, but he turned his blade on Estel, so we stayed our attack. The Valar were gracious, for Lindir had also been on the trail. Leforn had fallen by his hand. He brought the man holding Estel down from above and slew him as well. Elrohir grabbed the baby...," a shadow fell over Elladan's eyes.
Elrond studied his son's face and various emotions fought to take control of it. He was almost afraid to ask. "Is Elrohir alright?" He said in a small voice, almost a whisper.
Elladan seemed to be studying the floor and his lips formed a contrastingly sharp, thin line on his normally smooth face. "His upper arm had been injured in the battle before we found Estel. He was not as quick as he normally is..."
"Is he alright?" Elrond said in a voice that betrayed his fear.
"He yet lives," Elladan said slowly. "But...barely..."
Elrond closed his eyes and massaged his eyelids with his elegant fingers. "How?" he asked simply.
"It was his stomach. The blade cut deep, and it was coated in the same poison as the darts. There was so much blood..." Elladan was staring off into the distance, and he visibly paled. He took in a hitching breath, but fought to keep his voice steady. "We thought he was alright, coming back across the river, but...he was barely breathing by the time we got him back here. He has not awoken since he blacked out two days ago."
Elrond covered his son's hand with his own and gave it a light squeeze. Elladan squeezed back. "Where is Estel?"
"At the moment, sleeping in his nursery. One of the chamber maids watches over him. He fare's well, but for the welt on his cheek."
"I would like to see him, when he wakes."
"Of course ada."
"You have not spoken much of Lindir. Where is he now? How does he fair?"
"He rests as well, at the moment," Elladan said sadly, "Alas, that his deeds yield such a tragic end."
"Tragic? What tragedy has befallen Lindir?" Elrond asked leaning foreword.
"He slew Leforn. Yes, but was also injured himself when he came to us. A sword bit deeply into his shoulders, and an arrowhead was imbedded in his back. From those wounds, he has already begun to heal," Elladan said enigmatically.
"Why, then, is there sorrow in your voice when you speak of him. You say he has begun to heal..."
"It is the smallest wound from which he is injured most, one that will not be so quick to heal." Elrond looked at his son in polite wonder. "An arrow pierced his right hand, through the palm, at the base of the fingers. Lindir did not stop to tend the wound properly, and without thinking, he tore the shaft from his hand, ripping tendons along with it. He is no longer able to feel his middle and ring fingers."
"Not at all?" Elrond asked balefully.
"He can't even move them. The healers say he will never fire a bow with that hand again.'
"Alas, the fault is mine, for it is I who sent him to collect Estel!" Elrond said in despair.
"Nay, ada, the blame is not yours, and Lindir places it not on you! He is joyed that he was able to help save Estel!"
"Do not tell me this injury does not grieve him, for I have known Lindir many long years. He will despair over the loss of archery abilities," Elrond said in a firm voice.
"That does not mean that it was of your doing," Elladan said hesitantly.
Elrond sighed deeply, and something else came to mind. "I don't suppose Glorfindel went free?"
"Alas no, he was taken by the men. Fear not, ada, for we have archers tracking them even at this very moment."
"How long did I sleep?" Elrond asked thickly.
"Two days past. The sun has only just risen," he looked out the window at the beautiful morning sun for emphasis.
Elrond swung his feet out of bed and swatted at Elladan's hands as he tried to push him back down.
"You must rest, ada," his eldest said matter-of-factly.
"I will rest when this mess is over with, and all my Lords and sons are safe at home," Elrond said, a tone of finality in his voice.
"There is something else," Elladan said, with something akin to latent fear in his voice.
"What might that be?" Elrond asked with knowing anxiety. He noted that Elladan looked strangely similar to the way he had when he had told his father of the tapestry he and Elrohir had "accidentally" thrown into the river.
"When we arrived back at Imladris," he paused, struggling to get the words out. He sighed. "Legolas was no where to be found. When we searched his quarters, we found our guards tied up in his closet. At first we suspected the men, but the guards not-too-politely informed us that it was indeed Legolas who had trapped them in there." Elladan was more that a little scared of his father as he finished, and it was with surprise that he met his fathers eyes.
Not only was Elrond not angry, he was smiling, a broad, knowing smile. "I know," he said, "I hadn't really expected him to allow us to keep him here in the first place." Elronds smile broadened and he actually let out a breath of laughter.
"What's so funny? What do you mean 'you know'? How could you possibly?"
"You didn't see him? He was in the bushes on the river bank," Elrond said with a glint in his eye. Elladan smiled too. Elrond moved to stand, and this time Elladan was on his feet to help him. "I can walk fine, Elladan, you worry about yourself." For the first time, Elrond noticed Elladan walking with a limp. He frowned.
"The wound is not deep, ada, I am fine," Elladan said, trying to sound reassuring.
"Hmm," Elrond responded, and then he turned to his son. "Tell me one thing, my son."
"What is that ada?"
"Does Erestor fare well? I would like to have at least one of my advisors at my side."
Elladan smiled. "Yes, he is well ada. He was not further wounded at the banks."
"That relieves me greatly," he said and continued walking. "Come, Elladan."
"Where are we going, ada?" Elladan queried.
"To see your brother."
********
They went first to see little Estel, and found him awake and kicking around in his crib. Elrond smiled down happily at him and scooped him up into his arms.
"Ada, a-da..." he gurgled out.
"Yes, I'm here," Elrond replied through the growing smile on his face, "so is Elladan."
Elladan leaned over and placed a hand on the baby's head. "Hello, little brother," he said smiling largely.
"How would you like to go see Elrohir? You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Elrond beamed down at the baby.
They walked down the hall to Elrohir's bedchamber, and Elrond entered slowly. Elrohir was laying on his back under a mountain of blankets despite the warm weather, and he turned his head to greet his visitors.
"Ada!" he said happily, but Elrond heard the strain in his voice.
"I'm glad to see you awake. How do you feel?" Elrond asked, his voice dripping with concern.
"Fine," Elrohir lied, "just fine, ada."
Elrond moved to sit down on the bed with Elrohir, but Elladan, foregoing any and all formalities, stretched out on the bed next to his brother and wrapped his arms about his shoulders. "Liar," he said in a weak voice.
"How are you father?" Elrohir asked, ignoring Elladan's baiting.
"I am well, trouble yourself not." Estel gurgled and kicked in Elronds arms. Elrond sat him down on the bed and he stared happily about the room. Elrohir smiled at him, and gently stroked the side of his face were a large purple bruise was forming.
"And how are you, little brother?" he asked, a ghost of a smile playing on is lips. Estel cooed and gurgled and said, "...Roh..." before turning around and crawling up onto his stomach.
Elrohir grimaced and let out a muffled "Umph" of pain, and Elrond snatched the baby off of him.
"It's alright, he's not that heavy," Elrohir said, trying to be reassuring.
Elrond smiled half-heartedly and placed a hand on the side of Elrohir's face. "Rest, my son," Elrond said, before handing Estel to Elladan and exiting the room.
He spent the better part of the morning having a very painful conversation with Lindir, in which he apologized a total of nine times before Lindir told him to "either get a hold of yourself, or leave."
As noon was approaching, Elrond sought out Erestor in his chambers.
"It is good to see you up, My Lord," Erestor said in greeting.
"And you as well, mellonin," Elrond replied. "I will not bore you with sentiment of my condition, only I wish for news of Glorfindel."
"One of the archers sent to track the men returned only a few hours ago. You were with Lindir at the time, so I did not think to disturb you." He waited for a sign of disapproval from Elrond. When there was none, he continued. "He says that the men head north of us towards the mountains."
"They are going to Thranduil's realm. They still mean to bargain for land," Elrond interjected as they made there way to the library.
"What do you intend to do, my Lord?"
"I believe," Elrond began, sitting himself in a large oak chair, "that we should try to waylay them before they reach the Misty Mountains. There won't be much snow this time of year, but the mountains are treacherous to all travelers."
"And suppose they get past the mountains?" Erestor asked, seating himself across from Elrond. "Suppose they get into the forest?"
"Then they have not only us, but also Thranduil to deal with. Not to mention the spiders..." he said, and he shuddered inwardly. They looked thoughtful for a moment and then he spoke once more. "Elladan will lead the recovery party. I would lead it myself--"
"But you have other problems to deal with here. Elrohir is far too ill to travel, and you have been away from Estel long enough."
Elrond gave a half-hearted smile and continued. "Lindir said that Dagland had a hundred men at least. Their pace will be slower because of that alone. And then there is the matter of Glorfindel. I'm sure he will make himself quite the hindrance." Both Elrond and Erestor smiled together. "I trust Glorfindel, and I trust my son. Those men don't stand a chance."
********
Well, there you go. Young and Free has met its end. Now you may be saying, "What is she, crazy? That's no conclusion! What happens to Glorfindel?!" followed by a string of rude remarks in various languages. But give me a chance to stanch the flow profanity you are currently hurling at your computer monitor, and explain myself.
Young and Free is the story of the first real set of trials and tribulations that Elrond and his little family go through after adopting Aragorn. With this chapter, that story is concluded, and another begins. The tale of Glorfindel, Elladan and Legolas does not, in any way, fit in with how I intended Young and Free to end. That's why "Darkness Under Moonlight," the story of what happens to Elladan, Legolas and Glorfindel, will soon be posted for those of you interested in reading. I hope most of you will be interested in the story, because "Young and Free" is like a prologue to it, and if Y&F isn't worth a follow up, I might as well stop right now. Thank you all for reading and commenting, and I hope you will like the sequel just as much, if not more so.
***Snippet from "Darkness Under Moonlight"***
He threw himself at the man, only to be jerked cruelly back by the ropes biting into his elbows. He was thrown to the ground with a sickening pop, and he knew his shoulder was out of the socket.
"A Dwarf is more worthy of power than you!" he said through clenched teeth as sharp pains spread like fire through his shoulder. He whipped his head around just in time to see the club make contact with his temple, and his world was plunged into darkness.
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Thank you, and enjoy!