A/N: YAY!!!!!!!!!!! ^_^ New chappie! Ok, I honestly don't want to brag, but
I think this chapter kicks ass. Especially the last paragraph, GOD, IT IS
SO DAMN FLUFFY. ^_^ And the LENGTH! This is long! Yay!!!!!!!! ^_^ For once,
I'm pleased with myself. Please read and review! I also updated Brothers In
Heart, so please go do that too!
And, if I may ask a favor of you, with reviewing for this chapter, please give me specific feedback on like - specific elements, scenes, etc. It would be very much appreciated. Not that I don't love your usual general reviews, I just want more specific-ness this time around. Thanks! *Huggles*
Lyrics are property of Enya. Beautiful song called " Evening Falls ". ^_^
~*~
Chapter 8
The wind swept down through the long grass, swaying the fields like a sea. The sound of the leaves rustling was quiet like the whispers of the trees themselves. One would have to stand in silence and listen with a true desire to hear it. The sun peered over a bed of gray clouds that stretched across the expanse of the sky, touching the waters of the ocean. Only a few pale sunbeams broke through the thick barrier, falling down through the air like a painting of heaven. Simbelmyne lay strewn across the green hills like a lovely dream, their white petals untouched by flaw. The tide lapped up on the white sand shores with a soothing sound, the water clear and beautiful to anyone who would take the time to stop and appreciate it. A fair voice hung on the wind, like an echo from some distant land. 'Twas here that Elrohir found himself, surrounded by more loveliness than he could have ever hoped for. He took in a deep breath, smiling with closed eyes at the scent of the ocean and the wind in his silken hair.
// When the evening falls and the daylight is fading,
from within me calls - could it be I am sleeping? //
He opened his big, gray eyes once more, his smile leaving at the sound of the voice. It was a she-Elf, he realized, with a voice so beautiful and yet so ageless. He was alone, however. She sang with her every word filling the whole world. He wondered who she was, and why he was here. His eyes wandered over the fields, as if expecting to find her somewhere. A flower landed in his raven tresses, upon his shoulder.
" Elrohir." He knew the voice, the one that called him. It sounded far away, yet his pointed ears pricked with eagerness. Where was he? Alert concentration was portrayed in his face. " Elrohir." He sprang forward without thinking, toward the voice. The grass swayed about his lithe legs as he ran across the vast fields. His hair flowed back in the wind, the flower now lost somewhere in the grass. " Elrohir." He yearned to hear his name called again. //Please keep calling so I may find you.// He bound up a hill, panting mildly with his eyes turned above with anticipation. The Elf stopped at the top of the hill, standing still with his hair in the wind. More fields lay below him, with trees strewn across. The woods were thick to the west, and the shore was directly north across from him, a long way. Yet none of it mattered then. His eyes had fallen upon his caller.
//For a moment I stray, then it holds me completely.
Close to home - I cannot say.
Close to home feeling so far away.//
Elladan smiled at him faintly. He sat bestride a white horse in the middle of the fields below, clad in an Elven breastplate of silver. A cloak of midnight blue was draped o'er his shoulders, whipping up around him in the wind, along with his hair. His face was familiar, the same gentle and pale face set with two, dark eyes. He looked upon Elrohir with a somewhat weary expression, yet with gladness mingled in it as well. Elrohir's eyes were wide as he held a breath. After a long moment, he flew down the hill and across the long way to his brother, flinging himself upon the other Elf's leg. His arms had immediately gone up to wrap around Elladan's waist, as he gasped and buried his face in his twin's thigh. Elladan only smiled warmly as he leaned over with closed eyes to lay his lips upon his brother's fair head. Elrohir wept as he clung to his twin, his hands curled into fists that gripped Elladan's garments. Elladan stroked over Elrohir's head tenderly, smiling faintly as Elrohir wept.
Still stroking over Elrohir's head, Elladan tipped his head to one side with a thoughtful expression. " Why do you weep, brother? " he asked. Elrohir took a sharp breath, turning his head against Elladan's thigh. He yet clung to his brother, staring out into nothing with glassy eyes. Elladan's hand slipped down to his twin's back, stroking comfortingly. " Why do you weep? " he asked once more, his tone quiet and placid.
" Oh, how I've missed you," Elrohir admitted. " I could not find you."
Elladan only smiled. " But I am here now."
//As I walk there before me a shadow
from another world, where no other can follow.//
Elrohir sniffled. " Why do you have your horse? And why are you dressed that way? "
Elladan straightened, his hand still resting upon Elrohir's head. " Perhaps it is not our time. Perhaps we should go back."
Elrohir looked up at his twin, for he did not understand. " Go back to where? "
Elladan yet smiled. " To where we came from."
Elrohir's eyes reflected his brother's face, that which was his own. Something glimmered there, though what it was could not be placed. " Where we came from? " Elladan gave a slow nod. " Why? "
Elladan grinned. " Come," he said. " Get on." Elrohir took hold of Elladan, before swinging up onto the horse behind his twin. Elladan clicked to his horse to turn, with Elrohir's hands resting on both of his brother's shoulders. The horse carried them both, trotting rhythmically east across the fields. Elrohir watched as they approached another hill, shady with a tree looming over it. He caught Elladan's familiar scent and became aware of his own heart beating. Elladan smiled as he felt Elrohir's slender hands grip his shoulders, his fingers digging into him. They stopped beneath the tree, at the top of its hill. Both looked down, Elrohir peering over his twin's shoulder.
// For a moment I stray, then it holds me completely.
Close to home - I cannot say.
Close to home feeling so far away. //
As they looked below, a vision appeared unto them. A fair Elf with golden hair was in the company of a young but grown mortal. The man was chasing the immortal, filling the place with tinkling laughter and the light of their joy. Things seemed to be slowed in the vision, the motion and the sound. The twins watched for a while, Elrohir in a bit of awe. His eyes glimmered and something rose in his chest. They seemed so familiar, but he could not place who they were. The mortal hurtled himself at the Elf and both went down into the fallen leaves, sending them all aflutter. They wore wide smiles upon their faces of pure bliss, and their laughter was like sweet music. The Elf was caught in the mortal's arms, and Elladan was smiling. A spark of realization ignited in Elrohir's memory.
" Estel and Legolas," he murmured.
Elladan nodded, staring ahead. Elrohir looked to his twin. " Father is beyond as well. And Glorfindel and Erestor. And Arwen."
" Arwen," the younger twin echoed. He closed his eyes for a moment and envisioned his beloved sister, so utterly beautiful. Glorfindel and Erestor stood together afterwards, looking just as important as they were. And his father. Lord Elrond. He did not look at Elrohir. But Elrohir watched him -
//As I walk there before me a shadow From another world, where no other can follow.
Carry me to my own, to where I can cross over...
Close to home - I cannot say.
Close to home feeling so far away.//
" Perhaps we should go back," Elladan repeated. Elrohir opened his eyes.
~*~
" Elrohir." Glorfindel practically shouted the younger Elf's name. " Elladan." He had finally arrived upon the twins, who were lying stretched out on the ground. They were pale and motionless, blood staining a large portion of the ground beneath their bodies. The Balrog-slayer leaped from his stallion down to the brunette Elves. He was on his knees beside Elrohir in a second, his eyes wide with fear. His hand went gently to Elrohir's brow, but Elrond's son did not stir. Glorfindel picked up Elrohir's limp hand and felt his wrist for a pulse. When he found none, the Elf-lord lay his head to Elrohir's breast, listening strenuously for a heartbeat. Nothing. Silence. Oh, Eru.
He stood and swept Elrohir up into his arms, turning to Asfaloth. Yet he froze when he remembered. Glorfindel looked back to Elladan's seemingly dead body, still lying on the ground, his hand now alone yet with fingers still curled from when they had been around Elrohir's. Glorfindel was panicking, torn over what he should do. He could not take both of them at once. Was he to leave one of them out here? All alone? Was he to leave both of them and ride for help? How could he do either of those things? Oh, Valar help him. What was he to do?
Suddenly, the sound of an approaching horse reached his ears. His head snapped to look over Asfaloth's back toward the sound. It could not be Orcs, thank Eru, for it was surely a horse he heard. Who would be out here this early? //Well, anyone,// he answered himself. //This is Middle Earth.// He held tightly to Elrohir's body as he watched vigilantly for the newcomer. And imagine his utter shock when he found that it was Legolas bestride his dapple-gray mare. The prince was yet again clad in his flowing, water-soft gray cloak that shimmered with his every move. His platinum blonde hair was smooth and brushed, cleansed of the dirt and blood that had stained it only yesterday and the day before. Legolas rode up to Glorfindel with an expectant look on his face, as if he was waiting for the Elf-lord to say something first. His deep eyes glanced from Elrohir in Glorfindel's arms to Elladan on the ground and widened.
" By the grace of the Valar," he gasped.
" Legolas, they're dead," the Balrog-slayer said quickly, suffering to utter the words. " They may yet bet revived, but we must make haste to Lord Elrond."
The archer nodded shortly, his breath catching when Glorfindel told him that his beloved friends were dead. Little hope was left to them now. But what there was, they must seize. Legolas dismounted easily, hurrying to Elladan, as Glorfindel pushed Elrohir up onto Asfaloth. The younger blonde knelt beside Elladan, touching him gently, before taking him in his arms.
" How could you have come? " Glorfindel asked him, mounting Asfaloth behind Elrohir's slumped body. " I cannot believe Elrond would let you ride out so soon. You are in no condition to be out of bed, much less riding alone."
" Nay, he did not let me," Legolas confirmed. " I left before they woke, Elrond and Estel. I knew in my heart you would need help."
Glorfindel shook his head. " They must be distraught now, to find you have gone. And if not for the fact that I truly was in desperate need of help, I would chide you for leaving bed." Legolas grinned. " You really could harm yourself, Legolas. You are yet weak, and the poison is not completely annihilated. You could go into relapse, and we could lose you." His voice was full of sincere concern.
" I won't," Legolas reassured. He clicked to his horse and rode off, followed closely by Glorfindel.
" Blessed Eru." Aragorn was distressed, to say the least. He had woken up that morning on the edge of Legolas' bed to find that the Elf was no longer sleeping soundly in his arms. The Elf had disappeared entirely. The Last Homely House had been entirely searched, the whole of Imladris, for that matter. Legolas had left. And it was not going over well with his best friend.
" Calm down, Estel," Elrond said, in a much more reasonable and tranquil state himself. " You will not bring him back by driving yourself crazy." The Elf lord wasn't to pleased either. As a healer, he knew full well that Legolas had no business leaving bed, never mind the valley. He was almost sure that the prince had gone off after Glorfindel, but he wasn't about to mention it to Estel.
" Father, he could hurt himself," Estel exclaimed. " He could go into relapse because of this. I could lose him." His voice was unsteady now.
Elrond gave his adopted son a meaningful look. " Legolas will be fine," he reassured. " I promise you that."
" But father -," the ranger began.
" Do you trust me? " Elrond interrupted. Aragorn sighed, defeated. He gave his father a nod, and Elrond was satisfied. He turned his back on Aragorn and let his gaze stray outside below the nonexistent external wall of his library. In his heart, he dearly hoped his promise to Estel was not an empty one. His dark eyes wandered rapidly over the panorama below, his beloved Imladris. " Glorfindel, where are you? " he whispered to himself. Something in his chest made him yearn for his best friend deeply in that moment. Perhaps it was because that Glorfindel was the one who carried the hope for his twins. Or perhaps it was simply because that Glorfindel was the one who could make everything all right for him. He did not know. And he did not see the Balrog-slayer riding Asfaloth across the bridge in the distance either.
// Forever searching; never right, I am lost
In oceans of night. Forever Hoping I can find memories.
Those memories I left behind. //
Morning was golden in the valley once again. The waterfalls of Imladris rushed quietly in the distance, whilst the leaves rained down pleasantly from the boughs of the undying trees. Flowers lay strewn across the place, beautiful in each their own way. The Elves lived and walked in the light with no knowledge of the predicament that had come upon their Lord Elrond. Their song and laughter filled the valley, yet his heart was not lightened by it now.
Aragorn sighed and ran his hand through his hair impatiently, just as both he and Elrond heard a noise from outside in the corridor. Footsteps and doors either opening or closing. They exchanged glances, listening.
" Elrond." They each recognized the loud voice. " Elrond." The Elf lord bound for the door, flinging it open to find Glorfindel approaching from across the corridor, having just come up the stairs. He looked flustered, and he carried a body in his arms. Elrond froze. He knew that body. Elrohir. He knew it was Elrohir.
" We have no time," Glorfindel urged.
Elrond met his best friend half, finding his son being thrust into his awaiting arms. " Are you harmed? " he asked Glorfindel. The blonde shook his head, much to the relief of Elrond. " Nay, but we must hurry, Elrond. I fear your sons are dead. " Elrond's heart stopped for a second. His fears had been confirmed. But there was yet hope.
" Erestor," he shouted. " Erestor." He would need his other close friend's help in this. He flew down the stairs, headed toward the healing ward, followed by Glorfindel and Aragorn. He practically kicked the door open, clutching to his son. Elrond lay Elrohir on the bed farthest from the door, next to the one that Legolas had occupied only quite recently. Erestor appeared, hurrying toward them with a questioning look on his face. Glorfindel had already gone to the cupboard in search of the needed supplies. Erestor took on look at Elrohir and followed Glorfindel in collecting whatever would be needed and a bit more. Aragorn stood with wide eyes, panting and staring at his brother. It was then that Legolas returned, struggling to keep Elladan in his grasp.
" Legolas," Aragorn cried, running to his best friend. The archer gave Elladan's body over to Aragorn, who took him shakily and lay him in the bed beside Elrohir's. Elrond glanced up at his mortal son and gave him a short nod, his hands already meticulously tending to Elrohir in some way. Aragorn backed away and turned around to face Legolas once more. The blonde gasped for air as he stumbled toward Aragorn. He staggered and fell to his knees, as Aragorn rushed to him.
" What it is, mellonin? " the ranger queried frantically with his hands grasping the Elf's slim shoulders. Legolas only gave him a weak grin. " What's happened to you? " the mortal persisted.
" Nothing," Legolas answered, shaking his head. He then let himself slump over and lay his head upon Aragorn's shoulder. The human paused for a moment, unsure of himself. He placed his arms around Legolas, before picking him up and laying him on the nearest bed. The Elf winced up at him.
" What is it? " Aragorn murmured. " You're in pain, aren't you? " His hands cupped the Elf's waist, one laying over the tender wound that was throbbing inside the Elf. Legolas closed his eyes at the man's touch, weak with pain. Aragorn slipped his eyes shut, muttering Elvish healing summons for his own healing power, while feeling his best friend with a new sharp ability. Every movement of his fingers rendered unto him the feel of Legolas' tunic and flesh beneath it. He felt the Elf's breathing and life, connected with the prince physically as much as they already were bonded spiritually and emotionally. Legolas felt himself losing it at Aragorn's ministrations, felt the unbelievable healing power of his young, mortal friend begin to flow inside of him. He felt Aragorn himself inside of him, all around him, in his soul, in his heart. He felt something nameless and new in his chest, felt as if his abdomen were being filled with warmth and a distinct presence. He released a breath that rattled through his lungs, as he trembled for a moment. He was immersed in the feeling, the supernatural experience that was taking place. Aragorn's murmurs were low and almost incoherent, as the mortal was so focused with closed eyes on what he was doing. His hands pressed a little harder into the Elf, and Legolas felt it, moaning softly. The pain was yet there, but it was slowly diminishing. Meanwhile, he clung to the feeling for as long as he could, never wanting to let go. It felt so incredible, so intimate and sacred and surreal. Aragorn had never unleashed his power this way before, and it was bit unnerving. The mortal finally felt the Elf invade him as well, filling him with his soul. He shuddered as Legolas' presence rose in his chest as he breathed, blossomed in his stomach, ran down his every vein. His breath hitched as he felt Legolas' slender hands close around his wrists, a new warmth born of the touch. During this time, their fear for the twins was forgotten. Yet Elrond, Glorfindel, and Erestor now worked toward bringing the brothers back to life.
// Even though I leave will I go on believing
That this time is real - am I lost in this feeling?
Like a child passing through, never knowing the reason.
I am home - I know the way. I am home - feeling oh, so far away. //
And, if I may ask a favor of you, with reviewing for this chapter, please give me specific feedback on like - specific elements, scenes, etc. It would be very much appreciated. Not that I don't love your usual general reviews, I just want more specific-ness this time around. Thanks! *Huggles*
Lyrics are property of Enya. Beautiful song called " Evening Falls ". ^_^
~*~
Chapter 8
The wind swept down through the long grass, swaying the fields like a sea. The sound of the leaves rustling was quiet like the whispers of the trees themselves. One would have to stand in silence and listen with a true desire to hear it. The sun peered over a bed of gray clouds that stretched across the expanse of the sky, touching the waters of the ocean. Only a few pale sunbeams broke through the thick barrier, falling down through the air like a painting of heaven. Simbelmyne lay strewn across the green hills like a lovely dream, their white petals untouched by flaw. The tide lapped up on the white sand shores with a soothing sound, the water clear and beautiful to anyone who would take the time to stop and appreciate it. A fair voice hung on the wind, like an echo from some distant land. 'Twas here that Elrohir found himself, surrounded by more loveliness than he could have ever hoped for. He took in a deep breath, smiling with closed eyes at the scent of the ocean and the wind in his silken hair.
// When the evening falls and the daylight is fading,
from within me calls - could it be I am sleeping? //
He opened his big, gray eyes once more, his smile leaving at the sound of the voice. It was a she-Elf, he realized, with a voice so beautiful and yet so ageless. He was alone, however. She sang with her every word filling the whole world. He wondered who she was, and why he was here. His eyes wandered over the fields, as if expecting to find her somewhere. A flower landed in his raven tresses, upon his shoulder.
" Elrohir." He knew the voice, the one that called him. It sounded far away, yet his pointed ears pricked with eagerness. Where was he? Alert concentration was portrayed in his face. " Elrohir." He sprang forward without thinking, toward the voice. The grass swayed about his lithe legs as he ran across the vast fields. His hair flowed back in the wind, the flower now lost somewhere in the grass. " Elrohir." He yearned to hear his name called again. //Please keep calling so I may find you.// He bound up a hill, panting mildly with his eyes turned above with anticipation. The Elf stopped at the top of the hill, standing still with his hair in the wind. More fields lay below him, with trees strewn across. The woods were thick to the west, and the shore was directly north across from him, a long way. Yet none of it mattered then. His eyes had fallen upon his caller.
//For a moment I stray, then it holds me completely.
Close to home - I cannot say.
Close to home feeling so far away.//
Elladan smiled at him faintly. He sat bestride a white horse in the middle of the fields below, clad in an Elven breastplate of silver. A cloak of midnight blue was draped o'er his shoulders, whipping up around him in the wind, along with his hair. His face was familiar, the same gentle and pale face set with two, dark eyes. He looked upon Elrohir with a somewhat weary expression, yet with gladness mingled in it as well. Elrohir's eyes were wide as he held a breath. After a long moment, he flew down the hill and across the long way to his brother, flinging himself upon the other Elf's leg. His arms had immediately gone up to wrap around Elladan's waist, as he gasped and buried his face in his twin's thigh. Elladan only smiled warmly as he leaned over with closed eyes to lay his lips upon his brother's fair head. Elrohir wept as he clung to his twin, his hands curled into fists that gripped Elladan's garments. Elladan stroked over Elrohir's head tenderly, smiling faintly as Elrohir wept.
Still stroking over Elrohir's head, Elladan tipped his head to one side with a thoughtful expression. " Why do you weep, brother? " he asked. Elrohir took a sharp breath, turning his head against Elladan's thigh. He yet clung to his brother, staring out into nothing with glassy eyes. Elladan's hand slipped down to his twin's back, stroking comfortingly. " Why do you weep? " he asked once more, his tone quiet and placid.
" Oh, how I've missed you," Elrohir admitted. " I could not find you."
Elladan only smiled. " But I am here now."
//As I walk there before me a shadow
from another world, where no other can follow.//
Elrohir sniffled. " Why do you have your horse? And why are you dressed that way? "
Elladan straightened, his hand still resting upon Elrohir's head. " Perhaps it is not our time. Perhaps we should go back."
Elrohir looked up at his twin, for he did not understand. " Go back to where? "
Elladan yet smiled. " To where we came from."
Elrohir's eyes reflected his brother's face, that which was his own. Something glimmered there, though what it was could not be placed. " Where we came from? " Elladan gave a slow nod. " Why? "
Elladan grinned. " Come," he said. " Get on." Elrohir took hold of Elladan, before swinging up onto the horse behind his twin. Elladan clicked to his horse to turn, with Elrohir's hands resting on both of his brother's shoulders. The horse carried them both, trotting rhythmically east across the fields. Elrohir watched as they approached another hill, shady with a tree looming over it. He caught Elladan's familiar scent and became aware of his own heart beating. Elladan smiled as he felt Elrohir's slender hands grip his shoulders, his fingers digging into him. They stopped beneath the tree, at the top of its hill. Both looked down, Elrohir peering over his twin's shoulder.
// For a moment I stray, then it holds me completely.
Close to home - I cannot say.
Close to home feeling so far away. //
As they looked below, a vision appeared unto them. A fair Elf with golden hair was in the company of a young but grown mortal. The man was chasing the immortal, filling the place with tinkling laughter and the light of their joy. Things seemed to be slowed in the vision, the motion and the sound. The twins watched for a while, Elrohir in a bit of awe. His eyes glimmered and something rose in his chest. They seemed so familiar, but he could not place who they were. The mortal hurtled himself at the Elf and both went down into the fallen leaves, sending them all aflutter. They wore wide smiles upon their faces of pure bliss, and their laughter was like sweet music. The Elf was caught in the mortal's arms, and Elladan was smiling. A spark of realization ignited in Elrohir's memory.
" Estel and Legolas," he murmured.
Elladan nodded, staring ahead. Elrohir looked to his twin. " Father is beyond as well. And Glorfindel and Erestor. And Arwen."
" Arwen," the younger twin echoed. He closed his eyes for a moment and envisioned his beloved sister, so utterly beautiful. Glorfindel and Erestor stood together afterwards, looking just as important as they were. And his father. Lord Elrond. He did not look at Elrohir. But Elrohir watched him -
//As I walk there before me a shadow From another world, where no other can follow.
Carry me to my own, to where I can cross over...
Close to home - I cannot say.
Close to home feeling so far away.//
" Perhaps we should go back," Elladan repeated. Elrohir opened his eyes.
~*~
" Elrohir." Glorfindel practically shouted the younger Elf's name. " Elladan." He had finally arrived upon the twins, who were lying stretched out on the ground. They were pale and motionless, blood staining a large portion of the ground beneath their bodies. The Balrog-slayer leaped from his stallion down to the brunette Elves. He was on his knees beside Elrohir in a second, his eyes wide with fear. His hand went gently to Elrohir's brow, but Elrond's son did not stir. Glorfindel picked up Elrohir's limp hand and felt his wrist for a pulse. When he found none, the Elf-lord lay his head to Elrohir's breast, listening strenuously for a heartbeat. Nothing. Silence. Oh, Eru.
He stood and swept Elrohir up into his arms, turning to Asfaloth. Yet he froze when he remembered. Glorfindel looked back to Elladan's seemingly dead body, still lying on the ground, his hand now alone yet with fingers still curled from when they had been around Elrohir's. Glorfindel was panicking, torn over what he should do. He could not take both of them at once. Was he to leave one of them out here? All alone? Was he to leave both of them and ride for help? How could he do either of those things? Oh, Valar help him. What was he to do?
Suddenly, the sound of an approaching horse reached his ears. His head snapped to look over Asfaloth's back toward the sound. It could not be Orcs, thank Eru, for it was surely a horse he heard. Who would be out here this early? //Well, anyone,// he answered himself. //This is Middle Earth.// He held tightly to Elrohir's body as he watched vigilantly for the newcomer. And imagine his utter shock when he found that it was Legolas bestride his dapple-gray mare. The prince was yet again clad in his flowing, water-soft gray cloak that shimmered with his every move. His platinum blonde hair was smooth and brushed, cleansed of the dirt and blood that had stained it only yesterday and the day before. Legolas rode up to Glorfindel with an expectant look on his face, as if he was waiting for the Elf-lord to say something first. His deep eyes glanced from Elrohir in Glorfindel's arms to Elladan on the ground and widened.
" By the grace of the Valar," he gasped.
" Legolas, they're dead," the Balrog-slayer said quickly, suffering to utter the words. " They may yet bet revived, but we must make haste to Lord Elrond."
The archer nodded shortly, his breath catching when Glorfindel told him that his beloved friends were dead. Little hope was left to them now. But what there was, they must seize. Legolas dismounted easily, hurrying to Elladan, as Glorfindel pushed Elrohir up onto Asfaloth. The younger blonde knelt beside Elladan, touching him gently, before taking him in his arms.
" How could you have come? " Glorfindel asked him, mounting Asfaloth behind Elrohir's slumped body. " I cannot believe Elrond would let you ride out so soon. You are in no condition to be out of bed, much less riding alone."
" Nay, he did not let me," Legolas confirmed. " I left before they woke, Elrond and Estel. I knew in my heart you would need help."
Glorfindel shook his head. " They must be distraught now, to find you have gone. And if not for the fact that I truly was in desperate need of help, I would chide you for leaving bed." Legolas grinned. " You really could harm yourself, Legolas. You are yet weak, and the poison is not completely annihilated. You could go into relapse, and we could lose you." His voice was full of sincere concern.
" I won't," Legolas reassured. He clicked to his horse and rode off, followed closely by Glorfindel.
" Blessed Eru." Aragorn was distressed, to say the least. He had woken up that morning on the edge of Legolas' bed to find that the Elf was no longer sleeping soundly in his arms. The Elf had disappeared entirely. The Last Homely House had been entirely searched, the whole of Imladris, for that matter. Legolas had left. And it was not going over well with his best friend.
" Calm down, Estel," Elrond said, in a much more reasonable and tranquil state himself. " You will not bring him back by driving yourself crazy." The Elf lord wasn't to pleased either. As a healer, he knew full well that Legolas had no business leaving bed, never mind the valley. He was almost sure that the prince had gone off after Glorfindel, but he wasn't about to mention it to Estel.
" Father, he could hurt himself," Estel exclaimed. " He could go into relapse because of this. I could lose him." His voice was unsteady now.
Elrond gave his adopted son a meaningful look. " Legolas will be fine," he reassured. " I promise you that."
" But father -," the ranger began.
" Do you trust me? " Elrond interrupted. Aragorn sighed, defeated. He gave his father a nod, and Elrond was satisfied. He turned his back on Aragorn and let his gaze stray outside below the nonexistent external wall of his library. In his heart, he dearly hoped his promise to Estel was not an empty one. His dark eyes wandered rapidly over the panorama below, his beloved Imladris. " Glorfindel, where are you? " he whispered to himself. Something in his chest made him yearn for his best friend deeply in that moment. Perhaps it was because that Glorfindel was the one who carried the hope for his twins. Or perhaps it was simply because that Glorfindel was the one who could make everything all right for him. He did not know. And he did not see the Balrog-slayer riding Asfaloth across the bridge in the distance either.
// Forever searching; never right, I am lost
In oceans of night. Forever Hoping I can find memories.
Those memories I left behind. //
Morning was golden in the valley once again. The waterfalls of Imladris rushed quietly in the distance, whilst the leaves rained down pleasantly from the boughs of the undying trees. Flowers lay strewn across the place, beautiful in each their own way. The Elves lived and walked in the light with no knowledge of the predicament that had come upon their Lord Elrond. Their song and laughter filled the valley, yet his heart was not lightened by it now.
Aragorn sighed and ran his hand through his hair impatiently, just as both he and Elrond heard a noise from outside in the corridor. Footsteps and doors either opening or closing. They exchanged glances, listening.
" Elrond." They each recognized the loud voice. " Elrond." The Elf lord bound for the door, flinging it open to find Glorfindel approaching from across the corridor, having just come up the stairs. He looked flustered, and he carried a body in his arms. Elrond froze. He knew that body. Elrohir. He knew it was Elrohir.
" We have no time," Glorfindel urged.
Elrond met his best friend half, finding his son being thrust into his awaiting arms. " Are you harmed? " he asked Glorfindel. The blonde shook his head, much to the relief of Elrond. " Nay, but we must hurry, Elrond. I fear your sons are dead. " Elrond's heart stopped for a second. His fears had been confirmed. But there was yet hope.
" Erestor," he shouted. " Erestor." He would need his other close friend's help in this. He flew down the stairs, headed toward the healing ward, followed by Glorfindel and Aragorn. He practically kicked the door open, clutching to his son. Elrond lay Elrohir on the bed farthest from the door, next to the one that Legolas had occupied only quite recently. Erestor appeared, hurrying toward them with a questioning look on his face. Glorfindel had already gone to the cupboard in search of the needed supplies. Erestor took on look at Elrohir and followed Glorfindel in collecting whatever would be needed and a bit more. Aragorn stood with wide eyes, panting and staring at his brother. It was then that Legolas returned, struggling to keep Elladan in his grasp.
" Legolas," Aragorn cried, running to his best friend. The archer gave Elladan's body over to Aragorn, who took him shakily and lay him in the bed beside Elrohir's. Elrond glanced up at his mortal son and gave him a short nod, his hands already meticulously tending to Elrohir in some way. Aragorn backed away and turned around to face Legolas once more. The blonde gasped for air as he stumbled toward Aragorn. He staggered and fell to his knees, as Aragorn rushed to him.
" What it is, mellonin? " the ranger queried frantically with his hands grasping the Elf's slim shoulders. Legolas only gave him a weak grin. " What's happened to you? " the mortal persisted.
" Nothing," Legolas answered, shaking his head. He then let himself slump over and lay his head upon Aragorn's shoulder. The human paused for a moment, unsure of himself. He placed his arms around Legolas, before picking him up and laying him on the nearest bed. The Elf winced up at him.
" What is it? " Aragorn murmured. " You're in pain, aren't you? " His hands cupped the Elf's waist, one laying over the tender wound that was throbbing inside the Elf. Legolas closed his eyes at the man's touch, weak with pain. Aragorn slipped his eyes shut, muttering Elvish healing summons for his own healing power, while feeling his best friend with a new sharp ability. Every movement of his fingers rendered unto him the feel of Legolas' tunic and flesh beneath it. He felt the Elf's breathing and life, connected with the prince physically as much as they already were bonded spiritually and emotionally. Legolas felt himself losing it at Aragorn's ministrations, felt the unbelievable healing power of his young, mortal friend begin to flow inside of him. He felt Aragorn himself inside of him, all around him, in his soul, in his heart. He felt something nameless and new in his chest, felt as if his abdomen were being filled with warmth and a distinct presence. He released a breath that rattled through his lungs, as he trembled for a moment. He was immersed in the feeling, the supernatural experience that was taking place. Aragorn's murmurs were low and almost incoherent, as the mortal was so focused with closed eyes on what he was doing. His hands pressed a little harder into the Elf, and Legolas felt it, moaning softly. The pain was yet there, but it was slowly diminishing. Meanwhile, he clung to the feeling for as long as he could, never wanting to let go. It felt so incredible, so intimate and sacred and surreal. Aragorn had never unleashed his power this way before, and it was bit unnerving. The mortal finally felt the Elf invade him as well, filling him with his soul. He shuddered as Legolas' presence rose in his chest as he breathed, blossomed in his stomach, ran down his every vein. His breath hitched as he felt Legolas' slender hands close around his wrists, a new warmth born of the touch. During this time, their fear for the twins was forgotten. Yet Elrond, Glorfindel, and Erestor now worked toward bringing the brothers back to life.
// Even though I leave will I go on believing
That this time is real - am I lost in this feeling?
Like a child passing through, never knowing the reason.
I am home - I know the way. I am home - feeling oh, so far away. //