Lord Elrond stood in the shadows and watched Elladan for a moment, who was sitting under a tree, playing absent-mindedly with a blade of grass. His hair had come loose, indicating that he had continuously run his hands through it.

"So many years have passed since Calaen was last seen, and so many years you have suffered alone," said Elrond softly, walking forwards. "I have just learned of the way you feel, but I would rather have heard it from your own lips."

Elladan's head snapped up, a look of surprise on his face. It quickly vanished though, and was replaced by a jaunty smile. "Suffered alone? I'm quite sure I do not know of what you speak, Ada."

"And I'm quite sure that you do," said Elrond. He sighed, and knelt beside his son. "Talk to me, Elladan. Why did you not tell me that you blamed yourself for everything that happened?"

"Who have you been speaking to?" asked Elladan sharply.

"I asked you the first question, so I would rather you answer it before anything else," replied Elrond. "Besides, I think you already know who I have been speaking to. You did, after all, tell Elrohir a few days ago, did you not?"

Elladan raised his eyes skywards, and let out a deep breath. "You were not supposed to find out. I told Elrohir in confidence, because I thought I could trust him. I have never told any of his secrets, even though some of them are trivial. But now I find he has betrayed my-

"He has done no such thing," cut in Elrond. "He did the right thing by coming to tell me, for now I know what you should've spoken of before. I have heard it from him, but I wish to hear it in your own words. And if you think I am angry or disappointed, then stop worrying, for I am none of those."

Laughing shortly, Elladan stood up and started pacing. "You wish to hear it from me? Very well. Ada, I do indeed blame myself. I think that if my cursed visions had come sooner, then Airëlus would still be alive, and Legolas would not be so...so different."

"It is because of your visions that Legolas still lives," said Elrond.

"Thranduil did not lose two of his sons that day," laughed Elladan. "He lost all three of them. You see, although Legolas' body survived, his soul did not. His soul as good as died, Ada, and you know it."

"So what are you saying?" pressed Elrond. "Do you think that Legolas should've died? Do you think I should not have brought him back from darkness?"

"Maybe it would've been better that way," muttered Elladan. He turned sharply on his heel as if to leave, but pulled up as he realized what words he had just spoken. "No, I did not mean it like that. I did not mean it at all like that."

Sighing Elrond stepped in front of Elladan, so that they made eye contact. "Explain what you did mean then."

"You remember we stayed in Mirkwood for a while after Airëlus died?" asked Elladan. "Well, whenever I was around Legolas, I could read his thoughts, feel his pain and sense his tears. Our rooms were quite a way away from each other, but I could clearly hear the way he cried at night. But it was not just his thoughts I knew: it was Thranduil's also."

"Go on," said Elrond, though he was slightly apprehensive of what he was going to hear.

"The only person keeping Thranduil in Middle Earth was Legolas. He showed no emotion in front of us, but he would lock himself in his study and just...break down," said Elladan helplessly. "And do you remember the way that Legolas used to act in the year or so after Airëlus's death."

"Hmm, he was always angry, patronizing, critical, sometimes violent," said Elrond sadly. "I thank the Valar that he changed; even though he is a mere shadow of his former child-hood self. But he was able to make me so frustrated at times, I just wanted to give up and return to the peaceful haven of Imladris."

"Thranduil also felt that way, though it was not Imladris he wanted to flee to," murmured Elladan. "Ada, he wanted to give up on life sometimes."

Elrond shook his head, and stared seriously at his son." That is certainly *not* something you should've kept hidden, though I understand why you did. I imagine that Thranduil wanted his thoughts to remain private?"

"Yes, that was exactly it. Though they weren't," said Elladan grimly. "You know, Legolas also thought the same things. I mean both about giving up, and his thoughts being hidden in his head. Sometimes, I was able to stop myself from listening in, but other times, their thoughts were so strong that I could not break away, no matter how much I tried. Legolas often prayed that his life would be taken, then he would be with his mother and Airëlus. That was...heart-breaking, really, to listen to."

"That's strange. You said he 'prayed' his life would be taken," said Elrond suddenly. "I do not truly believe that on the day of Airëlus' burial service, Legolas tried to kill himself. But there are questions which will always remain unanswered; and the real happenings of that day will always shrouded in mystery."

"As will Legolas," mused Elladan.

Elrond sighed and touched a hand to the younger Elf's shoulder. "What's done is done, and we cannot change the past. But in some circumstances, we *can* write our future. I want you to come to me whenever you feel like this again, alright?"

"Yes, Ada."

"Elladan, I mean it," said Elrond sternly. "You will, won't you?"

"I promise that I will come and see you if ever I feel like this again," said Elladan truthfully. "Thank you, Ada."

Elrond blinked mildly as he was suddenly enveloped in a warm embrace. "Might I enquire as to what for?"

"For everything," replied Elladan, smiling as he felt a tender hand being smoothed over his hair. "Thank you especially for being here, because I don't know what I would do without you."

"Elrohir would still be here," laughed Elrond. The smile quickly faded though, and he stepped back to look into Elladan's face. "Do not thank me, ion-nin, for I will always be here for you."

Elladan inclined his head briefly. "That's good. I could not cope with Elrohir and his big mouth all on my own. Valar, no-one would be safe!"

"Get away with you," said Elrond warmly. "Go and see your brother; he was worried about how you would react upon finding out he had told me. Elladan, you will not be too hard on him will you? He was only looking out for you."

The younger Elf merely smiled and walked away, leaving the elder alone. Elrond sighed, and his thoughts drifted to Aragorn. If only Elladan could see something else, and soon. But Elrond knew it would take time for anything to come. The only thing he could do, was keep praying.

............................................................................................................

Elrohir rested his arms on the balcony wall; heart pounding as he restlessly drummed his fingers. Since being told that Elrond was going to talk with Elladan, he had been filled with great worry, for never in his life had he betrayed his twin's trust. Sighing, Elrohir closed his eyes and turned around, but he stayed resting against the wall. When he sensed another presence though, he snapped his eyes open.

"Elrohir," said Elladan quietly, stepping from the bedroom, and out to join his brother on the balcony. "You look surprised. Why? I presume you thought that I would still be explaining myself to Ada?"

"I only told him because...because I was afraid for you," muttered Elrohir. "I did not think he would be angry with you, and believe me, it was not my intent to land you in trouble."

"Ada is not angry with me," said Elladan.

Elrohir nodded, but jerked his head away as a slender hand was placed on his cheek. He tried to step backwards, but of course could not move, thanks to the wall. Biting his lip, he looked up and locked eyes with the other Elf.

"What's wrong?" asked Elladan in concern. "You did not think that I was going to...did you?"

"You should, after what I have done," said Elrohir quietly.

Elladan laughed softly, before stepping forward and embracing his twin. "When Ada told me it was you, I was angry, very angry. But I'm glad you did now, for he made me feel better. I only wish that I had told him before."

"No, you are only saying that to make me feel better," murmured Elrohir.

"If I did not mean those words, we would be fighting right now. And you would be losing," laughed Elladan. "Besides..."

Elrohir tensed suddenly, as the hand which was resting on the back of his head, grabbed some of his dark hair. "Elladan, what are you doing?" It was only then he realized that the other Elf was unaware of what his actions were.

Stepping backwards, Elrohir gently disentangled the hand from his hair, and put both his own hands on Elladan's shoulders. He bit his lip hard as hear washed over him, but fought it away as Elladan's eyes exploded in emotional pain.

"He's back," breathed Elladan.

Elrohir gritted his teeth, and held his twin a little tighter. "Alright, it's alright. I am here. Can you tell me who this person is? Elladan, stay with me," he said desperately, as the other Elf slowly sank to the floor, pulling him down too.

"He is holding them captive, but there is blood," whispered Elladan. "Five of them...not there...gone...Legolas is hurt, and Estel is alone. Everything is false, and it is all lies. But Legolas will believe him, and in doing so, he goes to his death."

"Calm down," soothed Elrohir, gently touching his brother's cheek. He started though, when Elladan jerked away and buried his face in his hands.

"So much to lose...he will give in...Legolas cannot resist," cried Elladan.

Elrohir pulled his twin to him, as he was so used to doing when this happened. Elladan would tremble and become afraid, being so taken over by his visions, that he would cease to recognize his surroundings. He would sometimes be unaware of who the people around him were, and occasionally he felt as though he were inside the mind of the person concerned in the vision. Such was the case now, for he cried out, and pushed Elrohir away.

"No, don't touch me," he hissed, eyes blazing. "I do not want your love, and I do not want to have you near me at all, for I know that I will be ensnared in a web of un-escapable deceitfulness."

"I will not hurt you, not do anything of what you have spoken," said Elrohir desperately, as Elladan jumped to his feet. "Can you not see that it is I, Elrohir, your brother, your friend?"

Elladan's eyes flickered briefly, but he shook his head. "You tormented me before with your mind games, but not this time. I am stronger than this." With that, the Elf spun on his heel and made to go into his bedroom.

Lord Elrond though, had come in un-noticed by the other two, and Elladan ran straight into him. Crying out, he stepped backwards, but it was into Elrohir this time. He tried to speak, but could manage only frightened gasps as he felt hands on his shoulders. Tearing himself away, Elladan sat down on the floor, drawing his knees to his chest, and leaning back against the wall.

"What happened?" asked Elrond swiftly.

Elladan looked up, back in his own character now, though he still sounded afraid. "Ada, I saw them. Some of them are not there though: Estel, Legolas, Mithrandir and two Halflings. Not dead, but somewhere else. They are under the ground, for he has built a fortress in caves. But above, is a village, a small town."

"Where is it?" asked Elrond urgently.

"Two days from here, a settlement to the West," replied Elladan in a low voice. "It's called Si...Si...Ada, I don't know. I don't-!"

"Síriel?" asked Elrohir incredulously. "But we have been there, 'Dan. Do you remember that we go out with a patrol twice every month? Do you remember? There are women and children there, very few men, so we go to make sure that there are no signs of Orcs."

"That is where they are," said Elladan quietly.

Elrond and Elrohir glanced at each other, before the former placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "But the people of Síriel would and could not take the Fellowship. For a start, they are not strong enough by far to take nine people as captives."

"Ada, a fortress has been built under the ground; there are hidden soldiers," said Elladan through gritted teeth. "I *know* what I saw, and I *know* that Calaen is back. He's strong, and his power grows by the minute. Elrohir, when I looked at you a minute ago, I saw you as Calaen. I was Legolas, and I saw his mind. He cannot fight for much longer, he-

"Slow down," cut in Elrohir. "What are you talking about? One thing at a time, Elladan. What does Calaen have to do with all of this? Unless..."

Nodding, the other Elf took a deep breath. "Yes. Calaen is back and he has them captive. I know it sounds ridiculous, for he has been gone for years, but he is back and more powerful than ever."

"But what does he want?" asked Elrohir.

"I don't know. Legolas can help him, but he *will* die," whispered Elladan.

Elrohir bit his lip, a worried look in his eyes. "Ada, we must ride to Síriel with all speed, straight away. I do not doubt Elladan's words, and it all makes sense now. It all connects to what he was saying the last time he had a vision."

"Wait a moment," said Elrond, restraining both his sons as they made to move. "We will of course go to Síriel with patrols, for the townspeople will think we are routinely checking up on them. If Calaen is indeed back, and he has – as you say – built an underground fortress, then we must be *very* careful. The townspeople may or may not know. If they do – which is highly likely – they will work hard to keep it a secret. If they are not aware, we do not wish to scare them. I will also have a message sent to Thranduil."

With that, Elrond stood up, motioning for the others to follow him. As the three Elves left the room, Elrohir staying protectively at Elladan's side, a sudden thought entered one of their minds.

"Ada, you were not surprised to hear that Calaen is still alive," said Elrohir quietly.

"No, nor were you," replied Elrond. "In our hearts, I think that we always knew he would return. You see, ion-nin, the past never dies."

............................................................................................................

Eternal Greenleaf: Yeah, I wonder that also. But lets hope that we never have to find out! LOL

Silwen Aurdomiel: That's funny you said that, cos I was discussing that just the other day with my friend!

Coolio02: Yeah, I'm feeling kinda bad for him right now as well!

chokoholik: Hee hee! It's my speciality!

Eleanor Rigbey: I'm seeing her tomorrow, so I'll ask her!

Legolas-gurl888: Hiya! I don't know if you've got another chapter up of 'Inseperable', but I hope so. I'll go look in a minute! But I sent you an e- mail earlier, and I think I just went yapping on about random things. Ah well, random is cool!

So sorry this took ages to get up. I've been so busy at school what with stupid biology teachers losing my coursework, and then having to do it all over again! But I'm back now! And don't worry, Boromir is NOT evil. It's just, tensions were obviously running high, and if you think about it, his ideas do kinda make sense, to someone who doesn't know what's really going on. But yeah, he is definitely still a good guy, unlike my other fic. Love Misto x-x