Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or any of the characters I used in this story. It was written for pure fun and no money is/was made with it.
Genre: General/Drama
Rating: PG
E-mail: kaeera@yahoo.de
Summary: When the twins fight too much, Elrond and Celebrian decide to separate them for a few months…How will Elladan and Elrohir find life without each other?
Note: I know that I should post the next chapter of 'When The Snow Falls'....it's already finished and waiting on my harddisk, but the problem is that my beta is currently very busy and can't correct it. Since I don't want to post a chapter with mistakes, you have to wait until next week. I'm really sorry, but I hope you can understand my reason. That's why I am posting the second chapter of this story, that way you have something to read over the weekend^^
Thanks a lot for the wonderful reviews I received! You guys are great!
by Kaeera
Part Two: Separation
As morning dawned the next day, the twins were already up, Elrohir stuffing the rest of his belongings into his bag, while Elladan lingered around somewhere. They hadn't talked about the upcoming separation, although both elflings felt insecure about it. But the stubborn part was stronger and they still refused to meet each other's eyes.
Celebrian observed this sadly and wondered once again what had happened. They had refused to tell their parents why they were fighting, only saying things like: "Elrohir is mean," or similar, not very informative sentences. It was all left to their parents' imagination to figure out what had happened.
To see her sons like that made her feel depressed; in addition to that came the fact that she would have to leave her home for two months. Although she was looking forward to seeing her parents and the place of her childhood, she knew that she would miss her husband and oldest son dearly.
Secretly she had hoped that mentioning Elrohir's departure alone would be enough, but obviously she had misjudged the stubborn minds of elven children. She had no other choice but to leave, taking one twin with her. Wearily the blonde elf sighed and stepped out of the building, already wearing her travelling clothes. They would travel with some guards, to protect them against the dangers of wilderness.
"Amme?" The tiny little voice startled her, and she looked down on the anxious face of her son.
"What is it, Elrohir?" she said warmly, kneeling down so that she was on eye-level with her youngest.
"I don't want to go." Whispered the elfling, grey eyes looking desperate. "Why can't Elladan go? I want to stay in Imladris!"
Celebrian sighed and brushed her hand through his hair.
"Well, one of you has to go, and the choice fell on you. Don't worry, I'm sure that you will like it there – and after all we will stay for only two months. You will see, it will be over in no time!" She smiled reassuringly.
Elrohir didn't seem to be cheered up by this. He looked at the horses in the courtyard and the guards which would accompany them. One part of him wanted to go, but another part wanted to stay in Imladris, with both his parents and even his brother.
He quickly shoved the thought of Elladan aside. No, he didn't want to stay with his brother. Elladan didn't like him, and he was mean. He'd be better off in Lothlorien. There were certainly other elven children which whom he could play. His face lit up a little at the idea of meeting new friends, and he smiled shyly at his mother.
Celebrian ruffled his hair affectionally and stood up, searching for her other son. However, she couldn't see Elladan anywhere near, only Elrond, who was approaching the pair of them. She walked over to him, watching over Elrohir out of the corner of her eye as he went to look at the horses.
"Where's Elladan?" She asked confused.
Elrond pointed behind him, where a rather sour looking Elladan was trotting slowly down the stairs.
"It took quite some time to convince him to say goodbye."
He sighed. "This whole thing is getting out of hand. He didn't have anything against saying goodbye to you, but he didn't want to see his brother."
Celebrian shook her head.
"Oh Elbereth! I really hope this helps, otherwise we are lost."
She smiled brightly at Elladan who had now reached them and was standing beside Elrond, one hand tangled into the robe of his father.
She hugged him tightly and whispered into his ear. "I will miss you, my son. I hope you will think of me while I am away, and don't make too much trouble." She kissed him on the forehead and small arms clung around her neck, holding her tightly.
"Come back soon, Amme," Elladan's voice was nearly inaudible.
"Don't you want to say goodbye to your brother?" Celebrian gently prodded, but her oldest only shook his head.
"Not if he doesn't want to!" Elladan declared.
Both parents sighed simultaneously. Celebrian stood up and wrapped her arms around her husband, enjoying the last minutes together. Then she broke free, so that Elrohir could say goodbye to his father as well. Elrond scooped the little elfling up and kissed him gently, whispering exactly the same things into his ear Celebrian had said to Elladan.
Then they mounted the horses and left, the two parties waving at each other.
Elrohir sat on the horse in front of his mother, playing with the mane of the animal, as they rode through the forest. Normally he would have enjoyed this unexpected journey, for it was rare that they ventured out in the forests, but right now he couldn't seem to raise his spirits. His thoughts always trailed back to the few times when he and Elladan had been out in the wilderness, discovering new plants and animals with every step the horses made.
They had invented a game called 'Finding new things' – every time one discovered a plant, a stone or an animal one hadn't seen before, one had to shout loudly so that the other one could see it as well.
But there was nobody to play with here. And even if Elladan would be here, he wouldn't play, for he was still angry.
'And I'm angry, too!,' Elrohir thought grimly, pouting. 'I just played with his sword, he didn't need to say so nasty things! It's not true that Ada and Amme like him more, after all Amme is going with me. He was too mean!'
However, that didn't change the fact that he felt bad about his rash action. He had been surprised himself that he had punched his brother, unused to such reckless action. Normally he wasn't the thoughtless one, and it made him feel ashamed.
He glanced at the elven warriors which rode with them. Eight guards were accompanying them, all looking strong with their bows and swords. Elrohir found himself entranced by the air of strength which lingered around him, and momentarily forgot about his misery (or chose to forget).
"Amme," he whispered, "Can I become a warrior like them?"
Celebrian chuckled softly. "You can do anything you like, Elrohir. But if you want to become a good warrior, you need much training. They practise every day, and they fight evil things. It will take some time until you are able to be as good as them."
An expression of determination crossed the elfling's face. "I will become a warrior, the strongest warrior of Imladris, and then I will protect you and Ada!"
"That's good to hear! And will you protect your brother as well?" Celebrian asked carefully.
A moment of silence followed. Then, in a rather hesitant voice, Elrohir replied. "I suppose I would."
Celebrian drew him closer. At least he didn't hate his brother that much. Had she ever had such a fight in her childhood? She couldn't remember. She had always been scolded by her father because she had climbed the roofs instead of attending her lessons.
A small blush appeared on her cheeks as she realised from whom the twins had probably inherited their mischievous streak. At least it wasn't only her; she remembered quite a few stunts Elrond had pulled as a young elf – Glorfindel was a rather good storyteller when it came to embarrassing his best friend. It was no wonder that her sons were such trouble-makers, and the fact that they each had a brother probably made it even worse.
"You know," her voice sounded distant as she guided the horse.
"Sometimes we fight about things which are far too small to fight over, and when we realise that, it's usually too late. Don't let that destroy the friendship with your brother, Elrohir."
She could feel how his shoulders stiffened. "I didn't do anything. It's Elladan's fault – he must apologize."
Celebrian frowned and shook her head. "Alright…if that is how you feel…"
Elrond stood outside, watching as his wife and youngest son rode away, leaving him for the next two months. His heart felt heavy, but his mind knew that this was the best way. The twins had to learn to deal with the fact that life wasn't always rosy, and did not revolve around them.
"Well, let's go inside," he said to Elladan who was standing beside him, once the horses had disappeared from view.
The elfling just nodded, still the same stubborn look on his face. He felt neglected because his mother and his brother had left him behind like that and he had to stay at home. But at least he could watch the guards without being disturbed, he reassured himself. And maybe he could even start training to fight, so that he could impress Elrohir as soon as he returned…
Of course Elrohir had to apologize first. Elladan still hadn't forgotten how his nose had hurt after his brother had punched him, and was deeply hurt.
It hadn't been his first fight – no, Elladan constantly fought with his friends and considered himself as quite a good boxer – but the fact that Elrohir, who had never fought before and spent his leisure time in reading and talking, had managed to surprise and hit him.
It had been beginner's luck, surely, and still it annoyed the older twin.
He walked inside the building with his father and suppressed the sudden urge to reach for his father's hand. He had done that when he was younger, but felt now that a strong elf shouldn't do things like that.
Elladan waved to his father, his spirits still dampened, and walked to his room, not in the mood to play outside. Rather frustrated, the elfling flopped down on his bed. He should be glad that his annoying brother was away, because now he could play with all his great friends and talk with the guards.
However, instead of being happy, he more felt as if something was missing.
"That's stupid," the older twin said out aloud. "I don't miss Elrohir. He's annoying and boring!" Repeating those words in his head, he stared at the wooden ceiling, wondering what to do. It was late morning, and there was the whole day ahead of him.
Elladan rubbed his sore nose, sniffling quietly. It hurt when he touched it, but somehow he couldn't let his hand down. It was fascinating how numb it felt, and it was interesting to pry out the dried blood. At least it was better than thinking about the stupid brother of his!
"It's booooring…." he sighed, looking around the room for something to do. His toys were lying in a corner, in a small pile. He stared at it, but it didn't look interesting. Well, he could try to read a book….but reading was boring, Elladan preferred to be outside.
Sighing again, he rose and decided to visit his friends; maybe they would know an interesting game.
As he wandered along the corridors, watching the pattern of the sunlight on the ground, he realised that he somehow couldn't stop thinking about his brother and the words he had said. He wasn't dumb! He just didn't like to read, but that didn't mean that he was stupid – did it? His father certainly wouldn't prefer Elrohir because of that…after all, he had sent Elrohir away, not him!
But Amme went as well….
A frustrated grumble escaped his lips as the ten-year-old recognised that those annoying thoughts wouldn't leave him alone, and he quickened his pace.
As he turned around a corner, he already saw two of his friends. Tirmael and Benya were already playing outside in the gardens, and he waved to them, a grin crossing his face. It seemed as if they were playing tag, a game Elladan especially enjoyed. Right now it would be the perfect game, because you were too busy running to think about annoying brothers and parents, who separated you without asking.
To be continued...
Ellewyn Greenleaf and Wilwarin - Well, where do you think I get my ideas from? I myself have an older sister, and we used to fight VERY much....although we never got laong, we fought all the time and still do. My mother is frustrated by this, but we can't change it...somehow, we allways end up annoying each other!!
xsilicax - I don't know if Elladan is in the better place....after all, Elrohir is allowed to travel with warriors through the forest, and it's always more interesting in strange places, isn't it? Much more to discover...*broad smile*
Thoronnar - I can't wait to see how they cope with being separated either...oh wait, I'm writing this story....darn! *laughs* I'm glad that you like it that much...I always that that it's a bit illogical when the twins get along too well. I know no siblings who DON'T fight...
Avara - No, I don't have a twin. *lol* But my father is a twin, and I have an older sister. *smiles*
hoellenwauwau - Jaja, das du verplant bist, wenn es darum geht, Updates mitzubekommen, hab ich ja schon lange gemerkt. Freut mich aber, dass dir das gefällt...tja, bei 'When The Snow Falls' wirst du dich zwar noch gedulden müssen, aber ich hab auch wirklich Pech mit meinen Betas...Jaja, ich bin schon krank, lass mich von meinen eigenene Geschichten inspirieren! Seltsam! Hehe. Gerade schwirrt mir frei eine neue Idee für eine (deutsche) Originalgeschichte im Kopf rum. Wer weiß, vielleicht ist das erste Kapitel bald auf fictionpress.net zu sehen...und bei Silver schreib ich auch weiter, sobald ich meine beiden letzten Klausuren nächste Woche hinter mich gebracht hab! Versprochen!
Thanks to everyone else who has reviewed and sorry that I didn't mention you all...I'm quite busy right now. And I really, really hope to update 'When The Snow Falls'. Man, I feel so bad about this...