Hi!!
Sorry for the long wait! It was tough not to have time to write this, it was practically "burning under my nails" but there was just no time this week - until today, that is!
Finally, some guesses are confirmed, some answers given but also new questions raised.
Once again I was blown away by your reviews (responses below) thank you so much!! Don´t forget to keep them coming ;-)
Now for the new chapter, which is nice and quiet in comparison - I hope you´ll enjoy.
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
A home besieged
Voices drifted through the herb-laden air. They were soft, gentle as a light breeze, and Aragorn smiled. He felt detached, floating, and he did not mind. Everything around him whispered of home, and he knew that it was safe to stay adrift as long as his body told him to. Groggily he tried to tell the voices apart. Elrohir, soothing and encouraging, seemed closest, never venturing far. Elladan, from a touch further away but more energetic, was speaking to him in a tone that was laced with sympathy and encouragement, only to be subdued now and again by Lord Elrond´s steady commands. His foster father was there and then gone again, but Aragorn did not worry. Neither did he care that he could not understand a single word that was uttered, his mind too far away to make the effort and give the sounds any meaning beyond comfort. He knew that all would be well. All would fall into place now that they were home.
Elrohir watched worriedly as their father left them again. He had hardly ever seen Elrond looking so exhausted and strained, and he marvelled at the older elf´s ability to eliminate his state from his voice. The atmosphere in Aragorn´s room was one of calm reassurance, as was befitting to allow the ranger his much needed rest. Yet the elf could sense the tension that roamed the rest of the Homely House, kept from passing through the door that he was facing by the powerful aroma of athelas and sheer strength of will. Hurried steps would pass them by, most on their way to the room a few doors down where Legolas was treated. Hushed voices drenched in worry graced the sturdy wood that sealed their small refuge, and Elrohir had chosen not to strain for understanding. He allowed the stream of soothing words to flow forth from his mouth without thinking, as much to Aragorn´s benefit as to his own and his twin´s.
The sheer joy that he had felt when Elladan had greeted them in the courtyard upon their arrival, shadowed by a thoroughly disapproving Calen, still lingered in his soul now, many hours later, as he watched his twin sleep fitfully in a chair across the room. Elladan was far from healed, the serious wound still paining him and causing his eyes to slip closed with exhaustion in his slumber, but his mind had been free of harm and full of support for his brother and friend. He had insisted on aiding them, and Elrond had permitted him to stay with Elrohir while the younger twin saw to the human´s injuries and fever.
The relief both had experienced when their hopes that Estel´s state was merely one of complete fatigue had been proven correct had lifted their spirits. The wounds on their human brother´s chest were beginning to heal, and the fever that his body had been pushed into by a combination of shock, pain and cold was already beginning to abate. Aragorn was sleeping deeply now, completely relaxed in what he had obviously recognised as the safety of home. Elrohir felt an almost desperate need to uphold what sadly was little more than a façade, for he knew that once the cold grip of reality would enclose their youngest brother again he would not find any more rest for a long time.
Elrohir let his gaze drift past his sleeping twin to the window that allowed the stormy grey light of day to flow into the still room. There was no more trace of the black smoke that had followed them so persistently on their way home. To his distress he thought that he could still make out the sickly sweet smell that had accompanied it, overpowered though as it was by the strong healing presence of athelas, and he found himself absent-mindedly rubbing his arms or brushing off his clothes as if he had been stained. No matter how glad he was to be back, there was no doubt in his heart that danger had never left them out of sight and was awaiting eagerly outside the strong gates, ready to pounce on them again should they dare and leave the protection their home provided.
He could not remember ever feeling trapped in Imladris before, but now he almost wished he could see foes sneering at them outside of the walls, so strong was his sense of being encircled by a power that he could neither see nor kill but that was strong enough to challenge even his father.
"Ha dim di hin-cin, gwannun-min." //There is sadness in your eyes, my twin.// Elladan´s voice was sleepy and a little slurry. Elrohir sighed. He was not surprised. His brother had rested far less than he should have. He turned to find Elladan reach out gently to brush a hand over Aragorn´s brow in a gesture that was both tender and weary, but a slow smile spread over his face when he looked up. "His fever is much better. Is there any word yet from Legolas?" The tentative hope in his eyes made the younger twin´s heart shiver. "No" he answered under his breath, trying best as he could to keep his voice level. He had experienced many times how sensitive Aragorn was towards worry and danger, even more so when Legolas was involved. He would much prefer not to discuss this matter here, at their brother´s bed, and Elladan nodded in silent understanding.
Settling back into his chair with a pained wince, the older twin sealed his gaze protectively onto the human as if the strength of his eyes could guard him from further harm. He knew well that his father´s willingness to allow him out of bed and in Estel´s room did not bode well for his Mirkwood friend, for it had been clear that Elrond had simply shown little patience for disputes that did not touch upon grave concerns. The healer had returned to them frequently, making sure that both of his injured sons were well, but he had never lingered long and his concern had radiated from him like a dark haze, dimming his natural light.
Elladan smiled tiredly when he heard Elrohir abandon the constant murmuring he had directed at Aragorn for a low humming. The older brother recognised the melody well, and he could not help feeling sleepy again. "Le glinnech sina glaer anim di fuin"//You sang this song for me in the night//, he noted with slight amusement, "he is sleeping already, brother. Are you trying to lull me back into my dreams?"
Elrohir turned his eyes on his twin to answer and could not bite back a smile of his own when Elladan picked up the melody where he was now forced to leave it, avoiding the sweet string of notes to rip. "Aye, very observant of you. I would very much prefer you to have healed some more when Aragorn awakes, for it might need some effort on our part to keep him subdued long enough to recover. His ache to resolve this predicament might guide him to actions that will be beneficial for none, least of all himself." Elladan nodded, never stopping the song. Elrohir was just about to continue when suddenly sounds drifted over to him from the yard.
His brother, less attentive in his own exhaustion and his concern for the human, did not seem to notice and he was glad, listening intently, unsure as yet what tidings were being delivered. There were horses snorting and voices exchanging greetings in tiredness but without urgency or strain. He felt himself relax when he was finally able to discern Glorfindel´s calm voice and whispered in relief: "Vedui meathor mbar." //The last warrior [is] home.// Seeing his feelings mirrored on the features that faced him, he joined into the song again with more comfort in his heart than before.
Only a little time had passed, too little for Elladan to succumb to his own need for rest, when there was a soft knock to the door and Calen entered. The fair healer looked drained even through his smile, but there was also an air of relief around him. "I see that my favourite charge resists the healing darkness once again", he teased lightly, the mock frown he tried to bestow on Elladan too tired to bear any strength, "still I am pleased to see both of you relatively well, for your father beckons you to join Lord Glorfindel and himself in his study."
Reading their most urgent question on the faces that turned to him he swiftly continued. "It seems that we were able to save the prince´s leg, though it cost us much effort. He is resting now and will continue to do so for a long while." A knowing look softened his grey eyes. "You will neither abandon him nor Aragorn when you follow your father´s summons. They are both cared for well, rest assured. No harm shall befall them under our care."
The twins rose reluctantly, making room for Calen who took Elrohir´s place at the sleeping human´s side, never looking back at Elrond´s sons when his attention tuned in to the new patient in his care. Elladan swayed slightly as he stood, still gazing down on Aragorn, and somehow his apparent weakness made it easier for Elrohir to overcome his own discomfort at leaving. He placed one arm around his brother´s shoulders and steadily led him out of the room, closing the heavy door behind him quietly.
A cold draft seemed to grip them as soon as they had shut themselves out of the healing refuge. Elrohir felt a light shiver travel through his brother´s body and inhaled deeply in an attempt to catch the fading scent of athelas that still lingered over him. "Let us go", he said as much to himself as to Elladan, "it is long that we had to await some answers to this dangerous riddle." "Aye", the older twin agreed as they set off, "but my heart tells me that the news we will receive might not serve to lift our hearts."
Even tough the brothers had been prepared for ill tidings, both were taken aback when they heard forceful voices drifting over to them as soon as they had entered the long hallway that led to their father´s study. It was a rare occurrence indeed for the elven lord to display the vivid temper that had been bestowed on him, and both felt their steps falter as they drew closer, unconsciously trying to assess the situation inside before entering.
"Will you not see the urgency?" Elrond´s words were below a shout, but only barely so. " The threat is so close to our doorstep that its evil reek travels the very halls of my home! Destruction has to strike swiftly and no long councils should stay our hands." The twins halted in astonishment. They had never heard their father speaking in such a manner and were unsure how to proceed. Waiting in front of the closed door, they heard an equally strong voice respond, its emotions just as clear but slightly better checked.
"I do see your point, my friend, and I do not belittle the foe that awaits us." Glorfindel paused before he went on, his tone more calm. "Even so, this evil has changed from when I last encountered it, it has merged with something else entirely and we should not lash out in haste, giving away our strengths. As close as its cold breath has drawn already, let us not fall into the trap that our fears lay out for us. Let us consider and collect before we turn against this demon, and the victory shall be ours yet again." Another pause followed, broken by a light chuckle that startled the two younger elves in front of the door.
"It seems that the heat of our discussion has scared your brave sons from joining us, mellon-nin. I never thought I would live to see the day that mere words would stay their actions. Valar knows I have tried often enough." A second chuckle joined the first and Elrond´s voice rose in a more friendly way than before. "Do come in, gwannun-nin//my twins//, I assure you that you will not perish from the force of my anger, for it is not directed at you."
Elladan gently disengaged himself from his brother´s arm that had continued to steady him and raised an eyebrow with his hand halfway to the doorknob as if daring the younger one to take the lead and enter the lion´s den first, but Elrohir merely smiled and stepped back a little, allowing his brother to do so.
They walked into the familiar room to find the tension inside so dense that it almost made the air ripple. Elrond stood leaning on one of the many bookshelves to their right, his posture so clearly showing his exhaustion that Elrohir had to fight the urge to rush over and aid him. The elf lord´s fair complexion was ashen but an angry fire burned deep within his clear eyes that scorched anything his gaze touched upon. Even though well aware that his father´s last words had been meant in gentle jest, Elrohir suddenly felt very relieved by their truth. He had seen what even a lesser wrath was able to conjure from Elrond´s powerful mind.
A few paces away from the elf lord´s seething rage, yet close enough to be well within its range, Glorfindel stood in what seemed complete ease. He had one arm slightly raised, holding a glass of wine that was obviously untouched, and his gaze was as calm as the sea before the onslaught of a mighty storm. Both twins knew their teacher well enough to sense the strong will that had dared to challenge their father´s. Elrohir briefly wondered whether the air might have been truly alight only moments ago, for it was clear that their arrival had greatly soothed both elder elves.
Elrond turned his eyes to his sons and their glow softened as he took them in. "We should seat ourselves" he said with a tight smile, "for I see my own stubbornness reflected in my firstborn, and it would not do for either of us to fall over in the middle of your council. Come, let us seek what little comfort we may allow our bodies while our minds shall conquer a predicament worthy of an Istari to solve." Glorfindel inclined his head in agreement at these words, another measure of force taken from the bond of arguments he had shared with Elrond, and the small group went to settle down in the soft chairs that gathered around the quiet fireplace.
Elrond´s observation proved more than correct when both he and Elladan sank down with grateful winces so alike they made Glorfindel and Elrohir exchanged an amused glance, but the mirth was quickly forgotten once they sat silently, each contemplating what they knew, what they expected and feared. Finally, Elrond took a deep breath and looked up, his features once again displaying an outer calm that only his still sparking eyes betrayed.
"There is much to tell", he began quietly, "many observations to share and options to discuss. There are others whose council we may later seek, but the defence of our borders has forced many a trusted friend to leave. Yet, before we can move our thoughts to the evil that besieges our home as we speak, we should think back to a time when its kind roamed Middle Earth in greater number to bring death and destruction to those who encountered it."
He fell silent and the twins´ eyes were drawn to Glorfindel, almost expecting him to stand up and pace back and forth as he done often when discussing history with them. A history that was memory to him. He lifted his eyes and their depth opened as they seldom did, allowing them a glance at centuries that raced past, pulling the deep Elvish thoughts away into a time that was so distant yet as clear to him as the fragile glass that he now slowly placed upon the dark table beside him.
"Our times are those of autumn", the ancient elf began," and as the powers of the old forces of good slowly diminish, the spring of the ones to take their place in the fabric of our world still far off, first heralds of an oncoming storm pass our skies. Many foes once conquered now stir again, sensing the weakness of a world in change, and take their opportunity to prey upon those whom they once had to flee. One such shell for evil has now arisen in our midst."
He faltered briefly, his eyes distant, seeing things that once were and now might be again. A streak of pain crossed his features. "The dark lord himself once bore this form, as did his servant Thuringwethil, her dark malice proving the downfall of many. Others also wrought havoc upon the world of light in the shape of what the myths of men call the vampire."
He turned his gaze towards the window and he stood, a new tension gripping him as his senses reached out for his foe. "Still, what we face is beyond an undead demon. It has bonded with another force that feels just as old. Its minions that spread out through the forests and plains around us carry forth a fell darkness that will claim many a victim before light may rise to strike them down."
TBC
Review responses:
Lynn Murphy: Thanks, I´m glad you are enjoying this. There is some comfort now, but I´m afraid that there will also be more pain ;-)
Anglefire450: See, Legolas is taking a nap now (and so is Aragorn...), taking your good advice, but they´ll be back soon :)
Alariel: Hey, I hope you are better. I missed your wonderful guesses (some of which have turned out correct - yay for you!!) You are quite right about the wolves too, in a way, but there will be other creatures around, soon, too. Keep up your great guesses!!
White Wolf1: Thanks so much for reading and reviewing "Hidden Truths", too, I´m happy you liked it! And yes, Legolas was a true hero, wasn´t he - he deserved the rest he got now.
Jenn: Yes, there will be "disability angst" ahead, even though not as the main theme. I do know Nightwing´s great story, I LOVE it!!! Legolas´ recovery will play a big role in the future, even though the physical aspect of it will prove the smaller problem...
Beling: Thank you!!! I hope you have some more guesses ready.
Aragornwriter: Hi San, thanks so much for the long review! I´m honored you like this so much ;-) There will be more torture (but look at this chapter - none of it, unless you count some angst) and more tension...
LinZe: Sorry the "soon" was not so soon this time - but thanks and keep enjoying.
Estel Elven Enchantress: See how nice I was?? I brought Glorfindel back, Aragorn is getting better - even though he´ll have to try again to return without a scratch.
Tychen: Yay, here goes another cookie for you! Good guess, even though, as I said, this is not all there is to this creature - and neither is its connection to Legolas revealed yet, so keep guessing
Effigy: I´m honored you spent so much time in a row with my story. Sorry for the rather long wait I put you through ;-)
Someone Reading: Hehehe, that comment of yours made me really happy!! I´m so glad I could make you hold your breath like that ;-) You are very welcome for the suspense, and I hope you´ll feel up for more soon.
Candidus-lupus-full Moon: I will, never fear!
Red Tigress: Yes, MAYbe they will //smirk// Hope you liked this chapter, too.
Ertia: More of your hero in this chapter - I hope you are still breathing!! And I do hope I did not try your patience too hard...
NightShadow131: Thanks! And I finally gave the two a breather ;-)
Deana: Here it is! And yes, it´s good for them to be home!
Amy: I thank you! Good you saw the "neon clue", keep it in mind ;-))
Thank you all again, I cannot stress enough how much fun your reviews are.
Sorry for the long wait! It was tough not to have time to write this, it was practically "burning under my nails" but there was just no time this week - until today, that is!
Finally, some guesses are confirmed, some answers given but also new questions raised.
Once again I was blown away by your reviews (responses below) thank you so much!! Don´t forget to keep them coming ;-)
Now for the new chapter, which is nice and quiet in comparison - I hope you´ll enjoy.
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
A home besieged
Voices drifted through the herb-laden air. They were soft, gentle as a light breeze, and Aragorn smiled. He felt detached, floating, and he did not mind. Everything around him whispered of home, and he knew that it was safe to stay adrift as long as his body told him to. Groggily he tried to tell the voices apart. Elrohir, soothing and encouraging, seemed closest, never venturing far. Elladan, from a touch further away but more energetic, was speaking to him in a tone that was laced with sympathy and encouragement, only to be subdued now and again by Lord Elrond´s steady commands. His foster father was there and then gone again, but Aragorn did not worry. Neither did he care that he could not understand a single word that was uttered, his mind too far away to make the effort and give the sounds any meaning beyond comfort. He knew that all would be well. All would fall into place now that they were home.
Elrohir watched worriedly as their father left them again. He had hardly ever seen Elrond looking so exhausted and strained, and he marvelled at the older elf´s ability to eliminate his state from his voice. The atmosphere in Aragorn´s room was one of calm reassurance, as was befitting to allow the ranger his much needed rest. Yet the elf could sense the tension that roamed the rest of the Homely House, kept from passing through the door that he was facing by the powerful aroma of athelas and sheer strength of will. Hurried steps would pass them by, most on their way to the room a few doors down where Legolas was treated. Hushed voices drenched in worry graced the sturdy wood that sealed their small refuge, and Elrohir had chosen not to strain for understanding. He allowed the stream of soothing words to flow forth from his mouth without thinking, as much to Aragorn´s benefit as to his own and his twin´s.
The sheer joy that he had felt when Elladan had greeted them in the courtyard upon their arrival, shadowed by a thoroughly disapproving Calen, still lingered in his soul now, many hours later, as he watched his twin sleep fitfully in a chair across the room. Elladan was far from healed, the serious wound still paining him and causing his eyes to slip closed with exhaustion in his slumber, but his mind had been free of harm and full of support for his brother and friend. He had insisted on aiding them, and Elrond had permitted him to stay with Elrohir while the younger twin saw to the human´s injuries and fever.
The relief both had experienced when their hopes that Estel´s state was merely one of complete fatigue had been proven correct had lifted their spirits. The wounds on their human brother´s chest were beginning to heal, and the fever that his body had been pushed into by a combination of shock, pain and cold was already beginning to abate. Aragorn was sleeping deeply now, completely relaxed in what he had obviously recognised as the safety of home. Elrohir felt an almost desperate need to uphold what sadly was little more than a façade, for he knew that once the cold grip of reality would enclose their youngest brother again he would not find any more rest for a long time.
Elrohir let his gaze drift past his sleeping twin to the window that allowed the stormy grey light of day to flow into the still room. There was no more trace of the black smoke that had followed them so persistently on their way home. To his distress he thought that he could still make out the sickly sweet smell that had accompanied it, overpowered though as it was by the strong healing presence of athelas, and he found himself absent-mindedly rubbing his arms or brushing off his clothes as if he had been stained. No matter how glad he was to be back, there was no doubt in his heart that danger had never left them out of sight and was awaiting eagerly outside the strong gates, ready to pounce on them again should they dare and leave the protection their home provided.
He could not remember ever feeling trapped in Imladris before, but now he almost wished he could see foes sneering at them outside of the walls, so strong was his sense of being encircled by a power that he could neither see nor kill but that was strong enough to challenge even his father.
"Ha dim di hin-cin, gwannun-min." //There is sadness in your eyes, my twin.// Elladan´s voice was sleepy and a little slurry. Elrohir sighed. He was not surprised. His brother had rested far less than he should have. He turned to find Elladan reach out gently to brush a hand over Aragorn´s brow in a gesture that was both tender and weary, but a slow smile spread over his face when he looked up. "His fever is much better. Is there any word yet from Legolas?" The tentative hope in his eyes made the younger twin´s heart shiver. "No" he answered under his breath, trying best as he could to keep his voice level. He had experienced many times how sensitive Aragorn was towards worry and danger, even more so when Legolas was involved. He would much prefer not to discuss this matter here, at their brother´s bed, and Elladan nodded in silent understanding.
Settling back into his chair with a pained wince, the older twin sealed his gaze protectively onto the human as if the strength of his eyes could guard him from further harm. He knew well that his father´s willingness to allow him out of bed and in Estel´s room did not bode well for his Mirkwood friend, for it had been clear that Elrond had simply shown little patience for disputes that did not touch upon grave concerns. The healer had returned to them frequently, making sure that both of his injured sons were well, but he had never lingered long and his concern had radiated from him like a dark haze, dimming his natural light.
Elladan smiled tiredly when he heard Elrohir abandon the constant murmuring he had directed at Aragorn for a low humming. The older brother recognised the melody well, and he could not help feeling sleepy again. "Le glinnech sina glaer anim di fuin"//You sang this song for me in the night//, he noted with slight amusement, "he is sleeping already, brother. Are you trying to lull me back into my dreams?"
Elrohir turned his eyes on his twin to answer and could not bite back a smile of his own when Elladan picked up the melody where he was now forced to leave it, avoiding the sweet string of notes to rip. "Aye, very observant of you. I would very much prefer you to have healed some more when Aragorn awakes, for it might need some effort on our part to keep him subdued long enough to recover. His ache to resolve this predicament might guide him to actions that will be beneficial for none, least of all himself." Elladan nodded, never stopping the song. Elrohir was just about to continue when suddenly sounds drifted over to him from the yard.
His brother, less attentive in his own exhaustion and his concern for the human, did not seem to notice and he was glad, listening intently, unsure as yet what tidings were being delivered. There were horses snorting and voices exchanging greetings in tiredness but without urgency or strain. He felt himself relax when he was finally able to discern Glorfindel´s calm voice and whispered in relief: "Vedui meathor mbar." //The last warrior [is] home.// Seeing his feelings mirrored on the features that faced him, he joined into the song again with more comfort in his heart than before.
Only a little time had passed, too little for Elladan to succumb to his own need for rest, when there was a soft knock to the door and Calen entered. The fair healer looked drained even through his smile, but there was also an air of relief around him. "I see that my favourite charge resists the healing darkness once again", he teased lightly, the mock frown he tried to bestow on Elladan too tired to bear any strength, "still I am pleased to see both of you relatively well, for your father beckons you to join Lord Glorfindel and himself in his study."
Reading their most urgent question on the faces that turned to him he swiftly continued. "It seems that we were able to save the prince´s leg, though it cost us much effort. He is resting now and will continue to do so for a long while." A knowing look softened his grey eyes. "You will neither abandon him nor Aragorn when you follow your father´s summons. They are both cared for well, rest assured. No harm shall befall them under our care."
The twins rose reluctantly, making room for Calen who took Elrohir´s place at the sleeping human´s side, never looking back at Elrond´s sons when his attention tuned in to the new patient in his care. Elladan swayed slightly as he stood, still gazing down on Aragorn, and somehow his apparent weakness made it easier for Elrohir to overcome his own discomfort at leaving. He placed one arm around his brother´s shoulders and steadily led him out of the room, closing the heavy door behind him quietly.
A cold draft seemed to grip them as soon as they had shut themselves out of the healing refuge. Elrohir felt a light shiver travel through his brother´s body and inhaled deeply in an attempt to catch the fading scent of athelas that still lingered over him. "Let us go", he said as much to himself as to Elladan, "it is long that we had to await some answers to this dangerous riddle." "Aye", the older twin agreed as they set off, "but my heart tells me that the news we will receive might not serve to lift our hearts."
Even tough the brothers had been prepared for ill tidings, both were taken aback when they heard forceful voices drifting over to them as soon as they had entered the long hallway that led to their father´s study. It was a rare occurrence indeed for the elven lord to display the vivid temper that had been bestowed on him, and both felt their steps falter as they drew closer, unconsciously trying to assess the situation inside before entering.
"Will you not see the urgency?" Elrond´s words were below a shout, but only barely so. " The threat is so close to our doorstep that its evil reek travels the very halls of my home! Destruction has to strike swiftly and no long councils should stay our hands." The twins halted in astonishment. They had never heard their father speaking in such a manner and were unsure how to proceed. Waiting in front of the closed door, they heard an equally strong voice respond, its emotions just as clear but slightly better checked.
"I do see your point, my friend, and I do not belittle the foe that awaits us." Glorfindel paused before he went on, his tone more calm. "Even so, this evil has changed from when I last encountered it, it has merged with something else entirely and we should not lash out in haste, giving away our strengths. As close as its cold breath has drawn already, let us not fall into the trap that our fears lay out for us. Let us consider and collect before we turn against this demon, and the victory shall be ours yet again." Another pause followed, broken by a light chuckle that startled the two younger elves in front of the door.
"It seems that the heat of our discussion has scared your brave sons from joining us, mellon-nin. I never thought I would live to see the day that mere words would stay their actions. Valar knows I have tried often enough." A second chuckle joined the first and Elrond´s voice rose in a more friendly way than before. "Do come in, gwannun-nin//my twins//, I assure you that you will not perish from the force of my anger, for it is not directed at you."
Elladan gently disengaged himself from his brother´s arm that had continued to steady him and raised an eyebrow with his hand halfway to the doorknob as if daring the younger one to take the lead and enter the lion´s den first, but Elrohir merely smiled and stepped back a little, allowing his brother to do so.
They walked into the familiar room to find the tension inside so dense that it almost made the air ripple. Elrond stood leaning on one of the many bookshelves to their right, his posture so clearly showing his exhaustion that Elrohir had to fight the urge to rush over and aid him. The elf lord´s fair complexion was ashen but an angry fire burned deep within his clear eyes that scorched anything his gaze touched upon. Even though well aware that his father´s last words had been meant in gentle jest, Elrohir suddenly felt very relieved by their truth. He had seen what even a lesser wrath was able to conjure from Elrond´s powerful mind.
A few paces away from the elf lord´s seething rage, yet close enough to be well within its range, Glorfindel stood in what seemed complete ease. He had one arm slightly raised, holding a glass of wine that was obviously untouched, and his gaze was as calm as the sea before the onslaught of a mighty storm. Both twins knew their teacher well enough to sense the strong will that had dared to challenge their father´s. Elrohir briefly wondered whether the air might have been truly alight only moments ago, for it was clear that their arrival had greatly soothed both elder elves.
Elrond turned his eyes to his sons and their glow softened as he took them in. "We should seat ourselves" he said with a tight smile, "for I see my own stubbornness reflected in my firstborn, and it would not do for either of us to fall over in the middle of your council. Come, let us seek what little comfort we may allow our bodies while our minds shall conquer a predicament worthy of an Istari to solve." Glorfindel inclined his head in agreement at these words, another measure of force taken from the bond of arguments he had shared with Elrond, and the small group went to settle down in the soft chairs that gathered around the quiet fireplace.
Elrond´s observation proved more than correct when both he and Elladan sank down with grateful winces so alike they made Glorfindel and Elrohir exchanged an amused glance, but the mirth was quickly forgotten once they sat silently, each contemplating what they knew, what they expected and feared. Finally, Elrond took a deep breath and looked up, his features once again displaying an outer calm that only his still sparking eyes betrayed.
"There is much to tell", he began quietly, "many observations to share and options to discuss. There are others whose council we may later seek, but the defence of our borders has forced many a trusted friend to leave. Yet, before we can move our thoughts to the evil that besieges our home as we speak, we should think back to a time when its kind roamed Middle Earth in greater number to bring death and destruction to those who encountered it."
He fell silent and the twins´ eyes were drawn to Glorfindel, almost expecting him to stand up and pace back and forth as he done often when discussing history with them. A history that was memory to him. He lifted his eyes and their depth opened as they seldom did, allowing them a glance at centuries that raced past, pulling the deep Elvish thoughts away into a time that was so distant yet as clear to him as the fragile glass that he now slowly placed upon the dark table beside him.
"Our times are those of autumn", the ancient elf began," and as the powers of the old forces of good slowly diminish, the spring of the ones to take their place in the fabric of our world still far off, first heralds of an oncoming storm pass our skies. Many foes once conquered now stir again, sensing the weakness of a world in change, and take their opportunity to prey upon those whom they once had to flee. One such shell for evil has now arisen in our midst."
He faltered briefly, his eyes distant, seeing things that once were and now might be again. A streak of pain crossed his features. "The dark lord himself once bore this form, as did his servant Thuringwethil, her dark malice proving the downfall of many. Others also wrought havoc upon the world of light in the shape of what the myths of men call the vampire."
He turned his gaze towards the window and he stood, a new tension gripping him as his senses reached out for his foe. "Still, what we face is beyond an undead demon. It has bonded with another force that feels just as old. Its minions that spread out through the forests and plains around us carry forth a fell darkness that will claim many a victim before light may rise to strike them down."
TBC
Review responses:
Lynn Murphy: Thanks, I´m glad you are enjoying this. There is some comfort now, but I´m afraid that there will also be more pain ;-)
Anglefire450: See, Legolas is taking a nap now (and so is Aragorn...), taking your good advice, but they´ll be back soon :)
Alariel: Hey, I hope you are better. I missed your wonderful guesses (some of which have turned out correct - yay for you!!) You are quite right about the wolves too, in a way, but there will be other creatures around, soon, too. Keep up your great guesses!!
White Wolf1: Thanks so much for reading and reviewing "Hidden Truths", too, I´m happy you liked it! And yes, Legolas was a true hero, wasn´t he - he deserved the rest he got now.
Jenn: Yes, there will be "disability angst" ahead, even though not as the main theme. I do know Nightwing´s great story, I LOVE it!!! Legolas´ recovery will play a big role in the future, even though the physical aspect of it will prove the smaller problem...
Beling: Thank you!!! I hope you have some more guesses ready.
Aragornwriter: Hi San, thanks so much for the long review! I´m honored you like this so much ;-) There will be more torture (but look at this chapter - none of it, unless you count some angst) and more tension...
LinZe: Sorry the "soon" was not so soon this time - but thanks and keep enjoying.
Estel Elven Enchantress: See how nice I was?? I brought Glorfindel back, Aragorn is getting better - even though he´ll have to try again to return without a scratch.
Tychen: Yay, here goes another cookie for you! Good guess, even though, as I said, this is not all there is to this creature - and neither is its connection to Legolas revealed yet, so keep guessing
Effigy: I´m honored you spent so much time in a row with my story. Sorry for the rather long wait I put you through ;-)
Someone Reading: Hehehe, that comment of yours made me really happy!! I´m so glad I could make you hold your breath like that ;-) You are very welcome for the suspense, and I hope you´ll feel up for more soon.
Candidus-lupus-full Moon: I will, never fear!
Red Tigress: Yes, MAYbe they will //smirk// Hope you liked this chapter, too.
Ertia: More of your hero in this chapter - I hope you are still breathing!! And I do hope I did not try your patience too hard...
NightShadow131: Thanks! And I finally gave the two a breather ;-)
Deana: Here it is! And yes, it´s good for them to be home!
Amy: I thank you! Good you saw the "neon clue", keep it in mind ;-))
Thank you all again, I cannot stress enough how much fun your reviews are.