Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or any of the
characters I use in this story. This fanfiction was written for pure fun and no
money was/is made with it.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama/Angst
Summary: A simple hunting trip turns into a disaster as Elladan and
Elrohir are attacked by orcs. With Elrohir being seriously hurt, their only
chance lies now in the hands of Aragorn and Legolas....but will they meet in
time? Main Characters: Elladan, Elrohir, Aragorn, and Legolas.
E-mail: kaeera@yahoo.de
Feedback: Always appreciated, and constructive criticism is very welcome.
Notes: Duh...I'm barely at home anymore, no kidding. I
can't even access the internet regularly! *sobs* I go to school everyday, come
home, have about an hour to learn and do other homework, then I am off again,
heading to various orchestras and practises, preparing for the three big
concerts we'll have soon...returning around ten in the evening...*sighs* ´The
time around christmas is really very stressful. But I'm sure you all have the
same problem. O.o Where are the holidays when I need them?
Anyway, this is
the chapter you've all been waiting for. Yep. Do the two words 'waking up' tell
you something? *grins broadly* Well, then go on and read, I won't stop you any
longer!
When the Snow Falls
by Kaeera
Chapter Thirteen: Candlelight
Aragorn was wide awake, though it was the middle of the night. He had slept so
much over the last three days, he just wasn't able to lie still any longer. He
was impatient, and a bit annoyed for his father wouldn't let him out of bed yet.
It hadn't bothered him too much that first day. He had been far too exhausted to
do anything other than sleep, but now that he was feeling better, he desperately
wanted to see his brother!
Sighing impatiently, he sat up in
bed. He had only heard bits and pieces about Elrohir's condition, but the
concerned looks on Legolas' and Elrond's faces told him that something was
seriously wrong. And worse yet, when Elladan came to see him, he looked tired
and worn-out. It took every bit of willpower to keep himself from running to the
younger twin's side.
During the day there were always elves in his room, but at night his room was
empty. That just the thing Aragorn had waited for. Even Legolas, who had not
left his side for one moment, was nowhere in sight.
Slowly the human pulled himself out
of bed and cursed inwardly when his knees nearly buckled under him. But his
desire to see Elrohir was stronger than his body and carefully, he moved towards
the door. He was just leaving his room, as a soft, yet amused voice startled
him: "You never seem to change my friend, do you?"
Aragorn flinched and turned around to find Legolas looking at him with
exasperation. "I just wanted to see Elrohir." He defended himself. "I've been
sleeping for three days, it won't kill me to walk the short distance to his
room!"
Legolas sighed. "I'm not sure anymore what will kill you and what will not."
"Ha ha, very funny." The ranger remarked dryly. "But really, I need to visit
Elrohir – everybody keeps saying he's unconscious, but no one will tell me the
truth. I don't want to ask Elladan or Ada, because they are worried enough
already. I wanted to see 'Ro with my own eyes – after all he's my brother!" His
eyes blazed. "I will not let you stop me."
Legolas stared at him for a few moments and then chuckled. "I have no intention
of doing so. If you wish, I will accompany you and make sure that you don't end
up on the floor."
Aragorn grinned widely. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." The blonde elf became serious as they started walking.
"However, Elrohir's condition still hasn't changed."
"Is he…?"
"He has not yet woken. And he hasn't responded to our attempts to wake him
either. Not even Elladan's prodding or Elrond's pleading will wake him. He's
just lying there and…well, not responding."
"Oh." Aragorn's heart grew heavier. Elladan must be worried sick, no wonder he
looked so horrible.
Legolas closed his eyes. "And there's more. The longer he stays unconscious, the
more unlikely it will be that he will ever wake. Three days have passed by now,
and with each hour, the chance of his…passing…grows. Elladan is nearly mad with
worry. He hasn't slept since we returned, not that I blame him, and he has
barely eaten."
Aragorn rubbed his eyes, suddenly confronted with the severity of the situation.
"Valar, Elrohir, why do you have to make us worry?" he murmured as they reached
the door to the younger twin's room. It was shut tightly.
"Elladan is probably inside, he rarely leaves Elrohir's side." Legolas told the
ranger, then opened the door.
Aragorn hesitated before entering the room. It was dark, only a few candles were
lit, throwing shadows against the walls, and the air smelled of sickness and
grief. The carvings on the ceiling glowed threateningly in the dim light, and
the ranger suppressed a shudder.
A single bed stood in the middle of the room and on it laid a familiar figure.
Long, dark hair was spread out over the pillows, framing a thin, pale face. At
first glance, Elrohir looked as if he was merely sleeping, but when he looked
closer, he could see the elf's ashen skin and dark circles under his eyes.
Elladan was there, just as Legolas predicted he would be, sitting in a chair
close to the bed. He looked even worse than his twin, if that were possible. The
mischievous sparkle in his eyes had been replaced by a dull, worried glow, and
his shoulders, normally so strong, were slumped over. Lines of exhaustion were
clearly visible in his face, making him appear much older than he actually was.
He raised his head at the sound of someone entering the room. Surprise washed
over his face when he recognized Aragorn, and behind him, Legolas. The surprise
was soon replaced by a half-hearted smile. "Estel! Shouldn't you be in bed?"
"I wanted to see him." The ranger said softly and he stepped closer to the
sleeping elf. "How is he?"
Elladan sighed. "Still the same as before. He won't wake up, all we can do is
wait. It's driving me insane!"
"Well, that's the thing he's usually doing – driving you insane." Aragorn joked
lightly and was pleased to see a small smile appear on Elladan's tired features.
"Yes, indeed, he is. He's the only one who manages that, actually. Stupid
brother of mine." Despite the unkindly words, his voice was filled with love and
pride. The ranger smiled inwardly. Someone that didn't know his brothers would
think they actually disliked each other for the elves often teased and insulted
each other. But he knew better, he knew that they shared a close bond.
So close that if one of them got hurt, then the other became a worried
mother-hen, which could be quite annoying to the one being mothered, but which
was quite funny, because one could annoy the twins with it *after* the accident
had happened.
Aragorn became serious once more as he looked down at Elrohir's pale face. He
sat down on the edge of the bed and he took the lifeless hand of his brother in
his own. "What are you dreaming right now, 'Ro?" He asked softly without really
expecting an answer. He wondered what was going through the elf's mind. Was he
fighting demons in his dreams? Or was he dreaming of such wonderful things he
would not want to return home?
"I've asked myself that many times." Elladan told him softly. "But he won't
reply, I am afraid that he is trapped somewhere in his mind, unable to return to
us."
Legolas stepped closer to the two brothers. "Elrohir is strong. It may take
time, but I am sure that he will come back to us. He's far too stubborn to give
up!" He spoke with more confidence than he felt.
"The question is when." Aragorn murmured.
"And how." The eldest twin added. "We cannot be sure how much damage the head
wound has done to him."
Aragorn shook his head. "I hate waiting."
"We all know that." Legolas answered wryly, looking closely at the human. If he
showed any signs of exhaustion, he would immediately take him back to his room.
The ranger still wasn't fully recovered and the fever had weakened him greatly.
Thankfully, he was better now and that was all that counted.
The ranger grinned humourlessly. "Times such as this are unbearable, we are
being unable to do anything. I can't stand it at all."
"Neither can I." Elladan whispered and closed his eyes. "I just want it to be
over."
And they looked at the source of their worries, at Elrohir, who still gave no
sign of waking, he just lay there, motionless, pale, and still.
Pain…it hurt…so much…
He was floating, but where and how, he couldn't determine. He felt lost and his
head hurt when he tried to recall what had happened to him.
Around him there seemed to be only empty space. He could sense no ground, no
air, no nature, nothing at all! It was as if he was floating between the stars,
and who could tell, maybe he was?
Then a memory came back to him, a flashback when he had been so carefree and
young. He could see it and hear the words clearly, although he was still
floating in empty space.
"Elrohir, let us make a promise, shall we? We shall promise each other that we
will never be separated again; we will stay together for all time, even when we
sail to the Gray Havens."
"We shall swear an oath, like the warriors do. And neither one of us shall ever
break it."
"All right. Let's say it together."
And two voices spoke in a chorus, "We, Elladan and Elrohir, Lords of Imladris,
take the oath to share everythinggood times and bad, pain and happiness,, and no
fate shall ever separate us."
We are brothers and thus, we shall be inseparable."
"…And if you break that oath, I might have to kill you."
"Don't be silly, you could never kill me, just as I could never kill you."
"You never know…"
"Well, maybe, but that will never happen. I don't think I could ever turn my
back on you, even though you can be quite annoying at times, brother."
"Oh really? Well, I am not the one who always gets into trouble for the most
stupid things, and you always drag *me* behind!"
"You shouldn't hang around with me then."
"Without me, you'd be dead by now. Someone has to be the responsible one, and
you, with your stubbornness certainly aren't!"
The voices continued bickering for a while then slowly faded away, leaving him
floating alone in the darkness. He frowned as he remembered that conversation.
He had promised, he couldn't leave his brother's side. Elladan would be
desperate!
'I want to go back!' he thought with sudden intensity. 'I want to return to my
home, my family!'
Maybe it was the sudden forcefulness of his wish or maybe it was something else
– whatever it was, everything suddenly changed and he was sucked forward,
towards an unknown source of light, a strange energy. Voices screamed at him,
echoed inside his head, but he couldn't understand what they were saying.
Blinding pain shot through his veins and he almost screamed as he fell forward,
fell into the light, until…
He awoke.
The first thing he felt was a slight tingling in his nose. Then he became aware
of the bedcovers, of the fact that he was lying flat of his back, of the dull,
throbbing pain in his head.
Something wasn't quite right, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
Then it dawned to him. Voices, he could hear voices talking, he could clearly
hear the muffled sounds, but…he couldn't understand the words. It was as if they
were talking in a strange language.
He wanted to move, wanted to show them that he was awake, but his body wouldn't
obey. Feeling strangely detached, he listened for a while, and it didn't take
him long to fall back into darkness, his mind full of confusion and worry.
The next morning Elladan found himself alone in the room again. Aragorn and
Legolas had left in the early hours of the night, after Legolas had insisted
that Aragorn needed his rest. After peering at his human brother's tired face,
Elladan agreed. They had left and Elladan was left alone once more, caught in
his thoughts and fears. Every time his gaze wandered over to Elrohir, he
couldn't help but feel afraid.
Three days, and still no sign of waking. Three horrible days, in which he had
barely slept or eaten. Logic told him he couldn't keep that up much longer, but
it was a vicious circle…and he was unable to get out of it.
His father also talked with him, gently, eyes reflecting the same fear Elladan
felt every minute. He stated the facts, in a serious voice as he usually did
when examining an injured person, but Elladan knew all too well that Elrond was
shaken by Elrohir's state as well.
When Celebrian left, his only reason to continue to stay here in Arda had been
for his children – Arwen, Elrohir and Elladan. And before long, Aragorn as well.
Now, the possibility of losing one of those children was very real…how would he
deal with it? How could he deal with it?
About an hour ago, he thought that Elrohir had woken up, but he had been wrong,
and the intense disappointment had him only made feel worse than before.
Elladan shook his head. He didn't even know how *he* could deal with it. Living
without his twin by his side seemed an impossibility. Nobody to annoy, nobody to
share worry with, nobody by his side, helping and aiding him. He would be alone.
All alone.
No! The elf scolded himself. He wouldn't think like that! He had to keep
believing that Elrohir would wake up! Elrohir wouldn't die!
Elrohir…just….wouldn't…
He noticed that he was on the verge of crying and buried his face in his hands.
It wouldn't help Elrohir if he broke down, he needed to be strong.
"Oh Elrohir…what are you doing to me?" he whispered and took his brother's hand
in his own. "You're making me crazy with worry!"
The tall elf sighed and his shoulder sagged. "I really wonder what you're
dreaming right now. It must be really great if you will not return home."
* * *
He was more aware of his surroundings this time. Somebody was talking to him,
although he still couldn't make out the words. But he was able to think more
clearly now, and that alone gave him comfort.
'Where am I'? Was the first question that came to mind. His senses told him that
he was lying on soft ground, flat on his back. It was warm outside and he seemed
to be covered by a light material.
A blanket?
The fogginess left his brain, but the images he saw only made him feel more
confused.
A beach and a dark sea, gulls screaming full of sorrow in the pale grey light.
A forest covered in snow and two horses following a path under the trees.
Grey, thin sand under his feet and no other living-being near him.
People screaming at him, telling him to stay awake while he only wanted to
sleep.
Blood on his hands and a horrified face looking at him.
Two little elflings, asking him curious questions he couldn't answer.
All those pictures were clear in his mind, but they didn't make any sense. They
only lead to the next question, the question that lurked in the back of his mind
all this time.
'Who am I?'
For a short moment, he was shocked, for he didn't know the answer. But then,
slowly a name appeared in front of him.
'Elrohir. I am Elrohir.' He was relieved by this certainty and decided to open
his eyes. Maybe the person who was mumbling besides him could answer a few of
his questions.
He didn't even know what he was saying. Elladan was thinking about past events in their childhood, smiling sadly as he remembered those carefree days. He placed his forehead on his brother's hand.
"Can you remember the day we went out into the forest for the first time? I'm seeing it clearly – you hunting the squirrel, while I tried to climb the next tree, and between us, Glorfindel, who was ready to. We were driving him insane!" The elf smiled sadly.
"And do you remember the day when Arwen was born? We were so eager to see our little sister! She was so small, and now she's so beautiful...isn't it strange? Many years have passed, yet it seems as if it just happened."
"We always played pranks on Glorfindel…oh, that was funny. Especially when we dyed all his clothes pink – really, he was fuming. I think I will never forget the look on his face. It was priceless!"
"And…and do you remember the day I decided to cut my hair? I was sick of looking exactly like you, so I told you to use Glorfindel's knife and…really, what a stupid idea, but it seemed like the right thing to do. I actually never told Ada that it was Glorfy gave me that idea…he would have been very mad!"
A small tear trickled down his cheek. "Oh, Elrohir…"
The light burned his eyes as he first opened them and he blinked, tears welling up in his eyes. He could see a blurred shadow besides his bed, someone with long, dark hair. The person wasn't looking at him, but was holding a hand in his own and pressing his face against it.
It took Elrohir a moment to realize that it was his own hand the other one was holding. He blinked again and looked around, taking in his surroundings. He was in a rather dark room with large windows. Pale light shone through them, morning was dawning.
The ceiling above him was made of wood and decorated with beautiful carvings of
various plants and birds. He frowned. They reminded him of something, but he
couldn't recall what.
By the Valar!
The bed he was on was large and comfortable. His eyes darted around the room and
soon found something to look at – his other hand, lying on the sheets.
Curiously, he glanced at it, noticing how pale it seemed. Small cuts and bruises
decorated the pale skin.
"Elrohir..." A rough voice beside him startled him for a moment. He looked at
the person again, trying to clear his vision. Finally, a form came into focus..
A person with long, dark hair, elegant features and a tall, yet thin frame was
watching him intently. An elf of a rare beauty, strong in appearance and yet
able to laugh openly like the children did. Images flashed through his mind as
he stared at the dark-haired stranger.
…"Don't you dare sleep now when I'm alone out here! After all, this whole
hunting trip was your idea! I shouldn't have listened to you, really, I was so
stupid to follow you. Come on, Elrohir, talk to me! Say something! You know what
happens when you fall asleep if you have a severe head injury, after all, Ada
taught you as well. I know that you must feel tired, but I can't let you
sleep...Say something, 'Ro, please!"…
The pain and worry in the voice was clearly audible, and yet he was unable to
recall the exact situation. Head injury? Why? When? How?
One thing was clear: He knew this person. He knew him! But…he couldn't remember…
He wanted to say something, but a sudden pain flashed through his head and he
gasped. It wasn't even a loud noise, but the other one heard his soft gasp for
his head flew up in one, quick motion.
For a moment, the other one simply stared at him, and Elrohir could see his
pale-blue eyes and their long, dark eyelashes. The face, although masculine, was
quite handsome, and tiny wrinkles around his eyes made him think this elf
laughed often. He immediately liked this other one, this…other elf, though he
could not say why.
Elladan was just remembering another one of their famous pranks when a soft
noise woke him out of his daydreams. It came from the bed and he immediately
jerked up, hope and worry filling his heart.
His heart skipped a beat when he saw that his brother's open eyes. The elder twin didn't dare breathe, he just blinked and stared. Two pale-blue eyes were looking directly at him, a bit unfocused and cloudy, but they were open, and that meant…
He rubbed his eyes, praying against all odds that this wasn't another
hallucination, another desperate wish, but when he looked again, nothing hade
changed. Elrohir had opened his eyes.
"'Ro?" Elladan whispered hoarsely, his voice shaking with unspoken emotions.
The eyes moved, as well as the mouth, but no sound came out. Elrohir seemed to
be confused, and he looked small and fragile against the white bedcovers.
"Elrohir…can you hear me?" Tears welled up in his eyes as immense relief and joy
washed over his body.
A slight movement of his head indicated that Elrohir had at least understood
him, even though it seemed he was unable to speak at the moment. But Elladan
didn't care. Elrohir was awake! He had understood him! He….he was alive! His
twin was alive! And he wouldn't die!
"Thank the Valar…" he whispered and clutched his brother's hand tightly. "Thank
you…Thank you…"
In the overwhelming darkness
A light will shine
Star of hope, feeling deep in your heart
Ray of sunlight, golden warmth of the sky
Always there…//
Elrohir tried to smile at the obvious relief in the other's voice, but he was
far too exhausted to do so. It seemed as if even the small act of moving his
head had burnt all his energy, and now he was feeling drained and tired. His
memory was still fuzzy and he was unable to connect the pictures in his head,
but he knew one thing: He knew this person.
As soon as the other one had spoken his name, he had felt an incredible
familiarity with the tall elf. They were close, very close, and he would have
trusted him with his life, although he could not recall why.
However, that was not important at the moment. He felt happy now that he had
seen the other one. Elrohir felt safe, secure - he felt home.
On the shore of a colourless sea
You'll be able to see the star
Shining brightly
And showing you the path
Home…//
"I'm so glad to have you back!" Elladan whispered, his eyes sparkling with joy.
"I was so worried about you…don't ever do that to me again!"
Confusion washed over Elrohir's face and he seemed to be quite disorientated,
which reminded Elladan he'd better call their father and tell him his twin had
woken up. But he couldn't leave his brother's side. Not yet. Just a few more
minutes. He needed time to convince himself this was reality and not another
dream.
"You were unconscious for three days, brother." Elladan explained. "In our
battle with the orcs, you sustained a critical head wound. You were out like a
light and we were unable to wake you. For three days you just lay
unmoving…everybody was so worried! Ada has barely slept, and I…I haven't slept
at all." He shook his head.
"You shouldn't move too much – you are still weak. It was very close, just a
little longer and you would have…." Elladan gulped, "…you would have died…"
He gently touched his brother's face. "I was nearly crazy with worry. Don't you
ever do something like that to me again, do you hear me? I can't go through this
again…the worry, the fear, the pain, and the loneliness….no…never again…"
A light will shine
Bringing you warmth
Bringing you something to hold on
Just a small light
But strong enough to make the darkness disappear…//
Elrohir felt a little bit guilty for causing the other one so much pain. But he was awake now, wasn't he? It was over! It had been serious, but now that he had woken up, his he should recover quickly. And surely his memory would return, wouldn't it? It probably was just an after-effect of his three-day sleep, or of the head wound, he didn't know.
He nodded again and tried to smile, warmth spreading through his chest. It felt great to be loved, great to be needed. It truly felt like home.
'Yes, indeed,' Elrohir thought with a hint of satisfaction. 'I'm home.'
And it will guide you through the nightmares
Will take your hand
And lead you towards the sun
The warmth
The security
And the hope.//
To be continued...
Chamela – Nope, I don't update very often, my life is far too busy for that. Believe me, I often feel guilty about that, because I know how hard it is to wait for new chapters, alas, I can't change it…That's why I'm thankful for every support!
amlugwen – I brought him back, you see? *g* The sea has a special meaning, as well as the gulls…think a bit about it, maybe you can figure it out^^
Elfie5 – I hope that Elrohir gets his memory back, too…I don't know how to continue, I have to think of something…I'm so indecisive…
Celestra – I know the problem with school *sighs* I'm in my last year and I really need a good average in order to enter the university course I want to study, so I have to work hard. *shakes head, then smiles* Little Estel is cute, isn't he? But I think that the little twins are even cuter!
Salara – Das mit dem Trauerfall tut mir leid. Wie ich es schaffe, mich in Elrohir's Situation einzufühlen? Nun…man nehme absolut traurige und deprimierende Musik, bevorzugt aus irgendwelchen Animes (RahXephon und Gundam Seed sind gerade meine Favoriten) und höre diese, bis man sich in einer total merkwürdigen, losgelösten Stimmung befindet…und dann kommt so was wie dieses Fanfic zustande. Nachher wundere ich mich auch immer, wie ich auf solche Ideen gekommen bin.
FirstMate – Actually, Elladan was really there. Elrohir unconsciously heard his voice and his mind added it to his dreams…at least that's how I think about it. *lol*
San – To answer your question: only one. He is awake! Yes! And it has only taken 13 chapters…
Jazi – We don't celebrate Halloween in Germany, but thank you nonetheless^^ Well, Elladan didn't have to punch him, but the story is still unfinished, isn't it? *cackles*
incomplete13 – Thanks a bunch! I'm always afraid that my stories are getting too long, because I mostly concentrate on one thing and drag it out on many chapters…
Araya Arwen – Well, no cliffie, but we can soon change that…*gg*
Gwyn – Yep. Elladan has definitely the worst part in this story. So maybe the correct term would be 'Elladan-angst' and not 'Elrohir-angst'…well, let's just say twin angst, then it is correct.
Iawen Londea – Well, I simply wanted one chapter concentrating on Elrohir. *shrugs* Just for the fun of it. You have Elladan, Aragorn and Legolas in this one^^ And nope, Elladan wasn't sleeping, he just talked to the sleeping Elrohir and he was somehow hearing his voice. That easy^^ Well, I added an Aragorn-worrying-scene extra for you, but I am afraid that it is very short. Sorry. I just couldn't make it any longer…
Lady Jaina – Ausgezeichnet! Wunderbar! *g* Your German was perfect^^
Lomiothiel – The One and Only hopes that your questions about the promise have been answered in this chapter^^ But the One and Only feels bad because she has a serious writer's block right now and doesn't have the time to write anything…stressful life…