Expect the expected.

"Estel," called Legolas in his delirium. "Estel!"

"Shhhh! Mellonin. It's alright. You're going to be fine." Elrohir tried desperately to calm his friend, fearing his cries would attracted the attention of wolves.

Looking up at the skies, searching for some hint of morning's approach, Elrohir saw, with some relief, that the rain was lessening and the wind easing off.

A small cry from behind made him turn.

Elladan had again stumbled in the dark and this time, could not seem to find the strength to get up.

"Elladan," called Elrohir. "We must hurry!"

Unbeknownst to him, poison was even now coursing through his brother's veins and soon would threaten his life, as well as preventing him from saving his brother.

Slowly and painfully, Elladan gained his feet again and staggered towards Elrohir, who had again begun to walk, thinking only for his friends safety and never realising the Elladan was even injured, let alone poisoned.


As the storm lifted, morning came, and with it, brought a very welcome sight.

Turning out of the forest onto the road, Elrohir lifted his head and saw before him the gates of Imladris, his home.

They reached out to him, glowing in the sunrise, calling him home.

Up above, he heard the sentry call down for the gates to open and as they swung slowly open he could see his father standing worriedly in the courtyard, staring out towards him, fearing the worst.

'Not unwisely,' thought Elrohir grimly, as he carried the unconscious form of Legolas through the gates.

"Elrohir!" cried Elrond, as soon as he could make out the face before though all his worry.

Then his eyes took in the limp form in his son's arms and he blanched.

Fearing the answer he asked, "Where are your brothers?"

Only now did Elrohir realise that Elladan was not beside him or anywhere remotely near him.

Turning, he searched behind for his twin and, with relief, saw Elladan stumble through the gate.

This relief soon turned to alarm as, no soon had Glorfindel relieved him of his burden, Elladan collapsed to the ground.

"Elladan!" cried two voices as both Elrohir and Elrond started towards the limp figure.

Only then did Elrohir remember the wounded form of Legolas that he still clutched tightly to his chest.

Though he hated to leave his brother, especially as he had just collapsed, he knew he had to get Legolas to the healing wing and turned to follow Glorfindel, who had already rushed inside to take Estel to the healers.


I'm really sorry! I really meant for it to end in this chapter, but I knew I hadn't posted for ages.

More coming soon, and please check out my bio for a story challange.