Chapter 11
Elladan swore in every language he knew, (and considering he had been around for over three thousand years...), he immediately tried to find a pulse. To his relief there was a faint, almost unnoticeable beat, Estel had not left them yet, but he knew the Human hadn't got long.
The door was still locked, Elrohir was on the verge of breaking it down. "Come on," he muttered grabbing the prince by the sleeve, "there must be another way to get in."
"The window..." Legolas shrugged.
"Good idea." Elrohir went into the next room along and climbed through the window.
"Elrohir..."Legolas cursed, why did he always have to suggest such things.
Two minutes later Elrohir clambered back through, "It's locked." He complained.
"Ro," he spoke softly, seeing the door open to reveal Elladan's face, eyes rimmed with tears, they knew it to be bad news.
Elladan had been fighting for his brother's life most of the night and nearly killed himself realising that he had fallen asleep from exhaustion. Now the human was paying for his mistakes.
He thought of his twin and Legolas standing outside. They had to know.
Opening the door he saw Elrohir and Legolas watching expectantly.
"Is he?" Elrohir's voice choked.
"Ro..." Elladan found his voice shaking.
"He's dead, isn't he?" he blurted out.
"Elladan?" Legolas prompted.
"No...he's....he's still alive...for now..."
"For now?" Elrohir snapped, "What do you mean for now?"
"Vilya helped him...but I fear it is not enough to be permanent." Elladan spoke softly.
"You have done what you can, no one can ask for more Dan." Elrohir tried to reassure.
"I should have done more, I could have. I tried most of the healing techniques and trances father taught us, but none of them worked. I had not the strength..."
"Alone no, together..." Elrohir started.
"Ro..."
"No Dan, for once just shut up and listen. If there is a chance to save Estel, I want to take it, but I am not as skilled as you, I need you with me brother...for Estel..."
"We can try." Elladan sighed, knowing he was not going to win.
"Thank you." Elrohir smiled briefly.
"Is there anything I can do?" Legolas asked.
"Yes," Elladan smiled softly, "go and be with your father. You will not realise what you have, until it is gone." Legolas smiled softly, he thought Elladan was taking it pretty well, 'but only to mourn in private later' he reminded himself and left the twins alone.