BURIED
By: Cheryl W
Disclaimer: I don't own The Lord of the Rings or anything in conjunction with the Lord of the Rings nor am I making a profit from this story. No copyright infringement is intended.
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CHAPTER 6
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Utilizing his elven speed, Elrond swept forward, catching his youngest son in his arms as Aragorn collapsed. For a moment, Elrond tightly held his unconscious son against his chest, stealing the embrace that Aragorn had scorned earlier. Then he swept the man into his arms, and, cradling him against his chest, strode for Aragorn's room.
A look passed between the twins before they parted, Elrohir running for the healing ward to retrieve herbs while Elladan trailed his father.
As Elrond approached Aragorn's room, Elladan slipped by him and when Elrond entered the room, a path had been cleared to the bed and the covers were pulled down. With utter gentleness, Elrond laid Aragorn upon the bed and slipped his hands free from the man. Immediately he began to search for his son's unseen hurts. With the dirt that caked the man, the elf could not visually determine if or where any wounds resided. Abandoning trying to see through the dirty appearance, he ripped opened Aragorn's shirt.
"Oh, Valar, no!" Elladan brokenly exclaimed upon the sight of the two grievous sword wounds that his brother's body bore.
For a blinking of an eye, Elrond froze in shock and fear. But then his healer instincts overrode his fatherly terror and he ripped Aragorn's shirt further open to better inspect the wounds.
"Sweet Eru...I..I didn't know," Elladan stammered. "When I restrained him...I held him with brutal strength..." he choked out, sick with the knowledge of how roughly he had handled his brother, unknowing of the wounds upon the human's body. In anguish, he started to take a step away from his brother, from the shame he felt at having inflicted more harm upon one he loved dearly, one that had already been seriously wounded.
He took but two steps backwards before a hand seized his wrist and his eyes shot to his father's. "He was in pain...I didn't sense it...I did him harm."
"Elladan, you didn't know of his wounds," Elrond softly said, "None of us did. But right now he needs your help."
All protests died in Elladan and he quickly came again to his wounded brother's side. "What would you have me do?" his eyes meeting his father's.
"Help me remove his coat and shirt," Elrond instructed.
With inordinate gentleness, Elladan slid his hands under Aragorn's shoulders, raised the man up into a sitting position, and drew him against his chest. Elladan encircled his brother in his grasp, one arm bracing the man at his lower back while his other hand tenderly caressed the man's neck.
When he was assured Elladan had a firm hold on his son, Elrond carefully maneuvered Aragorn's coat sleeve from his youngest son's arm then followed suit by stripping the man's torn shirt also from his arm. Slowly he tugged the shirt free from it's confines in Aragorn's pants and peeled both coat and shirt off as far to the left as he could.
Then he looked to Elladan, ready to instruct his elven son to remove the garments from Aragorn's left side. But the words caught in his throat at the sight of his eldest son tenderly holding his youngest son in his arms. At another time he would have smiled at the scene but not today, not when he know the devastating wounds his youngest bore and saw the terrible fear that gripped his eldest.
To Elladan, the feel of his brother in his arms now was so vastly different than when they had struggled in the hall. Then Aragorn had been all fight and anger and despair and now...Elladan swallowed down a sob and drew his human brother more firmly against his chest. How could he have not sensed his brother's pain when he had restrained him?!? To know he had put pressure directly on his brother's wounds and with strength he had never before unleashed on the human ...closing his eyes in anguish, Elladan rested his chin on Estel's head and whispered brokenly, "I'm sorry, Estel. I am so sorry."
Elladan's head shot up as Elrond lightly touched his cheek, but before his father could say a word, Elladan nodded and released his brother into his father's capable hands. Then gently he removed Aragorn's coat and shirt from the ranger's wounded body.
With regret, Elrond relinquished his embrace of his son and resettled the man back upon the bed.
"How is he?" Elrohir questioned urgently as he rushed into the room, his arms full of herbs, bowls and healing equipment. But before his father or brother could think how to reply, Elrohir caught sight of Estel and his breathing hitched in his throat. "Tell me he will be well!" he implored as his eyes flickered to his father's.
The reassurance his son sought would not come forth from Elrond's constricted throat. Instead he took the items in his son's grasp and laid them out on the nightstand beside the bed. He did not see the worried look that passed between his two elven sons.
Turning back to Aragorn, Elrond, without further delay, soaked a cloth in the water Elrohir had provided. Gently he brushed the wet cloth against the wounds marring his son's sides. He grimaced as the dirt in the wounds turned the water brown. "Infection will set in fast if we do not clear the dirt from his wounds," he said without looking up from his focus on the wounds.
"I'll get more water," Elrohir offered and left the room before his father or brother could respond.
Walking to the nightstand where Elrond had placed the medical supplies, Elladan uncorked a vial and poured a small amount in a bowl and mixed in a dash of an herb from a small pouch. Then he threaded a needle and unwrapped the supply of bandages his brother had thought to bring to the room. Having prepared what he could, Elladan crossed back to the other side of his brother and watched as his father continued to wash his brother's wounds with the water, horrified that dirt still tainted the water. "He's coated in dirt from head to toe...what happened to him!"
"I don't know," Elrond admitted in a pained voice, his fear and his own guilt at his son's emotional pain, unchecked.
"Here's more water, Ada," Elrohir announced as he reappeared in the room now bearing a small bucket, a basin and numerous cloths. He poured some of the water in the basin, sat the bucket on the floor and doused a cloth into the water in the basin and handed the wet cloth to his father.
Trading his soiled cloth for the clean cloth Elrohir offered, Elrond continued to clean the wounds.
Elrohir soaked a second cloth and handed it to Elladan, who tenderly stroked it against his brother's dirt covered face. As the brown substance was wiped away, Elladan could see just how pale Aragorn's complexion was and his worry spiked. He didn't know how the man had made it to Rivendell as wounded as he was nor could he fathom how his brother had managed to not crumble upon their doorstep. And Elladan could never forget the worthy struggle his brother had given against his restraint.
Moving his ministrations to his brother's chest, the water turned brown at his cloth's first touch of the man's skin. Gratefully, Elladan accepted a new clean cloth from Elrohir and made more headway on ridding his brother from the dirt that clung to him.
Elladan's guilt increased with every inch of his brother that was freed from the dirt by either himself or his father's ministrations. The extent of his brother's wounds to his sides was slowly being revealed. He could see the deep wound that had pierced the flesh of his brother's right side and the line of ravaged flesh that ran down the length of Aragorn's left side, from his third rib to his stomach. And Elladan himself had uncovered a cut under his brother's throat and bruising that marred the man's torso.
Frustration hummed through Elrond as he realized that he would have to take more drastic measures to rid his son's wounds of the dirt. Turning to the nightstand, he noticed that the mixture he required had already been created by Elladan. Sometimes he wondered when his sons had become more intelligent than he. Dabbing a dry cloth into the mixture, Elrond turned again to his son's ravaged body. Beginning with the more serious wound, Elrond pressed the cloth into the wound that had pierced his son's right side. Expecting Estel to react to the pain of the pressure as well as to the stinging bite of the mixture upon an open wound, Elrond found his concern increased drastically as his son lay still and quiet under his hands. Elrond's fingers flew to Aragorn's neck, seeking the reassuring presence of his son's heartbeat.
Closing his eyes in relief, Elrond, knowing his actions would have alarmed his two elven sons, sighed in relief, "His heartbeat is faint but steady." Opening his eyes, he returned to his task, never meeting his sons' looks. He knew his youngest son's wounds were his fault as surely as the emotional damage inflicted on the man was his doing alone. With that knowledge, Elrond found he could not meet the eyes of his elven sons and bear to see their condemnation.
He was startled when his hand was grasped and his eyes flew up to met Elrohir's gaze.
"This is not your fault, ada. Clearly Aragorn engaged in a battle with someone," Elrohir soothed, easily sensing his father's guilt filled anguish.
"Someone who knew how to expertly inflict pain upon his spirit...and his body," Elrond bitterly retorted. Breaking his eye contact with Elrohir, Elrond looked at the pale, motionless face of Aragorn and hesitantly reached his bloody hand toward his son's face. But when his soiled hand would have touched Aragorn's face, Elrond snatched his hand back and curled it into a fist. Brokenly he choked out, "He thinks I do not love him.." A tear slipped down his cheek as his eyes stayed focused upon Aragorn's face.
Elrohir put a hand to his father's cheek and wiped away his father's tear. "We will make him realize how ridiculous that notion is, how utterly foolish he was to even harbor that thought for a moment."
Elrond's eyes swung up to Elrohir's. A question in his eyes he dared not utter.
However, his sons knew him well enough to read his thoughts. It was Elladan who answered the unspoken plea. "We know you love Estel, ada. Have loved him since the first second you took him into your arms."
But Elrond could not forget the shocked, and yes, ashamed looks both Elladan and Elrohir bestowed on him when he had confessed that he had initially refused to shelter Aragorn and his mother. "Yet, you are shamed of me, of my refusal of Arathorn's request to take in Aragorn," his voice quiet and pained.
The twins exchanges glanced. Elladan at last spoke, "Ada, whatever reservations you had about sheltering Aragorn and his mother they did not stand a chance against the inclinations of your heart."
Though his son's words did not fully offer him forgiveness, they are least gave him the hope of forgiveness. Elrond's eyes rested again upon his youngest son, 'But will Estel forgive me,' pressed through his mind.
"Ada.." Elrohir softly beckoned, knowing his brother needed his father's healing ministration to continue now if he were to survive.
His son's soft call brought Elrond from his stupor and he nodded before again setting to his task, dousing the wounds with the mixture to cleanse the damaged flesh. Satisfied that he had sterilized the wounds, Elrond picked up the already threaded needle and began to deftly stitch together the torn flesh. Aragorn gave no response to his father's actions.
Continuing to sponge away the dirt from his brother's body, Elladan tenderly picked up his brother's hand and worked to dislodge the caked dirt from the man's palm and fingers. Unease gripped him as he uncovered fingers that seemed coated in more than dirt. He was startled when Elrohir snatched Aragorn's hand from him and ran his thumb over the man's nails.
Elrohir's breath caught in his throat. He knew what else coated his brother's fingers: Blood, blood that even now seeped from under the man's nails. "No," he pleaded, as his conversation with Estel ran through his head, now with new clarity. 'You look like you've just crawled out of the Halls of Mandos.' And Aragorn had said, 'I have.'
Elrohir's one word drew the attention of both his father and brother. "What is it, Elrohir?" Elladan questioned, letting his look swing from his brother's stricken face to Aragorn's hand that had seemed to generate Elrohir's reaction.
But Elrohir could not voice his fear, did not want to even think it. "Nothing..it is nothing," he stammered. Without releasing his brother's hand, Elrohir moved the water filled basin to his side and placed Aragorn's hand in it's depth. Using gentle strokes of his fingers, he worked to wash away the dirt and blood from Aragorn's callused hand.
Having not the time to press Elrohir for an explanation for his reaction, Elrond finished stitching closed the wound to his son's right side and crossed to Aragorn's left side. Immediately, Elladan and Elohir moved out of his path and came to their brother's other side, Elladan again took up the task of cleaning his brother's chest and arm while Elrohir placed Aragorn's right hand into the basin of water.
None spoke as they each tended to Estel, the deftness of their healing skills and the depth of their love for Aragorn plainly shining through their every motion. Long after the twins had washed away the dirt from their brother's body did their father place stitches upon the long sword cut that ran down Aragorn's left side.
Elladan placed a cool damp cloth upon Aragorn's forehead and ran his hand through his brother's hair, wishing he dared to wash the dirt from the dark tresses. But the night was growing cold and he did not dare risk giving his brother an added chill by making his hair wet.
Elrohir stoked the fire he had built in Aragorn's room, trying hard to dismiss the conclusions he had drawn. It was too horrible, too sick...he felt shame at even thinking of it. But he could not abandon the thought. Between Aragorn's dirt covered appearance, his response to Elrohir's words, his bloody, dirty nails...Elrohir clamped his eyes shut. It all fit together. He opened his eyes and looked to the scene before him, his father feverously stitching Aragorn's wound, Elladan soothing Aragorn with his touch, Aragorn lying so still as if made of stone. Suddenly Elrohir needed to escape from the room, from the horrible knowledge he could no longer deny. Standing from his crouched position by the fire, Elrohir stalked for the door as if Sauron himself was at his heels.
Elladan watched his twin's departure with surprise and concern but he did not abandon his post beside his youngest brother. There would be time later to demand the truth from Elrohir.
Elrohir quickly strode down the hallway slipping into a small servant's passageway before he allowed the long held back sob to break from him. Leaning his shoulder heavily against the wall, he let his emotions unravel their tight coil as one word rang through his head. Buried. Aragorn had been buried, he knew that now without a doubt, just as he knew that he had not been there to rescue his brother from that fate.
Questions bombarded him, questions he could not answer. Why? Who? Where? He knew none of it. Only Aragorn knew the answers...but how could one speak of such horror? How could one survive it? But Aragorn miraculously had and Elrohir sent up a valiant thank you to the Valar for their mercy.
Quieting his anguish, Elrohir wiped away his tears and drew in steadying breaths. His brother needed his strength now and he would not fail him, not in this. Straightening off the wall, Elrohir began to make his way downstairs. When Aragorn awoke, he could be thirsty and though Elrond would force the human to drink some of his famous tea, Elrohir knew from personal experience that the concoction did little to quench one's thirst. No, Aragorn would wake to find a tall refreshing glass of water at his side...along with three worried elves, of course. The thought almost made Elrohir smile, almost.
Elrond sewed in the last stitch, and with Elladan's aid, wrapped the wounds in bandages. With a shaky breath, Elrond put his fingers to his son's neck and felt the steady, though weak, pulse of the human's blood. Elladan removed the cloth from Aragorn's forehead so that Elrond could place his palm against the man's skin. "He has a slight fever," Elrond announced quietly and met Elladan's eyes across Aragorn's still body.
"His stubborn strength will see him through this, ada," Elladan reassured, his eyes softening as he took in the haggard appearance of his father. "Now go seek some rest father, I will watch him."
Elrond opened his mouth to protest but then, unexplainably, he surrendered to his son's suggestion with a nod of his head. Sliding his hand from Aragorn's forehead, Elrond leaned down and placed a kiss on his youngest son's warm forehead, brushed his hand through Aragorn's dark locks, then stood to his full height. "If his conditions changes.."
"I will call you without hesitation," Elladan promised with a small smile. How many times had they played out this particular scene before in their lives? One time had become too many in Elladan's book.
Looking one last time at his unconscious son, Elrond walked from the room, his shoulders void of their usual proud posture.
As Elladan gently removed his brother's boots, stripped him of his dirt covered pants and replaced them with loose pants the man once used as sleepware, memories of performing these same tasks on a very young, very exhausted Estel bombarded the elf. Placing a rewetted cloth again on Estel's forehead, Elladan pulled the covers up to his brother's chin. Moving a chair to the bedside, he claimed a seat. But he could not bear the lost connection with his youngest sibling. Quickly he removed Aragorn's left hand from the covers and grasped it in his own hand. "All will be well, little brother, all will be well."
Elrohir was crossing the great hall, water glass in hand when the Last Homely House's front door, without a knock to herald it's guest, swung open. Water sloshed from the glass as Elrohir stumbled to a halt at the sight of their guest, whose dirt covered clothing reminded Elrohir painfully of Aragorn's appearance through that same door earlier in the day.
Instantaneously, Legolas crossed the distance that separated him from Elrohir and gripped the elf's shoulder in his desperate grasp. "Estel, where is Estel?!"
Stunned at the usually calm elf's frantic demeanor, Elrohir stammered, "He's in his room."
Dodging past Elrohir, Legolas ran for Aragorn's room, taking the stairs two at a time. Barreling through his friend's bedroom door, he came up short at the sight of his best friend lying in his bed, his chest rising and falling evenly. Crossing to the bed, he fell to his knees at his friend's side and grasped the man's hand in his own, scarcely taking notice of Elladan's presence. With relief that left him weak, Legolas bowed his head onto Aragorn's shoulder.
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TBC
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Did someone say they wanted angst? Hope this story's fitting the bill! Love to hear from any and all readers!
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Replies to Reviews:
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Tychen: You're absolutely right, there is no quick fix for these problems! (What fun would that be after all?) And I definitely belief you're on the right track about why Elrond's initially didn't want to take in Aragorn. And yes, Elrond's got a lot of work ahead of him! Love hearing from you!
Luinthien: You flatter me! (keep it coming!) And yes, things aren't going to go easy for Elrond in the next few days...and his allies seem in slim number. I'd feel sorry for him but I'm too busy siding with Aragorn. Thanks again for your wonderful reviews, can't wait to read your next review!
Elven Kitten: Glad to see you returned the forklift and didn't get arrested in the process! Thanks for your review!
Aebbook: LOVED YOUR REVIEW! I really needed some positive feedback and you gave it to me. Thank you! Elrond has not gotten the chance to explain....yet. So glad you're taking the time to read and review my story!
Someone Reading: Yup, I know I'm evil and worst thing is, I'm loving it! Your review didn't disappoint! (as usual!) Thank you for your wonderful compliments! I'm really touched that you were affected by Legolas' emotions as he thinks his friend is dead! And that I've written the scenes so they seem vision...you are way too kind! (love ya for that!) I also woulda couched Elrond to lie...but he was just too honorable! And you are right, happiness isn't the going to be the main theme of this story...but no worries, we'll get there. After all, I'm a total sap! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your reviews, you really make me feel great!
MoonFire1: You read all five chapter at once! Thank you! That's quite a compliment right there! But then you compliment me again on my writing and this story! So glad you started to read this story! I agree with what you said about fostered/adopted children and Aragorn has to have always harbored those fears..and now it seems like it's coming true! He and Elrond certainly need to have a serious heart to heart but as you noticed, that didn't happen this chapter! Then there's Barion to deal with...I guess I have some serious posting to do! Thanks for reviewing!
Steph: I know exactly how you feel about finding a story you like and then it seems to go nowhere. I started to cheat and only read completed stories! However, I promise you I will finish this story! Thanks for your compliments!
Grumpy: Tying Aragorn to a bed sounds like good advice! And I knew you'd be relieved that most of the dirt was cleaned from Aragorn but I just couldn't stand to think he was lying in bed with wet hair! I hate that too much myself! Poor Elrond indeed. Waiting impatiently for your next review!
Marbienl: Yes, Aragorn will appreciate Legolas's presence and his knowledge of what he's been through, emotional and physically. I'm so pleased that you liked how I wrote Legolas reading the signs of battle! And no, I left out how long Aragorn's been with the rangers...on purpose...I didn't want to back myself into a corner where I needed to know too many facts. (Yes, I'm a cheater!) I have to admit I too liked the scene with Elladan holding back Aragorn. But I'm very proud of you to think that more harm could have been done to Aragorn in that action because as you can see I thought along those same lines...and so did Elladan! Elrond shouldn't lie to his son...but I think it was awful tempting! As for the writers block...I hope not!!!! I know some of the scenes I want to happen and I've written some of the dialog and I definitely know the ending so I'm hoping everything will come to me with ease. (cross your fingers!) And you're torture methods...I think you're more evil than me...which is probably why I like you so well! Can't wait for your next email!
Joey: Hi Ven! It's awesome that you're from Denmark! I totally love hearing about other countries so drop me an email sometime and tell me all about your life there! As far as your spelling...It's perfect! (better than mine!) And I think you're right, Aragorn's heart did break into a thousand pieces! (Is Elrond sure a lie would not have been better!) I'm working hard to answer those pesky questions but it seems to be slow going but I will get there, I promise! Thank you so much for reviewing!
Lady of the Lake2: I've missed you! I almost emailed you but I figured real life was taking up your time! Thanks for your wonderful words and I'm glad you liked the letter. At first I was afraid they didn't come off as coming from Elrond but I'm glad you approve! And yes, Elrond should have leaped at the chance to protect Aragorn but you never can tell what an elf's thinking can you?! So glad you reviewed!! Can't wait for you to read the other chapters and tell me what you think! Ops just got your second review! You are truly a great friend to take the time to review each chapter!! Glad you liked the fight scenes because I really wanted them to come off visually acceptable. And I'ld LOVE to be making money writing...maybe I'll reach for that dream again down the line. You are the BEST!
Tailspin: Your compliment really touched my heart!!! I love writing family angst so I'm glad I do it well! And I totally agree with you that there is nothing better than an emotional tormented Aragorn. Glad you stuck with this story even though the skeleton was creepy you out! Now you'll have to deal with the angst...but somehow I think that's why you've tuned in in the first place? Am I right? Thanks again for your wonderful review, it certainly put a huge smile on my face!
Thanks so much for reading!
Till next time!
Cheryl W.
By: Cheryl W
Disclaimer: I don't own The Lord of the Rings or anything in conjunction with the Lord of the Rings nor am I making a profit from this story. No copyright infringement is intended.
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CHAPTER 6
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Utilizing his elven speed, Elrond swept forward, catching his youngest son in his arms as Aragorn collapsed. For a moment, Elrond tightly held his unconscious son against his chest, stealing the embrace that Aragorn had scorned earlier. Then he swept the man into his arms, and, cradling him against his chest, strode for Aragorn's room.
A look passed between the twins before they parted, Elrohir running for the healing ward to retrieve herbs while Elladan trailed his father.
As Elrond approached Aragorn's room, Elladan slipped by him and when Elrond entered the room, a path had been cleared to the bed and the covers were pulled down. With utter gentleness, Elrond laid Aragorn upon the bed and slipped his hands free from the man. Immediately he began to search for his son's unseen hurts. With the dirt that caked the man, the elf could not visually determine if or where any wounds resided. Abandoning trying to see through the dirty appearance, he ripped opened Aragorn's shirt.
"Oh, Valar, no!" Elladan brokenly exclaimed upon the sight of the two grievous sword wounds that his brother's body bore.
For a blinking of an eye, Elrond froze in shock and fear. But then his healer instincts overrode his fatherly terror and he ripped Aragorn's shirt further open to better inspect the wounds.
"Sweet Eru...I..I didn't know," Elladan stammered. "When I restrained him...I held him with brutal strength..." he choked out, sick with the knowledge of how roughly he had handled his brother, unknowing of the wounds upon the human's body. In anguish, he started to take a step away from his brother, from the shame he felt at having inflicted more harm upon one he loved dearly, one that had already been seriously wounded.
He took but two steps backwards before a hand seized his wrist and his eyes shot to his father's. "He was in pain...I didn't sense it...I did him harm."
"Elladan, you didn't know of his wounds," Elrond softly said, "None of us did. But right now he needs your help."
All protests died in Elladan and he quickly came again to his wounded brother's side. "What would you have me do?" his eyes meeting his father's.
"Help me remove his coat and shirt," Elrond instructed.
With inordinate gentleness, Elladan slid his hands under Aragorn's shoulders, raised the man up into a sitting position, and drew him against his chest. Elladan encircled his brother in his grasp, one arm bracing the man at his lower back while his other hand tenderly caressed the man's neck.
When he was assured Elladan had a firm hold on his son, Elrond carefully maneuvered Aragorn's coat sleeve from his youngest son's arm then followed suit by stripping the man's torn shirt also from his arm. Slowly he tugged the shirt free from it's confines in Aragorn's pants and peeled both coat and shirt off as far to the left as he could.
Then he looked to Elladan, ready to instruct his elven son to remove the garments from Aragorn's left side. But the words caught in his throat at the sight of his eldest son tenderly holding his youngest son in his arms. At another time he would have smiled at the scene but not today, not when he know the devastating wounds his youngest bore and saw the terrible fear that gripped his eldest.
To Elladan, the feel of his brother in his arms now was so vastly different than when they had struggled in the hall. Then Aragorn had been all fight and anger and despair and now...Elladan swallowed down a sob and drew his human brother more firmly against his chest. How could he have not sensed his brother's pain when he had restrained him?!? To know he had put pressure directly on his brother's wounds and with strength he had never before unleashed on the human ...closing his eyes in anguish, Elladan rested his chin on Estel's head and whispered brokenly, "I'm sorry, Estel. I am so sorry."
Elladan's head shot up as Elrond lightly touched his cheek, but before his father could say a word, Elladan nodded and released his brother into his father's capable hands. Then gently he removed Aragorn's coat and shirt from the ranger's wounded body.
With regret, Elrond relinquished his embrace of his son and resettled the man back upon the bed.
"How is he?" Elrohir questioned urgently as he rushed into the room, his arms full of herbs, bowls and healing equipment. But before his father or brother could think how to reply, Elrohir caught sight of Estel and his breathing hitched in his throat. "Tell me he will be well!" he implored as his eyes flickered to his father's.
The reassurance his son sought would not come forth from Elrond's constricted throat. Instead he took the items in his son's grasp and laid them out on the nightstand beside the bed. He did not see the worried look that passed between his two elven sons.
Turning back to Aragorn, Elrond, without further delay, soaked a cloth in the water Elrohir had provided. Gently he brushed the wet cloth against the wounds marring his son's sides. He grimaced as the dirt in the wounds turned the water brown. "Infection will set in fast if we do not clear the dirt from his wounds," he said without looking up from his focus on the wounds.
"I'll get more water," Elrohir offered and left the room before his father or brother could respond.
Walking to the nightstand where Elrond had placed the medical supplies, Elladan uncorked a vial and poured a small amount in a bowl and mixed in a dash of an herb from a small pouch. Then he threaded a needle and unwrapped the supply of bandages his brother had thought to bring to the room. Having prepared what he could, Elladan crossed back to the other side of his brother and watched as his father continued to wash his brother's wounds with the water, horrified that dirt still tainted the water. "He's coated in dirt from head to toe...what happened to him!"
"I don't know," Elrond admitted in a pained voice, his fear and his own guilt at his son's emotional pain, unchecked.
"Here's more water, Ada," Elrohir announced as he reappeared in the room now bearing a small bucket, a basin and numerous cloths. He poured some of the water in the basin, sat the bucket on the floor and doused a cloth into the water in the basin and handed the wet cloth to his father.
Trading his soiled cloth for the clean cloth Elrohir offered, Elrond continued to clean the wounds.
Elrohir soaked a second cloth and handed it to Elladan, who tenderly stroked it against his brother's dirt covered face. As the brown substance was wiped away, Elladan could see just how pale Aragorn's complexion was and his worry spiked. He didn't know how the man had made it to Rivendell as wounded as he was nor could he fathom how his brother had managed to not crumble upon their doorstep. And Elladan could never forget the worthy struggle his brother had given against his restraint.
Moving his ministrations to his brother's chest, the water turned brown at his cloth's first touch of the man's skin. Gratefully, Elladan accepted a new clean cloth from Elrohir and made more headway on ridding his brother from the dirt that clung to him.
Elladan's guilt increased with every inch of his brother that was freed from the dirt by either himself or his father's ministrations. The extent of his brother's wounds to his sides was slowly being revealed. He could see the deep wound that had pierced the flesh of his brother's right side and the line of ravaged flesh that ran down the length of Aragorn's left side, from his third rib to his stomach. And Elladan himself had uncovered a cut under his brother's throat and bruising that marred the man's torso.
Frustration hummed through Elrond as he realized that he would have to take more drastic measures to rid his son's wounds of the dirt. Turning to the nightstand, he noticed that the mixture he required had already been created by Elladan. Sometimes he wondered when his sons had become more intelligent than he. Dabbing a dry cloth into the mixture, Elrond turned again to his son's ravaged body. Beginning with the more serious wound, Elrond pressed the cloth into the wound that had pierced his son's right side. Expecting Estel to react to the pain of the pressure as well as to the stinging bite of the mixture upon an open wound, Elrond found his concern increased drastically as his son lay still and quiet under his hands. Elrond's fingers flew to Aragorn's neck, seeking the reassuring presence of his son's heartbeat.
Closing his eyes in relief, Elrond, knowing his actions would have alarmed his two elven sons, sighed in relief, "His heartbeat is faint but steady." Opening his eyes, he returned to his task, never meeting his sons' looks. He knew his youngest son's wounds were his fault as surely as the emotional damage inflicted on the man was his doing alone. With that knowledge, Elrond found he could not meet the eyes of his elven sons and bear to see their condemnation.
He was startled when his hand was grasped and his eyes flew up to met Elrohir's gaze.
"This is not your fault, ada. Clearly Aragorn engaged in a battle with someone," Elrohir soothed, easily sensing his father's guilt filled anguish.
"Someone who knew how to expertly inflict pain upon his spirit...and his body," Elrond bitterly retorted. Breaking his eye contact with Elrohir, Elrond looked at the pale, motionless face of Aragorn and hesitantly reached his bloody hand toward his son's face. But when his soiled hand would have touched Aragorn's face, Elrond snatched his hand back and curled it into a fist. Brokenly he choked out, "He thinks I do not love him.." A tear slipped down his cheek as his eyes stayed focused upon Aragorn's face.
Elrohir put a hand to his father's cheek and wiped away his father's tear. "We will make him realize how ridiculous that notion is, how utterly foolish he was to even harbor that thought for a moment."
Elrond's eyes swung up to Elrohir's. A question in his eyes he dared not utter.
However, his sons knew him well enough to read his thoughts. It was Elladan who answered the unspoken plea. "We know you love Estel, ada. Have loved him since the first second you took him into your arms."
But Elrond could not forget the shocked, and yes, ashamed looks both Elladan and Elrohir bestowed on him when he had confessed that he had initially refused to shelter Aragorn and his mother. "Yet, you are shamed of me, of my refusal of Arathorn's request to take in Aragorn," his voice quiet and pained.
The twins exchanges glanced. Elladan at last spoke, "Ada, whatever reservations you had about sheltering Aragorn and his mother they did not stand a chance against the inclinations of your heart."
Though his son's words did not fully offer him forgiveness, they are least gave him the hope of forgiveness. Elrond's eyes rested again upon his youngest son, 'But will Estel forgive me,' pressed through his mind.
"Ada.." Elrohir softly beckoned, knowing his brother needed his father's healing ministration to continue now if he were to survive.
His son's soft call brought Elrond from his stupor and he nodded before again setting to his task, dousing the wounds with the mixture to cleanse the damaged flesh. Satisfied that he had sterilized the wounds, Elrond picked up the already threaded needle and began to deftly stitch together the torn flesh. Aragorn gave no response to his father's actions.
Continuing to sponge away the dirt from his brother's body, Elladan tenderly picked up his brother's hand and worked to dislodge the caked dirt from the man's palm and fingers. Unease gripped him as he uncovered fingers that seemed coated in more than dirt. He was startled when Elrohir snatched Aragorn's hand from him and ran his thumb over the man's nails.
Elrohir's breath caught in his throat. He knew what else coated his brother's fingers: Blood, blood that even now seeped from under the man's nails. "No," he pleaded, as his conversation with Estel ran through his head, now with new clarity. 'You look like you've just crawled out of the Halls of Mandos.' And Aragorn had said, 'I have.'
Elrohir's one word drew the attention of both his father and brother. "What is it, Elrohir?" Elladan questioned, letting his look swing from his brother's stricken face to Aragorn's hand that had seemed to generate Elrohir's reaction.
But Elrohir could not voice his fear, did not want to even think it. "Nothing..it is nothing," he stammered. Without releasing his brother's hand, Elrohir moved the water filled basin to his side and placed Aragorn's hand in it's depth. Using gentle strokes of his fingers, he worked to wash away the dirt and blood from Aragorn's callused hand.
Having not the time to press Elrohir for an explanation for his reaction, Elrond finished stitching closed the wound to his son's right side and crossed to Aragorn's left side. Immediately, Elladan and Elohir moved out of his path and came to their brother's other side, Elladan again took up the task of cleaning his brother's chest and arm while Elrohir placed Aragorn's right hand into the basin of water.
None spoke as they each tended to Estel, the deftness of their healing skills and the depth of their love for Aragorn plainly shining through their every motion. Long after the twins had washed away the dirt from their brother's body did their father place stitches upon the long sword cut that ran down Aragorn's left side.
Elladan placed a cool damp cloth upon Aragorn's forehead and ran his hand through his brother's hair, wishing he dared to wash the dirt from the dark tresses. But the night was growing cold and he did not dare risk giving his brother an added chill by making his hair wet.
Elrohir stoked the fire he had built in Aragorn's room, trying hard to dismiss the conclusions he had drawn. It was too horrible, too sick...he felt shame at even thinking of it. But he could not abandon the thought. Between Aragorn's dirt covered appearance, his response to Elrohir's words, his bloody, dirty nails...Elrohir clamped his eyes shut. It all fit together. He opened his eyes and looked to the scene before him, his father feverously stitching Aragorn's wound, Elladan soothing Aragorn with his touch, Aragorn lying so still as if made of stone. Suddenly Elrohir needed to escape from the room, from the horrible knowledge he could no longer deny. Standing from his crouched position by the fire, Elrohir stalked for the door as if Sauron himself was at his heels.
Elladan watched his twin's departure with surprise and concern but he did not abandon his post beside his youngest brother. There would be time later to demand the truth from Elrohir.
Elrohir quickly strode down the hallway slipping into a small servant's passageway before he allowed the long held back sob to break from him. Leaning his shoulder heavily against the wall, he let his emotions unravel their tight coil as one word rang through his head. Buried. Aragorn had been buried, he knew that now without a doubt, just as he knew that he had not been there to rescue his brother from that fate.
Questions bombarded him, questions he could not answer. Why? Who? Where? He knew none of it. Only Aragorn knew the answers...but how could one speak of such horror? How could one survive it? But Aragorn miraculously had and Elrohir sent up a valiant thank you to the Valar for their mercy.
Quieting his anguish, Elrohir wiped away his tears and drew in steadying breaths. His brother needed his strength now and he would not fail him, not in this. Straightening off the wall, Elrohir began to make his way downstairs. When Aragorn awoke, he could be thirsty and though Elrond would force the human to drink some of his famous tea, Elrohir knew from personal experience that the concoction did little to quench one's thirst. No, Aragorn would wake to find a tall refreshing glass of water at his side...along with three worried elves, of course. The thought almost made Elrohir smile, almost.
Elrond sewed in the last stitch, and with Elladan's aid, wrapped the wounds in bandages. With a shaky breath, Elrond put his fingers to his son's neck and felt the steady, though weak, pulse of the human's blood. Elladan removed the cloth from Aragorn's forehead so that Elrond could place his palm against the man's skin. "He has a slight fever," Elrond announced quietly and met Elladan's eyes across Aragorn's still body.
"His stubborn strength will see him through this, ada," Elladan reassured, his eyes softening as he took in the haggard appearance of his father. "Now go seek some rest father, I will watch him."
Elrond opened his mouth to protest but then, unexplainably, he surrendered to his son's suggestion with a nod of his head. Sliding his hand from Aragorn's forehead, Elrond leaned down and placed a kiss on his youngest son's warm forehead, brushed his hand through Aragorn's dark locks, then stood to his full height. "If his conditions changes.."
"I will call you without hesitation," Elladan promised with a small smile. How many times had they played out this particular scene before in their lives? One time had become too many in Elladan's book.
Looking one last time at his unconscious son, Elrond walked from the room, his shoulders void of their usual proud posture.
As Elladan gently removed his brother's boots, stripped him of his dirt covered pants and replaced them with loose pants the man once used as sleepware, memories of performing these same tasks on a very young, very exhausted Estel bombarded the elf. Placing a rewetted cloth again on Estel's forehead, Elladan pulled the covers up to his brother's chin. Moving a chair to the bedside, he claimed a seat. But he could not bear the lost connection with his youngest sibling. Quickly he removed Aragorn's left hand from the covers and grasped it in his own hand. "All will be well, little brother, all will be well."
Elrohir was crossing the great hall, water glass in hand when the Last Homely House's front door, without a knock to herald it's guest, swung open. Water sloshed from the glass as Elrohir stumbled to a halt at the sight of their guest, whose dirt covered clothing reminded Elrohir painfully of Aragorn's appearance through that same door earlier in the day.
Instantaneously, Legolas crossed the distance that separated him from Elrohir and gripped the elf's shoulder in his desperate grasp. "Estel, where is Estel?!"
Stunned at the usually calm elf's frantic demeanor, Elrohir stammered, "He's in his room."
Dodging past Elrohir, Legolas ran for Aragorn's room, taking the stairs two at a time. Barreling through his friend's bedroom door, he came up short at the sight of his best friend lying in his bed, his chest rising and falling evenly. Crossing to the bed, he fell to his knees at his friend's side and grasped the man's hand in his own, scarcely taking notice of Elladan's presence. With relief that left him weak, Legolas bowed his head onto Aragorn's shoulder.
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TBC
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Did someone say they wanted angst? Hope this story's fitting the bill! Love to hear from any and all readers!
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Replies to Reviews:
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Tychen: You're absolutely right, there is no quick fix for these problems! (What fun would that be after all?) And I definitely belief you're on the right track about why Elrond's initially didn't want to take in Aragorn. And yes, Elrond's got a lot of work ahead of him! Love hearing from you!
Luinthien: You flatter me! (keep it coming!) And yes, things aren't going to go easy for Elrond in the next few days...and his allies seem in slim number. I'd feel sorry for him but I'm too busy siding with Aragorn. Thanks again for your wonderful reviews, can't wait to read your next review!
Elven Kitten: Glad to see you returned the forklift and didn't get arrested in the process! Thanks for your review!
Aebbook: LOVED YOUR REVIEW! I really needed some positive feedback and you gave it to me. Thank you! Elrond has not gotten the chance to explain....yet. So glad you're taking the time to read and review my story!
Someone Reading: Yup, I know I'm evil and worst thing is, I'm loving it! Your review didn't disappoint! (as usual!) Thank you for your wonderful compliments! I'm really touched that you were affected by Legolas' emotions as he thinks his friend is dead! And that I've written the scenes so they seem vision...you are way too kind! (love ya for that!) I also woulda couched Elrond to lie...but he was just too honorable! And you are right, happiness isn't the going to be the main theme of this story...but no worries, we'll get there. After all, I'm a total sap! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your reviews, you really make me feel great!
MoonFire1: You read all five chapter at once! Thank you! That's quite a compliment right there! But then you compliment me again on my writing and this story! So glad you started to read this story! I agree with what you said about fostered/adopted children and Aragorn has to have always harbored those fears..and now it seems like it's coming true! He and Elrond certainly need to have a serious heart to heart but as you noticed, that didn't happen this chapter! Then there's Barion to deal with...I guess I have some serious posting to do! Thanks for reviewing!
Steph: I know exactly how you feel about finding a story you like and then it seems to go nowhere. I started to cheat and only read completed stories! However, I promise you I will finish this story! Thanks for your compliments!
Grumpy: Tying Aragorn to a bed sounds like good advice! And I knew you'd be relieved that most of the dirt was cleaned from Aragorn but I just couldn't stand to think he was lying in bed with wet hair! I hate that too much myself! Poor Elrond indeed. Waiting impatiently for your next review!
Marbienl: Yes, Aragorn will appreciate Legolas's presence and his knowledge of what he's been through, emotional and physically. I'm so pleased that you liked how I wrote Legolas reading the signs of battle! And no, I left out how long Aragorn's been with the rangers...on purpose...I didn't want to back myself into a corner where I needed to know too many facts. (Yes, I'm a cheater!) I have to admit I too liked the scene with Elladan holding back Aragorn. But I'm very proud of you to think that more harm could have been done to Aragorn in that action because as you can see I thought along those same lines...and so did Elladan! Elrond shouldn't lie to his son...but I think it was awful tempting! As for the writers block...I hope not!!!! I know some of the scenes I want to happen and I've written some of the dialog and I definitely know the ending so I'm hoping everything will come to me with ease. (cross your fingers!) And you're torture methods...I think you're more evil than me...which is probably why I like you so well! Can't wait for your next email!
Joey: Hi Ven! It's awesome that you're from Denmark! I totally love hearing about other countries so drop me an email sometime and tell me all about your life there! As far as your spelling...It's perfect! (better than mine!) And I think you're right, Aragorn's heart did break into a thousand pieces! (Is Elrond sure a lie would not have been better!) I'm working hard to answer those pesky questions but it seems to be slow going but I will get there, I promise! Thank you so much for reviewing!
Lady of the Lake2: I've missed you! I almost emailed you but I figured real life was taking up your time! Thanks for your wonderful words and I'm glad you liked the letter. At first I was afraid they didn't come off as coming from Elrond but I'm glad you approve! And yes, Elrond should have leaped at the chance to protect Aragorn but you never can tell what an elf's thinking can you?! So glad you reviewed!! Can't wait for you to read the other chapters and tell me what you think! Ops just got your second review! You are truly a great friend to take the time to review each chapter!! Glad you liked the fight scenes because I really wanted them to come off visually acceptable. And I'ld LOVE to be making money writing...maybe I'll reach for that dream again down the line. You are the BEST!
Tailspin: Your compliment really touched my heart!!! I love writing family angst so I'm glad I do it well! And I totally agree with you that there is nothing better than an emotional tormented Aragorn. Glad you stuck with this story even though the skeleton was creepy you out! Now you'll have to deal with the angst...but somehow I think that's why you've tuned in in the first place? Am I right? Thanks again for your wonderful review, it certainly put a huge smile on my face!
Thanks so much for reading!
Till next time!
Cheryl W.