Disclaimer: Tolkien's masterpiece. I'm just messing around with it.
Author's Notes:
Ok…how did I get here…I don't know…this is a very weird chapter where everything is split into threes (Legolas and the twins, Glorfindel and Elrond, Herendil and Meleris). I don't know how I'll manage…
Everyone: Thanks for telling me what a muse is. You guys are so kewl. Now I finally get the meaning of all these words that I can never find in a stupid dictionary. Thanks.
Vicki Turner: Um…You are totally correct for that part…I get it. I just got both of them twins mixed up. I mean they are SO similar. LOL. Don't worry, I'm reloading that chapter with this one. Thanks.
Alexi (elf): Arwen is in Lorien. Thanks for the review.
farflung: Nice analysis. I love your summaries. Btw, the plot will thicken but the point is that it is supposed to bring them together. I don't know about Thranduil and Elrond. I haven't exactly thought about that yet…hmm…
FrodoBaggins87: I would say more blessed than luck. Thanks anyway.
scarecrow975: You are no bother. It's my pleasure. I just hope that I remember to send you an e-mail. Thanks.
~Angel~: This sounds cheesy but you ARE an angel. *Hug*
Autore: Thanks for the detailed explanation of what a muse is. I liked it.
Lady Tolwen: I know. I read the book but in my world things are a little warped yeah. It's a common misconception that I used so I could create some common ground between the characters but for the record you are completely correct. I understand your comment and I do appreciate that you were in a hurry. So do forgive any errors in my story because I'm usually writing bits at a time. Continuity is a thing I strive to achieve. Thanks. You are a fast reader though…unlike me.
feanen: First to review the last chapter. Thanks, my faithful reviewer…
A. M. Monroe, KissTheRainGirl12489 and anyone that I have missed: Thanks for adding me to your favourites!
Bad vibes…Legolas' thoughts are in italics.
**In Imladris, Elrond's Room**
Elrond was already awake but he lay awake on his bed, trying to get an uneasy feeling out of his mind. He did not know what was wrong but something, an instinct, told him that today would be a bad day.
Tiredly, Elrond got up and walked to his balcony. If he were hoping for comfort, he would not find it here. The clouds were uncharacteristically grey. The air was thick and damp. Everything was still but not serene. It seemed that the day was calm but it was more of a calm fury just before a storm. The sun was hidden from view, its cheerful beams of light were concealed by the blackening clouds that threatened to cover the sky. The trees seemed restless, their leaves rustling strangely.
The Elven Lord heard footsteps behind him and he shuddered involuntarily. Glorfindel put his hand on Elrond's shoulder.
"It is early. I thought that I would wake you up so you could prepare for the meeting after breakfast…" Glorfindel explained. "You seem tense this morning. Are you alright?"
"Yes," Elrond replied hesitantly. "Something tells me that today will not be a good day."
"Its just the wild weather. It's the summer storms. You are nervous about the meeting, its probably nothing," Glorfindel assured. He tucked a strand of hair behind his ears.
"You are right. I am just nervous. Its nothing," Elrond said unsurely. He did not know if he was trying to convince Glorfindel more or himself. It was when he was walking he realised that Glorfindel had lied – it was early autumn. The summer storms were already over.
**In Mirkwood, Healing Rooms"
Herendil woke up abruptly. He was alone. He could see that it was just the early hours of the morning. Had Meleris left him when he needed him most? Herendil felt worried. Where was the statement? More importantly – where was Meleris?
Herendil got up shakily without any support, wincing with the effort.
"You sit back down young man," the healer ordered from the entrance of the room. She saw Herendil's effort and was pleased with the progress, however, she didn't like the fact that he decided for himself that he had healed enough. "You are very lucky that you did not hurt yourself trying that," the healer scolded. "Don't try that again if you don't want to stay in bed for another week. It's good that you are up early. I want to examine your injuries to see how they are healing."
Herendil reluctantly sat down to be examined.
"How do you feel?" the healer asked as she took his hospital tunic off.
"Fine," Herendil answered absent-mindedly.
The healer stopped. "You are worried about your friend?"
"How did you know?" Herendil said suspiciously. The healer always seemed to know what Herendil felt. He felt very exposed around her not just physically but mentally. He subconsciously covered his naked torso with the blanket.
"Relax. Anyone would know," the healer said. "You two act like brothers." She gently pulled the blanket from his body. "Your friend is still probably asleep. He was tired last night. He is in the other Healing Room. I thought that he would be more comfortable sleeping in a bed. Your friend wanted to be close to you."
Herendil quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Somehow, the healer always knew what to say.
"I want to check on you just once more before you commence you activities for the day." The healer gave Herendil an encouraging glance. "Show me your forearm," the healer instructed.
Herendil obeyed.
The healer removed the bandages gently and then put some ointment in it. "This is probably the last time your forearm has to be re-bandaged. Starting from tomorrow, you can try using it. It has been a little over a week since you came here. The muscles and blood vessels would have healed, but I don't want you to overdo it because they are still delicate." The healer took Herendil's right hand and put it in front of her. She unwrapped the gauze and scrutinized it. "You right hand is fine. The glass did not cut it badly and there is not infection. The cut has healed well. Just be careful when using it."
Herendil gave the healer a small smile. "I will be."
The healer returned it as she pushed the sheets back to reveal his legs. Although this was not the first time she did this, Herendil still felt embarrassed. He was wearing nothing but a cloth. Her cool hands were soothing as she removed the bandage. She observed the cut.
The healer said, "You want the good news or the bad news."
"Just tell me the plain facts," Herendil said irritably, his embarrassment temporarily forgotten. "I can handle the truth."
The healer looked at Herendil and gave a sigh. "Your leg has healed, this is the good news. The bad news is that it has healed so well I can take the stitches out. This will hurt quite a bit. I can't to give you any drugs for the pain…"
Herendil looked crushed. "Why?"
"I was told not to. You have to see the King and you need a clear mind. If you ask me anyone would think you were going to be tried for something," the healer commented more to herself than to him.
Herendil didn't answer. He couldn't tell her about the investigation. She was already too close to the truth. She read his silence and thoughtfully avoided the topic as to not to make him feel uncomfortable. Herendil was thankful that this healer did have feelings for her patients and that she respected her patient's confidentiality.
Finally the healer said, "I will have to take the stiches out, put antiseptic on it and put a thin bandage on it. Just in case. For today, it will hurt a bit when you first walk on it. The muscle will have to get used to the weight. Take it slowly and don't rush it. Do it a little at a time."
"But…"
"Unless you want someone to carry you. It could be arranged." The healer gave a very convincing mischievous look.
"I'll be careful," Herendil agreed quickly.
"In a week, it should be as good as new," the healer said optimistically.
Herendil looked like a young child who had been given a big present.
"I said SHOULD BE so don't get you hopes too high," the healer warned. "This will hurt." Quickly she dipped a cloth in antiseptic and started removing the stiches – tenderly but firmly. They were small but there were lots of stitches to remove. They had to come out completely otherwise there could be an infection. She looked at Herendil, who had closed his eyes and was biting his lip. Herendil was silent through the whole treatment. He had let his long hair fall in his eyes to conceal the tears that had escaped his eyes. The healer pretended not to notice so that she wouldn't hurt his already shamed pride. She averted her gaze from Herendil as she put the salve on. She could hear him breathing heavily.
"I've finished fixing your thigh," she said with concern. "Can you please turn over? I want to check the rest of the cuts on your back? I just want to check that they are healing well." The healer didn't humiliate him by asking if he was feeling okay. He didn't need to be asked right now.
Herendil grudgingly turned over. The healer treated the rest of his cuts in record time. She flipped him over again, propping extra pillows behind him as he pulled the sheet up to hide his legs. She tucked the sheet in and smoothed the wrinkles on his bed.
"Thanks for…being caring," Herendil mumbled. He was grateful that his hair covered his burning cheeks.
"It's my job." The healer gave a light-hearted reply. Then she pointed to him, "It's your job not to stress yourself today."
"Yes Mother," Herendil replied. It was now more of an affectionate nickname both he and Meleris used.
"Good morning Mother," Meleris said cheerfully. He strolled in wearing deep green robes with a shimmering trim. He had a bundle with him, which he placed on the bedside as he casually sat next to his friend.
The healer smiled and served them breakfast. "Eat up, it's your big day."
Two sets of eyes rolled.
**In Imladris, Great Hall**
Elrond felt very edgy – more so than usual the twin's had noticed. They were prompt for breakfast, wearing similar outfits. Elrond could see that they had made an effort to be tidy. Legolas was wearing one of Elrohir's "princely" outfits again. This time it was a shimmering blue robe.
"Morning Ada," the twins said.
"Morning," Elrond gave a tight smile. No matter what, the twins always made him smile, even if it seemed a bit forced.
"Good Morning Elrond," Legolas addressed the Elven Lord politely.
The twins ate, making small conversation to Legolas and Glorfindel. Elrond did not participate much in the conversation, his mind was preoccupied.
When Glorfindel noticed that Elrond had finished eating, or rather stopped eating, he asked respectfully, "Are you finished?"
"Yes," Elrond said. He stood up abruptly, "Will you excuse us? We have to attend a meeting."
"Sure, Ada." Two voices said.
"Certainly, Elrond," Legolas agreed.
If Glorfindel noticed Elrond's unusual behaviour, he did not show it. "Don't forget you classes," Glorfindel reminded the twins. He gave them a glare for measure.
The twins acquiesced more compliantly than usual.
Did the twins just agree to classes? Did Elrond just act as moody as the twins? Imladris is turning strange, Glorfindel shook his head and followed Elrond out the door.
"You are brooding about something," Glorfindel said.
"Something doesn't feel right. I know I don't have the gift of foresight but I have a feeling that something will go wrong."
Glorfindel raised his eyebrows. "I thought you weren't the type to believe in omens. Look, even you know that feelings can lead you astray. Maybe it is just a feeling. Maybe its nothing."
"But what if it is? I have a feeling that something will happen to the twins. And Legolas," Elrond said vehemently.
"But it is a feeling correct? You can't do anything about it at the moment. If it happens it will happen. Imladris is a safe place."
There was a long silence.
"You lied this morning." It was a statement, not a question. Elrond frowned.
Glorfindel did not deny this. "I know. I wanted to make you feel better. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry. I don't know why I suddenly feel like this…"
"It's your "father side" trying to take over. You have business to do today so it is jealous," Glorfindel laughed. His humour lightened Elrond somewhat. "Or maybe the twins are rubbing off on you. Them and their moods."
"Hey! If I sound like the twins then what would that make you? Me?"
"No way! Who would want to sound like you?" Glorfindel was glad that his teasing had taken Elrond's mind off his worries. It was just a feeling after all. Nothing was going to go wrong. Why should it?
Please Review! Is there a storm coming? Wait to find out!
Please note that my next update will be on WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY because I have church camp next weekend. That will be your chapter for next week so don't miss it! Btw, anyone know what bdsm is? Is it related to s&m? I found it in some Harry Potter story I was reading…Also just wondering what is 'bling bling'?