The Twisted Web of Fate

by Sinister Sindar Sisters

Thranduil and his young son travel to a trade meeting very soon after the death of their wife and mother. Unknown to them, darkness follows them. Will they survive and make it back to their beloved home alive?

11. Chapter 11

The Twisted Web of Fate. 10a?

(Gwî Norn Ned Amarth)

By the Sinister Sindar Sisters (M. Cross and B. Kennedy)

We broke this chapter into three parts because it wound up being about 117 pages long. This site is getting impossible to work with. We've tried for several days to get this posted. It keeps eating our edits, especially punctuations, if not the entire upload. - Barbara

Disclaimer: Try as we might, we still don't own any part of the wondrous world created by the genius of J.R.R. Tolkien, so we just visit it and borrow a few characters for these stories. We write them for our own entertainment and we surely don't make any money off them.

Rating: PG13 Action/adventure/angst (hurt/care)

Feedback: Yes please………….

Spoilers: Well, surely for LOTR

Summary: Thranduil and his young son must travel to a trade meeting very soon after the death of their Wife and Mother. Unknown to them, dire danger and darkness follows them. Will they both survive to return to their beloved home alive?

WARNINGS – Lots of angst and hurt/care throughout this story.

Shell is a stickler for medical accuracy. There are more graphic injury descriptions here, may be disturbing to some.

Tissue warning - You might want a couple close to hand. You never know.

We are aware we seem to be repeating the same story to different characters, but they need to be told what is happening too. We try to mix it with lots of new stuff.

The story is Alternate Universe to begin with, though heavily structured on Middle Earth history, research and medical fact. Enjoy the show. It's all for fun anyway.

Sindarin vocabulary…………………………………….

(References: Dragon Flame and Encyclopedia of Arda)

Adar, ada - father, dad

Amarth – fate, doom

Anor – Sun

Aran, Aran-nin - King, my King

Ardhon, Arda - the world

Caun - Prince

DaerAda, DaerNana – (roughly) Grandfather, Grandmother

Elenath sila am le! - Stars shine upon you!

Elleth, ellith – elf-maiden, elf-maidens

Ellon, ellyn – elf, elves (male)

Elrondionnath – sons of Elrond

Fea - soul, spirit

Gwador – brother

Gwanur – 1. pair of twins 2. brother or kinsman, kinswoman

Gwathel - sister

Gweth - manhood

Gwî – web

Hannon le – Thank you

Hennad - thanks

Hir, Hir-nin - Lord, my Lord

Hithlain – 'mist-thread' a substance used by the elves of Lothlórien to make strong ropes

Iaur - old

Imladris – Rivendell

Ion-nin – my son

Irmo – Vala of dreams and visions (also known as Lórien)

Lhaew hûn nestadren salab - digitalis, foxglove (My made-up Sindarin name, literally - ill heart healing herb)

Meleth – (My) love

Melethron – (my) lover (masc.)

Mellon-iaur – old friend

Mellon-nin, mellyn-nin - my friend, my friends

Namarie – Farewell
Námo – true name of the Valar Mandos

Ned - of

Norn – twisted

Olórin – The Maia (Istari) Mithrandir, Gandalf, his 'true' name

Penneth – Young one

Saes - Please

Sîdh - peace

Suilad – Hail or Greetings

Yrch - orcs

/ text / indicates though, dream or visions

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

- Chapter ten A –

They traveled at good speed, riding long into the night, only stopping when necessary. The horses seemed to enjoy the freedom as much as did their riders.

Brilliant stars in a clear sky lit their way through the night. They kept their hoods up to hide their natural glow so they would not shine like bright beacons in the night. Their precautions did not prevent Elladan from looking worriedly behind them as they rode. He was certain that his Grandfather would not allow them to disappear from Fornost so easily.

"Stop that, Dan, you are making me nervous." Elrohir sighed.

"I just know we are being followed. We are going to be in so much trouble, Ro." Elladan was normally the leader of the pair, but for perhaps the first time in their lives, he worried about the consequences of their rash actions.

"Ada will be pleased to see us. Surely he will not even consider that we should be with DaerAdar." Elrohir sounded so certain that his brother could not decide if he really thought that, or was just pretending in order to comfort him.

"You cannot tell me that you really believe that, Ro!" His voice held a mixture of shock and amazement.

Elrohir shrugged casually. "What can they do?" He sounded so happy that Elladan hated to spoil his mood, but he also felt that he had to.

"Make us muck out the horse stables? Polish every bit of silver they can find and then start again once we have finished? Spend two months mixing teas and preparing herbs that smell bad and taste even worse? You name it, they can and will do it." Elladan sounded more worried as he spoke.

"You do not think…. No, no they would not. Ada will be pleased..." It suddenly dawned on him that his brother was right. They were in trouble. "What have we done?

We will not see Anor's light for months!" Elrohir moaned. He only stayed astride his mount out of long practice.

"Do you think we should go back?" Elladan had to agree with his brother.

Elrohir, meanwhile, looked at him as if he had suddenly developed a second head.

"Go back! Are you mad?" His voice rose slightly in tone and volume.

"You think we should continue?" Elladan sounded resigned.

"It is too late to go back. I would rather face Ada's wrath than DaerAda and DaerNana's. Glorfindel will speak up for us." Elrohir was certain of that. The Balrog Slayer had always been their most staunch defender.

"That would be true, Gwador-nin, IF we had not put frogs in his bed the day before we left home and then there was the little matter of the water and feathers at Fornost. I somehow do not think that Glorfindel would vouch for us in these circumstances. But I do agree that we should keep going. Ada still needs our help after all. Let us just be thankful and hope that DaerAda does not catch up to us first."

"Dan, we are at least half a day ahead. How can they catch us?" Elrohir was stunned once more.

"I know, Ro, but we do need to keep going with just the minimal amount of stops. You do not mind that, do you, Saeleinior?" Elladan reached to pat the proud neck in front of him. Saeleinior snorted and then seemed to get another burst of speed, without even missing his stride.

Elladan smiled to himself when Elrohir was suddenly looking at dust.

"Come, Callon, we cannot let them beat us." Callon neighed and put on his own spurt of speed and was soon within sight of his sniggering brother.

"That was not fair, Dan. You could have warned me!" Elrohir complained. He winced as he heard the distinct whine in his own voice.

"It was not my fault that Saeleinior decided to run ahead." Elladan looked at his glowering brother, trying to hide his own amusement with an innocent expression.

"Just warn me next time? We need to stick together in case there are Wargs or Orcs around." Elrohir took stock of the road ahead, glad that he had the ability to see a great distance.

"You are right, Gwador, I am sorry." Elladan was truly sorry now. The thought of losing his brother to Orcs was more than enough to sober him.

"That is alright, Dan, just do not do it again." In those few minutes Elrohir had sounded scarily like their father and it made Elladan shiver slightly.

They rode on in silence, aware that they needed to be more careful if they did not wish to attract unwanted attention.

They spent the next three days alternately riding and resting on their horses while the other kept a carefully watch. The only time they stopped was when their horses needed to rest. Elladan noticed that Elrohir seemed to need to rest more frequently. Although he had not mentioned it, he was keeping a careful eye on his younger brother.

They had been making good time as they joined the Great East Road and were well on their way to Bree. They planned to stop there for a few hours to re-stock their supplies. They had been there before, when they had been hunting Orcs after their Naneth's capture and torture at the hands of the foul creatures. That had been over two centuries ago, though. Their Ada had spoken well of the Gatekeeper and his wife and they had met them briefly once in Imladris. Now they could get to meet them properly.

Even Elladan had settled into the adventure after seeing no sign of pursuit. They were both greatly enjoying their 'escape' and would have a lot to tell their Ada when they found him. They would also have the opportunity to see Legolas earlier and, to both of them, that was another bonus.

They could see Bree in the distance in the early afternoon and Elladan was very grateful. He worried because Elrohir had been looking decidedly unwell and Elladan wanted him to rest more. He looked pale and had developed dark shadows around his eyes. A crease between his brows made Elladan think that Elrohir was hurting, but why would he be in pain? They had not encountered any foe or mishap yet on this journey and Elves were never ill.

"Do you need to stop and rest, Ro?" Elrohir was slumped upon his horse, but as soon as Elladan spoke he jerked upright, blinking uncomfortably in the bright sunshine.

"Nay, I am alright, we can continue."

"Are you sure? You look..." He stopped at the glower that he was receiving from his brother.

"I look…?" Elrohir glared at his twin He seemed irritated.

"Nothing. You look fine." Elladan decided not to continue with his inquiry. He would find out a little later, when they reached Bree, what the problem was with his twin. He had developed a headache and he was sure that it was because Elrohir had one. They always knew when the other was injured. It was one of the blessings and curses of being a twin and Elladan for one would never change it for anything on Arda.

"Good. We need to carry on or DaerAdar will catch up with us." Elladan watched as his brother looked away and rode on.

He sighed quietly. Elrohir could be so stubborn and frustrating at times. Elladan did not stop to think that they were alike in more ways than just looks.

Elrohir almost slumped in relief when Elladan kept quiet. He knew that in all probability he looked awful, because he felt it. He was shaky and nauseous. He had a thumper of a headache and he was also dizzy. He just hoped that he made it to Bree without making a fool of himself.

A short time later Elladan pointed to a small shaded area. "Shall we stop and rest the horses here, Ro?" He got no answer. "Ro?" Still there was nothing.

Elladan looked across at his brother and realised with shock what was happening. Ai, not here! He could not deal with this all alone.

Elrohir was staring ahead with wide unseeing eyes. Elladan nudged his stallion to his brother's side and stopped Callon, who had already slowed to a walk anyway. He had been aware that something was not right with his master.

Elladan dismounted and hurried around his brother's mount. By the time he had stopped and reached up to pull Elrohir from the horse, he fell into his arms. He really did sigh this time, loudly. Carrying his brother, he hurried to the clearing and lowered Elrohir gently to the ground. Their mounts had faithfully followed them to the clearing awaiting instructions.

By the time Elladan was ready to lower Elrohir to the ground his brother was rigid in his arms. So rigid he had trouble holding onto him.

"Ro!" Silence. "Elrohir, wake up!"

The grey eyes were totally blank and seemed to look through him and not at him. "Elrohir, saes, you are scaring me. If you are joking, this is not funny!" Somehow Elladan managed to lay him down under the shade of a beech tree. "Ro, saes, I do not want to see this happen to you. Saes, saes, Ro wake up for me. I do not know what to do!" He almost shouted this to the blue spring sky. He was so frightened that his entire healer training had flown from his mind. He had helped both his Ada and Grandmother through visions, but this?

This time it was his twin and this time they were out in the wilds with no one else around to help to bring the herbs and drinks that Elrohir would need when he recovered from this vision.

Elladan took a deep steadying breath, working to calm himself. Panic would not help Elrohir at all. He had to help his brother. He was the only one that could help him until they reached Bree.

Once calm…well calmer at least, Elladan made sure that his twin was settled and covered him with his own cloak so that he was warm. Then he stood and walked shakily to their horses and pulled down their packs. Walking back to Elrohir he set the packs down next to him. They needed hot water. Doing these jobs had helped him to calm somewhat, his heart still thumped and he found that his mouth was still dry, but at least he could function.

He walked around their improvised campsite for bracken and wood so that he could make a fire. Once he had gathered enough, he made the fire and soon it was crackling with their small cook pot of water heating upon it.

While it was heating, he went back to Elrohir. His eyes were still wide and un-seeing. He reached down for a long pale hand.

"Saes, wake up! This has been too long." He was dismayed at just how cold Elrohir's hand really was. There was no reply and he sighed worriedly.

"I will have your drink ready, Ro. That will help you." Yes, that was a good plan. He would have the Miruvor... Elladan suddenly felt his insides chill. They had not brought any of the strengthening drink with them! "Ai, No! I do not believe this!" They had been in such a hurry to get out of Fornost and on the way to see their father that they had not even stopped to think of Miruvor. Still, at least he could give Elrohir some sweetened tea.

With that aim in mind he began to look through the packs, bringing out the herbs and roots that their packs held. Athelas, lavender, marigold, bergamot, thyme... He held everything from their packs and the only thing they did not have was sweetening for the tea and there was nothing to replace it with either.

"Elbereth! How could we have been so stupid!" He had tears of frustration in his eyes when he turned back to his silent brother. "What do I do now? I have to get you to Bree. Or do I leave you here? No, no, I could not do that." He knew he was talking to himself, but he could not help it. Hearing a voice, any voice, in the still clearing helped him cope. His horse nudged him as if to hurry him into making his decision.

"We will just have to get to Bree. It is only half a day away at most." Elladan turned to the horses. "Do you think you can cope with hurrying to get help for Elrohir?" Saeleinior snorted and Elladan laughed, despite himself. Callon then pushed him towards their packs. "I take it that I asked a silly question?" That earned him another push. "Alright, alright I am hurrying!" He pushed the contents of the packs back into them haphazardly. Neatness was not something he worried about at the moment. Pulling the packs closed, he stood and tied them back onto their respective horses.

Then he put the heated water back into his waterskin before putting the fire out, making sure that it was completely dead. The last thing that he needed was to have a forest fire on his conscience. The last thing he did before lifting Elrohir in his arms once more, was to talk softly to Callon, making sure that he knew to follow them, not that he had any doubt that Elrohir's faithful horse would have done so anyway.

Then Elladan realised that he would have more trouble getting on his horse with his brother cradled in his arms. Elrohir's head was nestled into the corner of his shoulder and neck. It was an action that he was not accustomed to from his brother.

He was jarred from his wandering thoughts to see that Saeleinior had knelt before him. All he had to do was swing his leg over the horse's back and then get comfortable. He did so without giving it another thought.

"Good boy, I owe you a pile of carrots and apples when we get home. You can get up now." Saeleinior rose slowly so that Elladan could adjust as he did so. No sooner where they standing and he had Elrohir settled than they were moving and fast. Callon moved comfortably beside them, keeping a close eye on his rider as they went.

It was mid-afternoon when Elrohir began to move sluggishly in his arms, groaning as he did so.

"Easy, Ro, you are safe. It is me, Dan." Elladan had grown more worried the longer Elrohir had remained senseless in his vision-trance. He had never seen a trance last this long, not even with his Adar. All he could think of was reaching Bree and getting Elrohir some sweetened tea. That always helped his Adar, along with Miruvor. Unfortunately, he did not think it likely that anyone in Bree would have any of the strengthening cordial. It was a rare commodity, well-guarded by the Elves and hardly known among the other races. They would have to make do with tea. Elladan did not even think to turn back to ask for help from his Grandfather.

Elrohir moaned and suddenly tried to pull away from his brother's arms.

"No, Ro, be still, you will fall!" The way that Elrohir was moving made that a certainty. His words of warning did not keep the muddled Elf from struggling against his hold, threatening to unseat them both.

ooo

Elrohir groaned and tried to pull away from the pain that assailed him. Every inch of his body ached as it had never ached before. All he could think of was retreating from it. Through a muffling haze, he could hear a voice speaking, a voice that he knew, but could not place. It seemed to be trying to calm him though his sluggish brain could not quite make sense of the words.

Somehow, he found the strength to open eyes whose lids felt too heavy to lift.

"That is it, Ro. Wake up, gwador-nin." Grey eyes looked down at him full of worry and a little relief.

Elrohir blinked and tried to speak, but ended up only croaking. The sound embarrassed him and he did not try to speak again.

Elladan hugged him comfortingly "Shhh, just relax. We are close to Bree. We will have help within the next few minutes. Just relax." Elladan had never been more relieved than he felt at that precise moment.

Elrohir could barely move and it was with relief that he closed his eyes.

He was not aware of his brother's worried looks. They finally arrived at Bree, but Elladan had a small dilemma. There was no way that he would be able to easily get off of Saeleinior and knock on the gates to gain entry into Bree, not with Elrohir shaking as we was. He could feel his brother's tremors increasing by the minute. But how could he get the doorkeeper's attention?

Callon provided the answer. He snorted, then turned and sent a hoof crashing into the thick timber. The resulting noise had almost instantaneous results.

The small opening near the top of the gate-door was pulled to one side and a suspicious eye looked out at them.

"Who are you and what do you want? There was no need to make all that racket!" The young-sounding voice groused at them. He continued to mumble and complain under his breath.

"I apologise. My brother is in need of help, please let us through?" Elladan was impatient, but he knew that he had to be polite. Otherwise they may not gain entry at all.

"Your brother, you say? What happened to him? How do I know that it was not you that did it to him in the first place?" The Edan made no move to open the gates.

"Because he is my twin brother!" How Elladan held his patience, he would never really know.

Another voice was heard on the other side of the gate. "What is goin' on here Wolraven? I leave you alone for five short minutes and you go refusin' folks entry in the bright daylight? Go and see what that blasted healer has done now, there's a problem. Well go on!" The obviously older Edan sent the younger man away before turning to peer at Elladan from the spy-hole.

"Who are you and what is your business in Bree?" He seemed far more pleasant than the other Edan.

"My brother has taken ill on our way here. We have need of shelter and food." Elrohir chose that moment to groan and move. It caused his hood to fall away, revealing his elegantly pointed ear. Before Elladan could pull the hood back in place to cover the ears he heard the Edan whisper.

"You are Elves! What has happened to him? I know that Elves do not just get sick!" The Edan moved quickly for one of his apparent age and Elladan heard the gate unlocked and quickly pushed open. "Come in! You are more than welcome in Bree and I insist that you both stay with my wife and me. Come on...hurry. Follow me." He helped Elladan dismount from his horse so that Elrohir was not jostled more than necessary.

Without Elladan saying anything more, or having a chance to either, he was led to the gatekeeper's home. Elladan tried his hardest to recall the name of his father's friends so he could ask for them, but the information eluded him in his worry.

"Come along, Lad, we need to get you out of sight of unfriendly eyes." The old Edan was gentle yet firm as he cautiously led Elladan through the small side street that led to his home. He seemed to be watching for trouble.

Elladan wondered about the 'unfriendly eyes' but would ask later what was happening. He just wanted to get his brother where he could be helped as swiftly as possible.

The old man opened the door and nearly pushed him into the home before announcing. "Eirien, we have visitors!"

A feminine voice from another part of the dwelling sounded exasperated. "Now who have you brought home? I swear that you bring home all the waifs and strays..." Elladan blinked as he realised that these people must be Adar's friends.

"They are hardly waifs and strays, Woman, and you are worse than I am. At least I never ask every blond Elf I see if they are married and don't you go getting ideas about these two." The man was still grumbling even as the woman shot him a look that could have melted iron. She bustled from the storeroom to see who her husband had dragged home this time.

"What do you mean? You are going mad in your old age, there are no elves... "Her eyes seemed to bug out in shock before she collected herself. "Well, what are you standing there for? Come inside. Caric, get some fresh bedding. Briena start boiling some water. What is wrong with him?"

A young and pretty red-haired woman jumped up from the work she was doing at the long table in the center of the room and went to the fire to add water to the pot sitting ready on the hearth.

"Mae Govannen." Elladan bowed his head slightly, aware that if he moved further he would tip his brother out of his arms. Elrohir seemed about to tremble right out of his grasp already. He wished that she would recall having met them before, though it was many years ago, he realized. They looked so old to his eyes! And if the other man at the gate was who he thought he was…well, it brought home just how fast Edain grew and aged.

"Welcome, Young One, now please, what has happened to him? Who are you?" Eirien helped him to lower Elrohir on the bed beside the fire.

Elladan realised the woman could not see his face because he still had his cloak hood up. He quickly lowered it when his hands were free. "Forgive me, Lady Eirien, for not introducing us. I was very rude. I am El..."

"How did you know my name?" Eirien had stopped what she was doing to look at him sharply. "Well, I am blessed!" She had stopped frowning and was now openly smiling at him.

"What in the name of Middle Earth are you blabbering about now, Woman? As if I didn't just call your name when we entered….didn't you hear me?" Caric was pulling Elrohir's boots off as he spoke.

"Does your father know that you are here, Young One?" The tone of Eirien's voice alerted Caric to the fact that their visitors were not strangers. He looked up at her.

Eirien meanwhile worked to remove Elrohir's cloak, so that the hood no longer covered him. She smiled all the wider when she saw him.

"No, Lady Eirien, he does..."

"I have no title, Elrohir, or is it Elladan?" She reached out to brush a stray hair from his face. He was too stunned to protest.

"Elladan, La..." Her eyebrow quirked at this. "…Eirien. This is my brother, Elrohir."

"Twins?" Caric sounded so surprised that both Eirien and Elladan had to smile at this. "Twins and Elves? Surely not Elrond's boys?"

"I am indeed Elladan Elrondion. It is a pleasure to meet you both once more." Now that Elrohir was safely settled on the bed, he could bow formally.

There is no need for you to do all of that business. We would not expect it of your father and we would not expect it of you." Eirien turned her attention back to the still trembling form of Elrohir. "Can you tell us what happened to this Little One?" Her voice was soft and kind and reminded him of his mother before she sailed.

"Ada was injured. DaerNana could not see him after her vision. He is hurt and we wanted to be with him and Legolas." His voice spilled from him into the silence. Once he started speaking, he found he could not stop. It was a relief to talk. "Elrohir had his first vision before we left Fornost. He experienced another earlier this afternoon. He has not fully awoken yet. I fear for him. He was far too long in the trance."

"His first visions? Oh you poor children!" Eirien had pulled a startled Elladan into her arms to comfort him. "You father was hoping that you were spared all this as well. What do you need to help him? Caric, go get Master Healer Irfan. I don't care what the great fat oaf is doing or the trouble he has caused. He will come or he will answer to me!" Elladan wondered at the sarcasm he detected in her voice as she said the title 'Master Healer'. She mumbled something under her breath that sounded like "He might at least know where to get some of the things we may need." to Elladan's sharp hearing.

Elladan realised in those first few minutes that the last thing he wanted was to be on the receiving end of this sturdy woman's wrath. She was as daunting as DaerNana in her own way. Caric had gone straight away, mumbling under his breath all the time.

"Briena, make Elladan some sweetened tea. He has had a big shock." Again her orders were accepted and seen to, this time without any grumbling or groaning.

"Is he injured?" Eirien had released her hold on Elladan and settled beside Elrohir, pulling the already straight blanket even straighter.

"No, he is just having the same tremors that Ada gets after a vision. He needs this sweetened tea more than I." He was handed a goblet of tea by Briena, who blushed bright red and smiled shyly when he thanked her. Eirien noticed this with interested eyes.

As Elladan accepted the goblet, he did not even truly see the pretty red-head before him. All he could focus on was the goblet of sweetened tea in his hand, the tea that Elrohir really, seriously needed.

"Eirien, we need to give Elrohir this tea! Ada uses it along with Miruvor to help him recover when he has had a vision!" He tried to thrust the tea into her hands. A voice from behind him made Eirien jump and some of the precious hot drink splashed over her hand.

"You must not give him fluid until I say so!" The voice quite literally made Elladan's skin crawl. He managed to steady the goblet before it caused any further burn to Eirien and then turned to face the Edan that had spoken.

The man who stood in the open doorway before him was corpulent, so fat that his clothes pulled at all the seams. He had a multitude of chins, too many to count accurately. His clothes were filthy, with food stains both old and new. His fingers also were filthy and his nails a black colour that made Elladan shiver. And the stain on his leggings! Well, Elladan really hoped that was not what he thought it was. He looked up into the beady eyes and he could see the greed there.

"My brother needs this drink, so if you will..." Elladan started to turn to give the tea to Elrohir.

The man spoke in a loud, pompous tone. "I am the healer in this town, Boy, and I say what will happen to my patient and not you." When he stepped closer, Elladan could see that the Edan's hair was practically crawling with lice.

"Have you much experience treating Elves then, Master Healer?" Elladan's voice was cold and dripped with condescension. He tried to mask his disgust at the man's appearance as he rose to meet him, keeping him away from his brother.

"For your information, Boy, yes, I have. I treated the latest one only a few days ago." It would have been a grander boast if not for the loud and rattling burp that followed it. Elladan decided in the instant that this filthy human would not get within an arm's length of his brother. It was not a matter of prejudice, but a matter of fastidious apprehension.

"I cannot believe that there is even one person on Middle Earth that will let you near them, let alone treat them, Master Healer." He gave the man a raised eyebrow, after the manner of his Adar.

"Then you are wrong, Boy." The healer all but sneered in Elladan's face and the rancid smell of his breath and body made Elladan gag.

"And that, Irfan, is where you are wrong!" Elladan felt himself being moved gently but firmly back to the bed. Eirien looked at him, smiling in reassurance. "You say your father uses this?" At Elladan's nod she continued. "Briena, give Elladan a hand while I see to our poor excuse of a healer." She was pleased to see Irfan lose some of the colour in his ruddy face.

"But that is a bad idea. He probably needs bleeding. He may have bad spirits within him!" He did not dare to try to move past the formidable woman blocking his path.

"The 'spirits within him'! Where in Elbereth have you been living? You say you have treated Elves before? I will tell you of the time that I am sure you have been boasting about down at the inn." Eirien poked his fat chest with a finger to emphasis her points and in the process pushed him back towards the open door to their home. Caric had moved quickly to one side and watched as the Healer was inch-by-inch shoved out in the street to be humiliated by his beloved wife.

"Oh yes, you think we have not noticed what you have been doing, bragging about how you are the only person in Bree who can treat an Elf?" She was not letting him or anyone else get a word in edgeways. "You barely looked at 'the Elf' and said he was fine. That poor Elf had been poisoned! You, 'Master Healer' are nothing more than a Quack. You would not know how to treat a boil if it reared up and bit you on your nose! If it had sense it would walk away at the sight of you! This charming 'Boy' as you call him…and that is more insulting than you would have the wit to realize..." She shook her finger at the fat man as if he were a child in deep trouble.

"Eirien, p...please... I c...came to h...help..." Irfan tried desperately to quiet her when he realized he had just stepped outside through the still-open door.

Eirien did not care that she screamed at the top of her lungs now. "Help? HELP! You imbecilic lump you! That dear 'BOY' is named Elladan and his FATHER happens to be one of the best Healers ever to grace Middle Earth! This 'BOY' probably knows more in his small toe than you do in your entire body, you piece of scum!"

"E... Eirien, p..p..please l...let us s...speak about t..." Irfan's eyes were wide as he realised that they were outside in the middle of the street and gathering a crowd.

Eirien crossed her arms across her ample bosom and glared hard at the unsavory form before her. "What do you want to speak about, Irfan? The child you almost killed last week when you said the scratch was nothing but it became infected? The poor woman two weeks ago who lost her child and nearly died because you would not ask for help from a birthing woman? Or the woman who did die? You declared she must be bled because she had bad vapours within her that made it hard for her to breathe? You are nothing but a lying sycophant who thinks only of money and finding someone to brag to while they pay for your ale! Have you ever once returned after you were paid to see if any of your 'patients' even lived?"

Irfan looked around the gathering crowd, searching for a friendly face and realised, for perhaps the first time, that he had no friends here. Every person gathered around him had a friend or relative that he had disastrously dealt with, or he owed them money. He gulped and turned towards Eirien.

"B-b-but, E…Eirien, I saved your son when he... "

Eirien's eyes blazed. "You! You saved my son? How dare you! You pile of filthy, festering dung you! Get out and do not ever dare to come back. If you come within a spear's throw of any of my family or friends I will castrate you on the spot. I promise you, Irfan. That is no idle threat." She looked fully willing and capable of carrying out her threat too.

By this time, quite a crowd had gathered, drawn by Eirien's irate voice ringing out loudly in the street. They were soon surrounded by a cheering and jeering group of townspeople, flanked by a pair of amused town guards. Apparently they held no love for the healer either, since they made no attempt to disperse the crowd.

The last Eirien saw of the healer, the crowd was pulling him away, threatening to toss him out the town gate. The two guardsmen saluted her as she turned back to her home, before following the crowd. It was then that she realised that both Caric and Wolraven were standing near their doorway, watching her. They had a mixture of pride and amusement on their faces.

"Well, what are you standing around gawping about?" Her voice was gruff as she spoke. "We do have injured guests to see to!" With that she swept past them and entered the house.

She had to blink at the change in light, letting her eyes adjust to the dimmer interior. When she had adjusted, the scene that she saw made her smile.

Elladan was sitting on the guest bed with Elrohir pulled up into a sitting position to feed him the sweetened tea. Briena was quietly helping him, a shy smile on her face. Could her dream of an Elf marrying her daughter come true?

"How is the poor dear?" She walked over to them and realised that they had almost given him all the tea. "Stay as you both are and I will make more tea. I would like you to have some as well, Elladan. I think it would do you some good. You're looking a bit shaky too, if I do say so." She crossed over to the fire and began to make the tea.

Caric came in and, noting what was going on, went to sit beside her. "Wolraven is seeing to your horses, son. I think you need to tell us what has been going on."

So it was that they all sat down to hear the tale that Elladan told them, watching as he expertly gave his brother the tea. At some point, Wolraven came in and quietly sat down as Elladan continued.

All was quiet, with no one saying a thing until he reached the part about Galadriel's last vision. He then told them about Elrohir's sudden collapse with his first vision. He pulled his brother into a close hug as he spoke and they could all see the worry and fear for Elrohir in his eyes. Eirien could not stand it any longer as her strong mothering instincts took over. She rose and pulled the pair of them into a motherly hug, much to Elladan's surprise. Not that he minded, it felt good, more comforting than he would have thought a hug from a near-stranger would be.

"It will be alright, dear, you'll see. Just give Elrohir a chance to recover. So, you decided that you had to go after your Father?" Eirien had let him go but remained next to him to give reassurance.

"Yes, we thought we brought everything with us we could possibly need, until Elrohir had a vision. I would have bet that we carried everything we needed, but we had not. We did not even think about bringing sweetener as neither of us likes it in our tea particularly and then…the Miruvor! I do not know how we could be so stupid." He sounded so depressed. He felt it as well. What if this prolonged vision-trance had hurt his brother? He would never forgive himself, neither would his father, he feared.

He blinked in surprise when he was pulled into another bone-crushing hug. "It is not your fault, child. Your father would never blame you for something that was out of your hands."

Elladan looked up to see Caric smiling at them both. He winked at the young Elf before him.

"But if we had stayed in Fornost we would have all the..."

"The 'ifs' and 'buts' are all in the past. They can't be helped, they're history and you need to move forward. We can get your brother over this and then you can wait for your Grandfather." Eirien sounded pleased with this little plan.

Only Caric saw the look of utter shock and fear that crossed the Elf's fair face. "No! We can not wait for that to happen. We need to find Ada!"

Eirien held him out at arms length and looked him in the eyes. "You truly believe that there is something wrong with your father?"

"Yes, Eirien, I do. For Daer Naneth not to sense him..." Elladan shivered even though the room was warm. "Ada was having visions, even before he left Fornost. I am worried for him..."

"Then the plan of action is simple." Eirien looked pleased.

"It is? What is simple, you silly woman!" Caric looked at her with surprise.

"It is obvious that we can't wait for Celeborn." Elladan looked up in shock as his Grandfather's name was spoken. Maybe some of the joking they had heard in the past was more truthful than they had thought. "We will have to make certain that they get to their father safely."

"And how do you think we will do that?" Wolraven spoke from the corner, scowling at the Elf that was still held in his mother's arms.

"One of us will have to go with them." It was a simple statement, but it had a most incredible effect.

Caric stood suddenly. "I can't go. I'm sworn to watch the town-gate with Wolraven! And if you think that I am letting Briena go with these two, you are less of a mother than I..."

"Shut up, you dolt. I said nothing about her going. I said 'one of us'. Not who. No, the simple remedy for this is that I should go with them." She sounded quite smug.

"You! Mother you must have had your brains addled by these Elves! Not just these, all the others as well. There is no way you can go with these two. I will not let you go." Wolraven stood and leaned over his mother as he spoke.

Caric groaned and lightly shook his head as he listened to his son goad his Mother. He had learned in the last twenty-five years of marriage that, if you wanted to stop Eirien from doing something, you just did not do what Wolraven had just done. Eirien looked furious as she rose to her full height and faced her son, who was almost a head taller than her.

"And just what do you mean by that? I was defending Bree before you were even a twinkle in our eyes. You cannot tell me what to do! I am your elder and you should be more respectful than that! We raised you better!" She advanced a step on her son, making him back up one step and stop leaning over her.

Caric winced. Eirien had definitely got her temper up. He cleared his face as she turned towards him. "I will be going with these two to make certain that they get to Elrond without difficulty and also to make certain that Elrond truly is alright."

"I think that that is a good idea. If these two are anything like Rondy then they will have a talent for getting into trouble." Caric smiled at his wife. Now this was the girl that he had fallen in love with, the woman who would defend her family and friends at the drop of a sword.

Wolraven turned to Caric in appeal. "Father, this is madness! You can't let Mother go on this fool's errand!" Wolraven gulped at the look that now graced his Father's face. It took a lot to rub him up the wrong way, but when it did...it was best to make yourself scarce. "I will go and see to the gate while you..."

"No you don't! So you think saving my friends life along with that of his children is a fool's errand? Well if it wasn't for my 'fool' friend, you would not be alive to stand here complaining. I happen to agree with your mother on this. Before you leave, go to the back room and bring out the long oilcloth-wrapped package leaning in the cupboard and bring it here. Then you can get out of my sight!"

Caric could not believe that his own son could have thought of his mother like that, especially after seeing her at work with Irfan earlier.

Elladan swallowed. His throat had suddenly gone very dry. He wasn't entirely sure what was going on here. "I thank you, Eirien. My brother and I would be privileged to have you join us."

"Thank you, Elladan, but you actually have very little to say in this matter. I'm going to give Elrond a piece of my mind. I told him he was not well enough to carry on, but no, he had to be a hero and get to Thranduil."

Elladan froze and then turned back to Eirien. "My father stopped here?" He sounded incredulous.

"Yes, child, of course he did. Have some more tea. You look as if you have need of it. I will have more for Elrohir very shortly. Shouldn't he be awake by now?" Eirien looked worriedly at the motionless twin.

"He may be simply sleeping now. Adar does that often after a vision." Elladan tried to show that he was not worried. He also tried to gather his own thoughts as to what was happening with this family. Never had he seen a family that behaved as this one did.

"Yes, he is always sleepy isn't he? He had a vision when they were here. It worried us didn't it, Caric?" It was obvious that she was still worried about Elrohir from the concerned gaze she turned on him when she mentioned Elrond's vision.

"He did? Was it a bad one?" Elladan was even more worried about his Adar now. He was just glad that Ada had Glorfindel with him, oh yes, and Haldir. They were used to the visions and could care for Ada.

Eirien watched as he took a mouthful of the tea that Briena had passed to him, trying to drink it quickly and avoid the overly-sweet flavor. "Yes, child, Rondy was well when he left here."

Elladan did not know whether to spit out the tea he had just filled his mouth with, or swallow it. Unfortunately, he could do neither. It dribbled from his nose as he coughed and sputtered in his surprise at hearing anyone call his Adar 'Rondy'.

"Easy, Child. You should never do that when talking. Here." Eirien handed him a clean piece of cloth while Caric patted Elladan on the back to help him clear his airways.

Once he had stopped spluttering and had settled down once more, Eirien continued.

"One would believe that you had never heard him called that before!" She smiled at Elladan and then her eyes opened wide as she realised the truth. "You have never heard him called that!"

"No, Eirien, never." It was a relief when Wolraven came back carrying the oilskin package he had been sent to retrieve. Elladan was intrigued as to what it might contain, as was their son by all regards.

"Here is the package you asked for, Father." There was also an apology in Wolraven's voice and his father nodded his understanding.

"You should give that to your Mother, as it is hers." Caric sat back to watch.

"Mother? I am sorry. I did not mean to cast aspersions on your friends."

"I know, 'Raven. Thank you for getting this." She looked at him with an odd glint in her eyes. "Would you like to see what it contains?"

She smiled at his eager nod and also grinned at Elladan's curiosity. She slowly opened the cloth to reveal a gleaming sword in a well-polished leather scabbard.

It had the effect she was expecting. Wolraven looked from the sword and then back at her with his mouth hanging open, looking as if he could not form words for a long moment.

"You are a Shield Maiden?" He sounded as stunned as he looked.

"Did you ever doubt it, Wolraven, after seeing your mother with Irfan today? Your Mother was not joking when she said that she defended Bree before you were even a twinkle in our eyes." Caric sounded both proud and happy.

"And if I recall, that last battle was the reason that he became a spark after all, and you injured as well. I warned you not to, did you listen? Oh no, only after Rondy drugged you half into a stupor did you listen!" Eirien wagged a finger at him in admonishment from across the room.

"Mother!" Wolraven's face was a bright red colour, so bright that Elladan thought he could feel the heat of it from where he was seated. Yes, this family really was amazing to watch but behind it all, he could see there was a deep love binding the family together.

"Embarrassed by the truth, 'Raven? We had just repelled a great horde of Orcs from the town. There was good cause for celebration. Your mother was amazing. The Orcs had no idea what hit them. So magnificent! I promised her that day she would forever be mine." Caric watched Eirien as she stood near the large table, making sure that her sword was sharp and undamaged as she knew it would be.

Eirien cocked her head at her husband. "You were not half-bad with a sword either, as I recall. I will never forget the fear that filled me when you pulled Glorfindel out of the way of that black arrow. I thought my heart would stop when it struck you instead. I made a promise to myself at that time, one I do not believe I ever did manage to carry out." She was eyeing Caric in such a calculating way that it made him uneasy.

"What was that, Dear One?" He sounded nervous as well.

"I promised that once I knew you were well and truly over your injury, not only would I stay with you forever, I would also knock some sense into that thick head of yours with my frying pan!"

"In that case I can do the same for you! Don't think I haven't forgotten that you pulled the same trick with Rondy. I saw it and so did Glorfy! He would back me up." Caric sounded smug as Eirien seemed to deflate.

It was perhaps only Elladan with his Elven hearing that caught her quiet "Darn, and I thought I got away with that one!" He could not stop his choked laugh that earned him a mock glare from Eirien.

"I can't believe that my own Mother is a Shield Maiden and no one ever told me!" He turned to Briena, saying to his amused sibling. "Don't tell me that you are one too!"

"Very well, dear brother, I won't tell you." Briena sounded so smug that, this time, Elladan could not hold back his laughter. Even Caric joined him.

Wolraven went white and looked from his sister to his mother, stunned. "No. It's not possible. You are terrible with a sword. I should know, since I tried to teach..." He clamped his mouth shut as he nearly let slip a long-held secret.

Eirien gave him a knowing look that made him think she somehow already knew though. "That is because she was not trained for the sword. Briena is a deadly shot with a bow. Glorfindel helped me to train her when you were away one year with the patrol." This time even Eirien had to laugh at Wolraven.

"A bow? You never told me? Why me?" Wolraven threw his hands up into the air.

For a few minutes all that could be heard was laughter until a quiet pained voice from the bed made them all stop and look down.

"It is nice that you are all having such a wonderful time, but could you please be quiet? An Orc has taken up residence in my head..."

"Ro? Are you awake?" Elladan seemed too stunned to believe it.

"No, I am sleeping quietly and not in pain, you Balrog's Bottom!" The sarcasm hid the pain that seemed to fill him. Luckily his twin knew exactly what the problem was.

"I thought so. We can leave you be then and not give you the leaves for the pain that I know you have." He smiled as Elrohir opened one eye and looked at him again.

"Hannon-le, gwador-nin." There was sincerity in his voice.

"Eirien, could I have some hot water to mix the herbs with? They, along with the tea, will help 'Ro to recover." he smiled gently at his hostess.

"But of course, Child. You have no need to ask, the poor Dear must be in such pain!" Elrohir's eyes had widened at the mention of 'Child', almost the same as Lady Banwen except for the tone of voice. This was warm and it was clearly meant as an endearment. It was also clear that his brother did not mind it.

"How do you feel, Ro?" He had crossed to sit next to him to help Elrohir drink the sweetened tea.

"Sore. What happened, Dan? Where are we?" He looked around him puzzled. Then he caught sight of Caric. "Caric?"

"Indeed it is, Elrohir, and it's good to see you awake. We were real worried about you." Caric nodded to him and set to work re-filling his pipe.

"We are at Bree, Ro. You had another vision and I could not waken you. I was so worried. I brought you here." Elladan hurried to explain.

"Here you are, Elladan, the water for the herbs." She handed the water to Elladan and then noted what Caric was doing. "If you think I am letting you use that filthy thing in front of this injured child you are greatly mistaken. If you want to use it go outside and stand and smoke it. Not In Here!"

"Blast it, woman! You change your mind like the weather. One minute we can smoke the next we can't." He put the pipe down and glared at her. "I just wish you would decide one way or the other!"

"You want a decision? You have one. No Smoking In My House Ever!" She added a glare to that and was mollified to see Briena nodding her agreement along with her. "Elrond has often said that it is nasty and bad for you, so you either stop or do your smoking outside or you could always go to the gatehouse with it." Caric's eyes grew wide, but he put away his pipe and was quiet after that.

She turned back to the twins. "I am sure that neither of you indulge in such unhealthy practices do you?"

"No, Eirien. We do not like the foul smell." Elladan answered. "Ada has similar conversations with Mithrandir when he is in Imladris, especially in the healing ward."

Eirien turned back to Caric. "You see?" Ignoring his grumbling she turned back to Elrohir. "You need to drink that, Dear Heart, it will do you no good sitting in the glass. You're father will never forgive me if I did not look after you both."

Elladan nodded and helped his shaky brother drink the herb tea and then the sweetened, smiling at the face Elrohir pulled at the sweetened tea, even worse than the one for the bitter tea for pain. "I will get you some water to wash the taste away, Ro. I wish we had thought to bring some Miruvor. That would help you greatly."

"We have some." Eirien smiled at them both.

"You do?" Sudden hope sprang into Elladan's eyes.

"Aye, we do. You're father left some here, for 'emergencies.' Briena, fetch it for me? It's the small flask in the pantry."

"Hannon le, Eirien, Briena. That will get Elrohir back on his feet in no time and we can be on our way to find Ada."

"You are welcome, Elladan. Now, are you up to telling us what you saw in your vision, Elrohir?"

The atmosphere grew suddenly tense at Eirien's words. They all turned to the twin, who gulped self-consciously and seemed to pale a little once again.

"Take your time, Ro. We do need to know, though." Elladan silently offered him the support he needed.

"I know, Dan." He shakily brushed his dark hair away from his pale face, composing himself before he spoke. "I saw a large web, it started off whole and shining in the sun... but it began unwinding and twisting in the wind. It seemed to fall apart before my eyes. Until... until only one or two strands were left. I tried to mend it, to put it back together again. I failed, nothing I tried seemed to help. All I know is that it is very important that the web never unwinds. It is vital that we find that web and mend it, vitally important. I just do not know why or how to find out what it means."

Elladan watched his twin. He could feel his frustration through their link. He simply did not know how to help him through this. Maybe their Ada would be able to help when they reached him. It gave yet more urgency to their quest to find him.

"And then...then it faded and I was flying on the back of a Great Eagle. There was an Ellith holding me. She called me Legolas! But why and why was there suddenly horrified screaming? And the laughter, Dan!" It was obvious that he had forgotten that the rest of them were there, he was so focused on his brother. "It was such cold, evil laughter, mocking the fear and pain. Legolas looked so ill... so thin. I was very scared for him Dan, terrified." Elrohir's voice petered out with confusion.

Elladan pulled his brother into a fierce, protective hug. "I know, Ro, I know. We will find Ada and he will help you. I promise. Tell me what you see, just share it with me? I do not mind and I know it will help you."

Eirien's voice was low and worried as she handed Elladan another goblet of tea. "Here is more tea. It will help you both until I pour the miruvor. I want to see you drink as well, Elladan. Your Father also seemed quite worried about the little Prince. We will find him and all will be well, you see. Let me get the Miruvor for you now." Briena had just re-entered the kitchen carrying the flask of precious cordial.

"We will leave as soon as you feel able to continue. Eirien is coming with us, if she has a mount?" He had not thought to ask before.

"Aye, I can ride. We have a horse that was left behind when your father left. The poor thing was exhausted. He had been ridden hard for too long. I can ride upon him, now that he is recovered. His home lies in that direction and perhaps his owner will still be with Elrond."

Elrohir looked a little surprised at Eirien's words. She smiled at him with understanding. "I will be coming with you to find your father. But before that you must eat and eat well. How does stew sound to you both? Wolraven caught a couple of good fat rabbits this morning and I have some vegetables and herbs in the kitchen garden that will go with it very nicely. Will that be adequate?" She had to laugh at their eager nods.

"Good, you rest there and finish your tea and I will see to the stew." Eirien realised that her daughter was rising to help her. "You stay with our guests Briena. Your father and brother can help me with dinner. Make sure that they have that drink and another by the time I get back."

Elladan watched his rather stunned brother as Eirien left, ordering her husband and son with almost military precision.

"I apologise for my Mother she can be a little...forceful" Briena shrugged and flushed prettily before beginning to make another cup of tea for them. "Mother is right when she says that you need to drink." She leaned in close and whispered in a conspiratorial manner to prevent Eirien overhearing. "Oh, and a word of advice, eat the food or she will complain that you are too thin and try to fill you up. When she looks away, if you are full, hand me your bowl." She smiled at Elladan. "I will be able to return it to the pot without her notice. Be grateful that you are not blond. She tries to match me to any blond Elf she sees. It is embarrassing. The fact that I am happy does not seem to matter." She shook her head and smiled again. "I will be married before the year is out, anyway."

"Congratulations. You have met someone?" Elladan returned the smile, his voice was warm. He liked her.

"Indeed, he is learning his trade from the Blacksmith. Even Mother likes him. Drink!" She had to laugh at the confused look that crossed Elrohir's face. "Mayhap you should explain Mother's unique talents to your brother before she comes back."

"I will, Briena. Also can you tell us if your Mother can ride bareback? Elven horses do not normally accept bridle and tack." Elladan was seriously worried about this fact.

Briena just shot them both a wide, proud smile. "I would not put anything past my Mother. I have waited so long for her to tell Wolraven that she is a Shield Maiden!" A delighted chuckle rose from her throat at the memory. "Oh how I wish I could have had some way of preserving the moment!"

"Your Mother is a Shield Maiden?" Elrohir sounded absolutely stunned.

"She is indeed, Elrohir, and she has taught me to fire a bow as well, with Glorfindel's help. Now drink or Mother will have my head!" She watched as they both sipped the Miruvor and she continued to speak. "Mother is a good rider. I doubt you will have any problems with her on your journey. She may even come in handy! She has more talents than you might expect."

Eirien looked up from her place at the hearth to see the three of them laughing. It did her heart good to see it. Hope flared once more within her. Caric watched her from where he stood peeling potatoes at the end of the table.

"Forget it, Eir. She has already lost her heart as you well know. It will only be a matter of time before the young man comes and asks me for her hand and I will gladly give it. She has never wanted to wed an Elf. You should also know that by now. She has told you often enough!" He glowered at her a moment in emphasis and then softened his look as she sighed.

"Aye, I know and Athelon will be a fine addition to the family. Wolraven is already saying what a nice thing it would be to have a smith in the family. But the Elves, they are so nice, so polite and..."

"…old, Eirien." He finished the sentence with emphasis. "My Grandsire used to tell me stories of Glorfindel and Elrond when I was barely out of clouts. They outlive us, Love. It would not be fair for them to be forever bound to a mortal. Be happy for Briena and let her marry one of her kind. I can well see you as a Grandmother, sitting with a Babe upon your lap." He had to smile as Eirien's look turned from sad to hopeful.

"I would like that. A Babe! Just think, it has been long since we had a Babe in this house. I will have to begin thinking of guests. We will have to invite Elrond and Thranduil, their sons ..." She began crossing names off on her fingers and missed seeing Caric groan and shake his head fondly. "What is wrong with you? I have a wedding to plan! You have no idea the work a wedding entails, oh, and the food! Oh the things we will need. And at a time of shortage as well! What will I do?"

Caric, his back towards his wife now, had a wide contented smile. He may regret this in the months to come, but Briena would marry the man that she chose. A love match always worked best, in his opinion.

They soon had the meal well on the way, simmering on the hearth, its enticing smell filling the home. The dumplings had just been added and Eirien rested a loaf of bread to warm near the fire. Wiping her hands she turned to Briena with a smile. "Briena, why don't you go and see if Athelon would like to join us? We have plenty for all."

"Mother, that would be lovely. May I?" She had gone pink with pleasure.

"Of course you may, Child. I will set an extra plate. Go now." She ushered Briena from the room, before turning back to Elladan and Elrohir. "And how are you both feeling now?"

"I feel much better, thank you Eirien. The Miruvor and tea have helped greatly, hannon le." Elrohir did feel better, much better than he had done since leaving Fornost actually. This had been a lesson for both of them. They both knew now why Ada and Grandmother drank both the Miruvor and the sweetened tea. Neither of them would go anywhere without either drink now.

"I am glad. You certainly have a lot more colour to your cheeks. Can I get you anything? Do you still ache?" Eirien watched him with gimlet eyes. They would have a long ride ahead of them. The last thing that Elrohir needed was sore muscles thanks to the vision.

"I am still a little stiff and sore, but I have had a lot worse aches in the past. It will not prevent me from riding." Elrohir smiled back at her, honesty shining in his grey eyes.

He missed the worried frown from Elladan. "I want to speak to you about that, Ro. I am worried about you riding Callon on your own if visions can overcome you at any time. If he had not been so sensible earlier today, you might have suffered a serious injury, falling from his back. I would be happier if you would ride with me."

"I am quite capable to ride on my own, thank you!" Elrohir crossed his arms and glared at his twin. He was never too happy when his brother became over-protective.

"Saes, Ro, you could have been badly injured. I even had trouble holding you safe before me as it was. I would not like to tell Ada that you had been injured like this." With his eyes, Elladan silently begged his brother to reconsider.

"I think that Elladan is right. Even your Father had to ride with Glorfindel when they stopped. Glorfindel told me that if it had not been for his mare, he could have been badly injured, trampled under the other horses." Eirien watched Elrohir closely. "It is not a weakness to accept help. The weakness comes from not admitting you need help. We all need help at differing times in our lives. Be grateful that your brother is willing to help you."

"Ada had another vision?" Elrohir had fixed on that point in her speech.

"Yes, Ada almost fell from Thalagur, but Glorfindel kept it from happening. Do not change the subject!" Elladan fixed him into place with a glare.

"Ada rode with Glorfindel?" Elrohir smiled at his twin to help him calm down.

"Yes, he did." Elladan knew their Adar would not have liked the necessity either.

"I will ride with you then, if you feel it is necessary." If Ada would accept it, so could he.

Elladan looked much relieved. "Thank you, Ro, I would be much easier in my mind if I was not constantly worried that you might fall. Eirien, do you ride bareback?" He turned bright eyes to their hostess.

"Yes, I can, but I haven't done so for quite some time. Thranduil taught both Caric and me."

"He did? Wow, that is quite an honour. Aran Thranduil is one of the best riders we have ever seen." Elladan was suitably impressed.

"Yes he is and he did." Eirien looked up as the door opened and Briena came in followed by a tall darkly-tanned young man with blond hair. "Ah, Athelon, welcome. Please come in and meet our guests."

"Eirien, please accept my thanks for your kind invitation to dine with your family and it would be an honour to meet your guests. Briena has told me all about them. It's a pleasure to meet you." He bowed to them, smiling widely.

"We have heard a lot about you from Briena. It is a pleasure." Elladan gave a bow to the Edan, Elrohir nodded from the bed. The young Edan had an open, honest face and they both liked him on sight.

It was soon glaringly obvious that the two young people were smitten with each other, simply by the looks that passed between them.

"Come to the table, dinner is ready. Elrohir, would you prefer to stay on the bed, to rest a bit longer?" Eirien once again directed them all where to sit.

"I would prefer to sit at the table with you, if you will allow?" Elrohir pushed himself to the side of the bed.

"Of course, my Dear. Do you need help?" Eirien stopped and watched as Elladan stepped up to help Elrohir should he need it. Elrohir flashed his brother a look that made it plain he would not accept any help and did not appreciate the suggestion that he needed it. Elladan stepped aside and allowed him to rise unaided, saying nothing as Elrohir seemed a bit shaky when he first stood.

As soon as they were seated, Eirien brought the stew pot to the table and began to ladle everyone generous portions.

"Mmmm, that smells delicious." Elrohir closed his eyes. The stew really did smell good. "I am hungry." He hadn't felt this hungry in quite some time, in spite of the fact they had eaten a meal that morning. Perhaps it was another symptom from his vision-trance? He shied away from further thoughts of visions for now.

"I am glad to hear that, Child. Eat it all up. You are so thin, both of you." A plate was set before each of them and they waited patiently for the others to be served. Caric sliced thick slabs from the bread and passed them around. Soon they were all talking animatedly as they ate.

Elrohir was a little surprised at his appetite when he realised that he had completely cleaned his plate of two large servings of stew and at least three slabs of the bread. Even the dumplings had seemed tastier than the ones at Lady Banwen's table in Fornost.

They found that their first impressions of Athelon were right. He was as nice as he looked and was utterly devoted to Briena, hanging on every word she said. He followed her with his eyes if she chanced to move. Both Elladan and Elrohir were left in no doubt that these two would be happy in their marriage.

Once the meal had been cleared, it was time for them to prepare to leave. All of them helped in the preparations for the journey, even Athelon. Not one of them would let Elrohir move from his seat at the table with another goblet of tea at his elbow. Eirien told him that the best thing he could do was to rest ahead of the trying journey. He had tried to argue but soon found that once Eirien had made up her mind, she would not change it, much like their Adar. Elrohir gave in graciously. In truth, it was good to rest his aching body.

Wolraven and Caric led the three horses to the front of the small cottage so they could add Eirien's surprisingly small pack and the packs of food and drink. These included some sweetener, some sweetened tea in a flask and the Miruvor.

Though he did not know the horse, or its name, Elladan took an opportunity to speak to Rhosgheneb, Randis' horse, to see if he would carry Eirien on this journey so he could be returned to his rider. He responded with a neigh, seeming to agree. In truth, the stallion seemed to accept Eirien readily enough when she swiftly mounted in the elven style.

So it was that the three rode swiftly out of Bree's gates and began the journey towards Imladris or beyond, hoping to meet Elrond and his party at some point along the way, sooner than later, hopefully. Elrohir chafed at having to ride with his brother but he also understood his brother's fears. They had agreed to switch regularly between their horses so as not to tire one more than the other.

They rode away from Bree's protection as the late evening sun dipped lower behind them...

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Celeborn and his small party rode on, attempting to catch up with his grandsons. So far, apart from the disturbed ground around them, they had seen no signs at all.

The air seemed tense around them, tense and still as if waiting for something to happen. Celeborn shook himself. He was worried over nothing. They would likely come across the pair of trouble-makers sitting along the roadside grinning and enjoying their adventure.

So why could he not rid himself of the feeling that something was wrong, that danger surrounded the two younger Elves?

He grew even more ill at ease as he rode and it was with some relief that he realised that Captain Ivorhen and his men were fully on the alert.

He only glanced away from the path to draw his sword when the trees around them seemed to explode with activity.

From the shadows among the trees, undetected by even their elven senses, poured forth what seemed like an army of orcs and Wargs. The ugly creatures were already slathering at the prospect of a fresh kill, of elven flesh. Celeborn tried desperately to get to his sword, but to no avail.

A Warg and its cackling Orc rider made first contact as soon as the others were clearing the trees. The Warg slammed into his horse full-force. With one hand already reaching to draw his sword, he really had no chance to prepare. He and his stallion went down under their weight too quickly for him to react. The horse landed hard on Celeborn's left leg and was still, trapping him in place. The next thing he expected to see was either the Orc or the Warg going for his throat while he was still trapped beneath his downed steed. His horse was not moving, but did not seem to be dead…yet. He certainly did not expect, in this moment, to live through this encounter. All around, he could hear the frenzied sounds of fighting and the cry of injured and dying animals, though from his position he could see little of the battle.

Celeborn had decided that he would not be sent to Mandos' Halls in this manner. It took all his strength to try to get out from beneath his motionless horse with little leverage to aid him. He still struggled to get his sword free when something warm and wet dropped onto his leggings. He looked up, startled.

Standing over him, its black lips drawn back in a menacing growl, jagged uneven teeth dripping drool on him, was one of the biggest, ugliest Wargs he had ever seen. He took a deep breath, expecting the beast to go for his unprotected neck. He almost sagged with relief when a sword plunged through the space between its eyes. He let out a pained grunt as the foul beast howled in pain and fell dead across him and his horse. He had no choice but to take the added weight, further hampering his efforts to pull his sword or get free.

"Hir-nin, are you injured?" Captain Ivorhen stood protectively over the Lord of Lothlorien, sword running black with Orc blood.

"No, just shaken. Are there many Orcs?" He carried on trying to pull himself out.

"No, this seems to be a scouting party, from the direction of Bree from the look of it." He wiped the blade on the dead Warg's hide before he re-sheathed his sword and began to push the beast off of the horse and Lord Celeborn. "They are all accounted for, dead, every one of them and their fell mounts." Once Celeborn and his horse were free, he kicked the corpse in disgust before returning to Celeborn. The stallion had risen as soon as he was clear of the foul carcass and was standing somewhat shakily to one side with his head down.

Ivorhen hurried to help Celeborn to stand, noting the wince that Celeborn gave as he straightened. He began to look the silver-blond-haired Elf over for signs of injury. He was definitely favouring his left leg.

"What pains you, Hir-nin? You said that you were uninjured." Ivorhen sounded worried.

"I did not think that I was hurt. I must admit that while my leg was caught beneath my horse and the Warg, I did not feel more than the crushing weight upon it. There was no pain." Celeborn tried once again to put his foot to the ground and winced as he brought it back up. "But there is now."

"Come, Hir Celeborn, sit and I will look at it. Mirien will check the horses over so that we can get away from here as soon as possible." He helped Celeborn move away from the dead Warg and its rancid stench.

"Were there any injured?" It was a relief to sit and take the weight off of his leg.

"Just minor wounds, Hir-nin. You seem to be the worst hurt. It seems that you caught the lead Warg. May I roll up your leggings?"

"Yes, of course. I can feel something wet, but the beast did drool over me, quite disgusting." Celeborn wrinkled his nose at the memory.

"You are bleeding, Hir-nin." Ivorhen reached for his own pack for bandages even as he spoke.

"I am?" He seemed completely surprised at this news. Ivorhen looked closely at Celeborn, searching his face for signs of shock. Celeborn seemed to be alright, but then, Ivorhen was not a healer either.

"You are, indeed, though it does not seem to be severe. I can bandage it now then clean it properly when we are in a better location. I really do think that we need to move away from this area, it will soon attract predators and the rest of the Orcs may not be far behind these scouts."

"I agree. We should move. Is my mount alright?" Celeborn had waited until Mirien checked his stallion over before inquiring. Ivorhen quickly wrapped the wound on Celeborn's leg. It stopped the bleeding for now.

"Yes, Hir-nin. He just has a few abrasions and minor bruising. He possibly was stunned by the impact of the Warg. You were both incredibly lucky." He hurried over to them.

"Very lucky, I will agree. I think that the Orc that hit me jumped the signal to attack. I am thankful that my horse is unhurt for I will need to ride. If these Warg Riders came from anywhere near Bree, we need to hurry. My fear grows for my grandchildren's safety."

"Then we should move. I apologise, Hir Celeborn, I had momentarily forgotten they were so far ahead of us."

"That is alright, Captain Ivorhen, as long as we can get underway again?"

"Indeed, let me bring your horse over and help you to mount."

Within minutes they were all mounted and heading off in the early evening light towards the safety of Bree, hoping to catch up with Elladan and Elrohir before this day ended.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Continued in 10b………..

Phew! That was a long partial chapter! More to come and very soon as this is chapter reached 117 pages long. That is why we have cut it in three parts and posted this part. Sorry it has taken so long.

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