Ok, Ok, I lied and said that this would be the last chapter.
However, due to a sudden spurt of creative thought, there will be an
epilogue. While it won't be super long, we will finally learn
what Arrowlan's name will be during her life at the Last Homely House
(unless some of you have already figured it out!)
Chapter 5: The Decision
Morning dawned bright and clear at the Last Homely House, not at all hinting to the horrors of the past days. Arrowlan peeped one eye open, and carefully propped her self up on the bed, trying to figure out where she was and why she was there. Awareness seemed to crash into her, and the events of the past few days came back to her. Before she could stop her self, tears welled up in her dark eyes and a sob escaped her. The slight noise caused Aragorn to sit up, looking at her, concerned.
"Awago'n, I wan' mama an' papa!" Arrowlan's tears were coming quicker as she thought about never seeing either of them again, never picking flowers with Gilraen, or sitting atop Arathorn's shoulder.
Aragorn bit his lip as tears came to his eyes, even as he tried to comfort his sister. Wrapping his short arms around her, he whispered, "I do too." It was all he got out before also dissolving into tears.
Neither twin noticed as the door cracked open, admitting Glorfindel. He quickly made his way to the bed, hoping to calm both twins. As soon as he sat down, Arrowlan glanced at him, before crawling away from her twin and into Glorfindel's lap. The warrior looked a little surprised, but gathered the small edain close to him anyway, reaching out with his other hand to gather up Aragorn. Shushing them, Glorfindel wondered at the logic of sending such precious children to Gondor. Sure, they would be living amongst their own race, but they touched the hearts of those around them, and it would be good for many of the world-weary elves to have such a bright light around.
"There, now. Your naneth and adar are happy now. They are together forever, shhh." Gradually, both children relaxed until the only sign of tears were puffy eyes, enhancing the bright silver of Aragorn's and the midnight blue of Arrowlan's. "How would you two like to join me for breakfast?"
When nods answered him, he continued, "First, we need to get you two dressed." Moving the twins off his lap, he walked to the wardrobe, pulling out two sets of matching azure blue tunics and leggings and cream colored shirts. They had been Elladan's and Elrohir's when they were young, and were a tad fancy for the edain to be wearing, but then, the elven twins hadn't been kind to the clothes either, the leggings especially showed some signs of wear. It was just too bad that none of Arwen's dresses were left in Imladris; she had brought even her oldest dress to Lothlorien, in hopes of using the fabrics for something. But, nothing could help that; Arrowlan would just have to make do in leggings for awhile.
As soon as they were both dressed, Glorfindel set about brushing and braiding their hair. Aragorn turned up his nose at the brush and tried to twist away when Glorfindel started braiding, but the warrior was too fast and held him in place, pointing to the braids in his own blond hair. As Glorfindel worked, Arrowlan had decided to try to brush her own, which only in a tangled mess, with the brush caught in the long waves. Tying off the last of Aragorn's braids, Glorfindel set to work untangling the younger twin's hair, before swiftly braiding it into a style reminiscent of one that Arwen wore as a child.
With a small hand tucked into each of his larger ones, Glorfindel began the walk to the dining hall. As they past various elves, Glorfindel would smile and introduce his small charges. By the time they reached the dining hall, everyone had already been seated and started serving the meal. Elrond and his sons looked up from their places at the head of the table. The twins broke into dazzling grins seeing the two youngsters looking much better than last they had seen them, while their father smiled slightly.
The two edain broke away from Glorfindel and ran to their chosen twins, Aragorn toward Elrohir, and Arrowlan toward Elladan.
"Mornin' 'Dan!" Arrowlan chirped happily as she clung to his leg.
"Morning imp," swinging her onto his lap, he settled her on one leg, "Ready for something to eat?"
"Uh-huh" Nodding her head enthusiastically, causing Elladan to have to move his own head, or get bashed in the chin. He picked up the plate that was next to him, and placed it closer to her, before dishing up some fruit, porridge, and one flaky pastry. Glancing down, he noticed the child in his lap had wrinkled up her nose.
"Me no like."
"You don't like what?" Elladan had a suspicion he knew what she was talking about, almost causing him to laugh out loud.
"Powidge" Her mouth had set it into a stubborn line. All around the table, the elves that had heard her tried not to chuckle.
"No wonder you are so taken by her, 'Dan, she's just like you," Glorfindel's jest was met by quiet laughter, watching as Elladan resisted the urge to act Arrowlan's age and stick his tongue out in retaliation.
"Quiet, Glorfy," the elder twin grinned as Glorfindel winced at the name the elven twins had graced him with. Glancing back at the girl in his lap, he thought fast.
"You know what? I didn't used to like it, either. But, I do now, and I bet I can make you like it too."
"How?" A hint of suspicion had creeped into Arrowlan's voice.
Leaning down, Elladan whispered something in her ear, too quiet for even the nearby elves to hear. His other hand reached out, quickly dropping sugar, cinnamon, and honey into the food on her plate. Her eyes were trained on his face and didn't even notice his movement. At the head of the table, Elrond watched, curious as to what his son was doing.
"There, now. I take a bite, then you, alright?" Elladan asked.
The girl swallowed slightly, glancing around; at last she nodded her head tentatively. Elladan reached out and took a spoonful, eating it slowly, before dipping the spoon back into the bowl and offering it to Arrowlan. Opening her mouth slightly, she quickly snatched the porridge of the spoon and swallowing it hard. She made a disgusted face, but it was mixed with a look of surprise. Slowly, the bowl disappeared, each time her face became less and less disgusted, until at last it was gone.
"Was that so bad?" Elladan asked with a slight grin, thinking back to the time that his mother had done the same thing for him. Every so often, his mother would lower the amount of sweets she put in it, until at last he ate it plain with no complaints.
Arrowlan shook her head, before pointing to the pastry in front of her. Elladan laughed, hugging her close for a moment.
"Yes, now you may have the pastry."
Elrond caught his son's eye, a question forming behind the look. Elladan winked, before returning to his meal as the girl on his lap continued her own breakfast, contented.
The rest of the meal passed quickly, as soon as the final bite had passed their mouths, the young twins were beginning to get antsy to do something fun. Elrond smiled down at them, knowing that they both wanted to see the valley now that they were both well.
"Elladan, Elrohir, why don't you two take the twins out to see the gardens?" The suggestion took both elves by surprise; they had planned on training all day, but a day off sounded much better. Pushing back from the table, they stood, setting the two edain on the ground. Bowing slightly to their father, the elves grabbed the two children and headed toward the door.
Closing it behind them, Elladan glanced down at the girl who stood next to him.
"What do you want to do?"
"Evewything."
Elladan glanced at his brother, both thinking the same thing. They really hoped that the two edain weren't as curious as they seemed, or "everything" really would be everything, including some things that could get them in a lot of trouble.
"Well, let's wonder around the gardens, you will see lots there." Elrohir forced a grin at the youngsters.
Arrowlan looked around as the foursome passed through a low stone wall into beautiful gardens. Trees shaded the paths, while flowers bloomed everywhere. Near the center, she could just make out the sound of a fountain. Pulling away from Elladan, she ran toward the flowing water, her twin on her heels. Both of them clambered up onto the edge and leaned over. Just as they'd hoped, little fish swam around the pool at the base of the fountain. Leaning a little too far, Aragorn reached back to grab his sister and try to steady himself. However, she too had been leaning precariously on the edge, and she joined her brother in tumbling into the pond. The two elven twins had been smiling at the enthusiasm of the younger siblings and didn't react fast enough to the danger of the fall.
Arrowlan quickly found her feet in the shallow fountain and stood up, wet hair hanging in her eyes. Her brother stood nearby, looking just as bedraggled. She waded to the edge and carefully clawed herself up to perch on the ledge. Reaching back, she squeezed her hair before helping her brother out of the water. Behind them, the elven twins had removed their long tunics and draped the two edain in them. While it was a warm day, it would be a little chilly soaking wet.
Picking the younger twins up, the elven twins continued strolling down the paths of the gardens. Arrowlan suddenly pointed happily to a stone bridge that was in the corner of the gardens. Elladan grinned; his own sister loved that bridge.
"We can go over there only if you promise not to fall off of it."
His only answer was for two petulant eyes to meet his own, her mouth set in a pout. With a laugh, he swung her around slightly, making her join his laughter. It had been a long time since the elf had felt this peaceful, and he was determined to enjoy every moment of it he could.
From high overhead, Elrond stood at one of the many windows of his study, watching the four young ones explore. He couldn't remember the last time that the valley was filled with such innocent laughter, or that his sons looked happy and peaceful.
The elf lord rubbed his head, he'd had a vision shortly after the morning meal, and such occurrences always caused discomfort after them. This particular vision troubled him, he'd seen an edain man with dark hair sitting on the throne of Gondor, while a fox-haired captain knelt at his feet, swearing fealty. There was little doubt in Elrond's mind that the man on the throne had been young Aragorn, while the man who knelt at his feet was the man who would be his Steward one day. But why was he being shown this vision now?
A knock at the door caused Elrond to turn in time to see Glorfindel stroll in.
"So, when do we send the edain away?" The blonde's question caught the dark haired peredhel off guard.
"Away?"
"Yes, you wanted to send them to Gondor, when would you like me to ride out with them? Frankly, the sooner the better, before the twin terrors decide to take a liking to them. Or should I say, more of one," Glorfindel reclined against the wall, arms crossed. He knew that Elrond didn't respond well to verbal onslaughts, but sometimes there were no other ways to make his stubborn friend see sense.
"Arrowlan has only just healed; such a long journey would be hard on her. Both of them need to come to peace with what has happened before they are sent off with more strangers. Its bad enough here, and the elves are all kind to them. I can't send them away yet." Elrond tried his last stand of logic to hold the two edain just a little longer.
"The longer they stay, the harder it will be to tear them away. They need to leave now or sending them away won't be an option," Glorfindel tried to suppress the smile that was threatening to break across his face. Elrond spun, face set.
"Maybe I won't send them away."
"Really? I thought that having the edain would cause too many troubles, that you were done with Elros' line, that hope was lost and peace forever surrendered. That's the impression I got."
"That was before I saw that such true hearts can still exist amongst men, for even young, Aragorn has shown great loyalty to his sister. That is something that can be fostered. No, they both will stay here, under my protection. Their identities will be hidden. We have hardly called them by their true names, anyhow, it shouldn't be too difficult to give them elven ones."
This time Glorfindel allowed the smile to break forth. He had known his friend would give in; he just wanted to be sure that it was Elrond's decision, no one else's. Slapping his friend's shoulder, Glorfindel made for the door, stopping only to call back.
"I'll leave you to finding names."
Elladan and Elrohir lay in the grass near the stone bridge that had fascinated Arrowlan. The two younger twins were curled between the elves, thumbs in mouths as they slept. The sun had peeked a few hours before, and the day had been busy. Despite protests that they were too old for naps, when 'Dan and 'Ro had settled in the grass, the two edain started nodding off immediately.
"Wouldn't it be wonderful to have young ones around again?" 'Dan's voice broke the drowsy silence.
"'Dan, don't get your hopes up. Ada has already said they will be sent away, he will probably provision the troop to leave within two days." There were times that 'Ro wished his brother would express his wishes to someone other than him. If 'Dan had made his feelings clearer to their father, maybe the twins could stay. But Elladan acted the proper general, and hadn't argue.
Next to them, Arrowlan stirred, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.
"Hungwy."
Hearing his sister's voice, Aragorn had also woken, his stomach growling in agreement with Arrowlan's pronouncement.
"Well, imps, I suppose that means that we should find a snack, since we did miss the noon meal." Elrohir stood up, brushing bits of grass from his leggings, before hauling both twins to their feet. The day had warmed considerably, and the two younglings were dry, although neither elf had put their tunics back on. Not only was it warm, but the tunics were a bit wrinkled from being wrapped around such small bodies, and neither twin thought it would do their reputation very good if they were seen in such disarray.
Arrowlan grabbed Elladan's hand as they walked back to the house; every other step she would jump slightly and the much taller elf would swing her forward. Her eyes drifted to the different flowers and plants that grew around her, thinking of all the things that her mama would tell her about the plants. Her eyes water a bit at that thought, she missed her mama, but then, the elves were very nice. All morning, Elladan and Elrohir had played games, taught them a few words in elvish, and told stories to her and her brother.
Entering the kitchen through an outside door, Arrowlan's senses were awash with the most wonderful smells. Due to the healing of many of the rangers, a feast would be held that evening, followed by singing and dancing in the Hall of Fire. Although a few Dunedain remained in the care of healers, they too were on their way to healing with the supplies given by the elves.
The two elven twins spoke quietly to the cook, who promptly handed them several pastries wrapped in cloth to keep them warm. Smiling, the foursome exited the kitchen, and Arrowlan found them being led to a small porch nearby. The two sets of twins ate in silence for awhile, for the elves had also found that they had worked up an appetite playing with the children. However, Elladan and Elrohir soon found a way to let their inner child appear.
"'Dan, you take such dainty bites." 'Ro taunted his brother who was primly eating a flaky pastry. "You need to scarf it down before someone tries to take it from you, like me."
So saying, 'Ro stretched out one hand in an attempt to swipe the food from Elladan's hand. However, the elder twin was quicker, and merely shoved the whole pastry into his mouth, crumbs dropping onto his shirt. Swallowing quickly, he tried to do the same back to his brother, who responded in kind.
"At least I don't look like an orc, shoveling food in my mouth in such a way."
"Shoveling? What was it that you just did?"
"Shoveling looks something like this." Elladan grabbed another pastry and using both hands, smashed in the general area of his mouth. Since, not all of it could fit, chunks of the sweet spewed all around him. Arrowlan was looking between the elves, amazed, while her brother laughed and clapped his hands.
Elladan was still struggling to swallow, when Lord Elrond appeared at the door to the porch.
"Is there a reason that my heir is trying to imitate an orc's eating style? Surely you have better manners."
Elladan stiffened and spun around, relaxing again when he saw his father's smile.
"Well, ionath nin, if you hope to be prepared for tonight's feast, I suggest you start now."
"Ada, we don't take that long!" Elrohir nearly sputtered at the thought of spending a good three candlemarks getting ready.
"Oh? And how quickly can you bathe and dress the edain?" One eyebrow was up inquisitively, "And I need to speak with both of you, so that means you will actually have to join us in the antechamber, instead of appearing moments before we enter." Elrond smiled briefly at the four younger beings before swirling around and disappearing back into the house.
The twins shook of their stupor at their father's words quickly. Hoisting both edain into their arms, the twins hurried inside and up the long flight of stairs to the rooms where the twins had been staying. Lying on the bed were dress clothes for both edain to wear. One of the tailors in the Last Homely House had come across an old dress her daughter had once worn and she had pulled up the hem slightly to allow Arrowlan to fit in it. Next to the dress were leggings, a shirt, and tunic for Aragorn. It had obviously been a set of the twins when they were much younger, for the cuffs were embroidered with the symbols of Imladris.
Rummaging around the room a bit, the elves found undergarments and towels for the two edain before the foursome headed for the baths. The two elder twins figured it would save them time if all four bathed together, that way it didn't matter if the two children splashed them.
Arrowlan squirmed in Elladan's grasp as he led the group back to the main floor and toward the back of the house. This was the area closest to the barracks and training fields, ensuring that when the warriors came in, they wouldn't have to traipse through the whole house just to get a bath. At this time of day, the chambers would be deserted as the warriors had finished training long before.
Elladan sat Arrowlan down, and quickly stripped her before setting her on one of the steps of the bath. The baths were deep and Elladan feared to leave her alone very long. He swiftly pulled his own clothes off and joined her. Next to him, Elrohir was doing the same.
Arrowlan was amazed by the baths. She loved playing in water, but it was always very cold when in large amounts. Not here, there was lots of water and it was nice and warm. With a grin, she gathered her small hands and sent a wave of water at her brother, hitting him squarely in the face. He glared at her as he spluttered, trying to rid himself of the water that had gone in his mouth. Before she could react, he had shoved a wave her way. She stuck her tongue out at him, but instead of responding to him, she shoved some water at Elladan. He was sitting higher in the water then she, so he didn't get much in his face, but it was enough that he managed to choke on the unexpected onslaught. Without thinking, he splashed the young girl. Before long, an all out water fight had started.
After all four were thoroughly soaked and exhausted, the two elves set to work cleaning themselves and their small charges. Elladan watched the young girl that he was supporting with one hand while he washed her hair with the other. He knew his father wanted to discuss when the patrol could be ready to escort her and her brother to Gondor, yet he couldn't bring himself to really want that patrol to leave all that soon. Arrowlan and her brother had brought such light to the valley in just a few days that it seemed cruel to whip them away again.
Cleaning themselves quickly, the elves kept an eye on the two younger twins who were seated on the steps of the bathing pool. Time had passed quickly and just over an hour remained before they would be expected to arrive in the antechamber. There light food and wine would await the family, Glorfindel, and Erestor. It was a time to talk; if there had been a delegation there, various behaviors, trade ideas, and other political subjects would be discussed by the leaders of Imladris before having to face their guests at the feast. For a social gathering, it was a time to relax and ensure that everything was ready for those they would entertain.
The elven twins dressed the edain in the light undergarments, while they themselves pulled on shirts and leggings, and quickly braided their hair. Neither liked the formal style of braids, preferring the simplicity of warrior braids, the only difference were a few colored beads ran into the braids to make them look more formal. Nearly running back to the bedroom, the twins quickly pulled on their tunics, but not their formal robes. Elladan wore the royal blue of Imladris, while his brother wore deep forest green. Their formal robes matched and were both adorned in silver thread. As soon as they had their tunics on properly, they turned their attention to the edain.
Elladan thanked the Valar that he had once helped his younger sister dress, for the dress that Arrowlan wore may have been considered simple, but the laces were still very intricate and would have baffled many ellon. He silently thought that his twin had the better end of the deal, as putting a squirming two year old into clothes one was familiar with had to be easier then doing the same with very foreign clothes.
Arrowlan could feel Elladan lacing the back of the dress, and she tried to crane her neck to see it. It was much prettier than anything her mother had worn, or let her wear. The laces in the back made her feel very grown up, for all of her gowns had just had simple clasps up the back. As Elladan tied off the last of the fancy laces, he caught his finger in the knot, and Arrowlan heard him curse quietly.
"If I ever hear you repeat that, you will regret it."
Arrowlan giggled at the threat. Smiling beatifically up at the elf, who in turn merely rolled his eyes and began brushing out her wavy hair. Her mother had never cut Arrowlan's hair, and it hung just beneath her shoulder blades in slightly unruly waves. As Elladan brushed, it frizzed a bit, a fact that had caused Gilraen a lot of grief when trying to dress Arrowlan for festivals when even the rangers dressed up and celebrated. Elladan once again was glad for the practice he had had on his sister. Using little amounts of water, he tamed the hair, before beginning a lovely twist pattern that was something simple, but still elegant for one so young. Next to him, his brother was already grabbing his formal robe and circlet, having finished Aragorn's clothes and hair already. He had also done Aragorn's hair up in an elvish style. A few braids, fancy, but still appropriate for one so young.
Tying the final twist, Elladan glanced outside. The sun was beginning to sink; they were supposed to be in the antechamber. Shrugging into his robe, his brother carefully arranged the circlet in his raven hair. Reaching out, they each grabbed hold of one of the twins and walked toward the antechamber, nearly dragging the edain with them.
Swinging open the door, Elladan walked in first with Arrowlan in hand. Glorfindel quickly came forward, grabbing both edain children, and drawing them away from the peredhel family. Elrond studied his son as Elladan watched Arrowlan drift across the small room with Glorfindel. The elder was unsure if Elladan realized that in the midnight blue that both younger twins wore, they looked like part of the family.
"I believe I said I needed to talk with both of you before the feast" Elrond broke through his son's thoughts. "It is about your two youngsters over there."
Elladan sighed. At least his father wouldn't be beating around the bush.
"The patrol can be ready to leave in two days time."
Elrond smiled inwardly at his son's words. Neither of the twins looked happy, but they would obey.
"The patrol need not depart that soon…"
"The sooner, the better. It is good time for travel…" Elladan interrupted.
"…and they won't be too attached to Imladris." Elrohir finished his brother's thought.
Elrond held up a hand to stall the twins' words.
"You have misunderstood me, ionath nin. They will not be leaving; I will be fostering them here. However, we will have to fake their death to those outside this valley, and hide their heritage from the ones within. I plan on telling people tonight that Arrowlan is still weak from her injury, and that it won't seem to heal. In a few days time, after the rangers have left, one of our scouts will ride out with the news that she perished from poison and that her brother followed her to the grave. After that, we will change their names and hide their past from them." Elrond was loathed to create such a deception, but it was necessary. From the look on his sons' faces, they were none too happy with the idea either. "If the enemy knew that there were kin of Isildur still alive, then Mordor would raise up to see that the threat is destroyed. Trust me, it is for the best."
Slowly, the two brothers nodded. They were overjoyed that the two bright lights of Imladris would be staying, but such a lie…it was hard to think about. However, they would do what they must to keep the young edain safe.
Further discussion was prolonged as Erestor joined the group, informing them it was time to enter the dining hall. Elrond would lead, with both twins flanking him. Each twin would also have one of the younger twins with them. Behind the family, Glorfindel and Erestor would follow slightly behind and on either side.
Arrowlan clung to Elladan's hand as Glorfindel and Erestor swung the dining hall doors open to admit the family. All around, elves and rangers rose from their seats as the lord of the valley and his family entered. Arrowlan had never seen anything so grand. Approaching the table, Elladan swung her behind the chair between him and Elrond, on Elrond's other side, Elrohir was doing the same to Aragorn.
The meal progressed quickly; all sad thoughts were pushed away. Arrowlan sat up as tall as she could and tried to imitate the elf next to her. However, she was much clumsier with the utensils then Elladan, and soon there was a small mess around her. Elladan glanced over, smiling, and carefully lifted her onto his lap, being sure not to wrinkle her dress or his robes. Bending over, he whispered into her ear.
"How about if I help you a bit?"
Arrowlan looked up at him, before shyly nodding. Grinning, Elladan cut the remains of her food into smaller pieces and helped her wield her utensils.
As the meal grew to a close, Elrond led a procession of men and elves into the Hall of Fire. The household staff had already placed trays of light pastries, cheese, and fruit, along with some wine, on low tables around the room. In one corner, a few elves played lutes and flutes quietly.
Elladan turned to Arrowlan, bowing gracefully, "Would you like to dance?"
Arrowlan giggled and nodded while trying to curtsy. Elladan picked her up, supporting her with one arm, while holding the other one out to side, close enough where the much shorter edain could still clasp his hand. Carefully, he began waltzing around the cleared area that was often used as a dance floor. Arrowlan loved the feeling of twirling around in Elladan's arms, she could see everywhere and she felt almost like she was flying.
The midnight hour was fast approaching, and both Aragorn's and Arrowlan's eyes were drooping. Waving to their father, the elven twins each picked up one of the young edain and brought them back to their room. Changing them and nestling them together in bed, Elladan and Elrohir made to leave and return to the Hall of Fire. Before Elladan could move, however, he felt a small hand grab his robe. Turning around, he looked into a scared pair of midnight eyes.
"Stay, pwease." Arrowlan's voice was soft, but neither elf had problems hearing it. Both elves settled back on the bed next to the edain, prepared to stay until the younger ones had fallen asleep.
Elrond had begun to wonder what had become of his sons. It surely couldn't take that long to put to edain to bed. Nodding to a few of the nearby rangers, Elrond made his way out of the Hall of Fire and down the corridor to the bedroom the edain were staying in. Opening the door, he glanced in. In the wide bed, not only were the edain twins asleep, but curled around them were his own sons. Elrond smiled, softly closed the door and returned to the festivities downstairs.
TBC
Elvish Translations:
Adadad
Ionath nin my sons
Ion nin my son
peredhel half elven
naneth mother
adar father-more formal
ellon male elves
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