Disclaimer: Go see another chapter.

A/N: Can you believe it? I'm actually updating and it's only been about 4 days. Miracles do happen. Lol. Anyway, thank you for the reviews. I'm glad all of you are liking the chapters. And for those of you questioning and suspecting Aragorn, you will have to read to find out what is going to happen with him. There may be more danger than you think. /smiles evilly/ Please keep the reviews coming. Reviews make me happy.

Chapter 28

Face of Danger

Where is reality and what are the actions that will define who I am

I am holding onto the visions I've seen of what I could be

It's what I should be

More than it seems these dreams inside (show me the way to these dreams)

Blur reality's line ('til there's nothing that's left of me)

If I could believe that dreams aside (show me the to these dreams)

I am capable of more than it seems

Passing through darkness into my own world will I

Be more than when I left

Never letting go of the lessons I learned this will make a change

I've found the strength to face life's long days

This time I won't run away

'Till there's noting left of me

-More Than it Seems - Kutless

Elrohir rolled as both Ringwraiths came at him and his brother. He barely missed being slashed by the morgul-blade. Yet his brother was not so fortunate. Elladan moved out of range, and by regular standards, it should have been safe enough of a distance, yet somehow it wasn't. Either the Wraith planned for his movement and redirected his attack or if by some dark magic, Elladan did not know. All he knew was that he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder and saw the Nazgul's blade protruding from his wound. Elladan's legs gave out and he fell to his knees on the ground. The pain in his shoulder left him breathless and sick to his stomach. Then he heard a sickening sound as the blade was pulled from his shoulder. His hands flew to his wound instinctively, though his mind was fighting consciousness. The sharp pain was soon replaced by a scalding fiery pain. A horrifying scream filled the air as the pain became too much for the young elf. He saw a blinding white light in front of his eyes as his body fell limply to the forest floor.


Elrohir heard the sickening sound of his brother gasp in pain behind him and he turned his head quickly. He saw the Nazgul cruelly pulling his blade from Elladan's shoulder and his twin falling to the ground. Elrohir screamed and tried to go to him, but everything seemed to move in slow motion. He could not seem to move fast enough. His eyes, only focused on one thing, never saw the Nazgul coming at him until it was too late. He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the morgul-blade coming at him, straight towards his heart.

"Die, Son of Elrond!" The wraith hissed in the coldest voice.

What happened next, however, was not what Elrohir expected. He waited for the Nazgul to strike him, but the pain never came. A sudden bright light from somewhere nearby blinded him and for a moment he thought himself to be dead. But as he heard the Nazgul scream and a strong voice speak, he knew it not to be true.

"Be gone, Khamul. Return to the darkness where you belong! Go back to the shadow!"

Elrohir stared ahead as both Wraiths disappeared into the forest and the spiders scattered into the trees. He turned his eyes to the rider who had saved them all and was not surprised at who he saw. An old man with a gray beard and a gray cloak was mounted on the horse. He wore a long brimmed hat and was holding a staff, which still glowed slightly. He was clearly a wizard and Elrohir knew him well. He stood there, however, breathless and in shock, unable to speak.

"Are you all right, son of Elrond?" The wizard said as he dismounted from his horse.

Slowly Elrohir nodded. "Yes, thank you, Mithrandir."

The wizard nodded and bent down to check on Elladan. "He has been stabbed by the morgal blade, but your father will be able to help him. Thank the Valar it was only Khamul, the second in command of the wraiths, and not the witch-king himself who stabbed your brother."

Elrohir nodded slightly, relieved that his brother was still alive.

"Mithrandir, come quick!"

Elrohir and Gandalf looked up at the elf who had spoken from across the camp. It was Kalen and he was holding an elf in his arms. Elrohir reacted immediately, jumping to his feet.

"Ada!" He yelled as he knelt by the fallen elf.

Elrond was conscious but only barely. Venom from the spiders was running through his veins, and it was already making his body stiff and cold. Moving any part of his body felt like pins and needles puncturing his skin. "Do not worry for me, my son. 'Tis only spiders' bite." The elf said, trying to hide his pain. "How is Elladan?"

"He's been injured by a morgal blade."

Elrond cringed and despite the pain it caused, he tried to sit up. "I must help him."

Gandalf lighted pressed him back to the ground. "You aren't going anywhere. Your son will be fine."

Elrond smiled slightly at seeing the wizard. "Mithrandir. It's been a long time."

Mithrandir nodded. "Rest, my friend."

Elrond swallowed hard, but looked back at his son. "Do you remember how to make an antidote for spider venom?"

Elrohir nodded slowly. "I think so."

"Good. There are many elves here that need your help." Elrond said.

Elrohir looked up and for the first time, he noticed how much devastation the spiders had caused. Elven bodies littered the forest floor, many yet alive, but suffering from the deadly toxins of the spiders. Huge bodies of spiders also littered the ground and blood seemed to be everywhere. Elrohir had seen war and death many times, but still the after effects of battle made him nauseous.

"There is much poison running in the blood of these elves. We will have to work fast for it is strong enough to kill them." Gandalf informed.

Elrohir took a deep breath and did his best to calm his emotions. "Kalen have you been taught how to make an antidote to the poison?"

Kalen nodded. "Yes, it is a skill most Mirkwood elves learn because we are in such close proximity to the spiders. This poison, however, seems to be stronger than any I have seen. It is beyond my skill."

Elrohir nodded. "But we have to try. Can you help us, Gandalf?"

Gandalf nodded. "Let's get the supplies."

Elrohir and Kalen went to work preparing the antidote. Elrohir was more skilled in the healing abilities and despite his former tension, the young elf was quite calm and controlled. His father had taught him long ago that even through the hardest situations, a healer must remain in control and calm to be able to work effectively. With effort, Elrohir was able to mimic his father's ability and before long, the three had effectively created the antidote. They only hoped it would be potent enough to cure all the venom from the creatures.

Praying to the Valar that it would work, Elrohir let his father take the first sip of the antidote. He knew it would take a few minutes before he would see any results, and it could be a few days before they would know if it worked fully. Elrohir wanted to wait at least a few minutes to see if his father would be okay, but Gandalf urged him to help the others. Obediently, Elrohir did. It took a while to treat everyone because some also had wounds that needed tending.

Finally, after everyone was treated and resting comfortably, Elrohir was finally able to check on is brother. He had covered his brother with a blanket and had asked one of the Rivendell elves to look after him before he began helping the others, but now he was quite anxious to see how his twin fared.

Elrohir soon found his twin with their father in one of the tents.

"How is he?" Elrohir asked immediately.

Elrond looked up. "I have done what I can for him. He needs to rest."

Elrohir nodded. "How do you fare, Ada?"

"I will be fine, ion nin." Elrond replied. "How are the other elves?"

"Two are dead, most others were poisoned or wounded, but are now recovering." Elrohir reported.

Elrond nodded and stood. He placed a hand on Elrohir's shoulder. "You did well, ion nin. Watch over your brother as I speak with Gandalf."

Elrohir nodded. "Are you sure you are all right, Ada?"

"I am just tired, Elrohir. I can still feel the effects of the poison in my body and though it is beginning to fade, I will need time to recover."

Elrohir watched his father leave. He had the feeling Elrond was not being totally honest with him and that thought scared the young elf. Despite his fears however, he walked to Elladan's side and knelt near him. The twin opened his eyes and smiled.

"Sorry I didn't come sooner, El." Elrohir said sincerely.

Elladan grinned. "Too busy partying without me?"

Elrohir smiled at his jest. "Yes, I was having tons of fun, until I thought I should be a good brother and check on you."

Elladan laughed.

"How are you feeling?" Elrohir asked becoming serious.

"Tired and sore, but I think if you leave me alone for a few days, I should be back to normal." Elladan replied trying to hide his grin.

Elrohir pretended to be hurt by his comment. "Then I will leave you to rest and will not disturb you." He said in the best sad tone he could.

Elladan laughed. "Drama Queen." He accused.

Elrohir crossed his arms with a "hmph". "Last time I'll ever leave a party to check on you."

Both twins continued laughing and jesting with one another until finally Elrohir decided to check on their father. He also thought it would be good for Elladan to rest.

"I'm glad you are all right, El." Elrohir said before he left.

Elladan smiled. "I'm glad you are all right, too."

Elrohir smiled and walked out to find Elrond.


By the time Elrohir found Elrond, Gandalf and Elrond had been talking for a long time. Gandalf had been discussing with him how he had heard of the Nazgul in Mirkwood and had left as soon as he could. He explained to Elrond that the Nazgul in charge was named Khamul and that he was the second in command of the Nazgul. Gandalf did not know the reason that Khamul wanted to kill the twins, but he suspected that it had something to do with their skill as warriors and the time when they had slain hundreds of orcs. After Celebrian had died, Elladan and Elrohir were outraged and killed as many orcs as they could find. Gandalf suggested that Sauron had never forgiven the twins for their acts and warned him that Sauron probably never would. Gandalf also explained a plan to free Mirkwood, but also explained that it would be temporary. They could not keep the Nazgul away forever; not until Sauron was defeated.

As Elrohir approached, Elrond smiled at him. "How is your brother?"

"He is fine."

"Good, he will need a few days to recover, but he should be back to normal soon. What about you, ion nin?"

"I am fine, Ada. I have a few wounds, but I already treated them the best I could." Elrohir replied.

"Good. Gandalf and myself along with those unwounded will meet up with Celeborn and his elves. The wounded will be sent back to Mirkwood to recover." Elrond informed.

Elrohir nodded. "If you do not mind, I would like to travel with them and make sure Elladan gets back safely."

Elrond smiled. "I figured you would. They will be leaving at dawn, so you may wish to get some rest."

Elrohir nodded and turned to leave. "Ada?" He said as he turned. As his father looked at him, Elrohir continued. "You get some rest, too. You look very tired."

Elrond smiled wearily. "I will. Be careful, ion nin. Look out for your brother."

"You be careful, too, Ada. Im goe an le." (I fear for you)

"Eail gosta anin. Hanomquer." (Do not fear for my safety. It will be well/okay)

Elrohir sighed. "Navear. Amin mela lle." (Goodbye, I love you)

"Amin mela lle vithel, ion nin." (I love you, too, my son.)

Elrohir smiled and turned to head back to Elladan's tent to get some rest, praying silently to the Valar to watch over his father.