Author's Notes: I owe some reviewers big apologies! I meant to change the Dans and Ros to Elladans and Elrohirs, but have not had time. It will be done eventually, but I have assumed a new responsibility in real life, so I can't promise exactly when Ro will become only Elrohir and Dan will become only Elladan. I hope it isn't too distracting.

An even larger apology for the shortness of this chapter. No one is more surprised than I am! I prefer longer chapters myself and was sure Chapter 2 was probably the shortest in this fiction. Wrong! This chapter is even shorter. To compensate, I will try to get Chapter 4 up ahead of schedule. I truly am sorry! nautika
See Chapter 1 for Disclaimer and Summary

End of Previous Chapter

Again, Elrond made to move from the bed.

Pushing his father back to his pillow, Elladan's voice was firm. "No, you will not. We still do not know what caused this and I will not risk you again so soon. If you feel he needs the mind touch again, then I will do it. If the same thing happens to me then perhaps you will find the cause where we could not."

As Elrond weighed the risks to his eldest and youngest, his middle son placed a kiss to his forehead, exchanged a nod with Elladan and slipped from the room. Even if Estel was improved he did not want to leave him alone for long.

That Precious Link, Chapter 3, Brotherly Nursemaids

Warmth, blessed warmth. The crackling of a fire. The familiar smell of athelas. His body sank deeply into cushions and above him was soft covering. Snug. He felt snug. The human felt his body fully relax and a sigh of bliss escaped him. The sigh brought immediate response, the creak of a chair alerting him that he was not alone. A hand lightly touched his, hesitant, almost as though the owner feared the touch would break the moment. The human realized that he was near absolute and perfect contentment, but the annoying part of his mind that housed his curiosity demanded to be heard. Sometimes he wished to be rid of this particular trait, but he knew the wish was in vain. This need to know was too much a part of him. Another sigh, more resigned than blissful, escaped him and his eyelids fluttered as he tried to force them open.

"Estel?" The voice was so soft it might have been imagined, but the human recognized it's owner.

Still unable to force his eyes open, he contented himself with a small smile and a mumbled "Ro?"

"Welcome back, little brother." Estel heard the elf kneel by the bedside. His hand was firmly clasped now and raised to allow his fingers to touch his brother's cheek. As his mind cleared, Estel realized the cheek was damp. His heart tightened in fear and gave him the strength to open his eyes. His brother's face was near. The few tears on the elven face ended in the corners of the dark haired beings smile.

"What has happened? Is everyone well?" The faintness of his voice surprised the human. He sounded ill, but he did not remember being sick, only cold. So cold he felt he might never truly be warm again. Just the memory of it caused him to shiver. The shiver did not escape the watchful eyes of his elven brother. His hands released Estel's, easing it under the covers and tucking the quilts in tight around him. That accomplished, he placed the back of his hand on the human's forehead to feel for fever and inquired "Are you cold? Is there pain?"

As the young man paused to consider this, a similar voice came from the doorway in a whisper. "Ro? I thought I heard voices."

"He is awake. Stoke the fire, please? He is shivering."

Elladan moved swiftly across the room, his eyes fixed on his brothers, not the fireplace. From the bed, his brother released a familiar sigh – one of exasperation. "It was one shiver. I am not really cold. It was more the memory of a chill than a real chill." Hearing himself, Estel stopped speaking. His voice was stronger but what he had said sounded mixed-up even to him. He feared if he said any more they would be forcing some vile-tasting medicine down him when all he needed was more rest. He risked a glance at Ro and was relieved to see him shaking his head in the time-honored tradition of big brothers. His look indicated he remembered times when he had sounded just like this. It also reflected his brother's love and concern.

Estel grinned and both twins relaxed. "Now, how about freeing me from this cocoon?"

With a twin on each side of the bed, the quilts were soon loosened and the young man's arms were again on top of the covers. The human accepted an offer of water from Elladan, drank and returned the cup to his brother. Lying back again, he smiled and teased, "After all, how bad could it be if Ada isn't hovering?"

Ro threw Elladan a questioning look. Elladan's response was too soft for human ears, but his twin nodded slightly to show he understood that their father was sleeping. Estel was tiring and missed the exchange.

"Worry not, little brother, we will let Ada know of your lack of appreciation so he can begin preparing your lecture!"

No longer able to keep his eyes open, Estel smiled and went to sleep.

tbc