Author's Notes: I believe I have finally replaced all the Dan and Ro nicknames with Elladan and Elrohir. The shorter chapters continue to be a problem, but I suppose eliminating nicknames and replacing them with longer proper names with help a little with that. : ) I hope you find something to enjoy in it, no matter what the length. Also, I reloaded Chapter 1 to fix the spacing problem. This is only my second multi-chapter fiction on ff . net so I am still learning. nautika
See Chapter 1 for Disclaimer

From end of previous chapter:

Elrohir 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.

That Precious Link, Chapter 4, A Father's Fury

The elf lord was not happy with his two oldest sons. His voice was low, so as not to awaken his youngest, but his fury was not so restrained. Only centuries of lectures and the absolute faith in their father's love for them kept the twins from backing away from him.

"How dare you? How dare you drug me? Had I been the only one…ill…it might have been acceptable, but to do so when your brother is sick…." Here his voice dropped dangerously low and Elrohir repressed a shudder. "How. Dare. You?"

The Lord of Rivendell spun and walked away in an obvious attempt at control. His hands were clasped so tightly behind him that his ring bit into his skin. The twins had endangered their brother with ill-conceived pranks in the past, but they had quickly learned that he paid for their bad judgment. It had been a long time since Elrond had seriously questioned their actions like this. Wisely, the twins remained silent and frozen in place, not even risking a look at each other.

Again the elf lord spun, this time advancing on his sons, eyes blazing. "What were you thinking? What if he had worsened? What if -"

Elrond got no further. Elrohir heard his brother's intake of breath and rushed to interrupt before his brother and father both lost control. Elladan loved his family fiercely, but he was cursed with a quick temper.

"Ada, please!" Elrohir's pleading voice was pitched to be heard, but hopefully not loud enough to reach his sleeping brother's ears. "We were afraid! Try and understand. We thought we were losing you both!" Tears came to Elrohir's eyes, but did not overflow. "You were unconscious for over a day and we were as unable to diagnose you as we were Estel! With you, we were at more of a loss. At least we were able to determine his was some type of poison and give him a tonic. For you we could do nothing. Nothing! For all we know, you might drop again while we have this conversation!" Elrohir's voice broke. He really had not considered the possibility until he had said it. What if his father passed out again while Elrohir was arguing with him? Distraught, the twin turned and walked to the balcony to hide the tears that were now flowing freely.

Elrond closed his eyes and tilted his head back, his shoulders drooped. A lone tear slid down his cheek.

Elladan's anger evaporated and he moved forward to pull his father into his embrace. The elf lord allowed his head to rest on his eldest's shoulder for a few seconds while he gathered himself, then stepped away. Squeezing Elladan's arm to reassure him, Elrond moved to stand a step behind his middle son. He took a moment to watch Elrohir before he spoke, thinking that of all his children, Elrohir was the most gentle in spirit. Even had the elf lord been unquestionably well, this was the child that would punish himself most over this outburst. Again he closed his eyes in shame. How could he have spoken to them thus? How could he have forgotten the time and energy these two had expanded caring for him and Estel? He had not even asked them when they had last slept.

Elladan stood a few paces behind his twin and their father, burning with his own shame. Elrohir was tender-hearted and Elladan knew full well that he would never have spoken to their father in the way he had if he had not been in fear of what Elladan might say or do. He ached for the opportunity to acknowledge what his brother had done for him. But he knew he must wait and so he stood silently, offering a prayer to the Valar.

Drawing a steadying breath, Elrond reached out to put a hand on Elrohir's shoulder, but hesitated and allowed it to drop to his side. "Ion nin?"

Elrohir had been so absorbed by his emotions that he had been unaware of his father's presence. He was at a loss, unused to speaking to his father like he had, unused to any awkwardness between them. He did not want his father to worry about him. He wanted him to take care of himself, not Elrohir. He wanted him to be well! He had spoken the truth earlier. He was afraid. What if his father had another attack? They were no closer to finding the cause than when it had first happened. His father should not be thinking of Elrohir, he should be looking inside himself to see what had happened to him. Panic rose, Elrohir tried to force it back, but barely succeeded in finding his voice. "I should be with Estel in case he awakes." Brushing past his stunned parent, Elrohir made for the door only pausing only long enough to whisper, "Forgive me", before fleeing to his younger brother's room.

xxx

"He will be well, Ada. Please try not to worry."

"You should go to him, ion nin."

"Not yet. He needs time. Taking care of Estel will be good for him. What of you? Are you well?"

"As well as one can be who has just injured a child…no…two children. I am sorry, Elladan. I should not have spoken to you as I did."

"It is well, Ada. You are just worried about Estel. Elrohir and I understand that. It is just …well, I guess we have switched places.

We are usually the patients and you are healing us. We are unaccustomed to you being the one unconscious. Honestly, Ada, how do you stand it?"

This brought a chuckle from Elrond and he let go of some of his tension. He placed an arm around Elladan's shoulder and guided him toward the kitchen. "Let us see if we can arrange for Elrohir's favorites to be on tonight's menu, then we shall review what happened the night your brother was carried home."

Elladan smiled and nodded.

tbc