From previous chapter of TPL

Estel winced at the picture his friend painted for them. Elrond opened his mouth to reassure Legolas, but Elladan demanded their attention. "Enough talk! He needs help now!"

Estel spared a moment for an apologetic look at Legolas before he and Elrond moved to join Elladan. Legolas slipped silently into a darkened corner to watch.

Chapter 15 A Changed Elrond

"No, of course I do not blame Legolas! I blame you!"

So fierce was Elladan's anger that Estel took a step back in fear his brother might actually strike him.

"Me? Elladan - "

"Yes you! You beg to go out on your own, you badger father until he creates a simple errand for you outside of Rivendell to silence your whining and then you cannot even handle that! The thought of you being a Ranger, human, is laughable. You are a danger to your family, how can you think to be of aid to anyone? And to blame this on Legolas…" Elladan's voice rose with every sentence.

"I am not blaming Legolas, Elladan! He thinks you hold him responsible. I will go and relieve his mind about that immediately! Excuse me." The man strode from the room without giving another glance at his brother. Once outside the room, he was confronted not only by the concerned face of Legolas, but also by the embarrassed glances of several elves who had been unable to avoid hearing the confrontation. Considering the acute hearing of elves, Estel thought it likely that all of Rivendell had been privy to Dan's opinion. Nodding briefly at them, Estel passed even Legolas by and made his way upstairs, seeking refuge in his room. Only when the door shut behind him did he allow himself to close his eyes and release a shaky sigh. He stood with his weight against the closed door, taking deep breaths to steady himself, then moved with deliberation toward his clothes chest. His bag was nearly packed and he was mentally rechecking the contents when someone knocked on door.

"Iôn nîn?"

"Come in, Ada."

Elrond stepped into the room, closing the door quietly behind him. In a glance he took in his son's countenance and saw the bag and cloak lying on the bed. Briefly closing his eyes and wondering how things could have changed so dramatically in a few weeks, the father sent a prayer to the Valar to help all of his sons.

"Estel," Elrond placed a hand on his son's back and moved so he could see his face. "I am so sorry for what happened. I should have known how Elladan would react. I should have been there."

"It is not your fault, Adar. Your place was with Elrohir. It still is. You should not be here. Please, go back to Ro. I am well."

"You are packed." Elrond's voice was dry, daring Estel to explain how both statements could be true.

"Elrohir needs you, Ada. Perhaps the crisis is past, but I would not have you leave him to attend to me over …this. After such an intense struggle to survive, he should have his father with him. Please go to him. Truly, I am well."

Elrond pulled his youngest around to face him. "Estel, when Elladan is upset or frightened, he says things he does not mean. I do not remember when I have seen him more frightened. Please, allow him time to think. When he collects himself he will regret his words. I know this. Give him time to make amends, iôn nîn." Elrond was almost pleading.

Estel's smile was sad. He placed a hand on either side of his father's face and pulled him toward him, placing a kiss on his brow. Once, he would have touched foreheads with him, but since his father's malady, he no longer had the courage for that.

"I understand Dan's ways, Ada. You need not worry. All will be well. I am not leaving in pain or in anger, though some may see it as such."

"Then why?"

"We have waited overly long to determine the exact cause of this evil. I need to know what may still happen to all of us as a result of what was done to me. I am sure Legolas will go with me to Wisdom." Estel's smile was genuine this time; was there a place this side of Valinor where he and Legolas would not follow each other? "We need a cure for this, Ada. I promise we will be careful, so please do not try and stop us. After all, it will also give Elladan time to cool off." The human's grin was mischievous, but his father saw the sorrow in his eyes.

Elrond stood for a time, silently contemplating this blessing who had come to them as a child. He had grown so much. Before long he would make an excellent ranger. Of course, Elrond had no intention of sharing that thought with the young man. He would miss him far too much to have him rush his departure from them. Forcing a smile, the elf lord touched his son's cheek. "I am proud of you, Estel."

"Hannon le, Ada."

"You need to speak with Legolas?"

Estel nodded. He had not yet shared his plans with the fair elf. He had not been ready to speak at all when he came upstairs. Obviously, Legolas had bowed to his father's wish to see him first. Nothing else could have kept his friend away.

"Then the two of you will wait for me. I will join you in Legolas' room. Wait for me, Estel." The elf lord's tone was firm, indicating he meant what he said.

The human took a final look around to see if he had missed anything, then approached his father, touching a hand to the elf's arm. "Alright, Ada. We will wait, but you will not dissuade me from going."

"But you will wait." It was not a question.

Estel had to smile, even under these circumstances. "Yes, Ada."

The elf lord nodded and left the room. The human sought out his friend, explained his intentions and helped him pack. They had just finished and Legolas was checking his arrows when the older elf knocked and entered the room. Legolas and Estel were startled into immobility, mouths open. The elf lord no longer wore the clothes of a lord. He had changed into a plain light blue tunic and black leggings. The only decoration was a simple line of darker blue stitching around the wrists of the tunic. His hair was loose except for braids that began at the front and were joined together in the back. He wore a cloak that the human recognized as one Elrohir had worn before being gifted with a new one from Elrond on his last begetting day, the pin that held it in place was scratched and tarnished. His bearing was still noble, but nothing else would betray him as elven aristocracy.

"I hope you are not too frustrated by the delay. I am ready now.… Estel, Legolas? Is there a problem?"

"Forgive me, Lord Elrond, I was just…startled." Noting his friend still had not found his voice; Legolas nudged him with an elbow.

Snapping out of his trance, Estel demanded "Ada, what are you doing? What do you mean you are ready?"

"That should be obvious, Estel." Elrond was undecided as to if he should be amused or impatient. He probably should have expected this response, but he had so much to accomplish in a very short period of time that he had not stopped to consider it. "I am going to Wisdom with you and Legolas."

"But you should be here. Elrohir and Elladan will need you."

"I have spoken with Elladan. He understands I do what I must do and that it is for the benefit of all that I go. The cure is for me, is it not? How can you treat a patient who is not there?" He response was met with silence. Legolas was watching Estel and wisely remaining silent. When Estel still did not speak, Elrond tried again, his tone dry.

"I will try not to be too much of a burden."

"It is not that. It is just…"

"Yes?"

"I have never seen you dressed like this before." Then, as if just noticing, the human declared. "You are wearing a sword!" Both elves swallowed smiles.

"I believe we are likely to encounter some danger, iôn nîn, and I wish to be prepared. You realize I do know how to use a sword?"

The human blushed. "I do not doubt it. I have seen you spar with the twins, but you have to admit, you do not even do that often. I believe I am entitled to be somewhat surprised."

The elf lord smiled. "I see your point, iôn nîn. However, I do not believe we should delay any longer. I am sure you can adapt to the idea while we are on the trail."

The human nodded. He and Legolas picked up their arms and packs and moved toward the door. Stepping back and signaling the prince through the door, the elf lord placed a hand on his son's arm to halt him. Estel looked up questioningly.

"I just thought I should prepare you, my son. I would not like what you see in the corridor to overwhelm you."

Sensing a trap, Estel sighed mentally and did what was expected.

"What is it, Ada?"

"I am also bringing my bow and quiver of arrows."

"Funny, Ada, very funny." The lightened mood did not last long. At the bottom of the stairs, Estel sobered and turned to his companions.

"I would like to check on Elrohir before we leave."

"Of course, iôn nîn. I had not thought otherwise." The elf lord lowered his pack and other possessions to the floor, took the human's things from him and placed them alongside his own. Placing an arm around his youngest's shoulder; he turned him toward the study. Legolas had set his own pack down and planned to join them, but now he hesitated, confused. The older elf motioned the prince to his other side, explaining about the adjourning corridor as they entered the study, saying they would not disturb the patients in the Healing Rooms by taking this route. Elrond said nothing of how they also spared the human the speculative glances of the elves. They meant no harm, but after the earlier episode with Elladan, he knew the young man would be sensitive to the attention.

Quietly, they entered the laboratory, Legolas slightly behind the other two. Just inside the room, Estel came to a stop. His companions waited patiently, keeping concerned eyes on the human. Estel's eyes were only for his brothers. In the far corner of the room, Elladan sat on the side of his brother's bed, gently washing the identical face with a cloth. The scent of athelas permeated the room, creating a relaxing atmosphere despite the circumstances. The human's gaze lingered on the younger twin. His eyes were closed. The sight caused the young man's heart to skip a beat, but he knew Elrohir would probably sleep that way for several days. The battle to save him had been hard fought, and even now they were not sure of a permanent victory. If they could remove this curse from Elrond, the twin's chance of survival would double. The human felt it in his soul and wanted nothing more to give his family that gift. "Well," thought Estel, "I will not make it happen by standing here." As he turned to leave the room, his father put out a hand to stop him. The human shook his head to let the elf know he would not approach the twins. Not wishing to upset his son further, the elf lord nodded his understanding and let the human pass. Legolas followed swiftly behind him while Elrond crossed the room to Elrohir's bedside.

Legolas stepped to walk beside his friend, offering wordless support. Estel forced a smile. "Let us get our things and Ada's and wait outside." They had only waited a few minutes when the door opened. Without looking up, Estel extended Elrond's bow and reached down for his quiver. When Legolas took the weapon from him, Estel glanced up in surprise. Before him stood not his father, but his eldest brother, anguish etched on his features.

"Estel, it was not your fault. I would not have you leave here believing that I blame you. Either of you." Elladan spared their friend a quick glance, but his gaze returned instantly to his brother's face. "I am sorry for the pain my words caused you. Valar, you nearly died not so long ago." The twin's face paled at the memory.

"All is well, Elladan. I know you hate that you cannot always protect us." Estel quickly embraced his elven brother and spoke softly into his ear. "I love you, gwador."

"I love you, little brother. I wish I could go with you."

"You are needed here, but we know you go with us in spirit."

As the brothers separated, Elladan looked to their friend from Mirkwood. "Legolas, take care of these two, and of yourself."

tbc

A/N I hope you enjoyed this chapter. At least the length of it was better! Thanks again to all who read and to all who review.