A/N: Sorry for the delay in posting. Enjoy.

Warning: character death

Chapter 6: Final Journey

While Aragorn was heading east to the Misty Mountains on the main road the twins were traveling west through the wilds. They were anxious to reach the ranger village after hearing of the death of Arathorn and were glad of the full moon which allowed them to travel at a gallop. They reached the village at the midnight hour and headed straight for the stables before seeking out the new chieftain. As they approached the large structure both were surprised to see light coming from its depths, arching an eyebrow the eldest twin dismounted and led his horse into the building. As soon as his eyes adjusted to the light Elladan cried out and ran toward a lump lying on the ground. His cry caused Elrohir to leap from his steed and run into the stable where he saw his twin cradling the head of a young Dúnedain. Elladan was gently inspecting the wound to the young one's head when his twin knelt next to him. "He has been struck hard on the head."

Just as Elrohir was checking for other injuries the man started to stir, "Halbarad?" Elrohir asked. The younger twin gently slapped the man's cheek, "Please wake – we must know what has befallen you."

The man shifted in his sleep for a few minutes then finally pulled his eyes open, "Aragorn?"

Elrohir smiled down at the man, "No, it is Elladan and Elrohir. Where is Aragorn? Who did this to you?"

Suddenly Halbarad struggled to get to his feet but was held fast by the Elder twin, "Easy, what is it?"

The young man settled and looked up at the elves, "It is Aragorn, he did this to me right before he rode out to kill the remainder of the band of orcs that killed Arathorn."

The twins exchanged a concerned look before Elladan returned to the young human he was holding, "Do you know where these orcs are?"

Halbarad nodded, "At least we are fairly sure, about a day's ride to our northeast there is a box cannon with dense overhand, we believe that is where they are holed up."

Another glance was exchanged between the twins before Elrohir addressed the man, "Aragorn has this knowledge?" The man just nodded so the elf continued, "We will need fresh horses."

Halbarad shook his head, "You cannot go alone. We must muster the rangers."

Elladan shook his head, "There is not time. Elrohir and I will go ahead while you stay here and muster the rangers to follow us." The man started to interject but was stopped by the elder twin, "It is the only way, if we wait Aragorn will die."

Halbarad nodded in resignation, "Take the first two horses on the left." The twins moved like lightening, removing needed supplies from their horses and preparing the new mounts. It was only a few moments later that they tore out of the stables leaving a very concerned Halbarad behind.

Elladan swore, the sun had been up for hours and still they had yet to catch the man. They thought he would have to sleep but now it had become apparent that he was only stopping to rest his horse, just as they were doing. At dusk Elrohir put his hand out and caused his brother to stop. Pointing at a location on the horizon the younger twin commented, "I believe that is what Halbarad was talking about."

Elladan nodded, "Do you see Aragorn?" When his brother shook his head to the negative the elder twin kicked his horse hard, desperate to reach the canyon soon.

The two were fast approaching the canyon when they heard screams coming from within. The two exchanged a quick glance and traveled on; they knew what that sound was – Aragorn had been discovered. The twins rode by the cave and jumped from their horses landing in a crouch at either side of the entrance. For a moment the two wondered why they were not being attacked but one glance into the canyon answered that question, as there was Aragorn being attacked by several of the gruesome creatures. Just as the twins were about to jump into the fray, the largest orc embedded his semitar into the man's chest. Elladan and Elrohir froze as they watched the young one fall to the ground then rolled to face them. Elrohir was shocked by the accusing look the man gave them as he mouthed, "Always too late". The man then breathed his last breath leaving the twins dumbstruck for a moment.

It was the orcs squeal of success that caused the twins to act – jumping right into the middle of the horde with their swords drawn. Neither twin expected to survive this fight but at least they would take some of the orcs with them. The twins saluted each other and stood back to back as the orcs started charging these new opponents. At first the twins were easily able to take out the orcs but as the fight continued the twins were separated, exposing their backs to all comers. Elrohir was twisting and turning with lightening sped, a thrust here and a parry there. However, just as he was thinking there was a chance they could survive this fight, he heard a howl of pain and turned just in time to see his twin fall on the ground – a bloody slash across his chest. As if sensing his twin's eyes on him Elladan looked up and smiled at his brother for a moment before the orc to his left swung his semitar and removed the elf's head from his shoulders. Elrohir stared at his brother's body in shock – this could not be happening - they were not supposed to die this way! The moment of distraction proved to be fatal for the younger twin as an orc behind him copied the move just used, removing the younger twin's head from his shoulders – the elf's body landing just feet from its mirror image.

Hundreds of miles away in Imladris the lord of the valley released a loud anguished cry as he felt his sons' souls flee Middle Earth. In just hours the residents of Imladris were mourning not only their two princes but their lord as well because Elrond could not withstand this loss and quickly succumbed to his grief, joining his sons in Mandos' halls.

TBC

A/N: Please don't kill me! Be sure to read the conclusion tomorrow.

4