I couldn't wait to write this chapter. It's my top favorite so far, even though it's sad.
Ingeras was silently sitting on the bed in his guest chamber, hunching and his short legs dangling over the edge. He heard a knock at the door. "Ingeras?" It was Legolas. Ingeras walked up to the door and opened it. "May I come in?" Legolas asked. Ingeras subtly nodded. Legolas entered and put his arm around the boy. "Ingeras, there is something you must know. My father is sending you to Rivendell, to the House of Lord Elrond. You'll be safe there, and Lord Elrond is a very wise and kind elf. He has helped so many souls in Middle Earth, and Malfortion believes he can help you with...this burden that is troubling you so." Ingeras shrugged.
"It's not that we're sending you because you are a bother, penneth. Quite the contrary. But Mirkwood is no place for a child. It is very dangerous and dark here right now, and we must constantly keep on the alert. Besides, we want you to feel safe. And, Rivendell is at peace at the moment. And a very dear friend of mine resides there." Legolas said fondly. "He has endured a similar loss as you have, in his life. I would really like you to meet him."
Ingeras nodded and sat down on the bed, clutching his necklace. Legolas sat down next to him. "I have never seen a necklace such as that before." He said. "Did your parents give it to you?" Legolas asked. Ingeras's fingers clasped the trinket even harder and he barely nodded. "I'd...like to come to Rivendell now and then, and visit you, if you'd like?" Legolas asked. Ingeras shrugged. He leaned his chin on Legolas's arm. Legolas kissed the top of his head. "It will be all right, Little One." He promised.
A dispatch was banded at once to escort Ingeras to Rivendell safely. Legolas was going to accompany him. The night before they were to leave, Tauriel sat with Ingeras in his room and sang softly to him in Elvish. Her heart had gone out to the little boy who looked so lost, as if he was all alone in the world. She'd started to get up from the bed, but he clasped her hand. She smiled at him and stayed with him through the night.
Seeing that Ingeras had had nothing on him when he'd been found in the forest, it did not take him long to get ready. Legolas fetched him and led him through the corridors. "Ingeras, can you wield a sword yet?" He asked. Ingeras nodded quickly. "Here. Take this." Legolas said, placing a large knife in the small hands. "You might need this. It's yours." Ingeras's eyes widened as he stared at the weapon. It was larger than he could've asked for, and intricate Elvish carvings and runes were engraved in it. He tugged on Legolas's hand for a thank you.
Legolas placed Ingeras in a warm coat since he didn't have one. Thranduil was standing in the throne room when Legolas brought Ingeras. "Until we meet again, young one. I pray you fare better under the care of Lord Elrond than you have here." Thranduil bowed his head. "You are always welcome here, if you desire to return." Ingeras tried to smile, but simply bowed to the king, avoiding eye contact. He was still intimidated by Thranduil.
Outside the palace doors, Tauriel kissed Ingeras's head. "May the Valar be with you, penneth. You have a place in my heart. Bless you, Ingeras." She said gently. Ingeras looked as if he might cry. He slowly hugged her legs and she kissed him again.
"Come, Ingeras. It's time to go." Legolas said.
"Look after him," Tauriel whispered to him.
"On my honor." Legolas replied. He picked the boy up and set him on his horse, then Legolas mounted on behind him.
Ingeras was not sure what lay ahead, but he only hoped it would be better than what he'd already had to endure. He was quiet throughout the journey. Legolas's strong build brushing against his back, and the sturdy arms around his waist reminded Ingeras of when he and Vlad used to go riding together. The memories brought tears to his eyes. "Are you all right, mellon?" Legolas cocked his head. Ingeras nodded and quickly wiped his tears away.
I must be brave. Soldiers don't cry. Papa called me his big soldier. I have to be brave. Ingeras kept telling himself.
That first night when they set up camp, Ingeras was jumpy. He sat as close to Legolas as possible during dinner, for protection. Legolas smiled at him. "Don't worry, my young friend. I'll keep you safe if any danger happens upon us." He assured him. Ingeras looked imploringly into his eyes but still didn't speak. "Here, have something to eat." Legolas offered him a plate of food. Ingeras nodded but put the plate down. "Come now, Ingeras. You've hardly eaten enough of late to keep a bird alive. I'm afraid you're growing peaked on me." Legolas said, nudging the boy's empty belly. Ingeras shook his head. He just couldn't eat. Besides, right now he was so sad that he could barely taste whatever was given to him. "Well, suit yourself." Legolas shrugged.
That night, as the guards stood watch for Orcs or any other imminent danger, Ingeras could not sleep. This reminded him too much of when he and his family had fled with their people to the Cozia Monastery. As he lay on his side, he remembered that night all too well! He remembered them departing without Vlad, staying close to his mother, the sudden ambush from the Turks, Dimitrius being savagely killed so that Ingeras and Mirena would be safe! Every detail was still so vivid in his memory and he trembled violently as he relived the moments over and over again. One of the guards noticed Ingeras shivering and tilted his head to Legolas when he appeared. Legolas knelt beside Ingeras's bedroll, with the guard at his side.
"Ingeras? What's the matter?" Legolas asked softly. Ingeras shook his head and tried to hide under his blanket. "You're shaking, penneth. Are you ill?" Ingeras curled up even harder. Legolas pulled the blanket back a bit and reached his hand out and felt the boy's head. "You don't appear feverish. Are you cold?" Ingeras whimpered in protest, snatching back the blanket.
"Shall I fetch the healer, my lord?" The guard asked.
Legolas nodded. Then he told him in Elvish to ask the healer for a sleeping draught. He spoke in his native tongue so that Ingeras wouldn't protest when the drink was brought to him. He rubbed Ingeras's shoulder. "Would you like me to sit with you?" He asked. Ingeras quickly rolled over and nuzzled himself into Legolas's side. Legolas placed his arms around him. "Ingeras, I know you're very sad. Would it help you to talk about it? I'll listen." Legolas said soothingly.
"I...I..." Ingeras stammered. Legolas's face lit up! It was the first Ingeras had spoken in almost a week!
"Yes?" Legolas coaxed him.
"I...I can't." Ingeras pursed his lips. He looked as if he was struggling to hold back tears.
"Well, when you're ready, I'll listen, mellon." Legolas said. Ingeras buried his face into Legolas's rib cage. Legolas rubbed his arm when the healer approached with a mug. He knelt down in front of them.
"Here, little one. Can you drink this for me? It will help the tremors lessen." The healer promised with a smile. Ingeras nodded slowly and took it. He sniffed suspiciously then drank it. The drink didn't taste as bad he thought it would. In fact, it was rather sweet and soothing. "Ahh, excellent." The healer approved when he looked down into the empty cup. "Very good, young one. Now, it would be best if you try to go to sleep, all right?" He touched the boy's shoulder. Ingeras sighed.
"Young ones are the same in every race. They just hate to go to bed." The guard chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Ingeras glared up at him, making the elf men laugh. The healer and the guard stepped away.
"Would you like a story?" Legolas offered.
"No..." Ingeras said lowly. "Sing to me?" He looked up at Legolas.
"Sure, mellon. If that is what you would like." Legolas beamed.
"It is." Ingeras whispered. Legolas shifted his position so that the boy was cradled in his lap, with his head leaning against Legolas's chest. Legolas very softly sang an Elvish lullaby. Ingeras didn't know the words, but the prince's voice was melodious like a trickling stream. Ingeras would have remained awake all night in fear from the flashbacks, had the sleeping draught not kicked in so strongly. Ingeras fought to keep his eyes open, but quickly lost that battle and was soon sound asleep in the prince's arms. Legolas kissed his head and tucked him in his bedroll. He ran his hand through the boy's curls then stood up to speak with his men.
The next few days, they ran into little trouble along the way. At one point, they were pursued by Orcs. Thankfully, it had only been a small party, but Ingeras had been so terrified that he was dazed all the rest of the day into the night until he was given another sleeping draught.
It was their fifth morning into their journey, and the sun was just rising over the mountains. Legolas breathed in relief. Ingeras was sleeping against him. He shook his shoulders. "Ingeras? Wake up, dilthen mellon. We've arrived! We're here." Legolas smiled. Ingeras groggily woke up. As his eyes adjusted to the morning light, he was awestruck by the beautiful valley before them that they were entering. "Isn't it stunning?" Legolas asked.
Ingeras gaped in amazement at the wondrous city as it became bigger and more inviting the closer they came. The birds sang freely, dazzling waterfalls gushed out of the rocks. For the first time in a very long time, Ingeras felt something besides deep grief in his heart. He felt...serene, and not in a sad way. It was as if the air itself was magic. He kept twisting his head around, as if he was searching for something, or...someone. Is this heaven? Legolas and his party watched him closely and they knew they'd made the right decision in bringing him here!
They rode carefully across the stone bridge into the courtyard. Lindir, Elrond's minstrel walked down the great steps and greeted them with the common elf gesture. Legolas returned it. "My lord Legolas, Lord Elrond is expecting you. I trust your journey was not too fraught with danger." He bowed.
"Ai. For once, our trek was mostly peaceful." Legolas sighed, dismounting. Then he noticed several familiar figures descending the stairs and his face lit up. Elrond came to greet him, with his family following closely behind. Legolas hugged the elder elf, and the others, speaking cheerily in Elvish. Legolas embraced Aragorn tightly. "I'm glad you're here for once, instead of out in the wild."
"He was." Elrohir snickered. "But he rode in, all wet and shivering. Got caught in the rain...again."
"All right, enough." Aragorn rolled his eyes.
"Caught another nasty cold." Elladan teased. They truly felt really bad for Aragorn when he got sick, but they enjoyed rubbing it in his nose sometimes that they were immune to such illnesses.
"That will do." Aragorn warned him.
"Legolas!" Elrond called him back. Legolas hurried to his side. "Where is this dear little friend I've heard so much about?" Elrond asked. Legolas marched over to his horse and told Ingeras to come down. He caught him in his arms and taking his hand, he walked him to his greeting party.
"Oh my! He looks exactly like Estel did at that age!" Elrohir whispered in Elvish to his twin.
"Ai! You don't suppose they're related?" Elladan responded.
"Nah." Elrohir shook his head.
Elrond smiled widely as he looked down at Ingeras. "You must be Ingeras." He said fondly. Ingeras nodded and bowed courteously. "Ahh. Legolas and King Thranduil have told me a lot about you. I'm glad to finally meet you in person. Welcome to Rivendell! We're glad you've come."
Ingeras was staring up at the tall healer. He had a penetrating gaze that made the boy feel as if the elder could see right into him. But his warm manner was very kind, welcoming, and in no way condescending. Ingeras gazed at his flowing hair. It was like the other elves he'd seen. But...it was dark, like Vlad's. And Elrond had gray eyes...like Vlad's. A sudden dull ache hit Ingeras in the gut as it brought back the reality of how much he missed his papa. Ingeras didn't realize he was holding his stomach.
"These are my children." Elrond grinned. "My sons, Elladan and Elrohir." The twins bowed playfully to Ingeras. Ingeras creased his eyebrows. They both looked the same. "Ahh, I know what you are thinking. You wonder how we tell them apart. Well, little one, that is a long story." Elrond chuckled.
"No it's not, Ada." Elrohir interjected. "It's easy. Hello, Ingeras. I'm Elrohir. I'm the smarter one!" Elladan shook his head.
"Don't listen to him, Ingeras. I'm the oldest, Elladan. So that automatically makes me smarter and stronger!" He crossed his arms. Elrond rolled his eyes, pretending to be exasperated.
"They've been squabbling like this since before they were born." He told Ingeras. Ingeras suddenly felt a small urge to giggle! He didn't know grownups could argue like children over silly things like that.
"Come, Ingeras. There is someone you have to meet!" Legolas told him excitedly, tugging on his hand. "Ingeras, this is Aragorn, my best friend in the world!"
"Hello, Ingeras." Aragorn said quietly, smiling warmly. He knelt down in front of the boy and shook his hand. "But you can call me Estel. Everyone around here does." Ingeras nodded. "We've been looking forward to meeting our distinguished guest. Though I say, some here could brush up on their manners!" He gave the twins a pointed look.
"Don't be sore, little brother. We just want him to get off on the right foot." Elrohir argued.
"Right. We want Ingeras to know which one he should imitate. And...which one to avoid." He pointed at his brother. Elrohir kicked his shin.
"I'm afraid to leave him here, without me to guide him." Legolas said sarcastically, placing his hands protectively on Ingeras's shoulders. "I'm not sure it would be wise to set him under such immature influence." Aragorn snickered, and Elrond had to feign a cough to hide his laughter.
"Ingeras," Elrond came over to them. "You haven't yet met my daughter, Arwen." Elrond said wistfully, as if he were presenting a rare and valuable treasure. Arwen descended the steps and gracefully approached Ingeras. She smiled brightly at him.
"Welcome to Rivendell, Ingeras. We've been waiting for you." Arwen said happily.
Ingeras froze. She was like something out of a fairytale! Her long black hair shone in the morning sunlight, and the rays bounced off her flowing sapphire dress, illuminating it like diamonds. Her voice was as gentle as an angel's. Why, she...she looked like a queen! But what struck him the most was...those eyes! Those blue eyes! They were so much like...like Mirena's! Ingeras never imagined any woman could come even close to his mother, in features. Momma?! He struggled in thought. No, she's not...but...ohh, Momma! Ingeras shuddered and his breath hitched as he couldn't take his eyes off of Arwen.
Elrond quickly came to his side and touched his shoulder. "Are you all right, child?" He asked gently. Ingeras completely lost it. His stomach really began to hurt. All the tears he'd been holding back instantly burst forth like a broken dam. Before he could catch it, a gut-wrenching cry escaped his throat and his small body trembled violently with weeping as he covered his face with his hands.
"Ingeras!" Legolas, quite alarmed, tightly gripped his shoulders. He knelt down next to him. "Hey...it's okay." Legolas said sadly, trying to comfort him by rubbing his back. Aragorn, the twins, and Lindir frowned with concern. Ingeras turned quickly toward Elrond and hugged his waist tightly, sobbing on his robes.
Elrond leaned over and gently stroked the boy's head. "Shh. It's all right, son." He said soothingly. Ingeras clung to him tighter. Elrond stooped down and lifted the boy up into his arms, letting him cry on his shoulder. Ingeras's face was a painful red, and he wailed with harsh sobbing. "Thank you for bringing him, Legolas," Elrond said. "I'm going to take him inside. Shh. It's all right, penneth. It's all right," Elrond shushed gently, running his hand through Ingeras's curls. Everyone watched in dismay as the healer carried the boy up the steps into the Homely House.
"What did you do to him, sister?" Elrohir sputtered. Arwen glared at him fiercely, tears running down her face.
"Oh, do shut up! It isn't funny!" She seethed and ran after her father.
"What did I say?" Elrohir sputtered. Elladan smacked him behind his head. "All right, all right." Elrohir grimaced. Aragorn came to Legolas's side.
"Legolas? Are you all right? You look quite shaken, mellon-nin." He stated. Legolas shook his head.
"I feel terrible." Legolas sighed. "We tried to help him, but he's been so uptight, not opening up to us. There truly is magic in this place! That is the first I've seen where he's ever freely shown without holding back his emotions! I guess he was too scared of us." He hung his head shamefully.
"Don't feel bad, Legolas. You tried, and you took care of him." Aragorn touched his friend's shoulder. "That's what he needed."
"I just wish I could've done more for him."
"You already have. Your father was wise to send him here." Lindir spoke up. "Lord Elrond will help him. You'll see, mellon."
"I certainly hope so!" Legolas moaned.
Glorfindel and Erestor had been unable to meet Ingeras, as they'd had to finish up some paperwork that had seriously needed their attention. Relieved that was over, they ventured out into the hall, curious about the newcomer. They both halted when they saw Elrond marching through the hall, bearing a crying child. "My lord! Is everything all right?" Glorfindel asked in alarm. "Is he ill?"
"What has happened?" Erestor added.
"I do not know for sure yet. But I suspect our young guest has been ambushed by a major case of homesickness." Elrond sighed.
"Should we take him to the healing ward?"
"No! No, I do not think that would be the wisest move at the moment." Elrond grimaced. "We don't want to frighten him." He brushed passed the two of them and they looked at Arwen.
"My lady?" Erestor prodded.
"I don't understand it." Arwen said sadly. "I only said hello to him. He took one long look at me, and then just burst into tears!"
"Arwen, my dear girl, what male wouldn't take a long look at you?" Erestor smiled. "You are a beautiful elleth."
"But this is the first I've heard of you reducing one to tears!" Glorfindel teased. Arwen glowered at them and briskly marched away after her father. "Did you not notice how much the poor child resembles Estel at that age?"
"I did notice! It will be like raising him all over again." Erestor commented.
"Oh, Valar, I hope not! Not with the twins to help." Glorfindel gasped.
Elrond carried Ingeras to the guest room they'd set up for him and sat down on the bed. Ingeras's arms were locked around his neck. "Shh. There, there. It's all right, penneth. Let it out. That's right," Elrond said encouragingly, patting the boy's back.
"Momma...Momma!" Ingeras wailed in agony. "Why did you have to die?!" He sobbed. Elrond clasped the boy closer to his bosom, and gently rocked him back and forth. "Papa! Papa..." Ingeras choked on the words in a strangled voice. "Why don't you come for me? Papa..."
Arwen peeked inside. "Ada?" She spoke softly. "If you would like, I'll leave you alone."
"Nay, Arwen. Please come in." Elrond begged her. Arwen nodded and closed the door behind her then sat down on a chair across from them. She was crying too. She couldn't stand to see a child in pain like this. She was hesitant at first, afraid to touch Ingeras, fearing he would shrink away from her. But then she slowly arched her arm forward and soothingly stroked Ingeras's curls.
"I'm sorry, Ingeras." She murmured.
Ingeras cried for two full hours straight until he fell asleep instantly on Elrond's lap, completely drained with exhaustion.
