Chapter 2

"Where are you?"

"Why can I not find you"

Almost, but not quite, I feel the serenity I crave yet this twilight grey will not bring what I need. My heart calls out for more, for the grey to darken, fade to the blackness where I know you hide but it is not to be. Not this time. This hurt was not enough.

Colours begin to seep into the world around me as awareness returns. I try to resist, to force them back, yet it is a futile hope and as I begin to wake I vow that next time I will make it. Next time will take me deeper. Next time I will reach the darkness that will cleanse me. Next time I will find you, and peace.

Deep blue eyes opened to reveal the high ceiling of the healing room overhead and Legolas felt a pang of loss for something just out of reach as consciousness returned. A slight noise alerted him to anothers presence and he turned his head to find himself under the watchful eyes of his fathers head healer.

"You have returned to us again ernilen." Though kindly spoken the words managed to hold a gentle rebuke and Legolas was unsure if the elf was referring to his awakening or his presence itself.

"Aye, Fearval," the prince decided to go with the former, "how long have I been out?"

"If you are refering to your present stay, it is only half a day," the healer held out a previously unnoticed cup and watched as Legolas manoeuvered himself into a sitting position. "If you mean how long is it since we were last graced with your presence here, not long enough."

Eyebrows raised as he once more proffered the cup which Legolas accepted with a grimace.

"Not another of your foul concoctions, please master healer." Glancing down at the vessel the prince was surprised to see what appeared to be clear liquid only within its shell shaped body.

"Simply water this time I'm afraid." A smile crossed the healers face as he noted the princes disbelieving reaction. "Honestly, ernilen, 'tis just cool water to quench your thirst."

Legolas lifted the cup and carefully sniffed at it before placing it to his lips to taste. His eyes widened as he found no taint of herbs than he quickly drained it whilst the other watched with a benevolent air.

"Hannon le, Fearval," the prince nodded in gratitude then handed the cup back. "Now, I must make room for someone more needy of your care."

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed he went to stand but was stopped by the gentle yet firm hand that was placed upon his right shoulder.

"You should not be in such a hurry, ernilen, I would prefer to keep you for another day to ensure your healthy recovery and I'm sure the king would rather you stayed under my care a little longer."

"I feel that is hardly necessary for a scratch such as this, healer." The retort was somewhat sharper than he intended but Legolas softened his tone to continue, "I am sure you mean well, but I feel fine now and assuredly there is no need to worry the king unnecessarily, when it is such a minor wound."

Legolas opened his sky blue eyes wide, making him appear as young and innocent as an elfling again. He knew the healer could never say no to this well practiced expression.

"Oh, very well," the healer gave in as he had so many times in the past. "Only promise me to take more care in the future. I do not want to see you back here for a very long time."

"Of course, Fearval,"

As the healer turned away he did not notice that the smile spreading across the princes face failed to reach those widened eyes.

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~o~

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"So, how are you enjoying the life of a ranger?"

Three figures sat around a small fire, finishing the remainder of the stew prepared from a brace of rabbits caught that afternoon.

"'It suits me well enough," The young man finally replied to his elder brother after swallowing his last mouthful and licked his lips appreciatively. "Gods 'Dan, I had forgotten just how good you can make coney taste."

"I have always said his talents are wasted as a warrior Estel," The younger twins eyes twinkled in the firelight as he leaned over to avoid the punch now aimed his way from the older.

"Ah, but you would starve without me, muindor." Elladan replied with a smile. "Your own efforts being inedible, even for yrk."

Silvery laughter filled the air and the young man felt his heart relax as the twins continued their teasing banter. He had not realised just how much he had missed their playful ways, or even just their company. The days since they found him, huddled like a drowned rat in the rain had been like a balm to his wounded spirit. To know that they still accepted him, loved him even, as their brother, had gone some way to lifting the weight that had begun to press down upon him with increasing force over the last few years.

"I imagine you have missed the comfort of a warm bed though, eh?" Elladans voice broke through his thoughts and he looked over to see two pairs of expressive, brown eyes watching him questioningly.

" There is no denying that the ground can be a little hard at times, yes." He answered with a grimace." But a sweet hayloft can be just as dry and comfortable and I have, on one or two occasions, had the dubious pleasure of partaking of an Inns hospitality." He smiled brightly, trying not to think on where this conversation may be leading.

"Yet there is nothing like your own bed, is there muindor?" Elladan looked at his twin.

"Nay, nothing quite like it," replied the younger, then cheekily added, "unless it be that of some lusty young maiden of course."

Laughter rang out once more at the ribald comment that conjured up fond memories for each of the three brothers and for the next few moments the conversation descended into lewd statements, stories and innuendo, although they were all careful to mention no names. It was the older twin who broke the mood and suddenly broached the subject they had been, up to now, carefully avoiding, in his usual forthright manner.

"Will you not come home, Estel?"

The words hung in the air between them, large enough as to be almost tangible and the three sat in silence as if afraid to admit their presence.

"I, " the young man eventually attempted to reply but had to swallow the lump that had somehow formed in his throat, "I, am not sure," he eventually managed to squeeze out, "that I still have a home." Suddenly feeling small and lost again he lowered his gaze, and pulled his feet towards him, encircling his knees with his arms.

"Oh, Estel," Elrohirs eyes moistly glistened in the firelight. "Nothing has changed, Imladris is still your home." Shuffling on his behind, over to his human brother to place an arm around slumped shoulders he looked to his twin and saw the same sorrow in his expression as pulled at his own heart.

"Ada, wants you to come home, Estel," Elladan moved to the young mans other side, mirroring his brothers position, "'Tis the reason we have been searching for you." He reached out to place slender fingers under the lowered chin and lifted it up to meet his own gaze.

"But I said such awful things." Estels voice was cracked with emotion, "How can he still want me after that?" Silver eyes bore into deepest brown, desperately trying to read the truth, yet afraid of what they may see.

"A fathers love does not wax and wane Estel," Keeping their eyes locked Elladan poured every ounce of feeling he had into getting his brother to accept his words as truth. "He loves you still, as he always has and always will, no matter what you may do or say. That will never change."

Fingers moved gently from their place under the young mans chin to softly caress his weatherbeaten cheek.

"Please Estel. Come home with us. Ada needs to see you are safe and well." He smiled and suddenly Estel wonderd how he could have doubted his family's love.

"Aye," The single word was all he could manage to vocalize as his throat choked once more and tears rained down anew from eyes sad with longing.

"And, of course," The older twin continued. "We need you too."

"Before we expire from boredom." Elrohir rolled his eyes theatrically, "It has been much too quiet without you these past years Estel."

"What you really mean is that everyone else has had enough of your pranks 'Roh," The young man managed a small chuckle and pushed the younger twin away playfully. "How many times have you been threatened with death by Glorfindel ?"

"Not as many as by Erestor, actually." Elladan joined in.

"Even quiet little Lindir lost his temper after the last time we removed the strings from his harp."

"And ada, refused to speak to us for a week after we replaced all of the sugar in the kitchens with salt."

Soon all three were crying, but this time with laughter as the twins described their recent antics in great detail and Estel found himself looking forward to going home for the first time since his hasty departure, in what felt like a lifetime ago.

A/N

Awww, isn't it nice to end on a happy note for once. Nothing like lulling the readers into a false sense of security hehehe!

Thanks to all of you who have popped in to read and especially those who have followed and favourited. Special thanks also go to high funcioning fangirl, Nocx and Teapot of Transformation for taking the time to review. It's much appreciated guys. :)

I know its early days yet but a few words of encouragement always go down well so please let me know what you think so far.