A/N Subtitled: Green-elves, especially Erestor, is Nanny McPhee.
Erestor sat at the base of the Great Oak. The tree needed tending to, before it went to its sleep for the winter to come. He had that done, and now he had nothing to do, except play with the acorns that were on the floor.
The elf sighed. This was a repeat in history. One that he and many others did not want to have happen again. Worse part is that all the supposed composed elf-men were falling apart. And there were no mother-figures nearby, unlike the first incident where Celebrían and Tathardes were nearby to help and console.
With the lady of Imladris in Valinor, and the second (third?) lady, who happened to be his wife, out on a "business" trip to Mirkwood…and Gilraen was visiting her kinsman in the north.
Did he mention that it was worse because this was the second time Elrohir has been struck dumb?
Erestor thought on the first incident.
It was centuries, centuries ago. The twins had gotten into a bad mishap with some remnant of the hillmen of Rhudaur, allied with whatever was left of Angmar after the war. The worst of the damage that Elladan brought home was just the traumatic memories, that Erestor knew still haunted him. Elrohir, well…a club to the back of the head after not being allowed to get sufficient air…
Erestor closed his eyes and stopped the thought.
Glorfindel had been in Lindon at that time, so Erestor was the one Elrond had trusted the most to find the twins, and sadly had to witness the damage be inflicted. It was a miracle in itself that Elrohir managed to get out of his coma and minimally conscious state after six months. Elrohir accepted his situation as best he could with the complications interfering with his daily life.
Oh, Erestor recalled the animal-like outrages Elrohir would have, the random blackouts and inattentiveness…it was not easy, and there was a lot of bad air coming from elves that really thought highly of their race, too highly, he thought.
But the younger twin managed to get his life back. Aside from needing a little more time to think things through (which presented a more thoughtful countenance and shyness), everything was back to normal. Elrohir could fight with the sword again too.
Erestor doubted things will be as smooth as it was the last time, especially with Celebrían gone.
Oh no…it was going to be a wild ride.
The green elf heard sounds in the distance, and he saw his spouse's party coming down the slope and back to the vale. He breathed a small sigh of relief.
Surely Tathardes could get things in some sort of order again.
"Ah, Erestor!" The elf-maid exclaimed happily as she dismounted.
"Tathardes, it is good to see you have returned ere the pass is closed."
The elf-maid embraced her husband before standing back. "I am as well, as much as I would have enjoyed the winter solstice with our kinsmen in Greenwood…" She sighed, "But it would be moot, without you there. Legolas sends his regards to his favorite great-uncle."
Erestor smiled faintly. "Noted…and I will give mine back when we return."
Tathardes and Erestor walked out of the stables together. The former looked about the changing leaves, and the songs the residents sang. "Still Imladris is most fairest in the fall…" She mused. She stopped walking, and turned to the councilor. "How fare the lords and young Estel? Has the lady Gilraen returned?"
Erestor did not bother hiding the concern for "the lords" from Tathardes. She would find out eventually. Like he would find out. He did not say "I know everything" without knowing. "Gilraen has not returned yet from visiting her kin; she might even stay with them for the winter, instead of trying to hike through the snow." Tathardes nodded her understanding. Erestor did not allow himself to hesitate. "Glorfindel is hiding away in misery about the past, Elrond has become distant and closed off, Elladan and Estel I saw were wrestling in a pile of leaves they made together earlier this day."
Tathardes blinked as she took this in, as Erestor was a master of saying things in a matter of fact way. Blunt, but with some emotion. She bit her cheek. "I see," she said in response. "You have left one person out of that list."
Erestor only frowned, and that was when Tathardes' worry was sparked. "Come, and I will show you."
Erestor lingered by the archway while Tathardes was sitting in the chair by Elrohir's bedside. She had not reacted terribly or dramatically. She had gasped at first glance, but she had collected herself rather quickly.
Laiquendi were like that. They were the masters of composure.
Erestor simply waited for her to break the silence.
"How long has he been like this?" She asked quietly.
"Almost a month." Erestor answered.
"And everyone else has fallen apart?"
Erestor spoke slowly. "Elrond without Celebrían is overwhelmed by this. He feels cursed, again. Glorfindel was composed at first, but the timing was rather uncanny, and he has slipped into one of his depressed states. Elladan…I believe he is being haunted by the first incident; retching and holding his throat randomly."
"And Estel?"
"Surprisingly, he is doing quite well. He might be in a state of denial, or working his mind into trying to understand all this…" Erestor looked at Elrohir, whose body was resting currently. "…Given, after everything he knows about elves, Elrohir has managed to break every rule." 'And more when he wakes up…'
Tathardes hummed, placing a hand on the side of the twin's face, before removing it and standing up. She turned to her husband. "Do we have what we need?"
"The couch is ready when it is required."
"And other things?"
Erestor poked his forehead.
Tathardes smiled softly and nodded. She hummed again. "Do we still have the hammock from-"
"Yes."
"Alright; where is our poor Vanya?"
Erestor blinked and frowned. "I have no idea."
Tathardes also frowned, but in concentration. "Very well then…I will see to our lord and give him the recent news occurring in the Greenwood and Dale. I will return here afterwards."
Erestor nodded, kissing Tathardes' hand before she went on her way. He took her place in the chair and watched Elrohir quietly.
After a moment of thinking, the older elf smiled slightly.
"You will be alright. I have hope in that."
Elrond did not know how to feel lately. He felt dread mostly whenever he thought about Elrohir, and then stressed because of the image he must uphold as being lord of Imladris. Kind as summer. Yes, he was generous and kind to all his guests and was quite hospitable.
Oh, but Elrond could wish he could spare some time to just be, and not worry about anything, and empty his mind out. It would help tremendously to get through each day. He needed some time to get back on track.
Erestor and Glorfindel helped with most of the work, and Elladan occasionally, being Elrond's heir. Except Glorfindel managed to let himself fall apart recently and had a hard time focusing, and Elladan, today, was busy with Estel. Elrond felt warmed hearing their laughter that afternoon. Oh, if it could have lasted forever.
So, that left Erestor helping the most.
The green-elf was a very good friend and steward to have.
Back on getting that free time…that became Elrond's priority. He would work on getting it, even if it killed him.
Elrond rubbed his temples when he heard the door open. He quickly composed himself, and was surprised seeing Tathardes enter.
"Good afternoon, master Elrond." She said pleasantly as she approached.
"Lady Tathardes," He greeted politely. "I must have missed your arrival…" He shook himself out of his drifting thought. "How fairs the Woodland Realm and Dale?"
"With Sauron's direct presence gone, Greenwood has a brief respite to reinforce their defenses and further push back the infection that has spread…"
Thus, the elf-maid went into detail, regarding the state of the wood and the elves under Thranduil. When she got to Dale, there was not much to say, other than they were rebuilding, and were beginning further building up a kingship there.
"With the elf-king sustaining them and having established a trade, they are well on their way." Tathardes finished at last. She also wrote down some key things on a parchment while she spoke.
"When should I expect some missives requesting a trade be established between Imladris and Dale?" Elrond asked lightly, in slight attempt to be funny.
"Oh, not for a few more years I think…it is a long way from here to there, as well. It would not be effective so early in rebuilding."
Elrond said nothing, finding the matter closed.
Of course, then that was when Tathardes gave a look that said: 'I know what is going on.'
Elrond ought to make a tally on how many times he has had a "How?" face whenever dealing with Erestor or his spouse. They knew everything, and how they did it…he never figured it out.
Glorfindel had not figured it out either, and he was the closest friend to the Erestor.
Elrond looked at the elf-maid carefully, and ended up wishing Celebrían were here. For the umpteenth time.
"I have let things go dour, and I will be held responsible for any blame put on me." He said finally.
"How many of the people know?" Tathardes inquired carefully.
Elrond stared, "Only the healers that I can trust to keep their peace about the matter. I would like to avoid a repeat of hate and despite towards my son with his…unique case."
Yes, Elrohir was unique…Normally elves who received severe head blows died, sailed, or went to Ered-Luin to the west. Teleri elves that lived near to the sea seemed much more compassionate towards others, unlike the proud and high expecting Noldor in Rivendell. Elrond knew proud among the Noldor, and he was happy to say that Noldor pride has lessened over the years, but there were still some haughty individuals here and there. Elrohir had stubbornly remained in Rivendell, and pressed on despite some ill remarks that was said to and of him.
Tathardes' brows furrowed. "If I may?"
He gave the consent.
"There is no escaping the inevitable, like last time, master…"
"I know that." Elrond said sharply.
"…then why do you focus so much on trying to prevent it?" She asked softly.
Elrond sighed. "Can a father wish to avoid these dark truths for his children?" He held up a hand to prevent her from answering. "But we cannot, can we. We must face it sooner or later, and better to accept them sooner instead of constantly denying it. It will cause less pain for everyone that way." He stood up and went to the window, "…I am lost; afraid, and overwhelmed, lady. Would that I could just be an unknown elf than a mighty guardian and lord. I feel I could give my sons and daughter what they deserve that way."
Tathardes bowed her head at those words and looked back up again. "How can we help you, lord?"
"If you can…please, give me a week of solitude to regain myself."
The elf-maid nodded. "It shall be done." She looked to the parchment mounds.
Elrond exhaled. "Thank you, Tathardes. Give my thanks also to your husband and Glorfindel."
Oh, she was going to…
Glorfindel thought he had passed out at his desk. Which may explain the fading images of a dream he had fallen into. It was not a good dream. He never had good dreams during these periods of wavering and doubt, remembering his time in Mandos. He was grateful they did not last long as they once did, so there was that blessing. But this time, with what is happening to the elfling, and that he had basically promised that he could keep himself together…
Well, that was a convenient time to be reminded of a lesson he had learned when he was getting close to being released:
'Do not let yourself become proud like in Gondolin. You cannot always resolve matters by yourself, nor be assured that you can fix it on your own power.' Said the voice.
He felt ashamed, and rightfully so. He told himself to not do it again, or at least try to. All he could do was ask for forgiveness and move on.
He failed hearing the pairs of feet. Before he knew it there was a large stack of paper next to him. Glorfindel turned his head sharply to see who had intruded his quarters.
Erestor was standing before him with folded arms, looking rather calm, and Tathardes was just leaving.
He was in trouble.
Or, maybe dead.