Disclaimer Sadly, the original genius of Tolken is not mine.

Warning male/male relationships, slash. Overly emotional elves.

AN And finally! Enjoy – DR

SummaryThe topic was still a sore one for all of them, another reason why Elrond had feared this moment for weeks now. The discussion would probably rip open the scabbing wound and leave it raw and bleeding all over again.

Chapter 4

Elrond sat silently at the dinner table. His family and friends, including Aerandir and Gildor, had gathered for the evening meal. All the while Elrond sat pondering, as the Lord of Imladris had still to adress the issue of Aerandir's parantage with the twins yet, leaving him apprehensive and on edge. Privately, Elrond feared they would find out before he was ready to tell them...

His stomach knotted at the thought.

Watching his table mates, it was not hard for Elrond to be struck once again by the absurd similarity Aerandir had to his daughter. Having him sitting between his sons only intensified the vision and he felt his heart clench at the sight. It had been far too long since his daughter had visited her home.

He also distantly noted Erestor staring fixedly on the elf. Obviously in a similar state of mind as himself. As he caught Erestor's gaze Elrond felt the advisor place his hand on his thigh in a comforting gesture. Smiling in appreciation of his long time friend, Elrond reassumed his eating.

In his mind, however, Elrond wondered how his children would react to the news of having another sibling. He knew his daugher would be exstatic. And knowing Arwen, her grandparents would soon be on their way as well to visit their new grandchild. Elrond only hoped that Elladan and Elrohir would be as welcoming of Aerandir as the others. The twins had been in a fragile state ever since their mother left them and even the slightest shove might unset the delicate balance kept between the family members. His twins were, after all, as hotheaded, impulsive and stubborn as Elrond himself had been at their age. Which only added to his worries. Would the news chase them away even further from him?

Casting a glance at the mirror images across the table, Elrond could only hope in his heart that his fears would not turn out to be true.

For his and Aerandir's sake.

.oOo.

Elrohir studied the elf beside him, fascinated by his elven beauty. Though elves were accustomed to beautiful things, rarely did he see such radiance. The only person he could closely compare the youth to was Arwen, as she was famed with a unearthly beauty which left most besotted after just spending a few moments with her.

Silently, he wondered at the pull he felt towards the younger elf. It was disturbing to say the least that his heart would react this way to his presence. Especially so when Elrohir could not yet put a name on this feeling he was experiencing. Glancing at his brother over the shorter elf's head, Elrohir noticed Elladan was having a similar conflict. The older twin had always had a sever protective streak for his sister and now this seemed to have been transferred to Aerandir as well. Even if was done unconciously.

Knowing he was treading dangerous water, Elrohir asked nervously: "So, Aerandir, are you bonded yet?" After all, it was not unsual for young elves to bond early in life. The peredhil twins were simply oddities on that subject. Not that anyone ever complained about their single status...

Elrohir was not, however, prepared to hear a sudden choking sound from across the table as he saw Erestor trying to dislodge something in his father's throat. When his father regained his breath again, Elrohir turned his attention back to the dark haired elf beside him. Elladan and Gildor were not so subtly leaning into the conversation, far too interested to let it remain private.

Aerandir blushed red at the question. "Ah.. No, I'm not." He didn't notice the relief that filled most of the table's occupants. "Though, our family has a tradition of birth betrothal. So technically, I'm promised to another. Though I have yet to meet the elleth myself."

Elrohir slumped at the news. "Promised? But how can you be betrothed to someone you haven't even met yet?" Was that not against their elven culture? A culture that believed strongly in the bonding of hearts out of love. Elrohir had always believed that the Valar sent them one elf meant for specifically for the one individual and that only when they met their one true match would they fall in love.

He guessed that belief was partly to blame for why his father had yet to receive any grandchildren...

The dark haired elf fumbled for words. He knew agreements of betrothal were uncommon among the Eldar, but his father's family was an old Valimar house with oldfashioned values. Even his mother had protested the arrangement strongly, but had in the end relented to the will of the family, hoping he would reach a decision himself sooner or later.

"We are a very traditional house. I fear much of the old customs are outdated, though some more so than others."

Elrond was staring at his plate in confusion. The boy's admission startled him for Aerandir's tale did not fit in with Celebrian's values at all. In fact, her whole 'insisting they court properly before marrying' plan was because she didn't like marrying out of duty, tradition or family agreements. Even the alliance between their realms was unimportant to her unless they fell in love with each other the natural way first. Celebrian had been convinced one should always marry for love. Something that ironically had not kept them together in the end. And now her son was diverting from her own strongly held beliefs.

"You are a very brave elf," came the unexpected comment from Erestor. "Or a very foolish one. I could never imagine binding myself to a total stranger."

Wide eyed, Aerandir countered. "I would not wait to meet her at the binding ceremony for the first time! He protested, his face darkening with the thought of his match being hidden from him until the last minute. "Surely, my father will at least introduce us beforehand?" He said a bit unsure. Aerandir felt conflicted, discussing his possible future with these elves. People he had only just met recently. A large part of him felt like fleeing the room to escape the curious gazes, but something told him it would be unwise – not to mention rude – to leave the table without being excused by Lord Elrond.

"Do not worry, Aerandir," Gildor soothed, his voice a lulling timbre, intent on lightening the mood. "I will have swept you off of your feet before then so there will be no need for any formal introduction."

Silence filled the table, as well as many of the ones placed close to them who were able to overhear the comment. So stunned were they by Gildor's words some people did not know how to react. The end results of the statement were mixed to say the least.

The twins looked positively wild and if it hadn't been for the restraining hand Elrohir had around his brother's wrist, the blonde wanderer would have found himself with a bump or two on his head for his comment. Elrond and Erestor were both shocked by the degree of Gildor's flirting. The remark throw them off guard with its straightforward nature. The main target, Aerandir, was suffering from a sudden dizziness and forced himself to lean back against his chair to avoid toppling over. His mind spun violently while the elder elf's words continued to play in his head. Blood rushing up to his increasingly red face.

"Sweep me.. off my feet?" The insecure voice made Gildor arch a brow, thoroughly pleased at having caused such a reaction from the comely elf. His heart had started beating a little faster while saying the words, warning him that perhaps he had taken his play a little too far. But the twins' posessiveness had egged him on. So, true to form, Gildor had made his most potent remark a clean shot at the elf, while still staking his claim just to infuriate the twins.

Gildor loved victories the most.

Feeling it was his duty to save the poor elf from further embarassment, Elrond changed the subject to what they had been doing during the day. The conversation passively trailed off to Aerandir and Elrond's common like of tapestries and art in general. The safe topic helped the younger elf relax again and soon the embarrassing remark was forgotten in the hall. Though the twins remained wary around the wandering lord.

All the while, Erestor held them under tight observation, a smile growing on his face as he interpreted the flowing emotions and thoughts around the table.

Interesting, he thought, surveying the elves. Let us see where this leads, I only hope all will go well once Glorfindel joins into the mix.

The advisor let out a silent giggle that, had anyone heard it, would have sent alarm bells flying in most elven ears. Erestor knew entertainment when he saw it. And this particular one was potent enough to end up being written down in song.

Only Lindir, the head minstrel, felt the vibes that reverberated off of Erestor and paled at the sensation.

Dear Eru help us all! Erestor is scheming again.

.oOo.

Two weeks passed in a flurry and Aerandir found himself growing all the more accustomed to living in Imladris. Spring was at its height and the young elf spent many days strolling in his mother's gardens, gathering inspiration for his colorscheme.

Now, having acquired the appropriate threads, he was eager to put his skills to the test trying to work this wonderful garden into fabric.

Gildor placed some of their packs on the grass, ready to spread out the blanket. "Is this a good spot?"

Aerandir nodded enthusiastically. From here, he could see the gazebo and the surrounding garden well enough but from a more natural perspective rather than closer to the path. Helping Gildor unfold the blanket over the ground, Aerandir could not help wondering why the other elf had followed him to the gardens again this morning.

Gildor had been an almost constant presence these days, often accompanying Aerandir on his little outings. The male was a comforting presence and it eased Aerandir's nerves to know the elf was nearby. But surely, Gildor had more important things to attend to?

Aerandir was well aware that Elrond sought the elf's council in the evenings. The wandering elf was a rare source of information, since he travelled the lands and saw many things on paths most people did not take roaming Arda. Now, the darkhaired youth debated with himself if his presence was what forced the elf to stay in Imladris, as it had been a request from Cirdan that he follow him to Imadris. Was he, unwittingly, hampering Gildor's work?

"What are you worrying your little head with, Aerandir?" Gildor asked softly. His hand flattening the dark locks back that had managed to come free from Aerandir's simple braid.

Aerandir, used to Gildor's touches by now, stared back at the other's face. "Nothing. I was just lost in thought." He was not ready to confront the elf about his secret guilt complex just yet.

Understanding that the elf needed some space, Gildor reclined back on the blanket. Enjoying the view of the blue sky. Seeing him relax, Aerandir went about unwrapping the parcel that held his work, searching for the square, framed piece of fabric he wanted to start on. The large bundle of cloth worked against him in his endeavours, tangling and making it hard to smooth the fabric out properly.

Gildor, hearing that Aerandir was distracted enough by his embroidery, took the opportunity to study the younger elf.

He had grown fond of Aerandir over the weeks of travel and time spent in each other's company in Imladris. Gildor's wandering ways rarely left him time to acquaint himself with elves outside his traveling company and the ones he had come to know sparingly in his more stable days back in the Second Age. That Aerandir had managed that and more in such a short time was astounding.

At the same time, the fact that he had become so attached to the brunet worried him. Now that the worst of winter and spring had passed, the roads East would be open again. It would not be long before his companions appeared at Imladris' doorstep for another hard but liberating trek across Arda. Had he the choice, Gildor would have invited Aerandir to join them. But the elf was young and sheltered, Gildor knew Aerandir would have a hard time adapting to a life on the road.

Watching the concentration on Aerandir's face, Gildor felt his heart clench painfully.

This was it then. He would leave, not knowing when he would return again. The thought left Gildor's heart shattered and he almost cried out to free himself of some of the ache. He swept his eyes over that young face, telling himself over and over again that it was for the best. It was in Aerandir's best interest to stay here, in Imladris, bonding with his siblings. Who knows how much longer this fragile peace will hold? The youth deserved to spend his time here in happiness. Not following some old fool who was old enough to be his father...

But there in lay the problem, did it not? His feelings, though strong, were not those of a parent towards his child. They was not the same as an elder looking after a young one...

No, not anymore.

Shifting his gaze back on the sky, Gildor wondered if he would ever get an insight to his feelings. Some time in the wild to sort out these emotions would be good for him, he realized. Then, perhaps, he could return. Gildor would come back here – to Aerandir – and share his hard earned findings.

Yes, thought Gildor, that is the only proper way of action.

Decided on his path, the wanderer allowed himself to spend the remaining time with Aerandir to the fullest. He would need the memories on the long road ahead. Reaching out to tug playfully on one long ebony strand, he chuckled at the indignant glare the elf sent his way. After a while Aerandir stilled seeing the harboured amusement in Gildor's eyes. Releasing a sigh, the brunet turned back to his work, not even bothering to ask the elf to release the captive strand from his hold again.

A warmth swelled inside Gildor seeing Aerandir yield to his ministrations.

Gildor's eyes followed his relaxed form to where slender, pale fingers worked the needle elegantly into the fabric. Already, an outline of a flowering tree took form on the fabric, the beginnings of the gazebo's frame showing in the lush greenery.

Yes, he would enjoy these last days. Resigned, Gildor propped his head on his bent arm as he streched out on the blanket, determined to engrave the darkhaired elf's image into memory.

.oOo.

"Thank you for joining me."

The mirror images closed the door behind them. "The messeger seemed to think it was urgeant," Elrohir said suspiciously, seeing Erestor standing behind his father's desk as well. "Are we in trouble?"

Elrond read the nervousness in their frames immediately. "Please. Take a seat."

The calm underlying their father's serious features only made their gut feeling stronger. Elladan leaned into his brother, whispering: "What did we do now?"

"I don't know," Elrohir hissed back, mind already spinning with possibilities. Was it the bottles of wine they sneaked off with last week, or something else? They had known it was their father's own stock but hadn't been able to resist the temptation of it...

The twins lowered themselves down in the chairs set out for them, thoroughly uncomfortable with how this was going. Their father seemed tired, traces of dark circles beneath his eyes. Erestor, although not in the same state, stood silently, one hand on the back of their father's chair, obviously ready to intervene if he needed to.

"Is there a particular reason why you summoned us?" Elladan swallowed nervously, trying to hide the slight crack in his voice.

"Yes," Elronds silver eyes settled on his sons, "I.. I need to inform you of something."

The twins were surprised at being let of the hook. "Father?"

"It is about you mother."

Elrond paused for a moment to collect himself. Across from him sat his sons, oblivious of why they were here. He closed his eyes seeing the flickering emotions in eyes so similar to his own at the mention of their mother. The topic was still a sore one for all of them, another reason why Elrond had feared this moment for weeks now. The discussion would probably rip open the scabbing wound and leave it raw and bleeding all over again.

Yet, he knew he could not postpone it any longer. There was no other choice but to confess. Drawing a deep steadying breath, Elrond said:

"I have not been entirely truthful with you regarding the circumstances of your mother's departure."

Confused, Elladan said: "She had to sail to stop her fading.. We understand now that even you cannot heal all wounds that are of the soul. We do not blame you, Ada."

His twin held a steadying hand on his shoulder, knowing that speaking of the events surrounding their mother's attack and the consequences of it was still painful to the both of them. Elladan still blamed himself to some extent for her late rescue which made the topic particularly painful for him. It was Elladan's personal failure that struck him the hardest.

"It was not just her attack that drove her to sail..." Elrond said quietly. He was unwilling to spring this upon his children without knowing how they would react to the revelation. But there was no way for him to soften the words.

Suddenly, warm waves soothed him, the familiar touch of Erestor's fëa against his own offering him comfort as Erestor's hand clenched his shoulder. Making a connection Elrond was in dire need of at the moment. Drawing another steadying breath Elrond steeled himself for their reaction.

"Your mother was very young when we met. I needed the alliance the marriage would give both our realms. Celebrian, although against it in the beginning, consented after an extended courting period. I believe she loved me when we took our vows, just as I soon fell in love with her after approaching her with the idea of marriage." He paused and looked at the mirror images they had created together. The fruit of their budding love.

"You were created from our love, never doubt that," Elrond's voice was heavy with emotion at the words. He sent them a deep gaze, his eyes trying to show them how much they had been wanted.

"Our love, however, was not strong enough to last through the trials of her capture."

Elrohir, whose mouth had been slightly agape from hearing his father's confession, gathered himself. "Your love..?"

Elrond shut his eyes. "I loved your mother, I still do as love is not an emotion easily broken. But the connection between us... Your mother... She did not feel the same." He turned to glance at his other son who sat silent, but he could feel the emotions bubbling beneath his controlled surface. "Our fëa were not connected enough for me to be able to heal her. She would not heal properly while having such a weakened bond, it only split her fëa and her strength further to keep it up. Celebrian needed a strong link to keep her fëa in Arda and apparently I was unable to fulfill that part for her."

Elrond face became ridden with regret and shame as he whispered words he had long kept hidden in the darkest places of his heart. "I was not good enough for her."

Elrond watched the truth play out on Elladan's features. The elder twin's brows knit in confusion and growing anger. "She left you. Not because she had to.. But because she wanted to!" His heir's voice had turned icy as he surrendered his thoughts to the room.

"Dan!" Elrohir hissed at him, but Elladan pulled out of his brother's grasp.

"She abandoned us, because she couldn't accept father's fëa!"

"No, son." Elrond said slowly, eyes never leaving their forms. "She left, because she didn't have any choice."

Elrond tone remained calm, though inside he felt like screaming. He knew he should have expected Elladan's hotheaded response. The elder twin's temper was as certain as his brother's calm nature was. Elrohir had always been the more reasonable of the two.

"We let each other go, Elladan. We could have worked on deepening the bond, but it would have taken far longer time than what she had available at the time. She was fading. Had I kept her forcefully in Arda she would have faded before we could have reestablished our bond properly again. She had no strenght left to do it."

Elrond swallowed convulsively, flashes of his wife's marked, mangled and drained body at the forefront of his mind. "We renounced our claim on each other and set each other free. I escorted her to the havens set on helping her heal her fëa again. It was the only reasonable choice, and the Valar must have deemed it right for her to have survived it. Celebrian is alive in Aman and I do not regret saving your mother. Not once."

He watched Elladan, the boy's head hanging, eyes set on his balled up fists. Turning to Elrohir, Elrond found his stormy eyes wet as tears clung along the rim, but his gaze remained steady. He could read the undestanding in Elrohir's eyes and felt relieved that at least one of his sons did not condemn him for his choice.

"You mean to tell us that you are no longer married in the eyes of the Valar," Elrohir spoke tentatively, still keeping a firm hold on his brother's shaking form.

Elrond nodded. "Yes."

"Why tell us this now? Why now, after years of silence?" Elladan spat, his eyes fastened on his father, taking in his father's surprise at his sudden questions. He was sure his father could see the anger in his eyes, but he didn't care. "Why?"

Hurt by the accusation in his son's eyes, Elrond rose to stand by the window. He heard Erestor move in the background and knew the elf left them to offer some privacy now that the worst part was over. He cast a wave of gratitude to the elf for his silent support.

Mulling on the circumstances regarding his discovery, he said in a slightly surprised tone.

"I received news I did not expect."

"News?" Elrohir had obviously caught on to his uncertainty.

"Your mother.. She has remarried in Aman." Elrond heard Elrohir suck in a breath in surprise. Knowing that he could not stop now, he continued: "You have a younger brother."

There was a sudden crash and Elrond turned around to see Elladan standing, his chair lying toppled on the floor. Elrohir hadn't even noticed as he remained seated, unable to brake his gaze from his father's form.

"It is Aerandir," Elrond said slowly, taking caution in his words. He did not have to wait long for a reaction.

"Dan!" Elrohir tried to stop him, but was unable to catch him before the elder twin was out the door and storming down the hall. He was about to follow, but was stopped in the doorway.

"Leave him."

Elrohir turned back to his father, his body in conflict as his legs wanted him to chase his brother knowing he needed him, but his mind heeded his father's call, aware of the underlying order in his tone.

Elrond sat down tiredly, this time on the twoseater by the fireplace. "He needs to come to terms by himself."

The younger twin hesitated for another moment before closing the door, seating himself opposite his father. "You seem calm about this," Elrohir said silently, forcing himself to keep from sounding like he was mocking his father. Elrond might feel he was in the wrong, but Elrohir did not believe for a moment that his father would allow such blantant disrespect, no matter the circumstances.

"I have known the truth far longer than you have. Time to digest the news I really needed. It is part of why I delayed telling you for so long."

Elrohir watched the fire, lost in thought. "Aerandir... He didn't tell us either. We were decieved.,. Why would he hide his identity?"

"I asked him to keep his silence," Elrond said as he leaned his head into his hands. "I knew you would have a hard enough time accepting the true reason behind our separation. How would you have reacted to suddenly find out you have a brother you never knew of? I tried to explain it properly today and you saw how Elladan reacted."

"He is still our brother, Ada. A half-brother, but our sibling by blood none the less." Suddenly, his eyes grew wide. "Elbereth!" He slapped his hand over his mouth. His shoulders heaving in pace with his breathing.

"Elrohir?" Elrond leaned forward, worried over his son's sudden panic. "Elrohir, what is wrong?"

"I.." The elf suddenly turned pale before going green, throwing himself on his knees and barely missing the carpet as he threw up on the floor. Elrohir's throat burned and his stomach twisted violently inside him, making him shake. He felt his father's steadying hands on him, holding him up and keeping his hair out of the way.

"It is alright. Let it out," his father soothed, realising his son was dealing with shock.

"It is not alright! I am disgusting!" He breathed, tears in his eyes from the pressure of his heaves. His stomach was still turning at the thought of what could have happened. "I was attracted to my own brother.. My little brother!"

Realising the thoughts in his son's head Elrond pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him in the process. "You are not in the wrong.." He felt the shivers wrecking Elrohir's form and knew he had done a serious misjudgement in keeping this secret for so long. "I should have told you earlier. I am sorry. You did not know. It is not your fault."

The words did not comfort him as the young peredhel shook his head in denial. "I should have felt the connection. I should have known without you telling me..." Elrohir rambled convinced. "I should have realised why they were so alike.."

"People make mistakes, Elrohir. Your body did not know any better. It had no guidelines to follow yet." Elrond swiped a strand of dark hair from Elrohir's face. Reading those tormented gray eyes. It made his heart clench seeing the harsh judgement his son ruled on himself. His son, who had not yet experienced love enough to know the difference between attraction and love, was repulsed by acting on what he knew. "Do you still feel attracted to him, knowing what you do now?"

"What? Of course not!" Anger at himself rolled within him. "How could I be? It is nauseating to just think of it."

Elrond smiled.

"See.. You are not sick. Nor the abomination you so quickly named yourself." He watched realisation hit his son's eyes and took over using the voice he usually used on his patients. "You experienced a pull towards him that was unexplainable. You could not logically find the reason for it so your mind labled it in the most logical way: As attraction."

"But.. I.." His father's words were reasonable. But he still couldn't forgive himself for letting his attraction grow this way. Just yesterday, he had dreamt of Aerandir, dreams that he now wished could be erased from his mind. The shame he felt at having thought of his own blood relative in that way made him feel sick.

"Elrohir!" Elrond gazed deep into his eyes. Compelling him without words to listen to him. "You are not to blame. Do you understand."

Elrohir returned the gaze for a moment before shifting it away, leaning into his father's chest to hide behind a curtain of dark hair. "I understand. But it doesn't mean I like it."

.oOo.

He stumbled on through the corridor, his mind no longer registering where he was going. Instead, Elladan was locked in his thoughts which seemed like a flowing unescapable vortex, intent on dragging him into it and never let him resurface again.

His father's words still echoed inside his mind. It is Aerandir. His heart raced as he fought to keep himself from panicking. He had left the office in a hurry, his anger at the whole situation burning inside him.

Elladan had never understood his mother's willingness to abandon them, to sail to Valinor without even asking them to come with her. He had never understood the strange attitude his father had adopted during that last travel to the Havens. The way he had slowly grown more and more distanced, taking time away from her instead of staying close. Letting them stay by her side instead of doing it himself.

He had thought his father was stuggling with the oncoming grief of her departure. But now he knew. He had the truth. We renounced our claim on each other and set each other free.

Before he knew it, he stood in a dark corridor. His eyes adjusting to the dim lighting before widening as he realised where he was. His hand reached out to trace the weave on the wall. The tapestry still glowing slightly, the mithril threads reflecting the low light that filtered through the ceiling.

You have a younger brother...

The scene of Aerandir standing in this exact place, staring in awe at the tapestry of Glorfindel's heroic last battle flashed before Elladan's eyes. He remembered the soft smile that grazed Aerandir's lips at hearing his own praise of the artwork. The way he had glowed when Elladan commented on their similar taste in artwork.

He fell to his knees as his chest constricted, locking air inside him. How could he not have noticed? Was this the reason for the strong protectiveness he had been feeling towards the elf? Elladan had always attributed it to the fact that the elf was younger and reminded him of Arwen's innocence. That the similarities evoked his emotional response on an instictual level... Now Elladan knew why. He must have unconciously picked up on his Aerandir's hidden brotherly affection and adoration for him. His fëa must have identified their similar threads.

Elbereth, I have another brother, the revelation shook through him and Elladan didn't know if he should be happy or sad.

Happy, that he had another brother to keep safe, to take care of and teach the ways of their house? Or sad, because said elfling had grown up separated from them, from his family. Never knowing what it was like to be teased, to be part of pranks or simply being siblings?

Recalling Aerandir's tales of his childhood he knew that the elf was more lonely than anything. Something, that by all rights, no elfling should have to experience.

Drawing a shaking breath, he grabbed at the stone railing and pulled himself to his feet. Most of his anger had dissipated into nothing by now. His thoughts instead on how the elf had managed to hide such a thing from them this whole time.

Now that he thought about it, Aerandir's heritage should have been obvious. He had Celebrian's eyes after all. The same air and manner as his sister, that mostly came from his grandmother's side. The more he contemplated it the more he realized that there was no doubt that he was Celebrian's son.

His reaction at their first meeting as well seemed more appropriate now that he new where the underlying tension had come from. Sure, Aerandir had eased up around them over the months he had spent in Rivendell, but there still was a strange sense of wonder whenever he was near Elrohir or himself specifically. Like he was seeing ghosts or perhaps some story book hero.

"Somehow, I knew I would find you here, Elrondion."

Elladan froze at the low drawl, already familiar with that tone of voice.

"Erestor," he said as he turned to see the advisor standing near the center piece of the hall in a languid manner.

"What? You are fine already?" the elf asked smoothly as he strode over in his feline like gait. "And here I thought I could offer the comfort of my arms and perhaps a shoulder to cry of for my favorite elfling."

The casual but caring way the advisor said it in made his eyes water. Finally feeling the drain of all the emotions he had experienced in the last hour, Elladan let himself drop all restraints. Quickly, he found his way into the open arms as he buried himself into his old tutor's embrace.

Erestor drew him close in his safe arms. He held silent knowing that saying words would only complicate matters. Elladan had since childhood been the one of the twins that acted on impulse and emotions. His temper had been feared by all his tutors who had experienced those first tantrums the elfling put out. But Erestor also knew that being the emotional one of the pair left him more easily hurt than his brother. He was more likely to hide his pain away to deal with it himself while hidden away in his rooms, rather than reaching out for comfort.

"I.. I still can't believe it," Elladan choked out.

"It is a lot to take in, little one," Erestor continued to soothe. His hand running up and down his back faintly in a comforting motion.

Elladan looked up, his tear-streaked face displayed all the shock he was feeling. "You knew..!"

The elder elf smiled slowly, using his thumb to wipe at a wet trail. "Of course I did. I pride myself on knowing what happens in the house I'm supposed to be responsible for." He held Elladan's face in his hand, watching understanding surface in those gray orbs. Stroking a cheek lovingly, he continued: "Especially when it concerns those I care for the most."

Elladan felt a blush rise in his cheeks as he pulled away from Erestor's grasp, leaning his head down on the other's shouder instead. His old friend's eyes had not lied, they still held their usual honesty, something that unnerved him. Erestor being this nice was always a sign of trouble...

"Thank you," Elladan said as he continued to level out his breathing. His energy seemed to have fled him now that the extra adrenaline had left his bloodstream, he hardly felt capable of standing by his own power anymore. "I needed a shoulder to lean on."

"And I will happily offer it again, should you be in need of it."

The peredhel shook his head in disbelief hearing the teasing tone his mentor had taken on. "What am I supposed to do now?"

"Regarding what?" the advisor asked curiously. His hand smoothed over some of the errant dark strands flowing down Elladan's back.

"Aerandir." Elladan felt conflicted, not knowing how he should react now that his head was thinking reasonable trains of thoughts again.

"How do you want act?"

Elladan thought for a moment. "I want to hug him. Tell him he has a family now. That he is not alone." Elladan felt the familiar urge to wrap the younger elf in a cocoon and place him somewhere safe, knowing how such an innocent being could be taken advantage of in Arda's dangerous lands.

Taken advantage of... The thought brought on images that made his blood boil again.

"I also want to send Gildor out packing as quickly as possible! He should stay away from my little brother!" Elladan seethed, his temper rising again.

Erestor sighed, continuing his soothing rubbing motions on the peredhel's back, knowing he had to keep another kinslaying from happening in Imladris.

Elladan, you really are too emotional.

It was a good thing Erestor had had the foresight to ask Aerandir and Gildor to take a picnic in the gardens today rather than join them for dinner. Who knew what would have happened had they all met in the hall?

Yes, things are growing interesting indeed.

# To be continued...