Chapter 2
Aragorn lifts Frodo from the ground and takes off. Sam, Merry, and Pippin push themselves up and chase after them. I look down at my right arm and pull my sleeve up. Purple lines start in my palm and crawl their way up my wrist. They burn, but they're not as sharp as when I stabbed the Wraith. I shove my sleeve down, awkwardly climb to my feet, and rush to catch up.
We run. We run for days, barely stopping to rest. We run until we get to the Last Bridge before Rivendell. It's raining and we all need a break. We set up a small camp, no fire, under the cover of some thick trees. I'm exhausted and cold and cranky from being constantly uncomfortable. But so is everyone else.
The deep purple lines have crawled halfway up my forearm now. It's gone mostly numb though, and I can barely move my hand. Still, I'm lucky compared to Frodo. Most of the time he looks completely out of it. His eyes are constantly half closed, and he always has a thin sheen of sweat covering him.
He moans in pain from his spot in his bedroll. The sound hurts my heart, and I take my jacket off and move his head. I ball my jacket up to make a small pillow for him then sit on his right side. I run my fingers through his curly hair and hum the song 'Welcome to Wonderland' to him. Occasionally, I softly sing some of the versus to him. Eventually he falls into a restless sleep.
The next time we stop we're by some giant ugly troll looking statues. Aragorn sets Frodo down then surprises me by starting a fire; we haven't had one of those in a while. He finds two thick branches and wraps fabrics around the ends of them.
"Look Frodo, it's Mr. Bilbo's trolls!" Sam calls leaning over Frodo. He touches Frodo's face with the back of his hand. "He's going cold."
"He's passing into the Shadow World. He'll soon become a Wraith like them." Aragorn says, his voice heavy with something I can't quite place. "Sam are you familiar with Athelas? Kingsfoil." Aragorn asks.
"Aye, it's a weed."
"It may help to slow the poisoning. Hurry." He hands Sam a now lit torch and the two of them take off into the woods.
"Let's get some water boiling while they're gone." I say emptying some of my water into a small pot. Merry and Pippin add some of their own as well.
It's not been long before Sam and Aragorn return with a few leaves. Aragorn crushes them then throws them into the small bit of water we've got heated. A warm and calming fragrance fills the air, it feels like a stolen moment of peace for everyone.
The leaves steep for a minute or two before he takes a scrap of fabric and soaks it in the water. It drips as he brings it to Frodo's shoulder. Briefly Frodo grunts in pain but it's over quickly. His breathing evens, tension melts from his body, and his face looks slightly less pale. Aragorn takes the rest of the leaves and mashes them in his hand, then puts the paste over the wound.
We sleep a few hours before getting back to our travel. Aragorn decided we needed speed now more than to be hidden, so we stick to the main path. The screeches of the Nazgûl sound in the distance so we push on. For a while the chilling sounds follow us at a distance.
Aragorn stops walking to listen. Fear creeps it's way into my heart as I strain to hear whatever he's hearing. The sound of hooves on the dirt road has me jump into action. I shuffle the three Hobbits to the treeline and make sure they're hidden by the foliage.
"Do not go far!" Aragorn calls to me. "It does not sound of the Nazgûl. It may be aid." He joins us at the edge of the forest, and we wait.
A white horse peaks the small hill we just crossed and Aragorn springs from the trees. A lithe man rides on the horses back. He looks like he's glowing, and I'm mesmerized. His perfect long light golden hair blows gently in the wind. Aragorn ushers us down from our hiding spot.
"This is Glorfindel. He dwells in the Last Homely House." Aragorn explains.
"Well met." Glorfindel greets and dismounts. "We feared you were in danger somewhere along the road. Elrond received troubling news."
My mind races trying to play catch up. I thought Arwen found them? But that was in the movie, maybe we're in the book version… I feel eyes on me, and I look up. Glorfindel is watching me strangely while Aragorn talks to him.
"Mr. Frodo is sick and wounded! He needs help!" Sam cuts in angrily. Glorfindel breaks our short lived staring contest to look at Sam.
"He shall accompany me on my horse. Set him up front." He addresses to Sam, then to Aragorn. Next, he turns and comes to me. I take a step back and he stops. "May I?" he asks looking at my right wrist.
I swallow and hold it out to him. Gingerly he pushes my sleeve back. The dark lines are now ¾ of the way to my elbow. He moves my wrist this way and that, inspecting it. A frown appears on his face.
"You will accompany us as well." He says catching everyone's attention. Aragorn ensures Frodo is stable then takes the two steps over to be beside Glorfindel and I. The Hobbits rush over at Aragorn's gasp.
"Why did you neglect to inform me of your injury?" Aragorn demands. I shrug one shoulder and bit the inside of my lip.
"Frodo needed more help. It hurt when I slashed the Wraith, but it's gone numb now. I can't really feel it anymore. Besides, there was not much we could do out in the woods." I explain and he looks at me like he wants to scold me.
"Will you be able to hold onto me while I assist Frodo?" Glorfindel asks. I nod and he looks me over. "You are small enough our combined weights should not slow Asfaloth. Come." He guides me the few steps over to the horse.
Glorfindel shifts Frodo forward slightly then swings up behind him. He pulls, while Aragorn pushes me up onto the horse. I shuffle forward so the three of us are squished together. I move my right arm around the elf's waist and grab my wrist with my left hand to secure myself. Glorfindel secures Frodo then speaks in Elvish.
"Noro lim!" Asfaloth takes off.
I tighten my grip at the unexpected speed. Uncertainty nags at me and I look over my shoulder as the rest of our group disappears. For a day and a half nothing happens; there are no Wraiths, no one speaks, and we make almost no stops. Glorfindel continues through the night, so Frodo and I lightly sleep on the horse whenever we're tired.
"We are close. Half a day's journey. The Bruinen River, our protection, is closer than that." Glorfindel informs us.
As if breaking the silence drew their attention, Wraith screams and the falling hooves of horses fill the air. The Black Riders and their horses trail us and I squeeze Glorfindel a little tighter. The only change I feel in him is a slight tightening of his grip on Frodo.
"Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim!"
We speed up, weaving through trees to avoid the Wraiths. Hooves pound on the ground behind us, wind whips past my ears, and branches whiz past my face. I hear the rushing water before we make it to the river. We burst through the trees and Asfaloth charges across the river. We turn back and watch as the Wraiths stop at the edge. Their horses jostle around uncomfortably before slowly wading in.
"Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth dhaer; Rimmo nîn Bruinen dan in Ulaer." Glorfindel chants this a few times.
I watch, speechless, as the water swells. White rapids form and from them emerge tall horses. Together they charge toward our enemy, the force washing away the Wraiths. The few who manage to stay standing try to flee but the River is too powerful and takes them out. As quickly as it came to life, it's calm again.
"Oh my god." I whisper. That was so much more intense than the movies. We turn back toward the forest and make our way, at a less frantic pace, toward Rivendell.
I have no time to take in the scenery as the moment we cross the bring to the Last Homely House, elves spring into action. Two identical brown haired elves dismount their horses and help me off Asfaloth. Glorfindel dismounts next and carries Frodo with him. Two more elves come and collect the three horses.
"Elladan, Elrohir, follow us to the Halls of Healing. Ensure she arrives safely." Glorfindel says looking in my direction before carrying Frodo through a grand set of doors.
A twin flanks either side of me and ushers me forward. We follow Glorfindel through a couple of halls until we come to a room lined with a couple beds. Big archways act as windows that let in lots of light and statues act as the pillars. The room is decorated in calm creams, whites, and golds.
Frodo is placed on a bed and almost immediately Glorfindel starts removing layers of the hobbit's clothing. The twins leave my side and move toward Glorfindel. The two siblings don't hesitate to assist him. All three men are calm as they work and the whole thing has an eerily normal feeling to it all.
"Elrond!" Glorfindel calls out and a tall elf comes around the corner carrying a bowl of supplies. We lock eyes for a moment before he turns a questioning gaze to Glorfindel. Glorfindel looks over his shoulder at me then back to Elrond.
"Her right arm, poisoned by a Wraith." He says calmly, not stopping his work on Frodo.
"Elladan, Elrohir, I've taught you enough healing. Tend to her what you can until we are through with Frodo." Lord Elrond instructs the twins.
They nod and turn to me. I'm ushered to a bed across from Frodo. I want to protest, tell them to focus on him, but I think the shock of everything is starting to set in and I absent mindedly follow their instructions. I slip off my jacket while we walk and place it to the side on the bed. I sit and look worriedly to Frodo. He's topless and unconscious as Lord Elrond and Glorfindel are bent over his shoulder prodding the wound.
"May I?" one of the twins asks gesturing to my white shirt. I flush.
"We have a shorter one to replace it so long as the poison does not span the length of your arm." The other twin offers.
"Okay." I say quietly. They quickly, and professionally, help me change shirts.
With my arm free, the focus switches to the deep purple black lines reaching my elbow. One of the twins holds my arm between them, one palm to the back of my hand and one palm supporting the middle of my forearm. The other hovers their hands on top, matching their twin. Quietly they chant with each other.
Feeling returns and pain shoots from my elbow to my fingertips. I suck in a pained breath and move to pull my arm away but the twin on top holds me in place. I bite my tongue to stop from crying out. I watch as the lines recede, it feels like they're ripping my veins apart as they go.
It's so strange watching an injury with no open wound heal. It's almost enough to distract me from the pain. Almost. The poison looks to be mostly concentrated in my hand now; my heartbeat quickens and my hand shakes as the pain intensifies there.
They glide their hands from my forearms to my wrists completely blocking my view of what's happening. The pain spikes and I squeeze my eyes shut, tightly. Then, there's nothing. Well, nothing in my arm. My body is suddenly exhausted though. They remove their hands and I try to keep my eyes open. One of them helps me lay back and drapes a blanket over me.
"Rest now. Your hröa is tired from the dramatic healing we forced upon it." I nod and let sleep take me.
A hand on my forehead wakes me. I blink up and Lord Elrond smiles gently down at me. He removes his hand from my head and helps me sit.
"I apologise for foregoing introductions previously. I'm Lord Elrond of Rivendell. My sons Elladan and Elrohir tended your arm. I wish to check their work before we leave you both in peace to rest."
"Oh, of course." I clumsily extract my arm from the blanket. He hovers over various places of my arm, similar to what the twins had done earlier. "My name's Brielle."
"Brielle, do you have control of your movement?" He asks and watches as I make a fist and twist my wrist about. "Good, they have done well."
"Thank you." I say and look around for the twins to thank them too.
"They've taken their leave. You may thank them later. Rest now."
"I'm not really tired anymore." I say.
"Would you care to take a walk with me then?" It sounds more like an order than a question.
"Sure." I give my agreeance anyway.
I climb out of the bed and Lord Elrond offers me his elbow. I take it and he leads me through a few hallways then outside. Everything here is beautiful. It's all large and ornate and open. The whole place seems to glow.
"Tell me of yourself. I was not expecting a human woman to accompany Frodo." I look around unsure at all the elves flitting around. Two male elves follow us a few paces back. Lord Elrond watches me, intrigued, then changes our course. He motions for his shadows to stop. They do.
"I can't believe I'm here." I whisper to myself when we come to a stop on a secluded bridge-walkway hybrid. Water falls below us. I look to Lord Elrond, but if he heard my whispered words, he doesn't show it.
"There's no easy way to say this, so…" I say louder and Lord Elrond gives me his attention. "I'm not from Middle-Earth." He listens quietly while I recall the way I woke up here and my brief description of my world and my journey with Strider. For now, I leave out any mention of the books and movies. "I just want some way to go home. I was hoping you could help me."
"I'd like to seek council with my good friend Mithrandir if that is alright with you. I'm afraid I alone do not have the answers you seek." He says after pondering my predicament for a moment. My throat gets tight and pressure swells under my eyes. Get it together.
"Of course. I'd appreciate it. Thank you." I force out politely.
"Come, let me introduce you around." He says and guides us back toward more populated areas. "May I introduce you to Lindir and Erestor, my advisor and the chief of the Last Homely House." I give them a small bow of my head and they raise their hands to their chests. "You may rejoin us." Lord Elrond says to them. Erestor gives me a distrusting look but follows anyway.
"You've met Glorfindel." Lord Elrond says as we pass the blonde. They bring their hands to their chests like Lindir and Erestor did.
"Actually, I didn't get a chance to introduce myself, it was all kind of a rush." I step toward Glorfindel. "My name is Brielle. Thank you for saving me." I bow my head to him, and he repeats the action.
"A star shone on the time of our meeting." Glorfindel's phrase sounds strange but not unkind, so I paste a smile on my face. There's an awkward pause before Glorfindel takes his leave.
We continue walking. Rivendell is so much bigger than it looked in the movies, the buildings extend back into the cover of the trees and pathways go every which way. I'm definitely going to get lost if I have to try to get anywhere on my own.
"We are expecting many guests over the next few days. I'm sure you will meet them in time, but for now I leave you in the capable hands of my son's, Elladan and Elrohir." Lord Elrond says as we approach the brunettes from earlier.
The twins look like they're scheming and quickly hide something behind their backs when they hear their names. I glance at Lord Elrond, and he looks as if he's questioning all his life choices, or maybe just debating if whatever is behind their backs is worth the interrogation. I instantly like the twins a bit more. They reminde me of how me and my sister are back home.
"Whatever it may be, my only request is to act your age." Lord Elrond finally decides. He says farewell and leaves with Erestor and Lindir. I try to contain my smile as he walks away.
"So, what is it?" I ask turning to them.
"Our sisters necklace." They hold up the Evenstar. My jaw drops. She's supposed to give that to Aragorn soon.
"I want no part of your nonsense." I say backing up. "Is there somewhere I should be staying? I think I'd like to rest a little more." The twins look at each other then one of them steps to my side and throws an arm around my shoulders.
"You-" I trail off, waiting for his name.
"Elladan." He supplies. "The older, more handsome, one." He looks down at me with a charming half smile.
"By a few minutes." Elrohir says, arms crossed, and he rolls his eyes. "And we look the same." They look similar, but Elladan's eyes are a little more narrow, more mischievous, while Elrohir's face is a little more square.
"You, Elladan, are very forward." I say ignoring their bickering, and ducking under his arm to free myself.
"Oh come now, gwinig. We've changed you." Elladan teases. So much for thinking they were professional.
"Oh my god." I mutter to myself. "We don't know each other well enough for this. And what does gwen… gwin… gwinig even mean?"
"Well, let us change that." Elladan says, ignoring my question. "Tell us about yourself." He steps toward me. I step back and bump into Elrohir's chest.
"I think I'd rather rest than get tangled up with you two." I regret my nervous mumbling, and my face flushes at how that could be taken. "I can tell you two are trouble." I add on quickly before they can say anything.
"We are merely trying to become acquainted with our newest guest." Elrohir looks over my shoulder at me.
"I really am tired."
"Alas, Elrohir! This gwinig does not want our company. Let us escort her to a place she may be free of us." Elladan says dramatically. I give him a pointed look. He ignores it and starts walking away. Elrohir pushes me forward with a hand on the middle of my back. I speed up slightly to get away from the touch.
"Aye, brother. You chose a lovely room for her." Elrohir says as we enter a fairly large room. Lovely sheer white curtains blow gently in the breeze, a wonderful day bed sitting in front of them. A couple of chairs sit on the opposite wall. There is also a small room connected that holds a chamber pot and bathtub; though, I don't see a faucet or plug on it. I guess I'll have to wait for a bath.
"Thank you. This is lovely." I say and they give me smiles that make me feel like I am being set up for something. I'm about to question them but Elladan beats me to speaking.
"Rest. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon. Come brother." Elrohir nods to me and they leave, closing the door behind themselves.
I sit on the edge of the bed and look around. The architecture really is amazing. It's a shame they don't have modern plumbing though, I could really go for a bath. I sigh and unzip the outer pocket on my water bottle bag to pull out my phone.
I wait as it boots up and the screen comes to life. Maybe I can play a game or look at some pictures or something to keep myself occupied. 83% charged. Maybe I should save it in case I can't get home for a while. I hold the side buttons to shut it down and scoot back against the headboard. I push the curtains aside and just watch the scenery. I'm just about to doze off when the door clicks open.
"Oh!" A surprised female voice rings through the room. I startle and scramble to my feet. Arwen is frozen in the doorway, even more beautiful than her movie persona.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't know this was your room. Elladan and Elrohir led me-" the tension leaves her, and she gracefully shakes her head.
"Naturally this was their doing."
"I'm sorry." I say again.
"Do not fret, no harm was done. Rest here tonight. I can have a more permanent room set up for you come morning. I came to search for a necklace but that can wait." I flinch and she takes notice. A sigh escapes her. "My brothers took it, did they not?"
"Yeah…" I nod.
"My brothers can be such pests. Oh, but that is not your concern. Sleep well…" she trails off.
"Brielle, my name is Brielle."
"Ah yes, the one who arrived with Frodo. Welcome to Rivendell Brielle."
"Thank you." I give her a small smile. "Um, if it's not too much trouble, how do I go about getting a bath?"
"No trouble at all. I shall fetch Bardiel to come assist you." She says and leaves.
A few moments later a woman comes in carrying a few buckets. She sets them down near the fireplace then turns to face me.
"Im Bardiel. Tullen tye-rehtien." The elleth says.
"Um, I'm Brielle. I don't speak Elvish, I'm sorry." She looks at me puzzled.
"Ú-bedin Common." I think she's saying she doesn't speak common but I'm not sure. Dammit, I wish I took the time to learn Sindarin when I had access to the internet, like I'd wanted to.
We stand awkwardly for a moment before she turns to light the fire. I watch as she takes a bucket and goes to a barrel sitting in the corner of the bathroom. She lifts the lid and fills the bucket before hanging it over the fire to warm. Once it's warm she switches it with the second bucket and fills the tub with the first one. I sit on the edge of the bed chewing the inside of my lip while I watch her work. I feel utterly useless and rude, but I don't know what to do.
"Hannon le." I say and stand once the tub is filled. She bows to me and leaves me to bathe.
There're a few soaps sitting on a ledge by the tub, so I take my best guess as to what is used for which parts and start scrubbing. I use one that looks like honey in the place of shampoo, one that looks like white fabric softener as conditioner, and one that has a few bubbles sitting at the top as soap. The whole collection has a floral scent to it. It feels so nice to be truly clean again.
I stand and let the water run off me. I forgot to ask for a towel. I step out and peak my head around the corner. Bless her. Bardiel has left a towel and night dress by the fire for me. I race over to them and wrap it tightly around me. The warmth is immensely comforting and I sit in my towel in front of the fire until my long hair has dried.
Eventually I slip on the night dress and crawl into Arwen's bed for my first real sleep in nearly three weeks. Hopefully the hobbits and Aragorn get here soon so they can get some good sleep as well…
Knocking wakes me up and Bardiel quietly enters the room. When she notices I'm awake she shows me a pile of clothes for me to wear. She sets them aside, then quickly grabs a bucket to start emptying the tub from last night. I quickly get myself up and grab the second bucket to help her. I copy her path of filling the bucket and emptying it out the balcony onto the grass. We work together quietly until the tub is empty.
"Hannon le." She says and takes the second bucket from me before leaving.
I dress in the clothes she's left me then head for the door. There's no one in the hallway so I wander down the way the twins led me last night. Eventually I come to an open room with tables and a buffet style spread.
I grab a plate and add some of the salads and cheeses and a fresh roll to it. I make my way past a few tables of elves to a small empty table along the edge. I sit and listen to the soft harp music paying in the morning air. I'm just about to take my first bite when I'm interrupted.
"You know, I prefer to break my fast in peace." I say as Elladan and Elrohir sit on either side of me.
"Brilliant, as do we!" Elladan says and eats a fork full of greens. I give them each a deadpan look. They simply smile at me. Miraculously, we eat the whole meal in silence.
I finish first and bring my plate to a cart I saw other elves disposing of their plates on. I leave Elladan and Elrohir and head down a path I hope leads to Frodo. It'd be nice to see him awake and well again.
"So, where are we going?" Elrohir asks while Elladan throws an arm around my shoulder. I duck out from under it and turn to walk backwards.
"I'm going to see Frodo." I say looking between the two.
"Brilliant, we were going to see him too." I roll my eyes at Elladan.
"Though, we're going the wrong way." Elrohir smirks.
"I was taking the scenic route." I turn back around and straighten my back, trying to look confident. They silently follow me for well over an hour. I start to get tired, so I turn back to them. "Fine. Lead the way." They smirk like they just won the lottery.
Frodo is still asleep when we finally make it to his room. When I sit by his side, the twins tell me they will be back later to guide me again. So much for them coming to see Frodo too. I want to argue that I don't need their help, but I don't want to disturb Frodo.
The sun has passed the crest of the sky and Frodo's not so much as moved. I stand and leave as quietly as I can. I follow the pathway for a while and sit on a bench nestled in some wildflowers. I sit just enjoying the peace of Rivendell.
"Tried to find your way on your own again gwinig?" Elladan asks, sitting next to me. Elrohir sits on my other side.
"Don't you two have anything better to do?" I ask. "I'm sure I can't be that interesting."
"We are inclined to disagree." Elrohir says.
"Why's that?" I ask.
"You were poisoned by a Wraith and barely made a sound while we drew out the poison. That takes some strength." Elrohir explains and I shrug.
"I didn't want to cause Frodo anymore distress. He's had it hard enough as it is."
"And you speak strangely." Elladan teases.
"I do not." I say defensively.
"Where do you hail from?" Elrohir asks.
"Far, far, away from here." I say and feel the first tendrils of sadness creep in. It's quiet while I stare at the ground in front of us.
"Would you like a tour of Rivendell? It would allow you more freedom. We could show you the houses today and the grounds tomorrow." Elrohir offers sincerely. I stand and face them. I have to nip this in the bud quick.
"Look, I appreciate your kindness but I'm leaving soon, I can make do until then." Neither of the twins follow me this time as I leave.
Eventually I make it back to the main house where Arwen finds me. She shows me to a room that's been prepared for me and ensures I know how to get to the main house where someone can help me if I need it. She also returns my clothing and the last few items I came here with.
I thank her and spend the rest of the afternoon in my room. There are a few books that I try to read but I can't focus. The shadows heavily and quickly descend on my mind today and I just want to check out. I stare unseeingly out my window until it's dark. I crawl under my blanket and fall asleep to silent tears.
I sleep through breakfast the next morning. When I finally wake the sun is high in the sky. I stay in the comfortable bed long after that. I do want to enjoy the comfort after so long sleeping on the ground, but also, I don't want to get up and run into anyone. Everybody here is so kind and it's hard not to like them, but I have to keep in mind that I'm going home soon.
Bardiel brings in a plate of food as the sun starts falling. I thank her and she leaves just as quickly. I manage a few bites but I'm not that hungry. I get up and move around a little bit before crawling back into bed and falling asleep with the same tears that stained my cheeks last night.
A knock on my door wakes me. I lay quietly, unsure if it was real or a dream. The thumping sounds again and I sit up.
"Just a sec!" I call out and throw on the light robe I've been given. I pull open my door to Elrohir. "Hi." I say.
"Bain aur." I give him a blank stare. "It means good morning. You've been invited to eat in our personal dining hall this morning."
"I appreciate the offer but I'm still kind of tired." I say and point my thumb over my shoulder at the bed. Elrohir's face falls in concern.
"Are you unwell?" I turn away from him and walk back into my room. I've never been good at lying.
"I'm fine, I just need some more rest."
"You had much rest yesterday. Are you certain you are simply not lazy?" He teases.
"I've been sleeping on the ground for nearly three weeks." I cross my arms. He smiles like he's won.
"Then food shall rejuvenate you!" He pushes into my room and to where my small collection of borrowed clothing is folded. "Dress quickly, I shall wait in the hall." He presses a simple dress into my hands then walks out, closing the door behind himself.
I sigh and change into the dress. If I don't, he'll probably just come in and dress me himself. I pout. Or maybe that would be something more up Elladan's ally. I open the door and gesture for him to lead the way.
Elladan and Elrohir sit on either side of me at the beautifully carved circular table. We get a five star looking vegetable omelette and in spite of my words earlier my mouth starts to water a bit.
"Are you settling in well?" Lord Elrond asks me kindly part way through the meal.
"I am, thank you. You've created a lovely place here." I compliment.
"You've hardly seen much of it." Elrohir calls me out.
"Which is why we are taking her on a tour of the houses today, the grounds tomorrow." Elladan says to Lord Elrond. I'm about to protest but Lord Elrond speaks up.
"Wonderful idea. Light walking will do you well." He solidifies the plans I don't want. I give Lord Elrond the most convincing smile I can manage. Thankfully the focus moves to someone else for the rest of our meal.
"You two know I'll be going home soon, right?" I say turning on the twins.
"And we go out on patrol regularly." Elladan says as if to ask me 'so what?'.
"If you two plan on spending your free time around me, we do it on my terms." I put my hands on my hips.
"And what such demands would our elegren gwinig make?" Elrohir tries to restrain a smile.
"No 'hello's' or 'goodbye's'." Elrohir raises an eyebrow at me in surprise. "If we happen to see each other and happen to be doing the same thing, then fine. No touchy feely stuff when it's time for me to go home… or at all actually." I look at them both but stare at Elladan a second longer. "Deal?"
"We are agreeable." They say in perfect unison.
"Then you've got yourself a temporary companion, or elegren gwinig, or whatever you call me." I say and they burst out laughing.
"It roughly translates to 'strange, young- or little-one'." Elrohir manages to explain. I blush and shake my head, but a half smile forces it's way on my face.
"Come on. Show me Rivendell's houses, double trouble." They smirk at each other over their new nickname.
Notes:
Noro lim! – run swift!
Nîn o Chithaeglir, lasto beth dhaer; Rimmo nîn Bruinen dan in Ulaer - Waters of the Misty Mountains, listen to the great word, flow waters of Loudwater, against the Ringwraiths.
Hröa – body
Gwinig – little one
Im Bardiel. Tullen tye-rehtien – I am Bardiel. I am here to help you
Ú-bedin Common – I don't speak common
Bain aur – good morning
Elegren gwinig – strangle little one