Azie stroked her obvious bulge at the close of another long day. It was quite exciting to be summonsed from her evening at home to meet Bilbo Baggins, the fourteenth member of the Company. Dáin told her in detail of his time spent with the hobbit, but to see him in the flesh was enjoyable and his manners were so impeccable. Now, her feet hurt and she wanted to lie down and sleep-in.

"He's shorter than us," young Thorin exclaimed when the door shut to their chambers.

"I think he's cute," Aneh added and kissed her father goodnight.

Dáin laughed at her sentiment. "Next we know, lass, ye'll be wantin me ta wed ye off ta him."

Aneh snorted and disappeared down the hall to her room.

Dáin chuckled and sat on the sofa beside Azie. He draped his arm across her shoulders. "Feel up ta wrestling?"

Azie gave a snort exactly like their daughter. "Not if ye value yer hide. I'm exhausted."

His grin widened. "I'll take that as ah yes."

She smiled back into his Durin blue eyes.

Thorin groaned, just having figured out what the reference meant. "I'm off ta bed. Ye old ones don't play too rough."

Azie and Dáin laughed and he pulled her in for a kiss.

The shrouded figure patiently waited in a cave on the side of the mountain. Suddenly, without warning, the Palantír came to life. Saruman bowed his head in reverence. "My lord, Sauron, I await your bidding."

The eye flashed too fast for the mind to comprehend. "If you fail again, we will lose a mighty war in the future. The girl must be apprehended and brought to me. Oakenshield must not sire a son. I have foreseen the mountain falling to orcs and Dáin Ironfoot killed. I have also seen a young warrior saving Ironfoot from death. It is the son of Oakenshield. Ironfoot then destroys my army before the gates of Erebor. Oakenshield will not marry if this girl is killed. I have seen it."

"I will either take the lass or kill Oakenshield myself," Saruman vowed. The orb went dark and he looked with disdain at the new leader of the orcs; a lesser son of Azog. "Krull, you heard the command. We must find a way to either kill or take the lass alive. If we could get her to Sauron unspoiled, the rewards would be innumerable for both of us."

"We must wait for the elves to leave," Krull stated flatly. "I cannot defeat them. When Smaug ruled Erebor, I was tasked with searching for all the wealth in the mountain for him. I know the halls very well. We need allies that can enter undetected that can deliver the female to me."

"We have allies in the mountain," Saruman told him and relished in the surprised look. "For now, stay out of sight. I can only shroud your presence from the witch of the Golden Wood if you stay in this cave. I have set a seal upon the entrance her powers cannot permeate. Only I can leave undetected," he warned the small band of orcs. "I will be back soon." He slipped out in the dusk and into a ravine where his mount fed on sweet grass. Soon he was flying south to meet up with a band of dwarves sent north by his master.

Leaving the younger dwarves to greet Bilbo, Thráin retired to his chambers and settled in for a spell of reading, hoping sleep came without his usual nightmares. A few times, he read until falling asleep and his dreams were of the story and not haunted dungeons. He flipped to the bookmarked page.

Twin Lords

I, Erestor, am delighted the twins asked me to write the chronicle of events of their involvement in the wars that started before fourteen hundred of the Third Age of this earth. I accepted with, 'I wasn't aware you both had broken arms.'

"We don't have time and wouldn't even if locked in Thranduil's dungeon for a hundred years," Elladan retorted with a gleam in his grey eyes.

"We leave after supper to rejoin the army," Elrohir added.

"In that case, I suppose I can write a few lines of your heroics, but am sure you embellished most of your last tale. I absolutely refuse to believe you saved your dearadar."

The twins threw me equal grins. "We need to pack," Elrohir added and both flew from my presence.

"I wish Glorfindel were here to verify the twins tales on their short stint home," I muttered aloud to hide my angst for the safety of my insufferable counterpart who was leading Imladris' army against the Witch King of Angmar. Still, with Elrond's two leaving that night and not spending one more in their comfortable beds was testament to their devotion to duty. Both served as Glorfindel's lieutenants and shared his tent on the battlefield. Glorfindel swore to Elrond, he would keep his sons close and the line of Turgon would not end unless he was in the Halls of Mandos again.

I went personally to the kitchens to insure Lembas was ready and being loaded properly in wagons. The wagons came from the Haven's laden with supplies and according to the twins, Glorfindel diverted a quarter of all his forces to insure its arrival. It would be the only wagon train pushing through the wars this year and we've only gotten one per year since the Angmar War began seven hundred years prior.

Elrond, Celebrían and Arwen looked glum at supper that night, while the twins dredged up yet more stories to entertain our table. Lindir, standing at Elrond's shoulder this evening, was memorizing every word for verses and ballads to be sung for us and the returning warriors when this long war finally ended. All too soon we were on the landing while wagons in single file were just disappearing from sight over the lip of the ridge.

"I'm proud of you two," Elrond declared and kissed each son. "Glorfindel and your Daeradar sent letters expounding on your bravery in battle and leadership."

Both boys rolled their eyes and winked at us over their father's shoulders, reminding us they were part human, for elves basked in praise that was earned. They swung into saddles, eager to be away.

With a nod, Elrond set them free. We watched them race stallions up the trail until they vanished over the ridge. "They've grown up so fast," he complained and offered an arm to each lady and we made the long climb to Elrond's house.

"I fear my pride in our elflings will lead to vanity," Celebrían murmured from two steps above me.

Elrond looked lovingly at his wife. "We have much to be proud." He smiled down at Arwen. "You are a great help to your naneth and can rule my house should she be elsewhere. Your naneth's teachings are seen in all you do."

"She is the most venerable lady of your house and growing up under her tutelage, I could do naught but mimic and learn," Arwen replied with her own loving look at her mother. "I do however wish to be more involved with the war efforts."

"I think tending our wounded and all who seek refuge is what you were trained for and do best," Elrond quickly replied.

We entered the house and separated; Elrond and Celebrían to their chambers and Arwen to the healing halls to help Melcótte with injured the twins brought back with them. I went to my study and grabbed quill and paper and started writing.

I let my mind wander back to when it all began. It was a pleasant summer in Imladris that year of TA 1305. Elrond and Celebrían spent much time relaxing together and their devotion to each other lightened the fëas of all who lived in the hidden valley. Every evening, they would stroll along paths holding hands and stealing kisses often. They sent the twins on eastern patrol and in a rare indulgence allowed Arwen to join her brothers in exploring the foothills of the Misty Mountains. Her ranger training was complete and she proved an apt pupil in learning the land and her skills improved yearly. She became an accomplished healer and welded skills close to her father's in commanding nature. Where the twin's skills lay in welding weapons to do their bidding, she had the finesse of enchantment.

Little did we know, that would be the last summer of bliss in the hallowed ravine for seven hundred years. Wagons rolled in with supplies early that year and with them a letter from Arthedain's King Malvegil.

"Glorfindel," Elrond roared mentally, amplifying the sound with his powers. Soon a golden flash of light zipped down a hall and into the lord's office.

"You hurt my sensitive ears, Elrond," Glorfindel complained facetiously when he saw me lounging in a chair and knew no harm befell his lord.

Elrond handed him a letter.

Glorfindel looked shocked. "You expect me to actually read for myself?"

"Do you even know how?" I acerbically responded and noticed Elrond was already penning a reply to the king.

Glorfindel harrumphed and looked down, his good nature disappearing with each line he read. He tossed the letter on Elrond's desk. "I will leave immediately with twenty of our best and guide your offspring home."

Elrond looked up. "I expect no less from you, mellon-nín. I don't want to worry them, so make something up."

"You wish me to lie to your offspring?" Glorfindel pretended shock and winked at me.

"I wish them home in one piece. I am going to lie equally to my wife and wish to share the burden."

"You want a loving wife in your bed tonight, and not one worried about her three adult elflings alone on the mountains." I succinctly deduced.

"Yes," Elrond quipped and went back to writing.

"I saw Glorfindel lead a large band of our finest from the valley," Celebrían commented at supper that evening.

I carefully watched Elrond for his explanation.

Elrond took her hand and smiled. "I sent him to fetch our elflings home. They have spent a carefree month shirking any duty and playing. We are in for an early fall according to the letter from King Malvegil. That is why his wagons arrived two weeks early."

Celebrían gave him a skeptical stare with her blue eyes. "Just so happens, I overheard the drivers telling Erestor that dwarves are swarming all over the Amon Sûl Hills and they abandoned Angmar because something they call a Black Númenórean drove them out." At our sheepish looks, she continued. "I stopped and pressured the wagon master for details, which he readily provided. Raids by orcs in many towns of men in Rhudaur have been reported and you fear they will find our elflings before Glorfindel does."

"That about sums it up," Elrond weakly replied. "I didn't want to worry you, meleth-nín. In fact, I want the young ones back so you and they can go and winter with your parents."

Celebrían held his gaze. "What if Imladris is attacked?"

"We are strong and I sincerely doubt the Witch King will take us on." At his wife's puzzled look, he confided the rest to her. "The leader of the new settlement of Angmar is none other than one of the nine kings Sauron bestowed rings upon."

"And how did you come by such information?" she challenged, food forgotten and I for one was glad their offspring were absent from the table for this conversation.

Elrond looked sheepishly at her. "Your naneth contacted me. Her mirror divulged his identity."

Celebrían's blue orbs turned stormy. "Are you and my naneth conspiring to keep me from knowing events as if I'm an elfling?" Her tone dropped and I almost missed the hurt and anger in her reply, but knew Elrond, sitting beside her, felt as well as heard the betrayal directed at him.

Elrond visibly flinched and reached for her hand, which she pulled out of his reach and their eyes locked, hers hurt and his pleading. "Meleth-nín, I only wished to see happiness in your eyes and fëa. Galadriel and I are aware peace is being taken from us and even now Glorfindel rides with fear our most precious ones are in danger. Your naneth has foreseen a long war that has already began in Rhudaur. I would have confided in you, but selfishly indulged my own heart and drank in your unawareness every evening as we strolled our home, for it revived me to face another day. I couldn't bear your subdued fëa when our elflings are away and possibly in danger." Elrond looked around and even though it was a conversation that carried only around our table and trusted servants standing tall behind us, he didn't like arguing in public. "Eat and then I will answer any questions in our chambers."

Everyone made a pretense of eating, but more food was pushed around the plate than consumed until Lady Celebrían abruptly stood and departed, her head held high.

Elrond and I looked at each other. "I don't see a stroll in your future tonight," I quipped soberly.

Elrond harrumphed and followed his departed wife. I wasn't privy to the rest of their exchange, but Celebrían's fëa was in fact diminished until the cracking of shod hooves in great number on stone three days later alerted us that Glorfindel was home.

We all ran to the landing to see for ourselves our loved ones unharmed. After baths, we all gathered in Elrond's chambers that afternoon to drink wine and indulge our elflings as they eagerly entertained us with their antics and adventures.

Sensing our subdued fëas, sensitive Elrohir quietly looked us over and asked in a soft tone that had his siblings stop in mid-sentence. "Adar, Naneth, is something amiss?"

Elrond took Celebrían's hand in his and with all eyes on him filled the young ones in. "…and I am sending you and Elladan with the caravan, to make sure it gets back through enemy lines, but also assist any in need fleeing before the face of this new and powerful army."

Now we knew the possible conversation Elrond and Celebrían had upon departing the table that night. I could imagine her objections and his logic in explaining their sons were grown elves and needed to spread their wings as adults. We could all feel Celebrían's anguished fëa.

I, Erestor, wrote twelve thick volumes detailing the next seven hundred years, but this is just a heavily redacted excerpt for a tome detailing major achievements in the lives of Elladan and Elrohir and this chapter devoted to deeds that led to the twins earning their title of lords. The story had a beginning and Elrond sending them abroad without Glorfindel to protect them in the face of danger marked their entrance into more than warriors protecting their adar's realm. They embarked on the next stage of their lives; leading and helping those in need.

Once a year in the fall, our boy's would return at the head of a caravan of elves from the sea and entertain us with stories of their missing year. Elrond always sent a small troop of warriors with them for them to practice leadership. Every year the reports became more glowing and details the twins didn't deem worthy to mention made their way to our ears. Sometimes Elrond or Glorfindel would grill them about a forgotten detail, but their reports became thorough and our pride in them grew.

Here are two of the most notable encounters they had that led them to be titled lords.

TA 1316

The twins looked into empty eyes and sunken cheeks of all they met. They learned to take a few days a month and shoot game and dry the meat to press into dirty hands among the long lines of refugees fleeing their home of Rhudaur to either Cardolan or Arthedain and beyond. Some even came near to Imladris and were escorted to the Last Homely House east of the sea and from there moved south to Gondor.

Lightning flashed from east to west and split the night sky, lighting the opening of a cave for a split second. That's all it took for the small band of elves to see many bodies crammed inside.

"We are friends," Elladan called out in Western. "Elves from Rivendell."

From the dryness a young man stepped into the pouring rain. "Let me see your faces," he commanded in a tone that belied his young years.

Elladan drew his poncho from over his head and the next bolt of lighting proved his honesty. "How many are with you?" he asked kindly.

"Two hundred," the boy answered. "I'm the oldest male and all the others are either women or children."

"How old are you?" Elrohir spoke from beside his brother.

"Sixteen. I was to be conscripted into the army like my older brothers, father and grandfather, but Ma took me and my sisters and brother's wives and kids and we joined with others to flee the fighting."

"How long have you been on the run?" Elladan asked and motioned for the young man to step back inside the tangled roots that dripped water instead of the steady downpour.

"About three weeks." The youth started shivering.

"We use this cave in weather like this," Elrohir stated. "I take it you haven't utilized the wood we keep stacked inside."

Another burst of lightning caught the boy's shake of the head. "Don't want to alert our enemies that we are trapped where they can kill us."

"Let's get you dried off then," Elladan pressed and bodies made room for the elves, who piled dry kindling into a fire pit and soon light flickered off the walls and ceiling.

The elves shed their ponchos and Elladan spoke mentally to Calendhel, his lifelong friend and fellow elf. 'Please place our ponchos over the horses. They won't get a warm bed tonight.'

Without an inflection in his face, Calendhel gathered the ponchos and left.

Elrohir looked around at the motley band and vanished as quickly as Calendhel had. When they returned, they each carried a large bag that had been dipped in wax to seal out water. Silently they opened and started handing out meat.

Gasps were heard in the cavern and audible prayers of thanks, both towards the elves and God was heard.

Taking his share, the boy stated, "We haven't eaten in three days, since we came upon an abandoned field of potatoes from two years ago. Everything was either rotten or hard, but we ate anyway." He pointed to several young mothers. "Their milk is drying up and I fear we will bury the young before reaching safety."

Elladan watched the youth, impressed with his demeanor. "You speak with authority. Where did you learn it?"

The boy looked at an older woman, who nodded to him. Switching his gaze back to Elladan, he answered. "I'm Elchad, youngest son of Lord Echad, last lord in service to King Amched of Rhudaur. Father opposed the king joining forces with the King of Angmar, but they made an alliance and sent word throughout the land we were at war with Arthedain and Cardolan. Father refused to join, so was taken by force."

The twins listened to all the boy told them and learned much. When the youth stopped talking, Elladan spoke. "Rest now. Tomorrow we will lead your band south to Cardolan."

The boy shook his head. "I and my family will be killed if we stay this close to the fighting. Already, I have a bounty on my head for killing the man that came to take me away." He looked guilty and tears came into his eyes.

The twins shared a concerned look. "Why does killing to save your neck trouble you so?" Elladan asked kindly.

The troubled youth ran a dirty sleeve across his eyes. "Because he was my eldest brother. Somehow, an evil spell is cast on those who join with the army of Angmar and they no longer recognize us or have free will or thought."

Again the twins shared a meaningful look at this new revelation. That would explain much, for all they encountered fought like demons to the death and there was never any surrender, only slaughter. 'We must get this information to Adar,' Elrohir mentally stated.

"We will take you to Rivendell," Elladan spoke aloud to the boy.

"The home of the elves was murmured about the cave."

Elladan motioned he would take first watch and rose, disappearing into the cold and wet. He retrieved his poncho with an apology to his horse. He climbed above the cave to his usual post whenever they used this spot and settled against a rock outcrop.

It took them almost a month to reach the hidden valley due to roaming bands looking for anything to kill or conscript. Orcs were everyplace and the small troop of eight was kept busy feeding and protecting their charges. It was with great relief when they entered the protective boundary of Imladris.

It was here Celebrían and Arwen took over while we greeted the twins and were surprised to see them so soon. Over food and drink we learned much. Later, after the weary twins retired to their rooms, Glorfindel, Elrond and I conferred privately.

Glorfindel and I exchanged a look before the Balrog slayer spoke. "I think this last living soul of the now disenfranchised rulers of Rhudaur needs to be led south by those who brought him thus far. For eleven years they have been faithful to you without one whisper of complaint. Give them a year off to guide these souls south. Also, their daerodhron's would delight in a visit."

Elrond's eyes shifted to me. "I wish I had spoken before Glorfindel, for I also share his sentiment."

"Who will lead our forces to the Havens for supplies?" was Elrond's response.

"I suppose I can be persuaded to leave your side for the trip," Glorfindel offered and then smiled. "I have also been faithful and attentive to the training of warriors and deserve a break."

"Yes, we need a break," I quickly replied and Elrond laughed at us.

A week later, after our guests had time to rest, repair clothing and eat all they needed, our boys led them on horses south to the Gap of Calenardhon between the Misty and White Mountain ranges. They would return north through Lothlórien. The horses would transport the refugees to Osgiliath in Gondor. And then they would bring the rumada back loaded with much-needed supplies not getting through the war from the Grey Havens.

Afternoon sun cast shadows on the riders and their rumada and the leaders didn't stop at water's edge, but plunged their mounts into the River Celebrant followed by the free ranging pack animals under their mental commands.

Elladan and Elrohir rushed north into the Mallorns hoping to catch the gate to the city before it closed for the night; not that it wouldn't be opened for them. The gates were still open and they startled elves as two hundred heavily packed animals galloped into the corral and stamped and snorted, looking forward to shedding their loads and being fed.

"Aww, it's good to be out of the saddle," Elrohir exclaimed loudly as he bounded off his mount.

Verthenwë was quickly alerted to the fact a group of elves entered their fair community without stopping and asking permission and about to confront the first elf he saw when he recognized Elladan issuing orders to the stable hands before alighting and looking around for his grandparents.

At that moment, high in the Mallorns, Galadriel went still. She was sitting with Celeborn and a few lords in Celeborn's Hall having a pre-dinner wine and they were discussing an upcoming hunt planned for mountain sheep and goats. She turned her brilliant smile upon her husband. "The Valar are playing tricks on me. My fëa just informed me our daeriôns have arrived."

Celeborn held his hand out and she lightly rested fingertips on his fingers. He felt through her the truth. He motioned for Emoth. "Make baths ready for Elladan and Elrohir." His day looked brighter and he rose. "Excuse me while I greet my daeriôns." He held his hand out to his wife and together they glided smoothly from the hall and down the first flight of steps as a serene couple. On the stairs curving around the behemoth trunk, they picked up their pace and were at the stables while the twins were still overseeing their mounts and talking with Lord Verthenwë.

Elrohir felt their presence before he looked for them. With a wide smile he rushed into open arms and felt their love and joy at seeing him.

Elladan pushed in for his turn and as he pulled back was met with a paternal scolding from Celeborn. "It's been twenty-four years since we've seen either of you. Is this how you treat your aging daerodhron's?"

"I know for a fact letters explaining our whereabouts have made its way this far south from both the Havens and Imladris," Elladan shot right back. "We carried them ourselves from Lord Círdan on our yearly trip to the sea for supplies."

Done teasing his grandsons, Celeborn looked at the pile of packs his servants were amassing along the edge of the corral. "Tell me everything after your baths."

Lords gathered in the Great Hall to hear the story of the fall of Rhudaur and war that often was fought within a day's ride of Imladris.

"There was this farm in the foothills near some caves and the family refused to relocate to Imladris," Elladan was explaining while his brother nodded. "Orcs came and burned them out and slaughtered all of them. El and I buried everyone. I fear when this is all over, men will have been driven completely from the north."

The twins stayed for two months at their Grandparent's insistence. They hunted with their grandfather, but that's another story, and rested. Soon they were itching to be on the trail with much needed supplies for home. Celeborn rode to the top of the pass with them and of course sent letters to his children. "I will be drawn into this war before it's over," he told his grandsons. "Stay safe and know you are loved."

With light hearts, the twins lead their horses and troop home.