AN: This turned out differently than expected. It feels right though.

Special thanks to Giulia!

So have fun reading guys! :-)

Chapter 3

Arwen hastily put the tray of soup she had returned with aside as she saw the child jump to his feet. When he fell, she swiftly caught him. A brief glance told her all she needed to know. He was unconscious.

Stroking back his black locks from his sweaty forehead, she stared at the leaf-shaped ears. Any hope and fear she had had of her father joking vanished instantly. Had been vain anyway

"Father," she began tightly, unsure how to continue.

Elrond's smile faded into neutrality. An expression he wore when feeling extreme emotions while within sight of his people. A rare occasion in this comparatively peaceful Age.

Blanching, she remembered the last time she saw him like this. It was when scouts had burst into the dining hall during supper. Bleeding and badly injured, they shouted: "My Lord…our Ladies-... Lady Celebrians party…-they were-! There were so many Orcs! We-"

Out of the corner of her eyes she noticed the forced smiles disappearing from the other elves as well. Their forms stiff and faces rapidly paling.

A child hurt like this in their hall of healing. Suppressing a shudder she realised most of them had not even seen what happened in the Bruinen. Once they heard of it-

"Lord Elrond, the Dunlending…" One of those who knew spoke up.

"Did you just say elfling!?" Another interrupted, ignoring propriety completely. "But there were no reports-"

A patient half heaved himself out of his bed. "How can this be-"

A blond soldier clenched his fists. "His injuries-!"

Elrond held up a hand. "Please remain quiet about this for now-"

Shocked silence followed. Then-

"Quiet?" Multiple voices demanded simultaneously. "About an elfling being hurt!" Incredulity practically radiated off them in waves

"Yes." Elrond firmly confirmed. "There are-"

"No!"

"I refuse!"

"Never!"

Worriedly glancing down at the scrunched up face of the child in her arms, she pulled him closer.

"-too many unknown factors here. There has not been any information about an elfling disappearing-" Elrond's was easily heard over the other elves.

Arwen gulped at his tone. Sometimes she forgot her caring and loving father was an experienced war hero and Lord of a third of all elven kind. One who had lived and fought through some of the most brutal events in their history.

Obviously others came to the same realisation as a hush fell over the room.

"Or even one being born in centuries. The last one being…" He trailed off, pain briefly flashing across his features.

Gasps came from the onlookers. Arwen grimaced. That her father brought that topic up, no matter how close to the current subject, showed how shaken he was. They never spoke of it.

One of the reasons she decided to live with her grandparents and only came over to visit once in a while. The past events, she fled from, were always there in her fathers eyes. Unspoken but so very clear to see for her in his every action.

A moan too silent for anyone but her sounded next to her ear. Shaking herself, she reached for a nearby drawer. Pulling a small bottle out with one hand, she checked the label.

After a pause, her fathers expression smoothed out again. "We need to know the facts before acting."

For a moment all was still. Then the blond soldier spoke up. "Those who hurt one of ours will suffer." His tone was matter-of-fact.

Arwen shivered. Glancing around she saw others nodding along.

Absently she put the bottle in a pocket, so she could caress the soft cheek of the elfling.

"Fair punishment will be dealt." Her father agreed solemnly. Eyes as hard as steel once more. "For now it is important to keep this information back. For the safety of the child."

Looking at each of them individually, Elrond nodded. The command would be followed. "As you can see, he needs healing."

"We will hold a meeting regarding this shortly. Be ready."

A slight motion indicated she should put him on the bed.

"For now: Arwen."

She carefully laid the little one on the sheets. His form looked tiny even in the bed meant for Hobbits. "Yes, father?"

"Find those who saw what happened in the river and bring them to my study."

Pulling the covers over the little one, she nodded.

"Make sure your brothers know I mean it."

At the reminder of the twins' antics, she smiled despite the serious situation. They did like to intentionally misunderstand her fathers orders when the opportunity arose.

Elrond turned his head slightly towards the soldier. "Report to my General."

Nodding, he sped off.

Wordlessly her father held a hand out towards her. Opening the bottle, she gave it to him.

Caressing the child's delicate chin, he carefully pried the mouth open. Then a few droplets fell onto the small tongue. Gently pushing the mouth closed, he massaged the elflings throat to make him swallow.

A nearby patient raised an eyebrow.

"Sleep or unconsciousness is too dangerous in his current condition." Her father informed the room at large. "This will put him in a healing trance for now. I will wake him up in a few hours to check his condition."

Handing her back the bottle, he watched her put it back in her pocket. "Once you return, please take first watch."

Blinking once at the unexpected command, she inclined her head in acceptance. She was sure her father had his reasons for asking her and not one of the other elves. Taking it as the dismissal it was, she rushed out to find Elladan and Elrohir.

Outside the door, she blinked at what she saw. There was a crowd of elves in the hallway. Standing around awkwardly. Unusual for her kind.

In other circumstances she would have laughed at the image they made. Most of them were aeons older than her, yet looked like guilty elflings at her arrival.

They had obviously tried to listen in, but were still too far from the door to have overheard their conversation. Probably their pride had held them off long enough to prevent that. Still, precautions were needed.

Pausing in her steps, she spotted two of the guards among them.

Using her authority as the daughter of the lord, she ordered, "Nobody enters unless my father explicitly allows it."

They quickly stepped forward, inclining their heads respectfully.

As Arwen moved on, she heard the guards dispersing the crowd behind her. Any protests were hushed gently but effectively. Good.

In the next corridor she came upon two servants sticking their heads together.

"Have you heard?" A dark haired elle inquired, face pale.

The other one shifted a basket of tunics in her arms. "No, what?"

"There was a child in the river!"

A creak sounded as the elle clutched the basket. "A child?!"

"Yes. I have heard from my brother-in-law that-"

Arwen sighed. News were spreading fast. Soon the halls would be full of second-hand information and the truth would be thrown completely out of proportion. Her steps quickened. Gossip could be dangerous in a situation like this.

Children were treasures to her kind. So while her kin was generally mild-tempered there was no telling what would happen if tale of a hurt young one spread unchecked.

Imagining their reactions if they knew he was an elfling and no human child, she shuddered. Nearly sprinting in her rush.

Spotting the dark hair of her brother out in the garden, she sighed in relief. Where one of the twins was, the other was nearby.

Approaching slowly, she took a deep breath. The floral scent of her favourite flower made her shoulders relax slightly.

"How about this one? What do you think?" Elladans voice drifted over.

"No." Elrohir could be heard.

As she got closer, she saw Elrohir standing next to his twin behind one of the bushes.

"This one then?"

"Hmmm…no, neither."

"Oh and-"

Arwen cleared her throat. "I have been looking for you."

"Oh?" Elladan held up a couple of arrows. "We have been trying to figure out which arrow would be best."

Noting each of them was made slightly differently, she tilted her head. "Would be best for what?"

"Killing the Dunlending obviously." Elrohirs tone was matter-of-fact.

"What?! No!"

Elrohir nodded sagely. "Told you so brother."

"Hm…yes, I suppose you did."

"Good. It would be bad if our guests-"

"We should use a sword instead."

"Going up and personal-"

"-so he sees us coming."

Arwen gaped.

"Thanks for the inspiration sister!" They chorused together.

While she was still fumbling for words, the twins went on their merry way.

"To the Weapon Chamber!"

"Hey! Wait!"

Elladan popped his head back around the corner, he had just passed. "Any further suggestions, Arwen?"

"No! I didn't-"

"Well, then…" Elladans head slowly retreated.

"Elladan! Elrohir! Come back here this instant!"

Chuckles distanced themselves. "Not falling for that one anymore, dear sister. It only worked when you were an elfling, because it was so cute."

Arwen felt her cheeks heat slightly. "Father wishes to speak with you."

"Oh?" Elrohirs words were quiet from the distance.

"It is important."

Elladan and Elrohir came back. "Is it about the child?"

"Yes."

"Alright then." Elladan patted her on the back as he passed. "Is he awaiting us in his study?"

"Yes. I was also told to gather everyone who saw the incident in the river."

"Did father have other duties for you afterwards?"

She silently nodded.

"We will take care of this then." Elrohir ruffled her hair as he came in range. "I will focus on the civilians that were there. Elladan will take care of the warriors. Are the healers, who were there already informed?"

"They went into the hall of healing with us, so yes."

Elladan turned back. "The General?"

"A soldier was sent."

"Good." With that Elladan was gone.

Elrohir squeezed her arm to get her attention. "What about the Dunlendings?"

She paused, biting her bottom lip in contemplation. Elrohir shook his head. "I see. I will let a guard know to keep an eye on them."

"They already have-" Her brothers finger poked her nose, making her blink.

"Do not worry your pretty head over that. Elladan and I are warriors after all." He winked. "We will deal with the small details."

Smiling, she inclined her head. Apparently they would always treat her like she was only knee-high. It was as charming as it was frustrating.

"Do you know if anyone else was present?" It came out more unsure than she intended. Making her wish to roll her eyes at sounding like the little girl they saw her as. They had that effect on her.

Still it stung to admit. She had been too focused on the child at the time not paying any mind to anyone else.

"Not that I know. But there might have been." Her brother shrugged. "Maybe father saw. We will bring it up."

Elrohir took her in his arms gently. "Good to see you again, Arwen. Sorry I did not have the opportunity to greet you earlier."

Arwen smiled brightly. "It is alright."

"I am sure Elladan will come see you later. Once he is calmer. He is a bit out of it right now."

"And you are not?"

"Ah, it is a bit easier for me. It has always been." He shook his head sadly.

Arwen opened her mouth, but he was faster.

"Anyway, I will be on my way now." After one last squeeze, he disappeared inside.

"Falling into reverie would be nice right now." Arwen mussed to the empty space. Eyes still glued to the spot Elrohir had just occupied.

Classical sleep as humans know it was unnecessary since she grew up. However reverie, the trance-like state adults fell in from time to time, helped her regain strength and sort her thoughts.

"Alas it is not to be." Sighing, she straightened.

It was her duty to stay by the elfling while the others discussed their current predicament.

While she hoped her brothers had only been joking, she knew many elves would be serious about it. Even the twins might once they learned the hurt party was an elfling.

Taking in one last deep breath of the soothing floral scent, she slowly made her way back. Her near silent footsteps being the only sound in the empty halls.

A sign of how much the child's scream had brought their whole valley in disarray.

It could have been heard far and wide, terrified and desperate. Coldness spread through her at the memory. Never should something like this have occurred in their midst. Unforgivable.

As she came closer to the Halls of Healing she saw more and more elves pretending to be busy nearby. Their forms stiff and their faces full of forced cheer.

The path of blood was not her own.

Pushing past the guards, who nodded at her, she entered the Halls of Healing. Her eyes automatically sought out the small sleeping form. Tiny body covered in bandages and face flushed with slight fever.

It was not her path, but she would walk it if necessary.

Sinking into a chair beside the bed, she stroked the raven coloured hair. Careful not to aggravate any injuries.

"I am here." Her tone was gentle as she whispered them to the sleeping child.

That was for later. For now she would watch and she would listen. Action could wait. Patience had always been one of her strengths.

Without conscious thought she began singing. Lullabies she had grown up with easily coming over her lips. Her melodic voice filled the room with tales of her ancestors.