"Elros, shall we step outside to discuss things?" King Gil-Galad's softly voiced request gave Elros a chance to rein in his emotions. Even so, he was still muttering under his breath when they emerged from the council. The heated debate had clearly incited the peredhel. Over fifty representatives were gathered to debate methods for procuring enough food for everyone. But what started as a discussion evolved into arguments. Where should the fields be located? What should be planted? Who should be in charge? They had not dared to broach the more difficult topics of where to locate permanent dwarven, edain and elven settlements, for the dwarves boasted that their traditional lands remained while elven lands had been lost to the see. Perhaps later in the week they might discuss plans to build ships that would help transport elves to Aman and men to Númenor. The peoples that remained would also need to build ships and settlements. When Gil-Galad and Elros finally emerged from the oppressive atmosphere of the tent, Gil-Galad grasped Elros' arm gently.
"Walk with me. You look like you could use some air."
"What!" Elros' obvious irritably continued to surprise Ereinion.
"Whatever the backward opinions of elves from the west, discussions go better with ellith present."
"Where are they?" The young peredhel could not disguise his impatience.
"Indiriel and Galadriel are part of the Yavannildi." Ereinion continued when he saw Elros' puzzlement. "It is said that Yavanna made the first lembas to strengthen the elves on their great journey. Queen Melian taught the secret of their preparation to a select few ellith in Doriath. Galadriel and Indiriel are leading their preparation this week."
"I did not realize." Elros said quietly. His shifting moods caught Ereinion off guard. "What do you wish to discuss?"
"Are you feeling well? Do you suffer the after-effects of too much celebration?" Ereinion was concerned.
"I am not hung over!" Elros griped, trying in vain to master his anger. "That was two days ago! And I am not the son who had to be woken up for dinner."
"This anger is out of character, Elros. What bothers you?" Ereinion paused, hoping that Elros would be more forthcoming. When the pause burgeoned into a yet longer silence, Ereinion continued. "Negotiations are always trying. But Elros, you have always been a consensus builder. I have always relied on your even handedness when negotiating with your people."
"I am fine."
"None of us are fine. It takes time for the spirit to recover from the horrors of war."
"Is that what plagues Elrond?"
"Does this impatience stem from your worry over Elrond?"
"No!" Elros nearly shouted, then continued in more measured tones. "I mean of course I worry about Elrond." Elros drew in a deep breath as he finally realized that Ereinion was genuinely concerned.
"A build up of emotions over these years of war." Ereinion prompted. None of them was unaffected by the war. Perhaps Elros' odd behavior could be written off to the tremendous stress of the past few years. But instinctively, Ereinion worried that it was more than that.
"Truly I am fine."
"But impatient and on edge. I heard you are not sleeping well."
"Am I under watch?"
"I may not be your real Adar, but I care greatly for you and worry over your well-being."
"Forgive me. You have been more than a Father to Elrond and I." Elros turned. "I have been anxious and restless. I know not where these feelings stem. Have you talked with Master Noenri about Elrond?"
"Before Yule. Most healers rotated between the field tents and in the settlements, away from the war. Noenri, Elrond and a handful of other remained in the healing tents under battlefield conditions through this entire campaign. Now, these healers are all suffering. Their symptoms are not identical, but Noenri believes that with rest and time away from their duties all will recover, including your brother."
"Noenri hides among the Vanyar."
"Healing taxes the mind and spirit."
"Noenri requested several times that I send Elrond to the villages."
"You needed him for things beyond healing. Do not worry, I plan to send him with Oropher's sons to assess the forest."
"He will enjoy that."
"I think this latest lethargy stems more from being coerced into drinking far too much edain whiskey." Ereinion gave a teasing smile.
"He needed to relax. He worries far too much."
"As do you." Tarest signaled his King that the meeting was about to resume. "It seems we must return. Promise me that you will tell me if something ails you."
"Yes Adar." Elros rolled his eyes mockingly.
"And as difficult as it might be, try to employ your legendary negotiation skills. While you may not need to deal with elves once you settle in Númenor, it is unwise to burn bridges. Also, treasure your friends among men. Continued outbursts might cause poor Beleford to suffer a heart-attack."
"You read Elrond's healing book for the Edain?" Elros gaped.
"Skimmed." Ereinion put his arm around Elros' shoulder and motioned to the tent. "Shall we?"
Xxxxxxxx
"Elrond! Are you awake?" Thranduil barged into Elrond's tent. Morning was half over but Elrond had clearly only just dressed. He was seated, pulling a comb through wet hair. "Peredhel, are you well?" He could see a mix of emotions play over his friend's features. Obviously, the term 'peredhel' evoked some pain before Elrond realized that his friend had not meant it in a derogatory manner.
"Thranduil?" Elrond looked to be squinting. Oropher's son drew closer and tilted his friend's chin better assess his condition. The gray eyes seemed dim in the too pale features.
"Elrond, are you well?" His friend shook his head as if dazed. "You and Elros are unique as peredhil. I meant no…"
"I know." Elrond sighed quietly. "It is alright."
"It was used otherwise?" Thranduil asked in concern. Elrond nodded slightly.
"In Himring." The peredhel closed his eyes and shook his head to clear away the memory. "I would rather not think on that time – a time of many hardships with a smattering of good."
"Like now." Thranduil looked down slightly, but Elrond could easily read his thoughts. The family still grieved greatly over Rúmdir's death.
"I am sorry for your loss. Rúmdir is missed by many." Elrond's voice ended in a whisper. For a moment there was silence.
"Orodiun and Andapher seek respite in the forest. I fear that we are needed to keep them out of trouble." Thranduil's voice lifted in amusement as he made an effort to escape the grief that threatened to overwhelm him. "I thought the song of the forest might do you good as well. It seems that next week we are to have an official assignment there."
"Forest?" Elrond repeated, his whole demeanor easing. "I would enjoy hearing forest melodies again." His heart swelled as it finally dawned on him what exactly his soul ached and yearned for. How ironic that he missed the songs of the Maiar – songs that sometimes were so harsh in their fury that he and his brother had run to escape them. He tried to push the memory out of his mind. Their song made him both nauseous and joyful. "Perhaps I am mad or feverish." The thought nearly made him giggle as he stumbled to his feet. A chill swept through him.
"We could not hear them for much of the war." Thranduil noted that his friend trembled slightly. "You are cold? Grab a warm cloak for the trip."
"A ride in the sun should work wonders." Elrond focused fully on his friend. His heart already swelled with joy at anticipation of the forest's song. Thranduil handed him a cloak.
"Come then, we should give your stallion good ride before he ends up injuring one of the caretakers. I have never met such an ill-tempered beast. Do you hide such a personality as well?"
"Perhaps you should refrain from diplomatic missions." Elrond laughed.
Xxxxxxxxx
"I was surprised at your brother's choice." Mikeal admitted as he surveyed the small group of men gathered around their chosen leader. Elros had been their leader for years, not merely since some recent decree of the Valar. The joint council had recessed for lunch and Elros had taken the opportunity to gather the opinions from his people. "He seemed at ease with us. He served with you all through the war and taught and led our healers. All our people hold him in high regard."
"He was and is at ease among men." Elros sighed. "Things are not always what they seem. I would have asked him to remain with us but the Valar are far seeing. Perhaps they suspect that our descendants will need my brother's protection at some time far off."
"My heart tells me that it is your brother that needs our protection." Beleford interjected as he paused to swallow a bit of the thin stew. "I am not sure how elves view him."
"How so?" Elros sipped the chamomile tea. His stomach was uncharacteristically queasy from the stressful council session. "Certainly none would dare harm Gil-Galad's kin."
"King Gil-Galad will leave tomorrow to survey the villages."
"None would dare say anything in your presence but we have heard mutterings against him. Some are appalled that one with the blood of men would seek to rise above his heritage and claim the life of the eldar." Beleford paused wondering how much he should speak of his misgivings. He genuinely liked and respected Elrond.
"Oropher's sons will keep an eye out for him." Elros frowned as he took in his friend's unsettling opinion.
"Your brother is very perceptive. Do you think he can sense the undercurrent of resentment?"
"I think you overstate it. I do not think it is resentment. Perhaps it is more aptly described as fear - fear of the one who is so different. In the past, it was our ancestors who were the leaders when tragedy struck."
"Not through their own fault."
"In most cases, no. But to elves that lost all perhaps it is easier to put the blame on our unusual heritage. There are only a few elves who hold that opinion."
"It is a small minority but if I and my men have heard them, perhaps your brother has as well. Why else would one who usually rises before the dawn to take care of the sick and injured, now rise so wearily well past breakfast. Does he regret his choice?"
"No! Of course not." Elros began but then realized that Elrond had indeed seemed out of sorts recently. "Master Noenri said he is drained from years of working double shifts as both a healer and a warrior."
Xxxxxxxx
Erestor could not refrain from smiling slightly. The chanting and music that emanated from the tent seemed to swell through him, sending his fëa soaring.
"Noenri reminisced about the serenity of the Besain (bread giver) song. He once overheard the songs of Melian and Lúthien as they prepared lembas." Durgin smiled at the younger elf he had drawn guard duty with. They were fortunate to have such an appointment!
"It is beautiful. He certainly did not exaggerate." Erestor agreed then turned slightly, suddenly registering alarm. He was puzzled to see six of the brick masons approaching. Two were carrying a long wooden box between them.
"Halt." If it were possible, Durgin seemed to grow taller as he fell naturally into his guardian role. "State your business."
Xxxxxxx
"Did you bring your healing kit?" Thranduil inquired innocently.
"I thought this was to be a relaxing excursion!" Elrond looked back to the horses and smiled at Braigsûl's antics, which were annoying the other steeds.
"You are not well-versed in my brothers' games." Thranduil smiled deviously, which prompted Elrond's pure laughter.
"I have heard differently about their origin." Elrond breathed deeply of the fresh air as the low melodious hum of the trees' song washed over him.
"Ah, you are feeling better if you dare insult your host." Thranduil teased, the trees song also lifted his own spirits. They made straight for the tallest oak tree. "Are you ready yet?"
"We need a few more moments!" Andapher's voice was gleeful and a low buzzing sounded.
"What are they planning?" Elrond squinted, but could not see what they were working on. Thranduil smirked and called up.
"Elrond has just volunteered to be first!"
"Just to be clear on this. You agree not to hold us responsible for any injuries you might incur."
"You climb like one of the edain." Thranduil teased good-naturally. He had scrambled up the tree with ease, because he had experience locating the small indentations that his brothers had left behind. For Elrond it was slow going as it was nearly twenty feet to the first branch. Granted, the peredhel was doing well. He had wound a rope around the trunk and was slowly but steadily rising.
"Touché'" Elrond conceded. "I admit the sons of Oropher far exceed my abilities in climbing. This is a most formidable and majestic oak." He praised whole-heartedly as he finally pulled himself up to the first branch.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Elu-chil." The tree whispered, enjoying the compliment.
"The pleasure is mine. I treasure the gift of your song." Elrond returned silently. Joy bubbled within him at the tree's deep baritone.
"Keep climbing!" Andapher called impatiently. "It is your turn." He gasped audibly as the peredhel gracefully ascended the remaining branches and soon stood beside them high up in the canopy.
"What is this game?" Elrond looked around in confusion. Andapher held out a thin bar that was connected to some sort of a ball type gear on a rope.
"Hold on tight and be sure to jump when Orodiun tells you too." Anaphor watched as Elrond reached up to grab the bar. Once he was sure the elf held it tightly, he pushed him off the branch. "Have a fun ride!" He snickered as Elrond screamed and whizzed down through the canopy at an amazing speed.
"Tell me that you tried it out already." Thranduil called.
"He should be fine as long as he lets go at Orodiun's signal." Anaphor laughed as he clipped a second device on the rope. "Would you like to go next?"
Xxxxxxxxxx
They were part way through a chant to Yavanna when Galadriel was horrified to recognize the clash of metal outside. She pushed aside her fear and looked for something that might fend off a sword. There was but a single iron trivet on the table.
"Move towards the hearth." She directed urgently as she grabbed the trivet and stepped forward. Indiriel stood closest to the entrance. Some of the ellith were still chanting. Others were stood momentarily shocked by the noise.
"Naneth!" Aurmîr screamed in horror as her mother pulled Indiriel forward. Two elves burst in. Their clothes were stained red and their eyes glinted with hate and fury. Screams erupted as the ellith scrambled frantically away.
"Dear Elbereth protect us!" Gellir prayed and grabbed her sobbing daughter. Aurmîr was still an elfling. This was her first initiation into the Yavannildi. "Oropher, my love!"
"Erestor!" Niphendriel gasped in worry, for her son had been one of the guards outside.
"The Queen." One pointed at Indiriel. The other advanced quickly with raised sword. He swung at the Queen, but his sword clashed against the iron trivet as Galadriel pushed her nephew's wife out of reach. A swift kick to the groin coincided with the collision of the iron trivet against the sword. The attacker doubled over in pain as his companion stepped over him to engage the warrior maiden. His blade flashed perilously close as she swept to the left, to draw him away from his fallen companion. Niphendriel used the opportunity to surge forward and slammed a pot down on the head of the fallen foe. Galadriel parried with the trivet, which looked ludicrous next to the sharp metal blade, but of course, she was unable to thrust or attack. A second later the sword caught her in a glancing blow to her left side, cutting through her dress like paper. Blood welled through the tear. "Would that I had armor and a sword!" She thought as she uttered aloud a curse in Quenya.
"Galadriel!" Niphendriel sent the vanquished foe's blood stained sword flying, pommel first towards the Noldo princess, who swept it up effortlessly, facing down her attacker with a sword in her right hand and the trivet in her left.
"Now the odds are more even." She announced boldly to the remaining attacker even as she prayed no more would step through the entrance. "Who dares to challenge Nerwen?"
"The Master sends us to destroy you." An unnatural, nay wild look passed over the elf's eyes and Galadriel realized that there would be no reasoning with him. His arm moved with a speed and agility that took her by surprise and she was barely able to meet his thrust. The force of the blow left little doubt that he intended to kill her and take as many other lives as possible.
"You will not get by me!" She thrust right and pivoted She met the next blow directly, although its strength sent pain riveting through her.
"Run!" She yelled, only now noting the ellith were rooted in shock behind her. Her attackers eyes flashed with hatred and anger as he unleashed a furious attack. He aimed blow after blow to her injured side. Her quick reflexes enabled her to deflect the blows but his greater strength forced her retreat towards the hearth.
"Time to join your brothers in Mandos!" He laughed madly, and she took the advantage of his momentary lapse to scored a blow with the long handled trivet. The elf staggered and screamed in rage.
Xxxxxxxxxx
"We are not at odds here." Finarfin reprimanded. "Please recall that we are here to work together for the common good."
"Galadriel!" Celeborn shouted and stumbled to his feet in shock at the barrage of images.
"Tarest! The Yavannildi are under attack!" Gil-Galad announced as he jumped up and darted for the door. Oropher, Finarfin and Celeborn were fast on his heels. Many others followed suit. They sprinted through the compound, calling for weapons, guards, and healers. Their destination was the spot where three of the elven compounds overlapped. It had been specially selected as a gathering point for the ellith. The cries for help did nothing to assuage the sickening dread that pooled in Ereinion's stomach. His wife's fear was nearly palpable through their bond.
"Stay safe! Please be safe! We are nearly there!" He sent the wordless message as the tent came into view. Elven bodies lay bloody and unmoving in a macabre scene that was horrifyingly reminiscent of other kinslayings.