The Healing of Elves and Trees

Title: The Healing of Elves and Trees
Author: Eliza 422 (eliza_422@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Elrohir/Haldir, Elladan/Legolas, Others
Rating: NC-17
Summary: AU Story. Elrohir and Celebrian are captured by orcs. They survive the attack but Elrohir is changed. Will he ever recoveom wom what he has experienced?
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to JRR Tolkien.

Author's note: Finally on their way home! I've also introduced a couple of characters who will be very important as the story goes on. And, I beg your forgiveness up front for making Haldir a complete and utter bastard.
I was really going to try and *not* have Glorfindel and Erestor as a couple, but they forced me into it! Damn elves...

As for my mention of "adventuring", I actually have it all worked out in my head, and I'll probably have some flashbacks to this adventuring. Of course, it's all much more exciting in my head than I can manage to get down on paper...I'm no Eresse! Every time I read a chapter of Greenleaf & Imladris I figure it's time for the rest of us to retire - that is the best story I've ever read! So everyone should skip this entirely and head over there!
Now back to my little tale...


Chapter 12

Elrohir watched a couple of assistant healers pack the contents of the healing tent. He was relieved that they could finally go home. He ntednted a bit when the flap of the tent was pushed aside and Legolas came in. The blond elf sat down on the stool next to the bed.
"The dwarves just left. They spoke to our fathers for a while before leaving. Defense of the area, I gather." Legolas reached over to tuck the blankets more securely around Elrohir.
"Lord Malin told me they were going to work out arangrangement with us. I'm glad," said Elrohir.
"I still can't believe you're friends with a dwarf!"
"I've told you all about it before, you silly elf."
"I know, but that was just a story - to see dwarves in real life! They really are short, aren't they?"
Elrohir chuckled. "Yes, they are." He reached his hand over to Legolas' hand and pulled it to his chest. He closed his eyes and relaxed, something he could only do in the presence of his brother or Legolas.
"Ro?"
"Yes."
"My brother wants to see you before he leaves. Is that OK?"
Elrohir's eyes popped open. "Bell? He wants to see me?"
"Of course he does. Can I tell him to come in?"
"He's outside the tent?" Elrohir squeezed Legolas' hand harder. His heart sped up a little. "I don't know if I can face him."
"Please, he really wants to talk to you."
"I don't know, Legolas. I don't think I'm up to it, honestly."
"I'll stay if you like."
"Legolas, please. Tell him I'll see him next time I visit Mirkwood."
"He's not that bad, is he? What are you afraid of?"
"I don't want anyone to see me like this."
"He's not going to say anything."
"Still..."
"Is it OK if I come in?" A male elf poked his head into the tent. He strongly resembled Legolas, although his hair was a rich chestnut brown, and his eyes a warm hazel.
Elrohir turned a panicked face toward Legolas, pleading with him to say no, but Legolas couldn't, not to his own brother.
"Sure, Bell, come on in. I was just telling Ro that you wanted to see him."
Bell smiled and came into the tent. He was a little nervous about what he would see since some fantastic stories about what had happened to the two Imladris elves were circulating through the elven camThe The tent was dimly lit, but the light seeping through the seams in the tent provided some more illumination.
He took a closer look at Elrohir, and lost his smile at the battered face. Elrohir wouldn't meet his gaze. He moved to the side of the bed and sat on the other stool. He turned to the healers.
"Can you leave us for a moment? I wish to speak to Lord Elrohir."
Mindel bristled at the imperious tone of this elf. "Excuse me, but we need to finish this. Lord Elrond wishes to leave by midday."
Bell stood and stared down at the young healer in his most arrogant manner. "I am Prince Bellalven, son of King Thranduil, and Lord Elrond knows I am here. Now do as I say and leave us."
"I will not be ordered about by some forest princeling!" Mindel suddenly took a step back. Bell grabbed him around the arm, dragged him to the tent entrance, and threw the healer out. He turned to the other healer.
"Leave us."
"Yes, my Lord, right away." The terrified healer ran out of the tent.
Silence reigned in the tent. Bell turned around to face two dumbstruck ellyan. After a moment's pause the three elves burst out laughing. Elrohir stopped almost immediately, clutching his midsection.
"Oh, it hurts to laugh." He couldn't stop completely, though, and it took several moments to gain control of himself.
"Bell, I've never seen you like that," Legolas said, tears of laughter wetting his cheeks. "You channeled father to a tee!"
Bell sat down again, smiling at his youngest brother. "Sometimes it pays to be a bit kingly, doesn't it?"
Legolas smiled back. His eldest brother, Thranduil's heir, was his favorite brother.
Bell looked again at Elrohir, who was again avoiding his gaze. He sobered, thinking about all this ellian had been through. He stroked the young elf's arm.
"Elrohir, I was devastated when we got the news of your capture by the orcs. I'm so glad your family was able to rescue you and your mother."
"As am I," Elrohir replied, although he kept his eyes fixed on Legolas, unable to look at the other elf.
Bell squeezed his arm. "Why won't you look at me, Ro?"
Elrohir didn't answer.
Bell looked at Legolas, and motioned with his head for the younger elf to leave. Legolas hesitated for a moment, knowing that Elrohir didn't want to be left alone, but he wanted to give his brother some privacy.
"Elrohir, I need to go see to Elladan. I'll be back in a few minutes." Legolas got up.
"Leggy, no, please don't leave me!" Elrohir panicked and tried to grab Legolas again, but he couldn't reach him.
"Ro, you'll be fine. Bell will look after you until I get backLegoLegolas stooped to kiss Elrohir on the forehead then left the tent.
Elrohir pulled the blankets up to his chin, unwilling for Bell to see him at all.
"Elrohir, look at me."
"No."
"Elrohir, please." Bell reached over to Elrohir's face, but Elrohir grabbed his wrist.
"Don't touch me," he growled, finally looking at Bell. The prince was taken aback by the rage in those grey eyes.
"I'm sorry, Ro, I wasn't going to hurt you." He pulled his arm back, but Elrohir didn't let go of his wrist.
"Get out of this tent, Prince Bellalven of Mirkwood, and don't come back." Elrohir let go of Bell's wrist and retreated back under the blankets.
"I'm not leaving you in this state, Ro."
"Get out of here, you hideous orc!" Elrohir yelled. "I don't ever want to see you again!" He pushed himself up onto his right arm, grabbed a bowl from the side table and tried to hit Bell over the head with it. The prince easily disarmed the distraught ellian and gently pushed him down. Elrohir struggled weakly, but soon gave up and went limp. He started to cry, and sobs quickly wracked his body. He covered his eyes with his forearm.
"Please, Bell, just go," Elrohir said haltingly.
Bell felt tears fill his own eyes. He hesitated for a moment, then pulled Elrohir partially upright so he could cradle the ellian as best he could.
Elrohir burrowed into the hug, unable to control his sobs.
Bell stroked Elrohir's head, his other arm hugging him close. He murmured soothing words, hoping to calm Elrohir down.
Eventually the sobs ceased, and Elrohir lay still, only his hitching breath a sign that he was still awake.
"How can you stand to look at me, Bell?" Elrohir said.
"I don't understand."
"I'm sure you heard what they did to me. How can you stand to look at damaged goods?"
Bell was too stunned to speak. He lay Elrohir back down on the bed and resettled the blankets.
"Bell?"
"I heard you, Elrohir. I'm trying to figure out why you would say such a thing."
"It's true, isn't it? I don't even know how many orcs..." Elrohir stopped, his breath hitching again.
"Stop that, Ro. You are not damaged goods. You've merely been wounded, just like any other soldier in battle."
"This is different."
"No it's not. Ro, stop this. In time you will see the truth of my words."
Elrohir frowned. He didn't believe Bell for a second.
"So if I survive this, you'll still come to Imladris when I turn 1000?"
"What?"
"What you told me before I left Mirkwood - that you would come to Imladris and ask my father for permission to court me. Are you still going to do it?"
"Oh, so you've changed your mind then?"
"I didn't say that."
"All I remember is you telling me what a nice sensible elf I am, that I was a great friend and any ellian would be lucky to have me and you had no interest in males at all. Has something changed in 300 years?"
"Just answer my question. Will you come to Imladris?"

Before Bell could answer, Legolas came back into the tent.
"How are two of my three favorite elves doing?" Legolas lost his good humor when he saw how upset his brother was. He saw that Elrohir had been crying.
"Bell, father says it's time to go, I'm sorry."
Bell got up, relieved he wasn't going to have to continue this conversation, but Elrohir didn't give up.
"Bell, answer me!"
"Elrohir, I'm not going to say anything to you in the state you're in. Next time we see each other we'll talk."
Elrohir felt the rage start to surface again. "I guess I was right after all."
Bell patted Elrohir's arm. "I'm sure I'll see you again soon. Take care." He walked out of the tent, pulling Legolas with him.

"Bell, what happened in there?"
"I'm not really sure. First he was laughing, then he was withdrawn, then he flew into a rage, then hysterical sobbing, then I don't know what." Bell shook his head.
"Well I hope you weren't expecting a declaration of love."
"Of course I wasn't. Right before you came in he asked me if I was still going to go through with my plan to court him when he comes of age."
"Are you?"
"I honestly don't know. I haven't seen him in 300 years."
"You saw him at our wedding!"
"I saw him briefly, yes, but I think he was avoiding me. We hardly spoke at all. And now, to see him like this...He is an emotional and physical wreck."
"That's not a very nice thing to say!"
"It's not a moral judgment, Las, it's just a fact. He's in no condition to hear anything I say."
Legolas hugged his brother close. "I know you're right, Bell. I've been a wreck lately too - we all have."
"Yes, we've all seen what Elladan has done."
Legolas leaned back to look at Bell. "Don't go there, Bell, I mean it. I've explained it to you and father and the others again and again. He didn't mean any of it, and we're going to have counseling anyway, so just drop it, OK?"
"Ah, my feisty little golden leaf..."
Legolas pressed his face into Bell's chest. "Stop it, Bell."
"You used to be so well-behaved, but under the influence of these Noldor twins you've turned into a little spitfire!" He laughed when Legolas squeezed his waist as hard as he could.
"I was always this way you big oaf!" Legolas screeched with laughter when Bell picked him up and swung him around.
"Please, some decorum would be nice!" Mindel the healer said. He had been standing a little ways from the tent, and when he saw the two wood elves leave the tent he had returned to finish packing. "We have a very sick elf in here and he needs peace and quiet."
Bell turned up his nose at Mindel, but stepped out of the way. Mindel shook his head and went in.
Legolas laughed again. "You'd make a very good king. You've got the attitude down just right. Stop it Bell!" Legolas yelled as he was swung around again.
Legolas let go of Bell and leaned over, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. "You say that I came under the bad influence of the Noldor twins, but I know of a certain brunet elf who would dearly love to be under the influence of one the twins in particular."
"Legolas..." Bell ran after Legolas who had taken off down the path to the wood elves camp.

"My Lord!" Glorfindel said suddenly.
Elrond turned. "Yes?"
"I've just realized, we've never asked about the orcs who were coming from the other side of the mountains."
"That's right! I never told you who we battled," Thranduil said.
The elven leaders had just concluded their business with the dwarves and were having some tea. Now that Legolas was up and about Thranduil had calmed down considerably and was able to resume cordial relations with Elrond.
"I'm not following," Elrond said. He was emotionally and mentally exhausted from this whole ordeal. He was not thinking straight, and was glad to have Glorfindel and Erestor at his side to take up the slack.
"The orc scum mentioned 'the masters' several times," Glorfindel said.
"Oh, that's right, that's right. So, Thranduil, who were these masters?"
Thranduil leaned forward, unwilling to speak very loudly. "The orcs were led by three Nazgul."
Elrond paled, stunned at the implications. "Nazgul?" He whispered.
"Yes. They kept a fair distance away from the orcs and our battle, but we could feel their evil presence. I think they already knew that something was afoot. Once the dwarves did their thing they melted away."
"If they had gotten their hands on Celebrian and Elrohir..." Elrond couldn't continue. He closed his eyes and hugged himself, unable to shut out images of his beloved family being tortured by Nazgul.
Erestor scooted over to put his arm around Elrond. "My Lord, it didn't happen. We rescued them, they will be OK."
"I know, but still..."
The elves sat for a few minutes, trying to comfort Elrond. They were startled when Legolas came tearing toward them followed by Bellalven. They were both laughing.
Legolas gracelessly plopped down on the low bench his father sat on and turned a triumphant face toward his brother. "I win!"
Bell stopped when he saw who was with his father. He bowed respectfully to them. "My lords, good morning."
"Good morning, Bellalven. Did you see Elrohir?" Erestor asked.
"Yes, my Lord, I did, thank you. Father, are we ready to go?"
"Feredir has finished striking the camp, and he's just waiting for you and I to return. Legolas, did you say good bye to them?"
"Yes, father, this morning."
"Good. Well, Elrond, Glorfindel, Erestor, I think it is time for me to take my leave of you and return. Limcalad is not bad as a temporary leader for my people, but I am anxious to get back."
Elrond stood. "Of course. Again, I cannot begin to express my appreciation for all your help in this endeavor." He stepped forward and gave Thranduil a hug.
Thranduil was startled, but returned the hug. "We are all in this together, Elrond, so don't hesitate to call on us again if you need to. Erestor, Glorfindel, I bid you farewell. Legolas, walk with us, please."
The Imladris lords headed back to their camp.

"Legolas, I only wish to remind you of your promise to me."
Legolas rolled his eyes. "Of course, father, El and I will see you in 50 years. And maybe we'll have Elrohir with us." He winked at Bell.
"Take care, my dear golden leaf." Thranduil hugged him tightly. "Write to me often."
"I will, papa, I will." Legolas turned to hug his brother. "We'll try to bring Elrohir with us when we visit Mirkwood."
Bell leaned down to kiss Legolas' forehead. "Don't push him, Las, he has a lot of healing to do, and I don't mean just the physical. If we are fated to be together, then it will happen. There is no need to push. And if not..."
"You really are a good sensible elf, Bell."
"I'm doomed, then," Bell said. "Now go to your husband. I'm sure he's fretting about being apart from you."
Legolas briefly hugged his father one more time, then strolled down the path.
Thranduil and Bell watched Legolas disappear into the woods.
"I take it your encounter with Elrohir didn't go so well, son," Thranduil said. They headed back to their encampment.
"That's an understatement." Bell sighed. "It was probably too soon to see him. He is so hurt."
"I know. When I first saw him I didn't recognize him."
"When I was standing outside the tent all I could remember was that night the three of us were at the top of the waterfall, and Legolas was asleep. Elrohir looked beautiful - no, magnificent - silhouetted against the moonlight. He took my breath away. It hurt - oh boy, did it hurt - when he said he wasn't interested in male elves. Then, to see him as he is now. I didn't think it was the same elf. I thought someone was playing a trick on me. He asked me if I was still going to petition Elrond when he turns 1000."
Thranduil put his arm around his son's waist, pulling him close. "Will you?"
Bell didn't answer right away. Thranduil glanced at him, seeing the warring emotions clearly. His eldest son had always been an open book, unable to hide how he was feeling.
"I don't know, father. Except for the wedding I haven't seen him in 300 years, and I didn't think I had a chance anyway. And to see him like this? Battered beyond recognition? He called himself damaged goods."
Thranduil stopped walking. "What?"
"They've been working so hard to heal him physically that I don't think they've been paying attention to him emotionally."
"I'm sure that's only temporary."
"I hope so. I never thought I'd say this, but I hope someday we'll see our little wildcat back!"
Thranduil started walking again. "If anyone can survive this, it'll be him."
Bell walked next to his father, lost in thought. The image of Elrohir in the moonlight sprung up again. His black hair loose and flying free in the wind, his grey eyes sparkling in the light from Earendil's star, his face glistening faintly with mist from the waterfall. Bell knew that the Noldor considered Arwen the Evenstar, the heir to Luthien's beauty and grace, but how could anyone see Elrohir and not think he surpassed his sister in every way? If only he was a more daring, dashing elf, maybe he could have won Elrohir's heart back then. An ellian who would run away from home for 150 years to go "adventuring" certainly wouldn't find an elf like him very appealing.
"What are you thinking about, son?"
"I was just thinking that if only I was more like Feredir maybe Elrohir would like me better."
"Why would you think that?"
"An ellian like him isn't going to go for an elf like me."
"Has he ever expressed any interest in Feredir?"
"No."
"Then why would you being like him make you more attractive?"
"Well being like me doesn't seem to work either, so why not?"
Thranduil shook his head. Young elves have such silly ideas. "Son, there are plenty of elves, female and ellian alike, who would jump at the chance of mating with you. You are sensible, level headed, intelligent, kind, and very handsome."
"Name three."
"Three what?"
"Name three elves who want such a boring elf for a mate!"
"You are not boring, son. Besides, Elrohir calmed down a lot during his stay in Mirkwood, and that has continued. Once he is of marriageable age I'm sure he's going to want an elf who will be a good, steady husband..."
"Wife."
"Or husband."
"He said he doesn't like male elves that way."
"He didn't really mean that."
"So you're saying he's a liar."
"No, he was just saying that to spare your feelings. He wasn't ready at the time to even consider a relationship and he was trying to come up with a diplomatic way of putting you off until he was a little older."
"How do you know this?"
"I had a talk with him at the wedding."
"You never told me!"
"I didn't want to influence you, son. I didn't know if yours was a passing fancy or not. If, when the time came, you said that you did want to go to Imladris, I was going to tell you. If not, then you were over him and it wouldn't have mattered anyway."
"I think staying single is looking really good right now."
"Don't despair, son. He won't be 1000 for 250 more years, so you have some time."
"Thank you, father, you've actually given me a little bit of hope."
"Good, I'm glad. Now, we better hurry or your brother will be very severe with us!"
The two elves picked up the pace. They were met by Feredir who had their horses ready to go. The Mirkwood elves headed back over the mountain pass.

The Imladris elves were ready to return home. The healers had loaded their supplies and Elrohir into the covered wagon they had brought with them. He was lying on top of a thick mattress and covered in warm blankets. Legolas and Elladan were going to ride alongside the wagon so they could join Elrohir when he wanted company. It was going to be a long, slow journey home. It had only a few days to arrive at the mountains, but it was going to take twice as long at least to return.
"Father, how long is it going to take to get home?" Elladan asked. He was feeling very restless and wanted to get moving. Elrond was doing some last minute things to Elrohir in preparation for the journey. Elrohir wasn't able to accept more healing to his legs, but his father was trying to put him into a calm state for the journey.
"I don't know, son, now hush."
"El, let him alone." Legolas leaned into Elladan's arms.
"I just want to get going!"
"You're worse than an infant. Just settle down."
Elladan looked into his husband's eyes, and saw nothing but love and acceptance there. He moved his hand to the back of Legolas' head to pull him in for a kiss. The two elves didn't notice Elrond standing next to them.
"We're ready to go if you are."
"Finally!" Elladan said, letting go of Legolas and heading for his horse.
"Hey, love 'em and leave 'em, is that your motto?" Legolas said, following Elladan to the horses.
"Just get on your horse, elf, so we can get home!"
Elrond shook his head at them. He headed to the front of the party where Glorfindel was going to lead the way. He found the elf locked in a passionate embrace with Erestor. Elrond threw his hands up in mock despair. "What is it with my household and ellian elves? Let go of Erestor and let's go, Findel, or I shall go mad!"
Glorfindel laughed and gave his husband another quick kiss. Erestor headed to his position in the elven host. Celebrian and the healer's wagon were going to be in the middle of the group where they could be most easily protected. Erestor and Elladan were going to cover the two flanks, Glorfindel the front, and Angon would lead the rear guard.
Elrond mounted his horse next to Glorfindel and signaled the group to start. They were going to travel very slowly at first - they were going to let the healer's wagon set the pace, since they weren't sure how well Elrohir was going to hold up to the rigors of travel.

Elrohir was trying to rise above the pain in his legs that had started almost immediately after the wagon moved. Despite the mattress and his father's healing work he felt every lurch of the wagon. The road was rough and despite the driver's efforts the wagon was transmitting every pothole and bump straight into his legs. He couldn't take it anymore.
"Elladan!"
Elladan heard his brother, and moved his horse to the back of the wagon to hop in. He knelt down next to Elrohir.
"Yes?"
"Tell the wagon to stop. I can't take it. I need father."
"Whatever you say, Ro."
Elladan popped his head out of the wagon. Legolas was waiting for him.
"Legolas, tell the driver to stop, then go get father."
"Will do."

Elrond climbed into the wagon. He was concerned when he saw Elrohir's face flushed and sweaty.
"What's wrong, son?"
"The wagon - I can feel everything. I'll never make it."
"Should we try another mattress?" Legolas asked.
"That won't do it. I need to get off the floor of the wagon." Elrohir said. He paused for a moment while Mindel wiped his face with a cool damp cloth. "Can you suspend me somehow? Maybe tie something to the sides of the wagon to lay the mattress on?"


Elrond and Elladan looked at the sides of the wagon, trying to determine what they could rig up. Legolas, who had left the tent earlier, came back in.
"We can use this!" He handed Elrond some rope. "We can weave a net or something with this and tie it to the top supports."
"That should work. Good work, Legolas," Elrond said.
The three elves set to workatinating a web of rope in the wagon. They lifted Elrohir, mattress and all, onto the web and gently lay him down on it. They were pleased when it held up.
"Are you comfortable, son?"
"Yes, I'm fine. This should hopefully work."
"I'll head back up front. Call out again if you need anything. We'll leave Mindel in here for a while to make sure everything is OK."
"Thanks, father."
Elrond climbed out of the wagon.
"Hopefully we'll get further than a quarter of a mile this time, Ro." Elladan ruffled Elrohir's hair. "Come, Legolas, let's go."
"Do you want me to stay with you, Elrohir?" Legolas asked, worried abut leaving his friend with only the healer for company.
"I'll be fine, Legolas. I'd like to be alone right now."
"Hey!" Mindel said.
"I meant with just you, Mindel."
Legolas laughed at Mindel's offended expression. "You sure you don't want me to stay?"
"No. Besides, Elladan needs you."
At that moment Elladan poked his head in. "Legolas! Get a move on!"
Legolas rolled his eyes. "Husbands!"

The wagon started moving again. The rope net swayed quite a bit at first, but settled down once the wagon maintained a steady pace. Mindel watched the young Lord closely, watching for any signs of pain.
"How are you doing, my Lord?"
"I'm not feeling it in my legs so much, but now I'm nauseous."
"Is that better or worse than before?"
"I don't know, Mindel. Do you have a potion for nausea?"
"Yes, my Lord, hold on." Mindel quickly stirred together some herbs in water and administered it. "How is that?"
"Better. I think you can tell the wagon driver he can go faster. Tell him we can try to pick up the pace a little each hour as I adjust."
"That's wonderful, my Lord. We'll be home in no time."
"From your mouth to Eru's ears!"

Lothlorien
------------
Galadriel paced back and forth waiting for the return of Celeborn and their forces from the south forests of Lorien. They had repelled the orc incursion that threatened their land and there had been very few elven casualties.
It pained Galadriel to think that they had been unable to aid Elrond in the rescue of her daughter and grandson, but they hadn't been needed after all. She still held in her hand the latest missive sent via hawk from her son-in-law. They were heading home, and should be there within two weeks. She must plan a visit there soon.
She stopped her pacing when she heard male voices coming up the stairs. With uncharacteristic girlishness she ran out of the talan and down the stairs. She would meet them in the main hall.

Celeborn was elated to be home. It had been a long time since he had needed to lead a force of elves to battle, but this orc invasion had been more organized and dangerous than any they had seen in a long time. He didn't even want to think about the broader implications of that. He only wanted to take a long bath and enjoy the attentions of his wife. Speaking of his wife, his sprit lifted to see her hurrying down the stairs to greet him. Maybe he should leave her more often if this is how she reacts to his absence!
"Celeborn! Thank Eru you are safe!" Galadriel threw herself into her husband's arms, ignoring the chuckles of the elf captains who accompanied him.
"My dear, we're fine." He pulled back a little and nodded toward the other elves.
Galadriel realized what a spectacle she had made of herself, and instantly sobered. She composed herself into the calm, wise, and dignified elf she usually portrayed.
"Haldir, Lanthir, Belldoron, I'm glad that you are safe too."
"Thank you, milady," Lanthir said. All three elves bowed. Lanthir and Belldoron left the hall to return to their families.
"Haldir was especially brave, my dear. He and his brothers led a surprise flanking maneuver that broke the orcs into two halves, allowing us to finally overcome them."
"My Lord, such praise is unnecessary," Haldir said, although his eyes gleamed with pride.
"Haldir, you have yet again proven your worth to us. I'm sure Celeborn agrees with me."
"It's true, Haldir. Please, go get Orophin and Rumil."
"Yes, my Lord." Haldir bowed and went out to the stairway where his brothers waited.
They returned to find Celeborn and Galadriel in another embrace.
Celeborn faced the three brothers. "My brave soldiers, you will be honored tonight at the feast we're going to have in honor of our victory, but I wanted to give you my personal thanks for your continued bravery and service to Lorien."
Orophin stepped forward. "My Lord, we were just doing our duty. Any of the elves in your service would have done the same."
"You are too modest, Orophin. You three work so well together, I don't know if anyone else could have pulled it off."
"It should have been only two," Haldir said, giving a stern look to Rumil. He had argued vehemently with Orophin against the ellian elf joining them, but his eldest brother had won the day.
"Haldir, don't mar our victory with your petty prejudices," Rumil said, smiling sweetly at Haldir. "You and Orophin could never have pulled it off without me."
Haldir crossed his arms across his chest, trying to contain his anger.
Celeborn laughed. "Always the same arguments, Haldir? I would have thought you had given up by now."
"What is right and wrong doesn't change, my Lord."
"Such philosophy! You are so like our great-grandfather, Haldir. He also decided what was right and wrong at an early age and didn't waver." Celeborn approached the fuming elf. "Please, let us be proud of our victory over the orcs. There will be plenty of time to debate the great issues later."
Celeborn reached his arms out. Haldir hesitated for a moment before relenting and welcoming the embrace of his kinsman.
Celeborn whispered into Haldir's ear. "I am not ignoring your concerns, Haldir. Sometimes we must do things that we do not like to achieve a greater good."
"I know, my Lord, I just want my brother to be safe."
"We all do, Haldir, we all do. He is very precious to me too."
Celeborn released Haldir from the hug. He hugged the other two elves.
"I almost forgot! We have news from Elrond." Galadriel waved the letter in her .
C.
Celeborn paled a little at her words. During the battles he had to put Celebrian and Elrohir out of his mind, but his concern and fear returned full force. "What does it say?"
"They have rescued them and are even now on their way back to Imladris!"
Celeborn stood still for a moment, then moved to sit on a bench. He put his head in hands, trying to regain some semblance of control. Galadriel sat down next to him, stroking his back.
Orophin grabbed his two brothers and led them out of the hall.
"Let go of me, Phin!" Haldir said, trying to break free from his brother's grip.
Orophin let go of Haldir and Rumil, and together they headed to their talan.

"I'm so glad they are OK. Lady Celebrian has always been such a sweet elf," Rumil said. He was sitting on one of the sofas in the spacious living room, brushing his hair.
"I wonder how they're doing, though. Any time spent at the mercy of orcs is bad." Orophin thought about Elrohir as he watched Rumil. Like Rumil, Elrohir was an ellian who always seemed to be getting into things he shouldn't. The thought of what orcs would do to Rumil or any ellian made him quail inside. He moved to sit next to Rumil and took him into a bone-crushing hug.
"Phin, I can't breath!" Rumil said, struggling to get out of his brother's grip.
Orophin loosened his hold slightly, but didn't let go.
"What are you doing, Phin?" Haldir asked, puzzled at seeing his brother hold Rumil.
"I was just thinking about that poor ellian in the orc dungeons, and then I thought about how I would feel if it was Rumil." Orophin couldn't cont.
.
"It wasn't me, Phin, I'm fine. It wasn't me." Rumil stroked his brother's hair.
"The stupid elf is probably going to fade, so don't get yourself so worked up." Haldir started unpacking their weapons.
"How can you say such a thing?" Rumil asked, aghast at Haldir's harsh words.
"What's the most likely thing those orcs did? You and I both know what it is; therefore, he'll fade."
"But Galadriel didn't say anything like that. She was acting as if the both of them were going to be OK," Orophin said.
"If that's true, then neither of them was raped, so it couldn't have been so bad."
"Haldir, that is one of the most horrible things I've ever heard you say. Those elves are our kin!" Rumil slipped out of Orophin's grip and stood to face Haldir. "What if it had been me down there? Would you want Elladan to speak so coldly of me?"
"I couldn't care less about what those blasted twins think. Elrohir got what he deserved! And if he fades, great! One less Peredhil in the world."
"Haldir!" roared Orophin. "I will not have you speak of any elf that way!"
"I don't care what you say - I hate them all and I'll dance on his grave next time I'm in Imladris!"
Orophin couldn't contain his rage. He leapt off the couch and slapped Haldir across the face. Haldir stumbled back, shocked at what his brother had done. He put his hand to his cheek.
"You would strike me? You defend them? After what they've done to us?"
"They've done nothing to us, Haldir, and you know it."
Haldir stood up to his full height. He straightened his tunic and turned cold eyes to Orophin.
"The Peredhil killed most of our family. You know it, I know it, and they know it. I'll call out any Peredhil I meet, and I'll take my revenge upon them all."
Haldir stormed out of the talan.
Rumil and Orophin were dumbstruck. Rumil turned to his brother.
"Do you think he means it, Phin?"
"I think he does, Ru, I think he does."