Into Love's Arms

Elrond carefully examined each woman to ascertain the extent of the injuries. Their injuries were, suprisingly, the same. Three deep gashs ran from elbow to fingertip on each arm, bruises ringed the neck, feet were pulverized, gashes, scratches and lacerations covered the torso and pelvis. Treating one would take weeks! But two? Months at best. They were half elven like himself and they would heal slowly. He noticed how Celeborn and Legolas hovered near by. Celeborn and Heidi sported matching rings as did Legolas and Denise. Promise rings. Elrond smiled slightly at the thought of his father in law in love. He could easily picture the prince in love but Celeborn? Elrond knew for a fact that Galadriel had been Celeborn's first and only lover untill now. Legolas had told him that he was waiting for the right woman. Elrond turned to face the oddly quiet elves.

"Their recovery will take time. Months in fact. But the psychological damge may be permanent." Elrond noticed the looks of horror on his friends face.

Permant psycological damage meant they would most likely travel to Aman to heal. Like Elrond's wife did after her attack. Celeborn closed his eyes as his daughter's beautiful face came back to haunt him. Legolas put his arm around the elda, he knew where Celeborn's thoughts had taken him. A soft tap on the door startled everyone inside. Elrond opened the door and Arwen stepped inside. She was very curious about the women. Her father had told he and Aragorn about how the women came to be in Arda.

"Do you wish to eat here or will you all come down stairs?" Arwen addressed them all.

Elrond noticed Legolas and Celeborn hesitate.

"All of us will come down to eat." Elrond's voice was final.

The four of them walked downstairs and into the Great Hall. Which was thankfuly empty except for Aragorn, the twins, Haldir and his brothers. They sat and waited for the servants to bring out supper. Once they had been served they ate in quiet. No one said a word for they were all thinking about Celebrain and the women upstairs. The past seemed to be repeating itself again. Every single person in the room had been affected by her. The twins, Glorfindel, and Legolas had rescued her. Elrond was her wife, Celeborn her father, and Haldir, Rumil, Orophin had been her brothers. Aragorn had been but a child of five but he remembered the night she came home. Erestor had kept him away from his father, brothers, and friends. He knew something was not right. When she left he thought it was his fault. But in the end Elrond had told him the truth and he was saddend. When the meal was over Aragorn showed everybody into rooms for their stay. The night passed slowly for everybody.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Elrond stood next to Denise's bed changing her bandages when she woke up.

"It's alright, your safe. Your in Gondor. You have been asleep for two days." Elrond soothed her.

"Lord E...Elrond....Pleased...to...see...you....." her voice trailed off.

"Shhhhhh don't try to talk. Your throat will be sore for a long while." he picked up a bowl of soup that sat on the table. He carefully fed it to Denise.

Denise studied the as as he fed her, something had been nagging at her. He did look like an elf but not quite. elrond noticed her scrutiny and realized he didn't remember if he told them that he to was half elven as were his sons.

"Are...you...full elf?" Denise rasped out painfuly.

"No. Me and my twin are...were half elves. We had to make the same choice you and Heidi had to. I chose elfdom he remained human. He founded this very city."

Her eyes widened in shock. Founded this city?? That must have been sometime ago. Elrond laughed slightly at the dazed look in her eyes.

"Yes this was millenia ago. My own sons and daughter have made their choices. As will your kids...should you have any." he added seeing her blush.

"Kids..." she sighed happily.

They were so engrossed in thier conversation that they did not notice Legolas enter the room. He was hoping Lord Elrond could find out what had been bothering her and Heidi. Things they had brought with them from the human reality.

"You seem sad. Will you tell me whats wrong?" Elrond asked her.

Denise sighed and decided to talk. Heidi may hate her but the secret had been kept long enough.

"The human reality is not a nice one. To many thirst for power over others. The technology is stunning but the treatment of the people is horrible. People starve by the tens of thousands. Crime is outrageous and many live in terror." Denise sighed and rubbed her face before continuing. "Me and Heidi lived as roomates in a small apartment in New York city. We were always regarded as different and strange. One night we were walking home when these men kidnapped us. They kept us for days raping, torturing, and abusing us in many other ways. We were rescued but our trust in humans was shattered. It seems beings like to make us suffer." she said gazing at her injuries.

A slight sound made her look up and she saw Legolas standing there. Elrond kissed her on the forehead saying he would be back later to check on her. Legolas stood there tears falling down his face.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you." Denise wondered if he hated her now.

Legolas walked over and embraced her. "I am glad you told someone. Such secrets can poision one's mind."

"I am glad that you are not angry." Denise snuggled into his arms and fell asleep.

Legolas held his love and pondered his new problem. Should he tell Celeborn or not?

TBC.