Thawing the Ice

Chapter 16--Blood Bond

Erestor leaned against the door and sighed. This whole business was getting bothersome. He wished the blond Elda would go chase someone else. Half the Elves in Imladris, Lindir included, would gladly share his bed, so why was he bothering him? Sighing, he headed for the bath chamber; a long leisurely soak would help him relax, so he could sleep that night.

Hours later Erestor was awoken by the crash of a thunderstorm outside. Rising he went over to the window and looked out. It was going to be a bad one. That was perfectly clear. Suddenly he cried out as pain erupted from the tattoo. Images and feelings shot through his mind before he was able to control it. "The twins, danger," he muttered. "Outside, why?"

Someone pounding on the front door jerked Glorfindel from a peaceful reverie. He stumbled up and opened it. He took one look at Erestor and knew there was trouble. Shirtless, barefoot and hair tangled the collected advisor looked like a street urchin. Glorfindel's eyes widened when he saw the tattoo on Erestor's shoulder, glowing red. "Erestor, what…" he began.

"No time, get a patrol! The twins are out in the storm, hurry!" Erestor said and took off.

Glorfindel immediately went the other way, yelling for the guards.

Erestor was outside in minutes and headed straight towards the twins. They had taken shelter in the trees, a very bad idea in a storm. He had to find them and get them to safety. He didn't bother to wait for Glorfindel; something could happen to the twins before the other group showed. He couldn't allow that. He reached the trees and entered. "Elladan! Elrohir!" he called. "Answer me, pen-neths!"

"Uncle 'Tor! We are over here! Help, please!" Elrohir cried.

Erestor ran towards the voice and found both twins huddled under a tree, soaking wet and muddy. He was nearly knocked off his feet when both Elflings threw themselves at him.

"Uncle 'Tor, I am scared!" Elrohir wailed. "We just wanted to pick some night lilies for nana, they are her favorites!"

"It is alright. I am going to take you back to the house now," Erestor said. He pulled back and took one of each of the twins' hands and began to lead them from the trees.

Suddenly there was a deafening crack of lighting and a snap. Erestor instinctively shoved the twins forward, sending them sprawling in the mud. He was just in time as the broken branch crashed down on him, slamming him to the ground. The last thing he heard was the twins screaming his name before everything went black.

Glorfindel heard the twins' screams and led the patrol to them. His heart seemed to stop for an instant when he saw Erestor pinned under a large branch, unmoving. He pulled his thoughts away from the horrible sight and began giving orders. "Calondriel, take the twins inside and tell Lord Elrond that Lord Erestor has been badly wounded and we are taking him to the healing house. Hurry!" he directed.

The Elf nodded and gathered up the twins and hurried off as fast as he could.

"We have to get this off him," Glorfindel said. They took positions around the branch and at Glorfindel's signal tried to lift it. It was heavy, but finally they were able to get it off. Glorfindel knelt beside Erestor. I have to be careful moving him. There could be internal damage or worse, he thought. "Find strong branches, move quickly. We need to make a litter." Soon all was ready and Glorfindel and another guard gently lifted Erestor on it and carried him to the healing house.

Elrond was already waiting. "What happened?" he asked. He went to Erestor's side once they had moved the advisor carefully to a bed.

"A branch fell on him," Glorfindel said.

Elrond probed Erestor's side. "Broken ribs, more then one," the healer muttered. "Bad bruising."

Erestor coughed then and Glorfindel was horrified to see blood well from the corner of injured Elf's mouth. "Elrond," he said urgently.

Elrond had already spotted the blood and prodded Erestor's side gently for a moment. Finding nothing, he checked Erestor's mouth and sighed.

"What is wrong?" Glorfindel asked. "Is he hurt internally?"

"No, there is a nasty gash in his lip that will need a few stitches. He nearly bit through it, but first we need to wrap his ribs," Elrond said. With Glorfindel's help Elrond wrapped Erestor's ribs then Glorfindel lowered him to the bed. "He should be fine. I should get back Celebrian is very upset and the twins are terrified."

"I am going to stay with him. He might wake up," Glorfindel said. "I fear he will injure himself more if he tries to move."

"Probably a wise idea. Send someone to fetch me if necessary. Good night," Elrond said.

"Good night," Glorfindel said. He took Erestor's hand in his. The blond Elda never noticed Elrond's departure.

Finally this update has been ready for awhile, but the #$^#&$ site was down! R/R? Please?