The Healing of Elves and Trees

Title: The Healing of Elves and Trees
Author: Eliza 422 (eliza_422@hotmail.com)
Pairing: Elrohir/Haldir (eventually), Elladan/Legolas
Rating: NC-17
Summary: AU Story. Elrohir and Celebrian are captured by orcs. They survive the attack but Elrohir is changed. Will he ever recover from what he has expered? ed?
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to JRR Tolkien.
Author's note: A note about the age of marriage. In my AU, elves physically mature at 150 years, but they are not usually emotionally and intellectually mature until they are about 1000. That is what is behind the social rule that elves start looking for marriage partners at 1000. For Elladan and Legolas to marry at 850 (which is different then what I originally introduced, which was 750 - I haven't edited that chapter yet) is the equivalent of 18 - 21 year olds in our world getting married. It can succeed, but it takes a lot more work. Elladan and Legolas have only been married for one year.
Another note of a change I made - Legolas' brother Bell - I changed his full name to Bellaven from Bellalven. The latter seemed too unwieldy to say. Again, I haven't edited the chapter in which he is introduced.
One final comment - I play fast and loose with timelines in my story since there are several elements in the Tolkien universe that I want to use, so don't look for any strict adherence to canon timelines. In my story, the battle (whose name I forgot) where the Last Alliance fought Sauron happened 1500 years ago. Haldir was only 200 years old when that war happened.
And thank you for all your reviews! I know it's taking a long time to write this story. I don't know how other writers churn stuff out so fast!
Enjoy!

Chapter 16

The sun had already risen when Elrohir woke up. He was disoriented for a moment until he realized he was in his own bedchamber. He looked around at all of his things and felt a strange disconnect from them all. The last time he had been in this room was before he and Celebrian had left for Lorien, and then... He clamped down on those memories. He wouldn't let them surface or he would go mad.
He took stock of his situation. It was well and good for his father to force him to come back to his own room, but how exactly was he supposed to get to his bath chamber? Of course once he thought of that he felt the pressure in his bladder increase dramatically. Just wonderful - what was he going to do now? There was no chamber pot in his room, and he didn't even have a vase or pitcher handy.
I guess your going to have to crawl, he thought to himself, trying to work out the logistics of getting out of the bed without hurting himself.
Elrohir pushed the bedcovers down and briefly looked at his bandaged legs. He couldn't believe how skinny his legs looked already. How would they look in a couple of years if he was crippled permanently? Best not to think about that. He twisted himself around to see if he could lie back and reach the floor with his hands and somehow drop to the floor.
"What are you doing?"
Elrohir nearly fell off the bed at the loud voice. Elladan hurried over to the bed.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I have to use the privy and this is the only way I can get there on my own."
Elladan picked up Elrohir and carried him to the other room. "Why didn't you wait for me?"
"What was Iposeposed to do? I had no idea what the arrangements were. It was either that or soil the bed."
Elladan sat Elrohir on the privy. "Do you need any help?"
"No, just go in the other room. I can handle it from here."
"We'll get you into a nice hot bath when you're done." Elladan left, closing the bath chamber door.

"How does that feel?" Elladan said. He sat on the floor next to the bath tub and watched Elrohir lie back in the warm water.
Elrohir smiled and closed his eyes. "Good."
"I'm glad, because you've been quite aromatic these past few weeks."
Elrohir splashed water on his brother. It did feel good to soak in the warm water after receiving sponge baths for eight weeks. He was worried about Elladan though - he didn't look well. Elrohir sighed a little. He had been the one beaten up by orcs, but Elladan and Legolas were having a hard time dealing with things. Since he couldn't help himself, maybe he could help his brother and best friend patch up their marriage.
"You look like you haven't slept, Elladan. Did you and Legolas fight last night?" Elrohir reached over to hold his brother's hand.
Elladan smiled faintly. "You might say that. He slept in his old room last night, and I couldn't sleep without him by my side. I didn't see him this morning. He and Arwen left early to see Amoriel."
"Why did they do that?"
"Father is making the three of us work for Amoriel for two weeks because of how we were acting yesterday. Punishment, I guess."
"I can't believe it!"
"We'll each spend time with you, but the rest of the day we will be washing curtains and beating rugs and who knows what else."
"I'm sorry."
"It wasn't your fault. The three of us were acting like idiots yesterday."
"And that's why Legolas left you alone last night?"
"He's mad because he thought I was taking Arwen's side yesterday and not his." Elladan rubbed his tired eyes. "It didn't seem that way yesterday. What do you think?" Elladan looked at Elrohir.
Elrohir didn't respond..
Elladan snorted. "So it's true then - I did take her side."
"I'm afraid so. At least, that's what it seemed like to me."
"He says that maybe his father was right, that we were too young to get married." Elladan scooted closer to the bath. "What am I going to do, Ro? Do you think it's true?"
"I don't know. I mean, it's not like the Valar decreed that elves can't get married until they're one thousand - that's just how elven society evolved. There's always exceptions to rules - and I think you and Legolas were one of those exceptions."
"You think so?"
"Besides, it's not like you were 200 or anything when you got married."
"True."
"It was certainly obvious to me that you were a true love match. What would it have accomplished to wait another 150 years?"
"If you had met the right elf would you have gotten married at 850?"
"I don't know. Maybe. I can't think of any elf at the moment."
Elladan smiled. "How about Bellaven?"
Elrohir frowned. "Stop that. You two are always on about Bellaven. I love him as a brother and that's it."
"But Legolas said you asked him if he would come to Imladris when you were a thousand."
"So?"
"Well do you want him to come or not?"
"It was just a question, not a request. Just let o. Ho. He's not going to come anyway."
"Why not?"
"Look at me, you fool. What elf would want to marry a crippled wreck like me?"
Elladan's mouth fell open in amazement. "How can you say such a thing about yourself?"
"I'm serious."
"You can't mean that. You're going to get better."
"I hate to break this to you, Elladan, but I can't walk."
"Your legs are still healing."
"That's not the point. I can't feel anything below my knees. I can't move my lower legs at all. Father confirmed it last night."
"No."
"He didn't tell you? Well I'm telling you now. I may never walk again. We have enough permanently crippled elves in Imladris and its villages to prove that sometimes elves can't heal."
Elladan turned away for a moment. Permanently crippled? He had never considered the idea. He had always thought that once the bones healed Elrohir could rehabilitate and return to being the elf he was. If only he had been part of the escort he could have prevented all this from happening!
Elrohir watched his brother. Pity for him welled up in his heart. Poor Elladan always took things so personally. Elrohir knew exactly what he was thinking.
"Elladan, there was nothing you could have done. If you had been with us you would have been killed or tortured too."
"That's not true. I could have - "
"Elladan, stop. I won't have you take on any guilt over this. What's done is done. What we need to focus on now is you and Legolas."
"You'll get better, Elrohir, and I'm sure there is an elf out there for you, too. Bellaven is not a shallow elf - he could see past physical limitations, I'm sure."
"I'll be fine. I've had two months to think about this - I've readjusted my expectations. Let's face it - I've always been a huge part of your marriage to Legolas anyway. My brother marrying my best friend - how could I not be involved?"
Elladan laughed despite himself. "It does seem that you are always there."
"So let's focus on something we can fix - you two."
"I'll go along with that for now."
"Good. Now get me out of this bath."
"But I think you're wrong about your situation - I wouldn't give up yet. We've got 150 years to find an elf for you."
"Just get me out of this bath. We can debate my marriage prospects later."

Elrohir smiled when Legolas came walking up the path. Elladan had been keeping him company for the past few hours, but he was a little tired of listening to his brother complain about how unfair Legolas was.
"Legolas! I'm so glad you're here!"
Elladan turned around to look at his husband. He seemed fairly dirty. "What's all that dust from?"
Legolas laughed. "Arwen and I have been working on the attic above the library. That's where you're supposed to go now."
"That stuffy old place? No one's been up there for ages! Erestor keeps talking about organizing and cleaning it, but he's been saying that for centuries."
"I guess they were waiting for the right time - when three stupid young elves are given over to their power."
Legolas flopped down onto a chair. "I could drink all the water in the Bruinen!"
Elladan leaned over. "Legolas, I..."
Legolas raised a hand to stop Elladan. "Not right now, dear, I'm too tired to talk."
Elladan pulled back, feeling slighted.
"Elladan, Legolas is tired right now. Let him rest a while. We can talk tonight after dinner, all right?" Elrohir said, trying to defuse the situation. "Legolas, would that work for you?"
Legolas nodded briefly before closing his eyes and leaning his head back.
"Elladan, it will be OK. Go on - the earlier you start the earlier you finish!" Elrohir laughed when Elladan stuck his tongue out at him. "Real mature."
Elladan stood up and leaned over to give Elrohir a hug. "It's been nice sitting with you, Ro."
"Yes, it has. Now go!" Elrohir lightly shoved him away.
Legolas watched the brief exchange between the brothers surreptitiously. He wasn't sure what Elladan was going to do. Elladan turned toward him and hesitated. Legolas did not give any indication that he saw his husband standing there. Elladan sighed a little but moved closer to the chair. He lightly stroked Legolas' hair and bent over to kiss him on the forehead.
"I love you," Elladan said quietly. He stood up and started walking away. He stopped when Legolas quickly grabbed his hand. Legolas pulled Elladan down for a real kiss.
"I love you too, Ean. an. Don't forget that."
"I won't."
Elladan knelt down next to the chair and took Legolas into his arms. "I'm sorry about yesterday, I truly am. I'm a colossal fool sometimes. You knew that when you married me, didn't you?"
Legolas chuckled. "You're brother warned me of that." He kissed Ean aan again. "Now go - Amoriel is waiting for you. We'll talk tonight."
"Good bye, love." Elladan left the garden and headed for the main hall.

Legolas saw Elrohir looking at him with a smirk on his face. He rolled onto his side to face Elrohir. "What are you smiling at?"
"Oh, nothing. I just enjoy watching the bloom of young love, that's all."
"You're impossible."
Elrohir laughed and settled back down under his blanket. Despite his brother's difficulties he had enjoyed the morning. "I have a favor to ask, Legolas."
"Yes?"
"When you come tomorrow can you bring your paints and supplies?"
Legolas sat up. "What do want those for? You can't paint!"
"I know, silly. I want *you* to paint."
"Me?"
"Yes! I want you to paint this garden for me - the back wall over there." Elrohir pointed to the high wall that surrounded this part of the garden. Celebrian had planted a sea of brightly colored annuals along the wall and they were in full bloom.
"Why?"
"Gailind wanted me to do an embroidery project, and I thought I would make a wall hanging of these flowers."
"That would look wonderful! But why do you need me to paint them?"
"I'm planning a big wall hanging, and the flowers will be dead long before I finish. If you paint them, I'll have that as a guide."
Legolas looked at the garden, trying to figure out in his head what supplies he would need. "That's a wonderful idea, Elrohir. I haven't painted in a while, it would be nice to do so."
"And I'll want you to move some of the pots over here so we can get detailed studies."
Legolas looked at Elrohir. "This seems like quite an ambitious project."
Elrohir shrugged his shoulders. "What else do I have to do? I can't just sit here day in and day out doing nothing, can I?"
"I suppose not. At least it will be fun. I can help you with some of the less complicated bits, too. I'm not as skilled as you, but I can do the rocks of the garden wall or something."
"That would be great."
Legolas poured himself a mug of water and sipped it. He watched Elrohir settle back in and close his eyes. He did seem marginally better today - maybe a real meal and sleeping in his own room really helped. Elrohir dozed off, and Legolas felt sleepy looking at him. Maybe he could nap too. It was very pleasant in this garden. Legolas put the mug down and closed his own eyes. He quickly fell asleep.

Legolas awoke when he heard a loud cry. He sat up in his chair, his heart racing, looking around for what had made that noise. He was stunned to see Elrohir thrashing about on the chaise, obviously caught in the throes of a nightmare.
Legolas rushed over to wake Elrohir up. He struggled to grab Elrohir's wrists to stop him flailing about. He grabbed them firmly.
"Elrohir. Elrohir! Wake up! You're having a nightmare! Wake up!"
Elrohir finally snapped his eyes open. He was still fighting against Legolas' grip, but slowly calmed down when he realized where he was and who he was with. Legolas didn't think it was possible, but Elrohir was the palest he had ever been. He didn't know specifically what the nightmare was, but there was no doubt in his mind it's origin.
"Elrohir, it's OK. You're safe at home, in Imladris. You're with me and you're safe." Legolas continued his soothing words until Elrohir's breathing slowed. He finally let go of Elrohir's arms.
"Legolas, get my father, please."
"Why?"
"Just do it!" Elrohir yelled. He slumped down into the chaise and pulled the blanket back up. He turned his back on Legolas.
Legolas called to the servant who was standing watch. "Elf! I'm sorry, I don't know your name."
"Fandir, my Lord."
"Fandir, can you go get Lord Elrond, please. Say it is urgent that he come see us."
"Yes, my Lord, right away." Fandir hurried off to the main hall.
Legolas turned back to Elrohir. He didn't know what to do, so he just rubbed Elrohir's back.

A short time later Elrond appeared in the garden.
"Legolas, what's wrong? Why do you need me?" Elrond saw Elrohir curled up and panicked. "Did something happen? Tell me!"
"I don't know, my Lord. Elrohir had a nightmare and then he demanded to see you. That's all I know."
Elrond patted Legolas' shoulder. "Thank you, son, I'm sorry I was yelling."
"Legolas, go away, please," Elrohir said, his voice muffled by the blanket.
Legolas looked at Elrond, confused. Elrond nodded his head toward the garden entrance. "Go, Legolas. I'll call you back when I can."
"Yes, sir. I think I'll return to my room to change clothes. I'll be back in a while." Legolas left the garden, looking back a few times.

Elrond knelt down beside his son. "Elrohir, I'm here. What is it?" Elrohir didn't respond right away, so Elrond pulled gently on his shoulders to roll him onto his back. He saw the pale face and panicked eyes. "What's wrong, son, please tell me."
Elrohir reached over to stroke the edge of Elrond's tunic. "Father, I want you to examine me, please."
"Why, did you hurt yourself?"
"I want you to check if I'm...."Elrohir paused a long moment. "To check if I'm with child."
Elrond sat back on his heels and groaned. "Elrohir, we've been through this several times already. Orcs and elves cannot reproduce, I promise you. Besides, elves control their fertility, so unless you were interested in offspring it couldn't happen."
Despite his efforts tears started flowing down Elrohir's cheeks. "Please, father, I can feel it! I can feel it inside me and I'm sickened by it."
"Elrohir, you are not pregnant."
"Please, just check."
Elrond sighed. "Fine, I'll examine you. Lie down and pull up your tunic."
Elrohir pushed the blanket down and pulled his tunic up, exposing his belly. "And don't fake it this time, father, I can tell, you know."
"Don't take that tone with me, son. I'm doing this to prove my point."
Elrond slipped his hands down Elrohir's trousers, stopping over his lower abdomen. He closed his eyes to enter a healing mode. Elrond focused his healing energy on Elrohir's womb. He felt his son's mind latch onto his.
I'm going with you this time, father. I can feel it squirming inside.
Elrohir, there is nothing there. You will see.
Elrond reached deep into Elrohir's body and entered the womb. There was no pulse of life. If there had been a child present, he would have been able to see it clearly.
See, son, nothing. You remember how your mother looked when Arwen was in her womb, don't you?
Fine, fine, I believe you.
Elrond emerged from the healing trance and pulled his hands away. Elrohir pulled his tunic back down.
"You had the nightmare again, didn't you?"
"This time it was worse. I was actually in labor and the pain was awful. You were there, and when it was all over there were twin orc babies and everyone was so happy for me and...." Elrohir's breath hitched.
Elrond hugged his son close. "You need to tell all this to Gailind, son. He can help you."
"It's so hard to talk about this."
"I know, baby, I know."
Elrond gently rocked Elrohir until he calmed down. He saw Legolas loitering on the edge of the garden. He signaled the young elf to come back.
Legolas put his satchel down on the grass. "Elrohir, I brought my paints. I thought I could get started today. I'll only be able to work until Arwen relieves me, but I can get a good head start."
Elrohir nodded, his head still buried against Elrond's chest.
"What are you going to paint, Legolas?" Elrond asked.
"Elrohir wants me to paint the garden. He's going to do a big embroidered wall hanging of it."
"That will be nice! And we can hang the paintings with it."
"I never thought of that. That's a wonderful idea."
Elrond disentangled himself from his son's arms. "Are you OK now, Elrohir? Or do you want me to stay a little longer?"
"You can return to your work. I'm sure Erestor is anxious for you to get back."
"I wish I was working with Erestor. He and Glorfindel asked for the day off to go picnicking. I'm working with Figwit today."
Elrohir laughed in spite of his anxieties "Figwit is a very nice elf, and he tries very hard, father."
"I know, but he's no Erestor!"
Elrond stood. He hesitated, wondering if Elrohir was really OK, but he couldn't tell. It would probably be a very long time before he felt comfortable leaving the young elf alone for an extended period of time. Thank goodness he had the others to watch over him. His mental healing was going to take a long time.
"Good bye, son, I'll see you tonight. And you too, Legolas."
Elrond left the garden.

Legolas couldn't help himself. He had to ask. "Elrohir, what did you want to see your father about?"
"It was just a trifling matter."
"Oh."
"I'm sorry, Legolas, I just can't talk about it. Let's drop it."
Legolas nodded. "I'll get painting."
"Start over on the left side, where the pansies are."


Lothlorien
------------
Haldir ran up the stairs to Lord Celeborn's private office. He had been summoned about an important matter. He knocked on the door and entered at the faint summons.
"Haldir! Thank you for coming," Celeborn said, getting up to embrace Haldir.
"I came as soon as I could get away from the training sessions."
"I trust Orophin hasn't made any of them cry yet?"
Haldir laughed. "Not yet - but it's still early!"
"Good - please, Haldir, sit down. I have a request." Celeborn motioned Haldir to a chair next to his desk, and sat down himself.
"A request?"
"Yes. It's been two months since the incident with my daughter and grandson."
Haldir stiffened. Celeborn didn't seem to notice, and continued.
"Galadriel has expressed a strong desire to visit them in Imladris, and I confess that I share this desire."
"Yes, my Lord."
"I wish to have you and your patrol as our escorts to Imladris."
Haldir quickly stood up. "Please, my Lord, I beg you, not us. I can't bear the thought of going to that Noldo's home."
"ir, ir, calm down."
"No! I can't do it. You can have my patrol, I'll stay behind."
Celeborn gently pulled on Haldir's arm to sit him back down. He pulled his chair closer to Haldir.
"It's not just your patrol I want, Haldir, it's you as their leader as well."
"Please, no," Haldir said softly.
"I understand your reluctance to go, and normally I would never dream of pushing you on this." Celeborn put his hand on Haldir's face, lifting his head so he could look into Haldir's eyes. "But Galadriel is going as well as I - and when it comes to her welfare I must have the best. And you, Haldir, are the best."
Haldir closed his eyes. He couldn't keep arguing when he saw the emotion in Celeborn's eyes.
"I'm not asking you to make friends there, Haldir. You'll have your brothers with you."
Haldir was silent for a long moment, his emotions warring inside. "For how long?"
Celeborn relaxed a little, knowing that Haldir had agreed to this journey. "Probably a month, no longer. I'm sure that you can spend the time patrolling around the borders of Imladris, so you don't have to spend time with the Imladrin elves."
Haldir nodded his head slowly. "I'll do it."
Celeborn leaned forward to embrace Haldir. "Thank you so much, Haldir. I can't tell you how relieved I am that you agreed to this. There is no group of elves I feel safer with then your own."
"You could have ordered me to do this."
"True."
"Why didn't you?"
"I know how you feel about Elrond and his kin. I could never do that to you - I wanted you to agree to it willingly."
"Using emotional blackmail is OK, though?"
Celeborn laughed. "Well, I admit I may have pushed a little, but if you had still said no I wouldn't have pursued much further."
Haldir scowled. "I hate him so much."
"Haldir, Elrond did what he could for your father and kinfolk. Healers are not miracle workers - they were all too injured to survive."
"He managed to heal many Noldor elves!"
"And he did heal Silvan and Sindar elves too. It was the Sindar leadership that refused to call for help until it was too late for your family."
Haldir stood up. "Be that as it may, I will not forgive him. I will do my duty and escort you and Lady Galadriel to Imladris. Am I excused?"
Celeborn sighed and nodded. "Yes, Haldir, you may go. We will leave next week."
"As you wish, my Lord. Good day."

Haldir stalked out of Celeborn's office and rushed down the stairs. Anger started welling up inside until he felt like he would burst. He broke out into a run and headed back to the talan he shared with his brothers. He shut the door and leaned against it, fighting to control his emotions.
Escorting his Lord and Lady to Imladris? To that den of monsters? He couldn't believe it! How could he control himself for a month in their midst and not challenge them all?
Haldir let out a roar of anger and grabbed his sword off its place on the wall. He bolted for the practice range. He moved to a spot where there were no other elves and proceeded to decimate a large number of straw dummies tied to posts. Although some pranksters had decorated the dummies to look like orcs, Haldir could only see elven faces - faces with deep grey eyes and long raven hair.

"I think some of the recruits have taken a shine to you already Rumil," said Orophin. He and his brother were returning to their talan after a trip to the baths.
"They were just glad to have someone who wasn't yelling at them every few minutes!" Rumil replied, pushing his brother to the side.
"Orophin! Rumil!"
The two elves stopped and turned to see Lord Celeborn approaching them. He looked worried.
"Yes, my Lord?" said Orophin. "Is something wrong?"
"It's Haldir. I was going to check on him after a talk we had, and I can't find him anywhere."
"A talk? What about?"
"I asked him if he and your patrol would escort Galadriel and I to Imladris."
"You didn't!" cried Rumil.
"He agreed, but I don't think he was very happy when he left. I was just at your talan and he isn't there."
"He agreed? Don't worry, Rumil and I will find him. I think I know where he is."
"Thank you, Orophin. I know it was asking a lot of him, but I wouldn't feel safe with anyone else."
"I understand. Come, Rumil."
The two brothers ran off to the practice fields.
Celeborn turned to go back to his talan and stopped abruptly when he saw Galadriel behind him.
"You have an amazing ability to sneak up on an elf."
Galadriel smiled. She linked her arm in her husband's and walked with him.
"I take it you had your talk with Haldir."
"Yes. He actually agreed - I didn't think he would."
"That is good."
"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"I have had no specific visions, if that's what you mean. I just know that it is the right thing to do."
"What do you think will come of it?"
Galadriel shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. It will be interesting to find out."
"Elrohir was right about you. You speak many words and yet you say nothing at all."
"I say what needs to be said. It is not required that you understand." Her laughter echoed along the path.
"I am glad we're going to see Celebrian and Elrohir."
The smile faded from Galadriel's lips. "It is most urgent that we go."
"No specifics again?"
"I just know that Elrohir needs us."
"No need to convince me, my love." Celeborn pulled her close. "And we will be safe with Haldir's patrol. It may have been you that suggested it, but I don't think I could have trusted any other patrol with your safety."
Galadriel placed a soft kiss on his lips. "Thank you."

Orophin halted momentarily when he saw Haldir lying face down on the practice field. None of the practice dummies in his immediate vicinity were intact. In fact, most of them were just gently drifting piles of straw. He grabbed Rumil to stop him from rushing over.
"Rumil, let me speak to him first."
"I'm going with you!"
"Please, Rumil, give me some time. sig signal you when you can come over."
Orophin held onto Rumil's arm until the ellian reluctantly nodded his head and sat down on a bench. Orophin turned back to look at Haldir again. He cautiously approached his brother.
Haldir lay still on the ground, but he was panting heavily. Orophin could see the sweat soaking his brother's tunic, a rare sight amongst elves. He knelt down and lay a hand on Haldir's back.
"Haldir, it's Orophin."
He gently rubbed his brother's back, trying to soothe Haldir's turbulent state of mind. He heard Haldir's voice muffled against the ground.
"He wants me to go to Imladris," Haldir said softly.
"Yes, he just told us."
"I said yes."
"I have to admit that comes as a surprise."
"How could I say no when Lady Galadriel's life is at stake?"
"I see."
Haldir rolled over onto his back. Orophin signaled to Rumil, then lay down next to his brother. Rumil lay down on the other side and snaked his arm around Haldir's waist and rested his head on Haldir's chest.
"I don't think I can take it, Orophin. I don't think I can stand to be within 100 leagues of any of them."
"We'll be with you, Haldir."
Haldir began to quietly weep. "I can still see father's face - the pain and fear, he was so badly hurt. And the others - so many! And that monster didn't even try to help them!"
"That's not true. Elrond and the other healers were trying, but there were so many injured elves, and they had very little healing power left. Father's injuries were too grave."
Rumil shifted so he could look at Haldir. "I promise you, Haldir, the healers tried to save our family, but we were in the first wave of Oropher's army - our division was the first and hardest hit by the orcs."
"Thousands of elves died that day - it was the Dark Lord's fault, not Elrond's," added Orophin.
The three brothers lay quietly for a while. Haldir's tears subsided.
"I know in my head what you say is true, but my heart cries out for vengeance against the Noldo. I'm sorry I can't change that."
Orophin stroked Haldir's hair. "You don't need to apologize for how you feel - you can only feel what you feel. But you can't always let your emotions rule your life. You've lived over 1500 years with this anger - maybe it's time to let it go and let your head begin to rule."
"I don't think I can do that."
"They always say that one step starts the journey to Valinor. Maybe this trip to Imladris is that one step."
"Maybe you're right." Haldir let out a shaky breath. He looked at his brothers. "Maybe."

...tbc....