Away with You

Yay, I’m back! I have been very lucky; a very good friend of mine took my corrupted disk and used a data retrieval program she had access to. She saved everything!!!
Shi, I owe you big time!

I hope you like this chapter!


Away with You

Chapter 2 - Unexpected Sanctuary


The dwarves were as surprised to suddenly find two elves in their midst as the twins were to be there.
The Leader of the group, Norin, took in the elves identical features, both in physical appearance and expression. It was clear that the elves were absolutely terrified, though Norin had the distinct impression that their fear was not solely because of them.
He watched as they tried to back off, but then they seemed to hear something, for they stopped dead.
Just thee ofe of his men came running towards them, huffing and puffing, for dwarves were not runners.
“My Lord!” He cried. “A party of elves approaches!” The twins did not speak much dwarvish, but Erestor had insisted they learn the basics and they picked up on what the dwarf had said.
Elrohir gripped Elladan’s hand and his brother pulled him closer.

Norin watched the elvectioctions. Elves called dwarves many things, including stupid and cruel, slandering them as enemies do to each other, but the truth was that they were neither. Norin himself was particularly insightful. Watching the way the two clung to each other, he realised why they were running and his heart went out to them. Thoue hae had no great love of elves, his heart could not ignore the pain and suffering that would be brought upon these obviously young elves if the others caught up with them.
He stepped forward and spoke slowly in the common tongue.
“There’s a small cave just over that boulder.” He said pointing to a nearby formation of rocks. “They won’t find you there.”
The twins’ eyes widened at the unexpected help. It seemed almost too good to be true.
“Elladan?” Elrohir asked nervously. Both could hear the search party getting closer.
“We have to trust them, we have no choice.” The elder twin said. He looked to the dwarf. “Thank you.” He said simply and ran with Elrohir into the cave.

“Helping elves now, Norin?” One of his men said with deep suspicion. Norin glared at the man.
“Elves nor not, Fundin, they are barely older than children. Besides they are running from others of their race and therefore different.” Fundin grumbled but said nothing, for just then the elven search party came into view.

Glorfindel was surprised to see the dwarves, even though he knew that they were getting close to Moria. The rock-dwellers did not often venture outside of their realm into the open plains.
He galloped up and came to a halt before the group. Dismounting he pushed his prejudice aside and inclined his head in a gesture of respect.
“I am Glorfindel of Imladris.” He said. “We are seeking two runaways, have you seen them? They are identical to look upon, you would remember them.”
Norin glared at the golden-haired elf.
“Even if I had seen them, why would I tell you?” The dwarf growled. “We have no obligations to elves.”
“They may be in danger.” Glorfindel replied, trying to keep his temper in check. “Surely you are not that heartless, dwarf.”
Norin’s eyes hardened.
“Tell me, elf, why do you hunt them? It seems to me that the danger you speak ofin fin front of me.” He glared at Glorfindel, not fully understanding why he felt so protective of the young elves, but acting on it anyway.

Something was wrong with the dwarf’s demeanour, Glorfindel was sure, despite his limited experience. He seemed far too interested in why they were after the twins. He was hiding something.

Norin noticed the change in the elf. He looked up and his gaze locked with Glorfindel’s. The dwarf was surprised at what he saw in the elf’s eyes - genuine concern for the hunted elves. This elf had no desire to harm the twins; he was bound by his duty to find them.
Similarly, Glorfindel was shocked to find a knowing look in the dwarf’s gaze.
“He knows.” He realised. “He knows where they are.” For reasons he couldn’t even begin to guess at, the burly dwarf was protecting the elven twins.
Norin gave him a hard stare.
“Let them go.” His eyes said.
“Take care of them.” Glorfindel’s eyes returned. The dwarf nodded imperceptibly.

“We will get nothing from them.” The Balrog-slayer said aloud. “Come, we must continue our search.” Shooting a last grateful glance at Norin, Glorfindel led his party away. He had made his choice; his love of the twins had over-ridden his sense of duty to Elrond. He only hoped they’d be safe.

Not until the elves were well out of sight did Norin approach the cave where the twins were hiding.
“They have gone.” He called.
A moment later the twins appeared at the cave entrance. Hand-in-hand they emerged and faced Norin again.
“Thank you.” Elladan said softly. “However, I do not understand - why did you help us?” Norin smiled.
“I think I know why you’re running.” He looked meaningfully at the brother’s tightly clasped hands. The twins looked at him, horrified. How had a mere dwarf guessed so quickly what they’d hidden from the elves for a century? Norin laughed. “Worry not. I mean you no harm.” He paused. “My cousins were twins. I - understand.” The twins let out loud gasps of relief and Norin smiled. “Where will you go now?” He asked. The twins exchanged looks.
“We’re not really sure.” Elrohir said softly. “Over the mountains towards Harad but from there - who can say?” Norin looked thoughtful for a moment before calling two other dwarves over to him. They spoke rapidly in their own tongue for a few minutes. The twins could not follow the conversation, but it was clear that the dwarves were debating something that involved them. Finally Norin turned back to them.
“Why don’t you come with us? Moria isn’t the best place for elves but it’s warm and comfortable and you only have to stay until those other elves have given up looking for you.”

The twins looked at Norin in shock. Never had they expected such help and hospitality from the enemies of their people.
“Do you think it’s a trap?” Elrohir whispered in Elladan’s ear.
“I don’t know, but I don’t think so.” Elladan replied. “At any rate, I would rather risk a dwarven trap than be dragged back home.” Elrohir nodded in agreement and they turned to face Norin. “We would be honoured to stay with you.” Elladan said and bowed.
Norin smiled. “Very well. I promise, nobody will hurt you.” He said this with a pointed look at a few of the dwarves in his group who seemed less than pleased at the idea of staying with elves.
“Thank you.” Elrohir said quietly. “We will try not to be any trouble.” Norin laid a calloused hand on the young elf’s arm.
“I’m sure you won’t be.”

The twins followed the dwarves along the steep road that led to the great-carved entrance to the dwarves mines. They walked quickly lest Glorfindel’s patrol should return unexpectedly. Though Norin had said he’d let them go, if they were seen by the other elves all would be lost.

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Glorfindel’s heart was heavy as he led the patrol onwards. He knew that wou would not find Elladan and Elrohir now, that in all likelihood he would never see them again. The thought almost broke his heart; he loved then dearly and knew that Imladris would be very empty without their laughter.
He dreaded telling Lady Celebrian, the loss of her sons would hit her hard. Arwen had lived in Lothlorien since her majority; sometimes it was if she had never been born. Not that Glorfindel blamed her. She too had felt trapped by her father. He wondered if Elrond would ever realise that he alone had driven his children away.
In truth he did not really want to return himself, but he could not abandon those who needed him. Besides, Erestor was in Imladris and he could never leave his raven-haired lover. They would need each other more than ever now; the next few years were going to be very hard.
With a deep sigh he rode on.

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They reached the gates in early evening as the first stars came out into the sky. The light illuminated the gate and the elvish letters adorning the archway.
“Elvish?” The twins said in unison. Another dwarf, Bifur, stepped up.
“Ai.” He said. “Elves and dwarves were not always enemies. We still remember those ancient days.”
“Indeed we do.” Norin agreed. He stood in front of the door and spoke a single familiar word.
“Mellon.”
There was an almost ear-splitting sound of stone grating on stone and the gates slowly opened. Norin led the way in and the twins clung to each other as they entered the dark passageway. Bifur smiled. “Do not worry.” He said softly. “The entrance is dark, but it will get lighter soon.”
He was true to his word, as they rounded a corner, everything changed. The twins gasped, it was magnificent. High-carved ceilings shone with precious jewels and hints of mithril while the passageway was lined with beautifully carved statues of some of Arda’s most famous figures, dwarves, elves and men alike. Upon the walls were skilfully done paintings of the dwarves coming to Arda.

The young elves had never seen anything like it. With wide eyes they tried to take in as much of the cavernous hall as they could. They had heard tales of the great dwarven-halls but to see one was an entirely different matter. The books they had read with Erestor did not even begin to show the reality.
Norin was pleased with their reaction; he knew that many elves would not have openly shown appreciation for dwarf-crafts, even if they did see the skill involved. Though he knew many would question his actions he felt sure he had done the right thing in bringing them here. Besides, as long as he convinced his King no other opinions mattered. He carried on towards the Royal Hall.

After walking through many spectacular halls they finally came to a high archway with mithril-embossed doors. Norin turned and spoke to the twins, who had been silent for the most part. “Within these doors sits our Lord, King Farin. Show him the same respect you would show an ellordlord and all will be fine.”
“We understand and we will.” Elladan replied. Norin nodded and commanded the door to open.

If the halls they’d seen before were magnificent, this one almost defied description. Great pillars of stone engraved with dwarven runes lined the hall and led to a great raised dais at the end. The walkway itself was lined with the brightest jewels and banners of flawless silk. Mithril was everywhere, on the walkway, engrained into the pillars and embossed into the intricately carved ceiling. The whole hall was lit with a thousand candles in mithril holders. Upon the dais was a great throne that seemed to shimmer with light from an unknown source. Upon that throne sat Farin, King of the Dwarves.

Norin led his party up to the throne, the twins just a step behind him. Though they tried not to show it they were terrified. This dwarf king was an imposing figure indeed, his presence not diminished in the least by his small stature.
As they approached Farin noticed that the party contained some most unusual additions. He stood, not wanting to believe his eyes. Yet as they got closer the truth was undeniable. There were elves in his hall.
“NORIN!” He roared. “You had better have a good explanation for this!”
Norin stepped up and faced his king. “I do, my King.” He said with confidence. Inwardly though, he was nervous. If Farin rejected his explanation not only would he be in a lot of trouble, but he’d be forced to turn the twins away after promising them sanctuary and send them back into the wilds where there was a very real possibility of being caught.
“I am waiting, Norin.” Farin said. “Why in Aulë’s name are there elves in my hall?” Norin took a deep breath and began to explain.

END CHAPTER 2

A quick note: I could find no canon information as to the true dwarf King at this early part of the third age. (330) If anyone has this information please let me know and I will make the corrections!

I will get chapter 3 done as soon as I can!