Mending a Heart and the Tie that Binds

A/N: The city of Gaidon is completely fictional and does not appear in any of Tolkien’s books. It was, however, in my other fic, "Mending a Heart." It is made up by me to further the plot of my story. I hope you enjoy this chapter!


Chapter 7: The Visitor


Evening fell in Rivendell as did an odd quiet around the manor. The young visitor had not yet awakened and slept peacefully in a room that was just off of Elrond’s healing quarters. Looking around the chamber, Elladan noticed that the room was very plain, as its only purpose was to serve as resting quarters for the wounded. He remembered when Glorfindel had been brought there a few months before and shuddered. Quickly, he pulled his mind from unpleasant thoughts and looked around the chamber once again. The suite was sparse, having very little furniture. A bed was settled in the corner of the room adjacent to a small table. A wooden chair faced the bed and a small dresser was across the room underneath a window.

After looking around the room. Elladan’s gaze fell upon the child. Enfolded in a large, beige quilt the boy seemed so small--so frail. He couldn’t guess the age of the boy, as the rapid aging process of humans was beyond reasoning as far as he was concerned. But there was something endearing about the child. Perhaps it was his ruddy complexion or his disheveled, coppery colored, curly hair, or the way his tiny hands gripped the comforter as though his life depended on it and he was still riding on his horse, Unai, fleeing into the wilderness.

Without warning, the boy flinched.

“Do you think he is dreaming?” Elladan asked, standing a few feet away from the boy’s bed, observing him carefully.

“He may be,” Elrohir said. He was sitting in a chair beside the child’s bed. “If he is, I hope that his dreams are good, for he will have much to explain when he awakens.”

“Perhaps he is in pain,” Elladan said, looking at the multiple bandages that his father had wrapped around the youngster’s arms and head. “I do not believe humans are as hardy as elves… especially a tiny human. Do you think our medicine will alleviate his discomfort?”

“Father is very skilled,” Elrohir remarked. “I am sure that he will do everything in his power to make sure that the boy is comfortable. Where is Haldir and the others? I did not see them leave.”

“Haldir, Orophin, Rúmil, Dace and Makail returned to Glorfindel’s post. Rúmil told me that they wanted to be there to help if any adult humans came looking for the boy,” Elladan explained. “Legolas went to the stable to keep Unai company. He wanted to be there with the animal healers.”

Elrohir nodded and stared at the slumbering boy. He could feel the tension in the air. The presence of this child was of great concern to every elf in Rivendell, and word of a human’s arrival had already spread throughout the realm. Everyone wred red who this child was, where he came from and whether or not more humans would come looking for him. Remembering how the boy had come to Rivendell and how he had been saved prompted Elrohir to speak. “Your prince’s feat was quite amazing,” he said.

“Legolas is amazing,” Elladan said, smiling. “He is a very skilled warrior. He may be one of our greatest opponents in the upcoming competition. But I am not overly concerned. Although I love him dearly, I shall be forced to beat him mercilessly at any contest he enters. Legolas is a bit like his father, so he will not like to lose. So, after I best him, I plan to assuage his bruised spirit by pleasuring his body.” Elladan grinned deviously and looked at his brother for a reaction.

Elrohir frowned.

“What?” Elladan asked, still grinning.

“You should not have tried to save the boy.”

“Oh, Elrohir,” Elladan said in exasperation.

“Do not ‘oh, Elrohir,’ me. What you did was dangerous and foolish. You could have been hurt or killed.”

Elladan shook his head. “You worry too much, ElrohAs yAs you can see, I am fine. No harm came to me.”

“This time,” Elrohir said. “You would do well to heed the warning that was given to you. You should stay out of harm’s way.”

“I will not cower in fear if I can help someone,” Elladan said. “And I do not listen to threats from orcs.”

“He threatened your life,” Elrohir protested.

“He is a fool. I am not afraid of him. The next time we meet, he shall die, not me.”

Elrohir shook his head and looked down at his hands as though he had been rendered helpless by Elladan’s words. “If anything happened to you…”

“It won’t,” Elladan said, placing his hand on Elrohir’s shoulder and squeezing affectionately.

“I have lost so much recently… first Henna, then Ellaria… and now the threat of losing you… it is too much to bear.”

“I… I am not ready to speak about what happened to Henna… not yet,” Elladan said softly.

“It will be discovered sooner or later,” Elrohir said.

“No it won’t. No one need know about Henna or our whereabouts this past summer.”

“There will be questions soon. When the competition begins, Grandfather will wonder where your knife is. Remember… he gave it to you. What will you say when he asks where it is?”

“I… I don’t know.”

Elrohir shook his head in dismay. “But Grandfather will not be your biggest problem-Legolas will.”

“Legolas?”

“He will question you the next time the two of you are alone. I saw the expression on his face when Haldir shouted, ‘where were you after Glorfindel was hurt? Where were you when Galvannin fell?’ Will you continue to lie to him?”

“I have never lied to Legolas,” Elladan protested. “I have simply failed to mention the events that took place after he left Rivendell.”

“And what will you say when he asks you what Haldir was talking about?”

“I don’t know.”

“You are doomed, you know,” Elrohir said. “No matter what you say, you will lose him in the end… just like I lost my Ellaria. If you lie he will not forgive you and if you tell him the truth, it is very likely that he will leave you. You will be alone… like me.”

“Ellaria loves you, Elrohir,” Elladan said gently. “She just doesn’t understand.

“I miss her so much that my heart aches,” Elrohir said, sighing deeply. “I love her, Elladan, and I have ruined everything. All of our dreams, all of our plans are gone.”

“Give her time,” Elladan encouraged. “She will come back to you.” He suddenly realized that his words of support were also for his own benefit. The thought of losing Legolas was more painful than he could bear.

The child winced and shifted in the bed.

Elladan and Elrohir regarded the boy once again.

“Do you think we should call father?” Elladan asked a bit nervously. “Methinks the child will awaken soon.”

“Nay,” Elrohir responded. “Father, Grandfather and King Thranduil are discussing what we should do about this young fellow. We shouldn’t bother them.”

The boy murmured and shifted again and Elladan watched the youngster curiously. He felt drawn to this child for some reason. He moved closer to the boy’s bed and brushed a stray, damp lock of hair from his sweaty forehead.

Elrohir smiled. “You seem to be quite taken with this child.”

“I am,” Elladan said, shrugging. “It is odd. Most children annoy me. Perhaps I like this one because he is unconscious.”

Elrohir laughed and Elladan found his heart lighten. Ever since the horrific events of the summer, Elrohir’s laughter had been less frequent. It was nice to hear his younger brother’s melodic laughter once again.

“Actually, I agree with you about this child. There is something very charming about him,” Elrohir said, still grinning from Elladan’s previous remark. “He is quite fair… for a human.”

“Aye,” Elladan said, nodding and stroking his chin absentmindedly. “It is a pity, really. In a few years the child will cha He He will start to look like an adult human male, and you know that that means.”

“Nay, what does it mean?”

“He will sprout hair all over his body and face and resemble a bear more than anything else. Human males are such furry creatures. I cannot imagine how their females find them to be attractive.”

“They smell, too,” Elrohir added. “Do they ever bathe?”

“Of course not,” Elladan said, “but I have discovered the reason why they prefer to be filthy and covered with fur. Methinks it is a means of defense. I believe that they prefer to look like animals to frighten off their enemy. If the enemy gets too close, the stench will scare him off.”

Elrohir laughed and clutched his stomach.

Suddenly, the boy moaned and writhed in annoyance. It seemed that the noise had disturbed him. Without thinking, Elladan placed his hand on the child’s shoulder as a means of comfort but accidentally roused the child from sleep. The boy’s eyes opened and Elladan withdrew his hand quickly.

The child sat up slowly and looked at the bandages that covered his arms. He touched the wrapping that had been tied around his head and frowned. He looked at his surroundings slowly and shrieked when he saw a male sitting in a chair beside the bed, staring at him.

“Shhh… be still,” Elrohir said. “Do you wish to frightenryonryone in the whole realm?”

“Get away!” the frightened boy yelled. “Where is Unai? Where is my father?”

“Unai is in the stable,” Elrohir said gently. “He was wounded on your journey here. Do not fret, he has been well taken care of.”

“Please take me to him, please,” the child pleaded.

“Be calm,” Elrohir said.

“Nay! Nay! I want to see Unai!” The boy tried to get out of the bed but fell forward as a sudden dizziness took hold.

Elladan caught the child in his arms and smiled. “You always end up here don’t you?” He sat beside the child, to his right, on the bed, placing a firm hand on his arm. “We will not prevent you from seeing your steed, but you need your rest. It would seem that you have had a very tiresome day.”

The child looked at Elladan and then Elrohir and his eyes widened. “It is you,” he said in awe.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged looks.

“You are the twinship… Odion and Yeno. Who is the eldest?”

“I am,” Elladan said.

“Are you the one that saved me?”

“Aye.”

“You are Odion! And you,” he pointed at Elrohir, “are Yeno.”

“I am Elladan and this is my brother Elrohir. Perhaps, you have us confused with someone else.”

“Perhaps.” The boy nodded slowly and smiled. He knew that Odion and Yeno were their names in the village where he had been living recently. *Elladan and Elrohir must be their elvish names,* he surmised.

Before the conversation could progress further, Elrond, Thranduil and Celeborn entered the chamber.

“Hello,” Elrond said warmly to the boy. “I am glad to see that you have awakened.”

The boy looked at Elladan fearfully and grasped the warrior’s left wrist tightly.

Elladan smiled and placed his free hand over the boy’s as a means of reassurance.

“I am Lord Elrond and these are my friends, King Thranduil and Lord Celeborn,” he motioned to the rulers as he spoke. “What is your name?”

The boy looked around the room as though he were about to flee, but Elrohir sat on the opposite side of the child smiled kindly. “Do not fear, Young One, this is my father. He will not harm you. In fact, he is the one that mended your wounds.”

“He… he is your father?” the boy asked timidly.

“Yes,” the twins chorused.

The boy still looked at Elrond distrustfully, but allowed him to unwrap the bandages and examine his wounds. He flinched suddenly and saw the elf-twin’s father cast him a look of sympath
“
“I am sorry,” Elrond said. “I did not mean to hurt you. Your wounds are not deep and the healing ointments are already starting to work. I will need to put clean bandages on your arms and head, though, and you should not need them by tomorrow morn.”

The boy did not speak to Elrond. Instead, he tightened his grip on Elladan’s wrist and looked to the twins for reassurance.

Elrohir placed his hand on the child’s back and Elladan continued to smile.

Elrond worked quickly, putting ointment on new bandages and rewrapping the child’s wounds. Trying to ease into a conversation, he met the boy’s eyes. “Now, what did you say your name was? I cannot recall what you are called.”

The child did not respond.

“If you do not wish to tell me your name, that is fine,” Elrond said sincerely. “Perhaps you can tell me where you are from. We mean you no harm; we just want to take you back to your family; we want them to know that you are safe. I am certain that they are very concerned about you.”

The child watched Elrond carefully but did not respond.

“This is not working, Elrond,” Thranduil said. “Perhaps we should try another approach.” Before he could respond, the king of Mirkwood pushed Elrond aside, his face only inches from the boy’s. “Who are you and what is your purpose here in Rivendell? Who sent you here?”

The boy whimpered in fear.

“What is your name and the name of your father?” Thranduil asked. “Answer me!”

“Leave me alone,” the child said, nearing tears.

“I will not leave you alone until you have answered my questions,” Thranduil said coolly. “Now, you will start by telling us your name. Who are you?”

Tears rolled down the boy’s face and he breathed uneasily.

“This is not the way, Thranduil,” Elrond said, placing his hand on the king’s shoulder and pulling him away from the boy. “This child is a guest here.”

“A guest?” Thranduil said in incredulity. “We do not know who he is.”

“Nonetheless,” Elrond said firmly, “he is in our care and we must respect his refusal to speak to us.”

“Elrond,” Celeborn said, “I must agree with King Thranduil, we need to…”

“There is another way,” Elrond said, interrupting Celeborn. “Elladan, may I speak with you for a moment?”

Elladan tried to stand up but the child’s tight grip prevented him from getting too far. “Do not fear, Elrohir will not leave your side, and I will only be gone for a moment.”

The boy nodded slowly and released Elladan’s wrist, drying his face with one of his hands.

Elladan rose to his feet and walked outside of the chamber to where his father was standing. He noticed that King Thranduil and his grandfather had also exited the boy’s chamber and were waiting patiently only a few feet away. “Yes, father?”

“I need you to find out everything you can about this child. Then, later, come and tell me what you have discovered.”

“What makes you think that the boy will tell me anything?” Elladan asked in disbelief.

“This is your gift,” Elrond said, smiling faintly. “I can mend the body, but you can mend the heart. It is clear that the child is already taken with you and Elrohir… he will eventually disclose his identity to you. When he does, report to me at once. His family must be sick with worry and will be looking for him. So, we must return him to his home.”

“I will do my best, Father,” Elladan said. He watched as his father, grandfather and the king walked away and couldn’t help but grin at the exasperated expression on Thranduil’s face. Elladan knew that the king had been bested by the boy and knew how badly that must have hurt such a fragile ego. Now, however, it was his turn to speak to the child and he felt fairly certain that he would not be successful either. His father had always told him that he had a gentle presence, but he doubted if the boy would be aware of it. Sighing, Elladan reentered the chamber and met the child’s eyes.

“Did I get you in trouble?” the boy asked.

“Nay,” Elladan replied. “But my father and the others are worried about you.”

“Why?”

“Because we do not know who you are or where you come from. Your family must be very concerned.”

The boy pondered Elladan’s words for a moment. “Alright then, I will answer your questions.”

Elladan looked at the child in shock. “I am surprised that you are so willing to offer anyormaormation about yourself when you would not give it to my father or the King.”

“I will tell you because I know who you are and I know I can trust you.”

“What do you mean?” Elrohir asked.

“You and your brother are Odion and Yeno; you are the twinship… the elf-warriors of Arnon… the sons of Channary... born in the Vita temple.”

Elladan and Elrohir looked at one another and then back at the boy.

“I do not know what you are talking about,” Elladan said sincerely, “and I wish I was this… this… Odion, but I am not.”

“And I am not Yeno,” Elrohir remarked earnestly.

“You cannot fool me,” the boy said, grinning. “I know that you like to keep your whereabouts a secret, but if you had not come out of hiding and saved me… I would have surely died.”

“Actually, Legolas, my friend saved you,” Elladan said. “He rode out and met your horse; he mounted Unai and guided him to the borders of this realm.”

“He was more concerned with Unai than me,” the child said in disagreement. “It was you who caught me, with your brother by your side.”

“That is true,” Elladan said.

“I owe you my life. My father thinks that I am too young to understand such things, but he misjudges me.”

“I see,” Elrohir said, impressed by the boy’s candor.

“I will tell you anything that you want to know.”

“Very well,” Elladan said, sitting at the foot of the bed and looking at the child. “What is your name?”

“I am Taran, son of Tarell,” the boy responded.

“Well, Taran, son of Tarell,” Elladan said, “this is going to be a very long evening.”

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A bit later, after the evening meal and once the boy had gone to sleep, Elladan and Elrohir slipped out of the healing chamber and walked toward their father’s assembly room. Their father had come to the small chamber to check on the child and had slipped Elrohir a note, urging them to attend an emergency council meeting once the boy had fallen asleep.

The twins entered the large hall and were surpr to to see that they were seemingly the last participants to arrive, as their father, grandfather, King Thranduil, Glorfindel, the Lórien brothers and the princes from Mirkwood were already there.

Elladan looked around the room and smiled when he caught Legolas’ eye. The prince looked especially handsome in his forest green tunic and sable leggings and Elladan felt his heartbeat quicken and his loins suddenly ache with desire. He tried to push the lustful thoughts out of his mind and focus on the task at hand--the council meeting and what would be done with the boy. He sat down beside the prince, unable to resist brushing a stray lock of hair out of Legolas’ eyes, and suddenly felt a feeling of dread woverover him. He saw the look of curiosity in the depths of the prince’s orbs, and knew that Elrohir had been right--Legolas would question him soon. Elladan didn’t want to think about that now, so he pushed the unwanted thoughts out of his mind and focused his attention on the chamber instead and realized that he had not been there in many years.

The room was moderate in size, and cozy for a meeting hall. Candles tinted the room in a warm golden glow and the moonlight peeked through the windows, casting an ethereal, pallid light across the wooden floor. A mahogany podium stood in the front of the room and rows of bark colored chairs were spread throughout the chamber in neat rows. There was only one large window in this room, just to the left of the chairs and a few long, rectangular tables outlined the perimeter of the suite.

“Today has been very unusual,” Elrond said to commence the meeting. “We must come together and try to make sense of what has happened and then try to decide what to do about our young visitor. Elladan, Elrohir did the child reveal anything to you?”

“Aye, Father,” Elladan responded.

“Please tellall all that you know.” Elrond sat down beside Thranduil and waited for his sons to speak.

Elladan and Elrohir walked to the podium and turned toe the the anxious assembly of elves before them. Elrohir nodded at Elladan to begin the discussion.

“The boy’s name is Taran and he is eleven years of age. His father is called Tarell,” Elladan began.

“Did the child say where he was from?” Celeborn asked.

“Aye,” Elladan said, “Taran came to us from Gaidon.”

The small crowd began to talk all at once until Elrond raised his voice authoritatively. “That is not possible. Few, if any children live in Gaidon. It is a town of drifters, harlots and drunkards. I cannot believe that he is from there.”

“Nay, he is not from Gaidon,” Elladan said for clarification. “His people just arrived in Gaidon and were only planning to stay there for a short time. He said that his last home was in Ruza and that his people also spent some time in Bree.”

“What kind of life is that for a child… to travel endlessly?” Celeborn asked.

“It is the life of the Northern Dúnedain,” Elrohir said.

“He is one of the Northern Dúnedain?” Thranduil asked, looking at Elrond and Celeborn. “What business do they have in Gaidon?”

“Taran er dir did not know or would not say,” Elrohir continued.

“Did the boy explain why he came to Rivendell?” Elrond asked.

“Yes,” Elrohir said nodding, “but some of his tale is unclear.”

“Please, do not delay,” Celeborn said, “tell us what happened.”

“Taran fancies himself an adventurer,” Elladan began. “He, his family and others arrived in Gaidon about a fortnight ago. According to Taran, the men, for some unknown reason, have been very uneasy. They have kept their weapons at close at hand and have been taking turns guarding the perimeter of Gaidon.”

“Much like the border patrol,” Celeborn murmured.

“Aye,” Elladan said.

“Taran wanted to be of some assistance,” Elrohir picked up the story where Elladan left off. “He wanted to guard the border… to help the men. But his father told him that he was too young and that his place was at his mother’s side… making sure that she was safe. Taran became angry. He objected to the way he was being treated and decided to take matters into his own hands.”

“He took his father’s horse, Unai,” Elladan said, “early this morning… before the sun had risen. The men were exhausted because of their constant watch so they did not see Taran take the steed. It was his wish to patrol the border while the men were resting; he sought to please his father… to show him that he was not a child. Somehow, he mounted Unai and set out for the border, once he was there he patrolled for a little while, but then Unai became restless. Taran said that he heard a noise and then, without warning, Unai began to run wildly into the forest. Taran said that he tried to slow Unai, but that all his attempts were unsuccessful. Unai fled through the underbrush, passing through tree branches and bushes laced with thistles. Taran said that he could feel his skin ripping as Unai ran as though his life depended on it… he said that he doesn’t remember how long Unai ran, but that he gave up hope of controlling Unai and decided to try not to fall off of the horse instead.”

“Unai ran for almost half a day,” Celeborn said in disbelief. “What would make a steed behave so strangely? Do you think he is mad?”

“Nay,” Legolas responded. “I spoke to Unai. Perhaps his side of the tale will prove to be useful and answer some of the questions you have.”

“Yes,” Elrond encouraged, “please continue, Legolas.”

The prince stood and turned to face the small group of elves. “I spoke to Unai once we were in the stable. He told me that the boy had been forbidden to ride him, but that Taran managed to climb upon his back despite his father’s disapproval. Taran led Unai to the edge of the border when he saw a beast hiding in the thicket.”

“A beast?” Thranduil said. “What kind of beast?”

“I am not certain, but Unai said that he saw a large wolf-like creature whose eyes gleamed yellow in the moonlight. He said that he saw razor sharp teeth and that the wolf-creature lunged at him. He ran into the forest and the creature pursued him for quite a long time, mauling his flank at one point during the chase. Despite his exhaustion and injury he continued to run… to save the boy and himself. He said that he doesn’t remember when the beast discontinued the pursuit, but that he ran until I mounted him.”

“A wolf-creature,” Celeborn said, pensively. “Do you think that Unai saw a warg?”

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged nervous looks.

“It is possible,” Elrond said. “But if it was a warg, then why did it not attack the slumbering villagers. It would have been very easy to kill a few of the men.”

“And why did the beast chase a horse laden with a child. If it was a warg, it would have hardly been a challenging kill,” Celeborn added.

“There is something odd with this story… it does not sit well with me,” Thranduil said. “I believe that this is human foolery.”

“What do you mean?” Elrond asked.

“How was that child even able to get on the horse?” Thranduil asked.

“He said that he led Unai to a nearby tree, climbed it and then mounted him,” Elrohir explained.

“A likely story,” Thranduil said in disbelief. “The humans are no fools; they find elves to be pretty little creatures and would probably love to see what Rivendell is like. So, they created an elaborate tale, taught it to the boy, put him on the horse and now he is here. By first light, this realm will be littered with **concerned** humans who want nothing more than to see Rivendell and some little pixies for their own amusement.”

“Thranduil,” Elrond said gently. “I am a bit weary of humans, but I cannot imagine that any father or mother would expect such a young child to survive alone in the wild on top of a frenzied stallion. You saw Taran’s state and the condition of the horse… no parent would do such a thing to their child.”

“Perhaps not,” Thranduil said, “but something does not sit well with me about this. If the Northern Dúnedain are really in Gaidon they are there for a reason.”

“I agree,” Celeborn said. “The humans are up to something and I am cen thn that no good will come from their presence so near Rivendell. We must try to find out why they are here and if the child’s appearance was truly unintentional.”

“Agreed,” Elrond said. “I propose that Elladan and Elrohir journey to Gaidon tomorrow morn. Taran should be well enough to ride by then. Most importantly, he has bonded with the twins and will feel the most comfortable if they take him to Gaidon. Legolas, do you think that Unai could go on the journey tomorrow?”

“I am not certain, I will go and speak to Turin, the primary animal healer if you’d like. Turin is sure to know.”

“Nay, I will go and speak to Turin myself,” Elrond said. “I want to see the steed for myself and ask Turin some questions about the horse’s injuries.”

“I would like Legolas, Dace and Makail to accompany Elladan and Elrohir to and from Gaidon,” Thranduil said. “If the humans intent is not pure, they will be quite surprised when a group of heavily armed elves enters their city.”

“That is a good idea,” Elrond said in agreement.

“Begging your pardon, my lords,” Glorfindel said, “but may I make a suggestion?”

“Of course,” Elrond said.

“Methinks that you should send Haldir to Gaidon,” Glorfindel said. “Like me, he is a marchwarden and is the eldest among the younger elves. I am certain that his skill and knowledge will be useful on the journey.”

All eyes turned to Haldir whose face was crimson.

Elrond glanced in Thranduil’s direction and saw a large grin etched across his face. He was surprised when he felt a twinge of jealously and wondered why the king looked so pleased.

“What say you, Haldir?” Celeborn asked. “Do you wish to go to Gaidon?”

“Aye,” Haldir said softly. “May my brothers come as well?”

“Of course,” Celeborn said. “I believe that many warriors are necessary for this journey, as we do not know what we are up against.”

“Then it is settled,” Elrond said. “You will set out tomorrow morn after first light. Please go and take your rest. I want all of you to have your wits about you when you arrive in Gaidon.”

With these final words, the meeting was adjourned. Elrond, Celeborn and Glorfindel exited the chamber, as did Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin.

“Elladan?” Legolas said, rising to his feet. “I… I want to speak to you when we get to your bedchamber… my curiosity has been peaked.”

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged looks.

“Of… of course, Legolas,” Elladan said. “We can…”

“Makail, Dace, Legolas,” Thranduil called loudly, “I wish to speak with you in the guest house about your journey before yetiretire for the night. Please meet me in the meeting hall there right away.”

“Aye, Father,” the princes chorused.

“I guess our talk will have to wait,” Legolas said, shrugging.

“Perhaps we can talk after we return from Gaidon,” Elladan said, trying not to sound too relieved.

“Aye,” Legolas said. “We will talk some other time.” He grasped Elladan’s hand and squeezed it affectionately. “I will see you tomorrow morn.” Legolas released Elladan’s hand and smiled.

Elladan nodded and caressed the prince’s face. “Sleep well.”

“I can’t,” Legolas said, meeting Elladan’s storm colored eyes, “without you.”

Elladan smiled faintly and watched as Legolas exited the room.

“Luck was on your side tonight, Brother,” Elrohir remarked once Legolas had left the room. “But you will not be able to avoid his questions forever.”

Elladan pondered his brother’s words for a few moments and sighed as he exited the meeting hall. He had no idea what he was going to do.

“You should not go on this journey,” Elrohir said, interrupting Elladan’s thoughts.

“Father has commanded me to go,” Elladan remarked. “How can I be excused from this assignment without having to explain myself?”

“I do not know,” Elrohir said. “But if Unai really saw a warg, then you are in grave danger.”

Elladan sighed in disagreement, but wondered if Elrohir was right.
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TBC…