Mending a Heart and the Tie that Binds

A/N: The cities of Gaidon, Cal’ wand and the forest of Cultee have been created to enhance my fic. These places were not used in any of Tolkien’s stories.


Chapter 8: Gaidon


Thranduil entered the grove and began looking for a fallen branch. He didn’t know what he would carve today and hoped that recent events would inspire him. Picking up a long, thick limb, the king sat down on a bed of moss and took out his carving knife. Ever so carefully, he began peeling the bark off, revealing the pristine wood beneath the rough covering. He looked up suddenly when he heard someone approaching.

“Good morning, Thranduil,” Elrond said.

“Hello Elrond. What are you doing here?”

“I knew you would be here… I know you have an aversion for the morning meal so I thought I would join you this day.”

Thranduil watched Elrond in disbelief when he sat down beside him and pulled out a book from a pocket inside his robe.

“You brought reading material?” Thranduil asked, shaking his head.

“Yes…. Is that wrong?”

“Nay,randranduil said, smiling. “It is right.” The king began peeling the bark from the branch again but now felt very distracted. He could feel the warmth of Elrond’s body and could hear his breathing. He watched the way the lord’s fingers turned the pages of the book and wondered what else those fingers could do.

Elrond felt the king’s eyes on him and looked at Thranduil, who turned away and rubbed the back of his neck, hoping that the lord had not seen him staring.

“Someone is coming,” Elrond said.

Thranduil listened carefully and heard voices approaching. “It sounds like Lord Celeborn…”

“And Glorfindel,” Elrond added.

“There you two are,” Celeborn said. “We have been looking for you.”

“Has something else happened?” Elrond asked, still sitting on the ground. “Have humans come looking for the boy?”

“Nay,” Celeborn said. “And hopefully that will not happen since the boy is on his way back to Gaidon as we speak. I hope the journey is uneventful.”

“As do we all,” Elrond said.

“You were not at the morning meal,” Celeborn continued, looking at Elrond. “Glorfindel and I waited so that we could dine with you. We sat at the table until our food became cold and finally asked where you were. We were told by one of the servants that you had gone for a stroll, so we decided to come and seek you out. I did not know that you were with the king. If we are interrupting…”

“Nay, nay,” Elrond said quickly. “Thranduil prefers to spend his mornings in the sun, rather than at a table. So, I decided to join him. It is quite invigorating.”

“Would you like to join us?” Thranduil asked.

“Yes, thank you,” Celeborn said, sitting down on a large fallen limb.

Glorfindel bowed and began to walk away.

“Glorfindel?” Thranduil said. “Where are you going?”

“I am taking my leave.”

“Why? Do you not wish to stay?”

“I… I did not know that the invitation was extended to me,” Glorfindel replied honestly. “I am not a ruler, thus, I assumed…”

“You assumed incorrectly,” Thranduil said. “You are most welcome here. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you, Sire,” Glorfindel said, sitting beside Celeborn.

Thranduil winced and looked at Glorfindel. “You do not have to be so formal with me. You can call me Thranduil… titles are not necessary.”

“Thank you, Sire,” Glorfindel said without thinking.

nduinduil gave the marchwarden a disdainful look.

“I… I mean, Thranduil,” Glorfindel said quickly.

Thranduil smiled.

“When do you think they will arrive in Gaidon?” Celeborn asked.

“Probably around midday,” Elrond responded. “I was just telling Thranduil that I hope they have an uneventful journey to Gaidon.”

“I am sure that they will,” Glorfindel said. “And luckily, they are all very skilled warriors. I am especially glad that Haldir went. He has more experience than the others, so his presence should prove to be very useful.”

Thranduil chuckled.

“What is humorous?” Elrond asked, looking at the king.

“Methinks Haldir would have preferred to stay here,” Thranduil said, unable to hide the amusement in his voice.

“Oh,” Glorfindel said, suddenly very concerned. “Do you think I should not have volunteered him for the journey?”

“I think that Haldir would do anything that you wanted him to,” Thranduil remarked. “Absolutely anything.”

“I do not understand,” Glorfindel said, looking at Celeborn and Elrond for support.

“Certainly you are not serious,” Thranduil said, meeting Glorfindel’s eyes for a few moments and then widening his orbs in shock. “You… you are serious,” he said in incredulity.

“Serious about what?” Glorfindel asked, confused.

“Elrond, tell Glorfindel about Haldir,” Thranduil said.

“I would if I understood what you are talking about, but I must admit that Ibaffbaffled.”

Thranduil looked at the confused expressions on Glorfindel, Celeborn and Elrond’s faces and shook his head in exasperation. “You have not seen the way that Haldir drools all over himself when you are near, Glorfindel?”

“What?” Glorfindel asked in shock.

“Haldir is quite taken with you,” Thranduil continued. “It is very plain to see… to me, anyway.”

“King Thranduil…”

Thranduil narrowed his eyes.

“I mean… Thranduil,” Glorfindel said quickly. “Surely you jest. Haldir has spent a little time with me recently, but methinks that the twins forced him to do it. You saw the way Elladan was behaving during the midday meal yesterday. He was trying to force Haldir to spend time with me against his will.”

“Ah yes, Elladan’s great plot. No offense, Elrond, but your eldest son is infuriating at times. It is no surprise that he and Haldir almost came to blows. Luckily, Celeborn was there to abate the argument.”

“What?” Elrond asked, looking at Celeborn.

Celeborn shifted a bit nervously under the weight of the sudden silence in the grove and tried to think of something to say. “I…”

“It is quite alright,” Thranduil said, before Celeborn could try to explain the argument that had taken place. “You do not have to explain.”

“I want you to explain it to me,” Elrond said, looking at Celeborn. “Elladan and Haldir were arguing?”

“Aye,” Celeborn said, making sure to be extra careful of what he said in front of the king. “I do not know what was the cause of the quarrel, but I stopped it.” The lord paused for a moment before speaking again. “Thranduil, please do not hold the dishonorable actions of my marchwarden or grandson againivenivendell or Lórien. I am shamed by the reflections that have been cast upon our realms.”

Thranduil shook his head and sighed. “May I speak candidly?”

“Of course,” Celeborn said, trying to hide the uneasiness in his voice.

“I have grown weary of being treated like a king. Elves from near and far go out of their way to tread softly around me. I assume that they are afraid that I will break or that my head will explode if I am not handled like the petals of a flower. I have servants, marchwardens, healers and countless others at my call… and yet, I have no friends. I know that I sent Legolas to Lothlórien as an emissary of Mirkwood. I wanted our long estranged realms to become allies once more. Now that I have met you, Celeborn, you seem to be very amiable. I would like to be your friend. You do not have to try to hide things from me, fearing that I will harshly judge you. I will save my judgments for official matters or for my charges. Here… here in this grove let us cast off our titles and just be ourselves. What say you?”

Celeborn sighed with relief and smiled. “That sounds like a good idea. I, too, tire of always having to uphold the façade of being a ruler. Aside from my wife Galadriel, only Elrond and Glorfindel are my friends. I would be happy to count you among them.”

Thranduil smiled and focused his attention on Elrond. “Now, about the clash between Haldir and Elladan… I would have to assume that Haldir did not like the way Elladan was teasing him. So, he probably threatened to kill him. I can’t say that I blame Haldir; I would have done the same thing.”

Elrond stared at Thranduil openmouthed.

“That being said, however, yesterday in the refractory, Elladan was trying to help Haldir.”

“Help him?” Celeborn asked.

“Aye. Haldir likes Glorfindel and would never approach him, so Elladan took matters into his own hands. He invited Haldir to the border to spend some time with Glorfindel… probably to get them to spend some time alone together.”

Glorfindel’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “That cannot be right. Why would Haldir want… me? He is very young.”

“And very handsome,” Thranduil added, smirking. “You may not have known his intentions but do not tell me that you haven’t noticed the fairness of his face.”

Elrond felt a strange surge of jealousy.

Glorfindel shrugged. “I never thought of him in that way. To me, Haldir is a child.”

“Nay,” Thranduil said, shaking his head, “Haldir is many things, but a child is not one of them. He is young, I agree with you there… he is a little pup, but even pups need to be trained.”

Glorfindel blushed and Thranduil chuckled. “Oh come now, did none of you see how simple he looked last night when Glorfindel volunteered him for the journey. He face was so red that he looked like the setting sun.”

“Actually, I did notice,” Celeborn admitted. “But I just assumed that he was embarrassed by all of the attention.” He paused briefly before explaining further. “Haldir and his brothers are like the sons I never had. When their parents were killed, I helped to raise them. Haldir has always been very serious; to my knowledge he has had very few relationships, and has always kept to himself. His brothers are more social. I… I guess that I am surprised… that’s all. In many ways, it makes sense… when we entered Rivendell and Glorfindel greeted us, Haldir simply beamed. I remember thinking that he seemed more eager than usual.”

“And so he was,” Thranduil said, grinning. “He was hoping that the Elder would teach him some new tricks.”

Glorfindel’s face reddened again.

“I am not trying to embarrass you, Glorfindel. And I hope that my candor has not offended you.”

“Nay,” Glorfindel said. “It is just that I have been alone for many years. I do not understand what a handsome young elf like Haldir would see in an ancient elf like me.”

“Who cares!” Thranduil exclaimed. “If that bantling wants to be taught the ways of the Elder… teach him. I would.”

Elrond felt a knot form in his stomach but shrugged it off when Celeborn looked in his direction.

“Oh, don’t give me those uppity expressions. Now, if Haldir gave me a second glance, there is no way that I would deny him. If he wants you, Glorfindel… let him have you. See if that red color on his face extends past his neck.”

Glorfindel laughed and shook his head. “You are quite amusing, Thranduil. I must admit… I never would have guessed it.”

“And why is that?”

“Well…” Thranduil hesitated.

“Tell me the truth,” Thranduil said. “I really want to know.”

“Very well,” Thranduil said a bit slowly before continuing. “After the years of squalor between you and Elrond, I just assumed that you were not very kind. Aside from Celeborn, Elrond is my dearest friend. It is hard for me to imagine why anyone would hold him in contempt.”

Thranduil was silent for a few moments and nodded his head slowly. “You are right, Glorfindel. It was wrong of me to be so unkind to Elrond. He did not deserve to be treated that way. Luckily, the Lord of Rivendell is very tolerant… but I must admit, I do not deserve his forgiveness.”

Glorfindel and Celeborn were baffled by the sincerity and the regret of Thranduil’s words. They were rendered speechless.

“Never you mind the past,” Elrond said, placing his hand on Thranduil’s shoulder. “All has been forgiven.”

Thranduil smiled at Elrond and held his gaze for a few moments before meeting Glorfindel’s interested stare. “Now, Glorfindel… returning this conversation back to Haldir. My suggestion is that you spend some time with the pup when he returns from Gaidon. See for yourself the way he looks at you. Then, if he pleases you, try seeing how ripe he is.”

“What do you mean?” Glorfindel asked.

“Do you know how the planters can tell if a berry is ripe?”

“They squeeze it,” Celeborn said before Glorfindel could respond.

“Precisely,” Thranduil remarked. “Methinks this technique will work with young elves. Where you would choose to squeeze is of your own concern, Glorfindel, but I for one would reach for the mounds just below his back.”

Celeborn laughed and shook his head and Glorfindel laughed, too.

Elrond forced a smile but didn’t find the king’s humor to be very amusing this day. In fact, he suddenly wanted to throttle Haldir.

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

Haldir urged his steed forward and steadied his horse’s pace once he was in between the twins. “The border of Gaidon is near; I can see it in the distance.” He regarded Elladan carefully, waiting for the eldest twin’s response.

Elladan nodded, giving the Lórien marchwarden a warning glance, as he looked from Haldir to the young boy, who was sitting in front on him on his steed, Ellie.

“I would like you to fall back when we approach the border… all of you,” Haldir said, raising his voice so everyone present could hear. “Orophin, Rúmil and I will assume the front as we approach the border. Elladan, Elrohir, I want the two of you to take up the rear. Elrohir, I would like you to watch over the steed, Unai. If he gets out of hand, Legolas will be able to calm him. Elladan, your primary role will be to keep the boy safe. Taran, I will need you to stay cloaked when we enter Gaidon. Your family may be startled when they see eight heavily armed elves entering the realm; they may think we mean you harm, even though we are bringing you to them. Humans are often quite impetuous, and may not react kindly to our presence. You are not to speak until you are told to do so. Do you understand?”

Taran nodded slowly.

“Legolas, Dace and Makail, settle yourselves as the second line of defense… between my brothers and I, and the twins. We do not know what we may be up against. We must be prepared to fight if the need arises.”

“Last night, our father took us aside and asked us to be prepared for battle. We are ready to fight, if we must,” Makail said.

“And just who made you the leader of this journey?” Elladan asked. “I do not recall being told to follow your orders.”

Haldir gave Elladan a caustic look, but remained calm for the sake of the child. “It is quite simple,” Haldir said. “I am the eldest and I outrank you.”

“**You** outrank **me**?” Elladan scoffed.

“Aye,” Haldir said confidently. “The lot of you may be royalty and you are all fine warriors, but my status as head marchwarden of Lórien exceeds the importance of your nobility. In battle, I am your commander.”

“Well,” Elladan said in mock exasperation, “I never knew you could be so authoritative, Haldir. I wonder what Glorfindel would think about your propensity for being in control?”

Haldir glared at Elladan.

“I am just jesting,” Elladan said quickly, and smiled when Elrohir, Orophin and Dace laughed.

Everyone positioned themselves as Haldir had ordered as they languidly approached tordeorder of Gaidon.

Suddenly, the men at the edge of the city began to stir. They pointed at the approaching band of elves and readied their weapons.

The elves, however, did not slow their pace. Instead, they trudged along the path that led to the human city, seemingly unaffected by the human’s frenzied actions.

The sun shone down on the elven warriors, making them glow in the rays of the orb that was now at its zenith. The men armed themselves and approached the elves on foot.

“What business do you have in Gaidon?” A tall, lanky man, with dingy, brown colored hair and a ruddy complexion asked, holding a sword in his hand, ready to strike.

“Our business is none of your concern,” Haldir said coolly. “We wish to speak to whomever is in charge here.”

“I am in charge,” the man spat. “And you will state your purpose or go back from whence you came.” Four heavily armed humans flanked the man who was speaking.

Haldir arched a delicate eyw anw and smirked.

“You find this amusing?” the man asked in dismay, glaring at Haldir. “Elves are rather peculiar creatures. They find humor when their very lives are at stake.”

“On the contrary,” Haldir quipped. “I am smiling because **your** lives are in danger, and it is amusing to me to see you and your men bumbling about in the hope that you could possibly defend yourselves from us.”

The man stared at Haldir in shock and began to speak, but Haldir interrupted him.

“I would not say another word if I were you. You will only anger us and that would not be very wise.”

“And why is that?” the man asked, puffing up his chest in a demonstration of bravery.

“If you know anything at all about elves then you will know that our strength, intellect and valor is superior to yours. I alone could you you and the four men behind you on a whim, and there are eight of us. Our as trs true… is yours?”

The man’s chest looked quite deflated upon hearing Haldir’s words and he lowered his sword, as did the other humans. “We will lead you into Gaidon.”

“That is what I thought,” Haldir said smugly.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged looks; they were impressed with the marchwarden of Lothlórien.

Several of the men mounted nearby steeds and surrounded the small band of elves, including the tall, lanky man who rode in front. “Follow me,” he said, looking at Haldir.

Haldir nodded, and spoke quietly in elvish when the manurneurned his attention to the road ahead. He knew that the human hearing was not as keen as elves, so he tried to speak loud enough for his comrades to take notice of what he was saying, but just below the human level of hearing. “Be on your guard. I do not like nor trust humans, and do not understand their haste to draw out their weapons on us. Something is amiss here.” Haldir looked at his brothers whddeddded in agreement.

As they journeyed along a narrow path that led into thty, ty, Elladan smiled. He remembered the last the ahe and Elrohir had visited Gaidon, and how much fun it had been to taunt Legolas. He thought about how broken the prince had been then, so soon after his mother’s death. He shuddered at thmorymory. Then, he remembered that Gaidon had been the place where he and Legolas had admitted that they had feelings for one another. He stared at the back of the prince’s head and felt his smile widen. He loved Legolas.

As if on cue, Legolas looked back and met Elladan’s eyes. They held one another’s gaze for a few moments and Legolas smiled and nodded. Slowly, the prince returned his attention to the road.

Elladan suddenly felt uneasy and wondered if Legolas could read his mind. He stared at the back of the prince’s head intently, willing the prince to look at him once more, but Legolas did not look back.

Elladan sighed and began to observe his surroundings. He hated Gaidon. While the foliage was pretty enough, the dilapidated old houses that stretched along both sides of the lane made his stomach turn. A group of slovenly men staggered across the road and harlots stood at nearly every corner, awaiting a paying suitor. The whole town reeked of alcohol and filth and Elladan couldn’t help but wonder why any human would want to live there.

After passing the main strip of rundown stores, houses and brothels, the human in the front of the group turned left.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged looks, they had never been beyond the first road in Gaidon. In fact, they didn’t know that the city extended this far past the border.

The landscape had grown very dense again. Flower covered trees and shrubbery lined each side of the path. In this section of town, the roadway was in far better condition, it looked as though it had recently been smoothed out. The birds were busy building their nests in various trees and some butterflies flitted about on the wind.

Elladan was in shock and in awe at the same time. This place was beautiful. It looked nothing like Gaidon and he suddenly wondered where the humans were leading them.

The path ended and the elves found themselves baffled at what was before them--a mighty human city. It was smaller than Rivendell, but quite impressive. A large, white marble fountain sat in the middle of a clearing and the road surrounded it. Plain but attractive, white buildingsteretered this part of the city and small wooden cottages could be seen on the hills in the distance. People bustled about, bartering goods or talking. Without warning, a man approached.

“Dugan, who have you brought with you?”

“A party of elves. They wish to speak to the chieftain.”

Elladan watched the human carefully. He was handsome… for a man. He had broad shoulders and narrow hips, large hands and kind, blue eyes. Elladan did not know much about the aging process of humans but knew that this one was young. He found himself admiring the waviness of the man’s dirty blonde hair and the goldolorolor of the man’s skin. The human wore sable boots and leggings and an indigo colored tunic that enhanced the hues of his eyes and the bronze of his skin.

The man nodded. “Thank you for escorting the guests to the inner sanctum of Gaidon. Please return to the border, as you may be needed.”

The men looked at one another hesitantly but obeyed their orders.

Several well-armed humans were near, but did not approach the elves as brazenly as the men who had been ordered to return to the border. Instead, they kept a close watch on the visitors, seemingly protecting the man who stood before them.

The hustle and bustle of the city had decreased, as the presence of the elves had peaked the curiosity of many people. Men and women stood in the distance, watching inquisitively.

“Who is the leader of this faction, so that I may address you appropriately?” the man asked.

“I am,” Haldir said.

“Very well,” the man said. “I am very sorry that you have journeyed to Gaidon, but the chieftain is not here… nor is the commander. I am Kress and have been put in charge while the others are away. Can I be of assistance?”

“Perhaps,” Haldir said, looking at the human cautiously. “Have you lost anything?”

“Begging your pardon?”

“Is that the reason that your chieftain and commander are not here? Are they in the wilderness, looking for something… or someone?”

Kress nodded and looked at Haldir eagerly. “A boy named Taran and his father’s steed went missing. The child is the son of our commander. A party of men is out searching for them now. Have you seen them?”

Haldir nodded. “Elladan and Elrohir,” he called, moving his mount to the side.

The other elves moved their horses so the twins could pass through them.

Elladan and Elrohir moved slowly toward Kress, and Elladan removed the child’s hood.

“Taran! Taran!” a woman shouted, running toward the boy.

“Mother!” Taran said. Before Elladan could stop him, Taran slid off of Ellie’s back and onto the ground. He ran toward his mother, who embraced him lovingly.

“I feared the worst, but you’re alright,” she sobbed. “My Taran, my foolish little boy, you have returned to me.”

Elladan and Elrohir watched the woman in a stupor. Her long, blonde wavy hair fell well below her waist. Her flawless, cream-colored skin shimmered, as it was wet with tears, and her piercing blue-grey eyes, looked upthe the twins in gratitude.

Elladan thought he would be sick and Elrohir felt a knot form in his stomach as they beheld this woman. She looked very much like their mother.

Even Haldir and his brothers noticed the woman’s resemblance to Celebrían and stared at her in awe.

Legolas, Orophin and Dace did not understand why their comrades were looking at the female in such awe, but regarded her with interest as they tried to come up with their own conclusions as to the fascination their friends had with this woman.

“Thank you,” the woman said, approaching the twins. “Thank you,” her voice broke and she pulled Taran close.

Neither Elladan nor Elrohir could speak; they had been rendered chlechless by this woman’s face.

Kress took Unai’s reigns and led him to one of the guards. “Take the commander’s horse to the stables. Ask Tine to inspect those wounds.”

“Aye,” the guard replied.

“We are indebted to you…. all of you. Please, I would like to invite you to…”

“It’s them!” a man in the distance shouted. “The twinship has come. Odion and Yeno, they are here. They will save us!”

The crowd pressed closer and stared at the twins in adoration and awe. One by one the inhabitants of Gaidon fell to their knees, their heads bowed.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged disbelieving looks while their comrades watched the people in shock.

Kress did not bow but stared at the twins in admiration.

Several of the Northern Dúnedain nodded their heads and began to whisper to one another, staring at the twins eagerly.

“I did not see you before, as you were hidden behind your kin. You are known to us,” Kress said.

“Taran spoke to us about the gods that are worshipped here… Odion and Yeno are two of them. But we are not supernatural beings. I am Elladan and this is my brother Elrohir. We hail from Rivendell and are the sons of Elrond, ruler of our realm. I am certain that you do not know us.”

“On the contrary,” Kress said. “I am not from Gaidon. I do not worship their gods. But we of the Northern Dúnedain have seen you before… near Cal’ way, just outside the forest of Cultee.”

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged nervous glances, but tried to remain calm.

“You must have seen someone else,” Elrohir said quickly. “We have not been near Cal’ way in a very long time.”

Kress looked at the twins in disbelief but nodded his head.

Suddenly, the people of Gaidon rose to their feet and a dozen women approached the twins. An attractive woman with long, black tresses and dark brown eyes spoke. “I am called Channah, named in honor of your mother. I have always longed to meet you, and believe that you have been sent here to help us. Would you do us the honor of allowing us to perform the ritual of Kayless? We will allow you sometime to consider our offer.” Channah and the other women walked away, anxiously awaiting their answer.

Before the twins spoke Kress added softly, “Do not refuse her. The ritual of Kayless is an honor bestowed only upon the most respectable kings. Channah is a priestess and would not offer to perform the ritual if she did not believe that you were worthy. To deny her would be quite rude.”

“But we are not who she thinks we are,” Elladan protested quietly. “If we do not refuse, then we are claiming to be the sons of Channary. Elrohir and I are many things, but we are not gods.”

“Allow Channah and the women to perform the ceremony,” Kress encouraged. “Do not destroy these people’s only hope.”

Elrohir sighed. “What should we do?” he asked Haldir and the others.

“I do not trust humans,” Haldir said. “Kress, will this…. ritual cause the twins harm?”

“Nay,” Kress said grinning. “They will get only pleasure from the ritual.”

“Pleasure?” Legolas asked, casting Elladan a concerned look. “Does the ritual involve… intimacy?”

“Nay,” Kress said, seemingly noticing Legolas for the first time. “They are waiting for an answer. Do not keep them in suspense.”

“Channah,” Elladan said, “we accept.”

The crowd cheered and the women walked toward the twins.

Servants offered the remaining elves some food, but they refused politely, preferring to keep an eye on Elladan and Elrohir.

“You will need to dismount,” Channah said, gently.

The twins obeyed and their steeds, Ellie and Eliad, were led to a large pool of water. Four men appeared and began lavishing them with attention. The horses were bathed, brushed and then fed fresh fruit.

Channah and the other women led the twins to the fountain and sat them down on the ledge. Carefully removing the twin’s boots, Channah and another woman, Naava, dipped their hair into the fountain and began to wash their feet. Several other women combed the twin’s hair and massaged their scalps, while others sang to them.

Once the ceremony had been completed, Ellie and Eliad were brought to the twins and they were allowed to leave. The once happy people of Gaidon now seemed very sorrowful. Channah grasped both of Elladan’s hands and kissed them while Naava did the same to Elrohir. Channah met Elladan’s eyes, unable to stop her tears and spoke softly. “You will return?”

“I… I do not know,” Elladan admitted.

“You were sent here for a reason. Don’t you see? All of this was for a reason. You will return to us,” Channah said, smiling and touching Elladan’s face.

Elladan did not argue with Channah. Instead he bowed and mounted his steed.

Elrohir rode over to Elladan, staring at him intently for a moment.

Elladan knew that Elrohir wanted to speak to him alone.

Waving, they elvish warriors headed back toward the borders of Gaidon accompanied by Kress on horseback, who was serving as their escort. The twins scanned their surroundings for Taran or for the woman who looked like their mother, but they were nowhere to be found.

Once they reached the border, Kress spoke, “It was good to meet all of you. It is a pity that you did not have the opportunity to meet our commander. He would have wanted to thank you for bringing Taran back to him. Have a safe journey and may our paths cross again.”

Elladan and Elrohir nodded. Then, the elves headed into the forest.

“That was very odd,” Dace said. “I have never seen anything quite like that.”

“Nor have I,” Rúmil added. “They actually thought that the two of you were gods… and we all know how far from the truth that is.”

The twins cast Rúmil identical scathing looks and their comrades laughed.

As the day wore on, Elladan and Elrohir slowed their steeds a bit, allowing themselves to fall well behind the others. When they were out of earshot Elladan looked at Elrohir curiously. “You looked as though you had something to say to me earlier. What is it?”

“Naava told me that the Northern Dúnedain spoke of twin warriors they saw this summer near Cal’ way, when they arrived in Gaidon. They said that the elvish, twin warriors were seen in a great battle with an army of orcs.”

Elladan looked straight ahead.

“Elladan, do you know what this means?”

Elladan shrugged.

“Everything the orc said is coming true. Elladan… you are going to die.”

---

TBC…