Title: That Precious Link (was Untitled so far)

Author: nautika; nautika_ AT hotmail DOT com

Rating: Probably PG, but lots of angst

Summary: An unexpected incident changes Elrond's life. Can he and

his family adapt?

Disclaimer: Love them, but don't own them, wouldn't know what to do

with them if I had them. Definitely not making money from them.

Constructive, not destructive, review appreciated. Please let me

know if you like it! It's my first attempt at a longer fiction and

I've been working on it for a long time.

Author's notes

Adar/Ada = Father/informal for Father

Dan & Ro = nicknames for Elladan & Elrohir

Ion nin = my son

Some additional translations may be between // and //

Words or sentences between * and * are italics

Thanks to Kellen and Mackie for their invaluable input on this. And

thanks to Celebwen for beta-ing for me. DeepBlueSomething provided

the title. All errors are mine.

That Precious Link

by Nautika

nautika_@ hotmail DOT com

The young man struggled through the darkened woods. The trees bent

to the will of the great gusts of wind, but he took no notice. His

entire being focused on staying in motion. He was moving totally on

instinct, not consciously aware of his destination. He only sensed

that to stop would mean his death.

~*~

Two elves soundlessly patrolled the border of Rivendell. They had

counterparts scattered along all parts of the border. There had

been no unrest of late, but it did not pay to lower one's guard.

The keen eyes and ears of the warriors were attuned to every sound

and movement. Dawn was approaching and soon they would return to

their homes to breakfast with their families. Except for the

weather, which had little effect on elves, it had been an uneventful

patrol. Still, they were as alert as they had been when their shift

began. Their replacements had just arrived when they heard movement

in the woods. Someone was coming down the path. The clumsy

footfalls and loud breathing assured them it was not an elf.

Exchanging looks, they stepped forward to investigate and were

stunned by what they saw.

~*~

Elrond of Rivendell was strolling through his garden, occasionally

stopping to touch a plant or to lower his head and inhale the scent

of a petal. Elrond enjoyed this time of day. It was a time of

serenity and contemplation for him. His many duties filled his days

and evenings. He was Lord of a realm and that alone carried much

responsibility. Reviewing legal situations, meeting with councils

and visiting schools were only a small part of his routine. He was

also a healer, probably the best in Middle Earth. He gathered and

preserved a variety of medicinal herbs, growing many in his own

garden. The elf lord examined and treated his patients, worked in

his lab and read through his vast medical library to insure he was

giving them the full extent of his medical knowledge. Many of the

books were thorough journals he had compiled himself over the

centuries. Diseases and other conditions were meticulously

documented with notes and sketches. Elves did not fall prey to

illness, but there were always injuries and poisonings enough to

keep the lord and healer busy.

Men came to him as well as elves, for Elrond was only half elven and

the realm he ruled was the most open to other beings. Not only had

his twin brother chosen a mortal life, but his youngest son, Estel,

was of the race of men, adopted by Elrond when he was a child. That

was the other role in his life…being a father. Lord Elrond

cherished all his duties, but the one of father was his favorite,

though it could not always come first. He was continuing to train

all three of his sons in the healing arts. It allowed him to spend

time with them and comforted him that they could care for themselves

and their companions when they were beyond his reach. Estel, of

course, could not touch the minds or spirits of his patients to aid

in their care, but he had the promise of being a great healer of men

someday. Elrond privately believed the twins could rival his own

ability were they ever to give up their time as warriors and focus

on healing. It was not meant for an elf to excel at both and as

long as the twins lived in both worlds, their healing ability would

be lessened by their warrior ways. But all his sons loved taking up

sword and bow to defend that which they treasured and he would not

have them change. Some day, Estel, for once benefiting from not

being an elf, would be great in healing and in battle.

Thinking of his youngest in battle saddened the elf lord and he

mentally shook himself. During this part of his morning, he focused

on positive things, such as the beauty surrounding him. It was a

method he used to maintain his calm throughout the day.

Doors slammed, chairs scrapped and Elrond chuckled softly. The

twins were up and at the breakfast table, engaging in another of

their endless debates. Sometime it seemed as though Estel was older

than his twin brothers, even though he'd lived only a couple of

decades and the twins had lived for centuries. Of course, that was

never the case when he and his brothers were together. Still

smiling, Elrond went to join Elladan and Elrohir for the first meal

of the day.

Unfortunately, they would not get to eat it.

~*~

Elrond had barely taken his place at the table when there was a

disturbance at the door. The elf serving the meal made as if to

answer the door as someone knocked forcefully on it, but Elrond

halted him with a motion of his hand as he pushed back from the

table. The twins stood and followed their father to the entryway.

The elf lord opened the door and motioned those outside to enter.

As the first of their guests crossed the threshold, Elrond saw he

was carefully holding a body in his arms. Elrond's skills as a

healer were often in demand and his home was always open. He

gestured to Elladan to relieve the first warrior of his burden and

immediately turned to the second warrior to obtain any information

that might be helpful before examining the patient. Before he could

begin his questioning, however, Elladan interrupted. "Adar!"

The healer quickly turned toward his eldest. In his arms, Elladan

held the inert body of his human brother. Estel's head dropped

limply back, his left arm dangled awkwardly, he was perspiring

heavily and his skin was flushed. Elrond took his youngest in his

arms and moved swiftly up the stairs to his room. Those left behind

stared after him only a moment before springing into action.

Elladan thanked the warriors and gathered what information he could

from them; Elrohir went to the medicine closet to gather bandages,

athelas and other herbs. He'd seen no sign of blood, but where his

younger brother was concerned, bandages were usually needed. The

servant, accustomed to many illnesses and injuries from the youngest

of the household, began heating water.

~*~

Elrond gently placed his youngest on his bed and began to remove his

garments. Dirt and grime covered both his clothes and body,

increasing the risk of infection. Elrond stopped long enough in his

task to brush the hair from the human's face. Even unconscious, the

human's face bore signs of great distress. Elrond turned back to

his task. The sooner he could locate and care for his son's

injuries, the sooner that look would be gone from his features.

Elrohir entered the room quietly, placed the herbs and bandages on a

bedside table and began aiding his father. The two had no need for

words. They had performed this duty many times for Estel and for

the countless number of other patients they had treated over the

centuries. Their movements were gentle and sure.

Elladan had finished speaking with the warriors, learning only that

Estel had lost consciousness as soon as they had seen him. He had

arrived on foot, other warriors were being sent out to look for his

horse. They would carefully retrace his steps and report back to

Elladan when they returned. After thanking the elves and releasing

them to return to their families, Elladan accepted the heated water

and some clean cloths from the servant and climbed the stairs. At

the door to his human brother's room he paused a moment to observe

his family. His father and twin wore somber expressions and as they

finished unclothing the young man, Elladan's focus moved to the form

on the bed. "He's too still. Estel hates being still."

"Elladan?" Elrond's voice spurred him back into motion. He hurried

to Elrond's side and poured a portion of the warm water into the

bedside basin. The elf lord accepted a cloth from his eldest and

dipping it into the water, began to wash his youngest, gently moving

the dampened cloth across his face and down to his neck.

Elladan moved to the other side of the bed to fill a small dish with

water. His twin selected a few leaves of athelas and dropped them

into the dish. The smell of the medicinal herb permeated the room.

The combination of the scent and of his father's gentle

ministrations soothed the distress from Estel's face. Elladan

silently sighed in relief and turned to light a fire in the

fireplace. Elves rarely suffered from the cold, but his human

brother did and he had been out in the wind for Valar knew how

long. Elladan lit the flame and moved to the chest where his

brother stored his nightwear; smiling as he thought of the time they

had removed all his clothes to treat him, and had not thought to re-

dress him. The human had not been pleased!

"Adar?" Elrohir's voice was questioning, but his twin also heard a

trace of fear and quickly moved toward Estel's bed.

~*~

"Estel!" Elrond placed his right hand on the forehead of his son

and slipped into deep concentration. The twins watched in silent

support, barely breathing. They knew their father was not easily

distracted when treating a patient, but fear of losing their brother

ate at their hearts.

From the foot of the bed, Elladan watched as his youngest brother's

breathing pattern began to match their father's. Elrohir's fingers

were on Estel's wrist, monitoring his pulse. He relaxed slightly as

the pulse evened out and became stronger. The twins' eyes met and

they allowed themselves a small smile. Their father had done it

again – why had they worried? As their eyes returned to the bed,

Elladan frowned slightly. His brother seemed stable – why hadn't

their father severed the connection between them? Elrohir, noticing

his elder brother's expression, gently raised Estel's eyelids. The

pupils responded properly. His skin, while still warm, was cooler

than before; his pulse and breathing were almost normal.

Unfortunately, Elrond's was not. The elf lord's breathing was

suddenly ragged and a fine sheen of perspiration covered his face,

which had lost all color.

"Elladan!" Elrohir alerted his twin, who was closer to their father.

In one glance, the elder twin took in the sudden change in his

father and moved to his side. His mouth near Elrond's ear, he spoke

softly, "Ada, all is well. Return to us."

Seeing no change, Elladan placed one hand around his father's waist

and the other under his elbow and spoke with an air of

authority. "Ada, Elrond, return!"

Elrond's eyes flew wide, then rolled back into his head and with a

great gasp, he fell into Elladan's arms.

~*~PART 2

The night was a long one for the twins. After Elrond's collapse,

they moved him to the room next to Estel's, where Legolas normally

stayed when he visited. Elrohir returned to Estel's side, leaving

his twin to care for their father. Elladan and Elrohir quickly felt

their father's absence as responsibilities of diagnosing and

treatment that were normally their father's shifted to them. They

had been well trained by the elf lord, but caring for father and

brother separately wearied them more than they liked to admit.

In addition to scratches and bruises, Ro found that Estel had a

broken rib, a dislocated shoulder and a sprained wrist, minor

injuries for the human. Since he had not developed a cough, which

would have indicated a disease of the lungs, and as there was no

sign of a head injury, Ro concluded a poison must be affecting his

brother. A thorough exam found no indication of even a small

puncture wound, so the poison was likely ingested. Following a

hasty consultation with Elladan, Ro mixed a potion that would cover

the widest range of poisons. After pausing a moment to ask the aid

of the Valar, Ro eased into the bed and pulled his still unconscious

sibling to his chest. He tilted the human's head back slightly,

placed a mug against his lips and poured a small amount of the

potion into his mouth, watching carefully to see his brother did not

choke. The human swallowed reflexively and Ro released a sigh of

relief. He fought the impulse to rush the process, knowing if his

brother lost the contents of his stomach, valuable time would be

lost while more potion was made and administered. Had his brother

been nearer help when he became ill emptying his stomach of an

ingested poison would have been a proper course of action, but by

now it was doubtful that would do him any good. When the mug was

emptied, Ro sagged with relief and decided to remain where he was.

He hoped the human would draw comfort from his presence and he would

be better able to monitor him. Having made the decision, he looked

anxiously toward the room that held his father. Not knowing about

his father was almost unbearable. He fervently hoped that knowing

was not worse!

~*~

Elladan had no idea what had caused the elf lord's collapse. He sat

in a chair by his father's bedside with his head in his hands,

having done all he knew to do. The elder elf had not shown any

signs of improvement, but his conditions had not worsened. His

father had been in excellent health and this should not have

happened. For a time Elladan considered the possibility that his

human brother's affliction was contagious, but aside from the fact

that neither of the twins felt ill, elves simply did not become sick

as men did. Ro's final diagnosis regarding their brother confirmed

the futility of Dan's train of thought. Poison could not be

transmitted through the touch of minds. There were no symptoms. No

fever, no sign of injury. After his hand had fallen from Estel's

forehead, the healer's breathing had returned to normal. His pulse

was strong and regular, his eyes responded as they should to light.

Other than being unconscious and his eyes being closed, he appeared

to be fine. Sitting thus, only listening to his father breathe,

Elladan could almost pretend he was simply sleeping. Hours had

past. Morning had turned to afternoon, afternoon to evening and

evening to night. Now, with dawn approaching, feelings of fear and

uselessness threatened to overwhelm him. Needing to move before he

exploded, Elladan jumped to his feet with a dwarvish curse,

accidentally tipping his chair. Before the curse had fully left his

lips, the chair struck the floor.

"Ion nin?" The voice from the bed was weak but steady. As Elladan

whirled around to the bed, Elrohir rushed into the room, already

speaking.

"Brother, what is it? I heard something fall. Is he-?"

Ro fell silent in obedience to Elladan's raised hand and followed

his brother's gaze to the bed. Their father's eyes were open. Two

voices spoke as one. "Ada?"

~*~

"My sons . . . what has happened? . . . Estel!" Elrond struggled to

sit up in bed, but Elladan's hands were on his shoulders, forcing

him back against the pillows.

"Relax, Ada. Ro has been taking care of Estel."

Elrond looked anxiously to the younger twin, who had seated himself

on the edge of the bed, one hand on his father's chest. Elrohir

hastened to ease his weary father's mind. "He is improved. We

believe he ingested some poison. I've been treating him with a wide-

range tonic and although he has not yet awakened, he is responding

well to it. His fever is dropping, his lungs are clear; his pulse

is strong and steady. He has a sprained wrist and a broken rib;

both have been bandaged. His shoulder was dislocated, but has been

reset. What about you? How do you feel?"

Elrond's features changed from relief to confusion. He finally took

in his surroundings. "I… Why am I in Legolas' bed?"

"You collapsed, Ada, you have been unconscious for several hours."

Elladan saw no reason to tell his father exactly how long and

frightening a time it had been just yet.

"What happened that such a thing would occur?"

"We don't know, Ada. You…lost yourself in contact with Estel. I

had to call you back from it. Did you sense something from Estel

that overwhelmed you? Perhaps a danger to him that Ro has not yet

discovered?"

The elf lord's brow furrowed with concentration. "I cannot recall

it. I must check him again to be sure." Again, Elrond made to move

from the bed.

Pushing his father back to his pillow, Elladan's voice was

firm. "No, you will not. We still do not know what caused this and

I will not risk you again so soon. If you feel he needs the mind

touch again, then I will do it. If the same thing happens to me

then perhaps you will find the cause where we could not."

As Elrond weighed the risks to his eldest and youngest, his middle

son placed a kiss to his forehead, exchanged a nod with Elladan and

slipped from the room. Even if Estel was improved he did not want

to leave him alone for long.

~*~PART 3

Warmth, blessed warmth. The crackling of a fire. The familiar

smell of athelas. His body sank deeply into cushions and above him

was soft covering. Snug. He felt snug. The human felt his body

fully relax and a sigh of bliss escaped him. The sigh brought

immediate response, the creak of a chair alerting him that he was

not alone. A hand lightly touched his, hesitant, almost as though

it's owner feared the touch would break the moment. The human

realized that he was near absolute and perfect contentment, but the

annoying part of his mind that housed his curiosity demanded to be

heard. Sometimes he wished to be rid of this particular trait, but

he knew the wish was in vain. This need to know was too much a part

of him. Another sigh, more resigned than blissful, escaped him and

his eyelids fluttered as he tried to force them open.

"Estel?" The voice was so soft it might have been imagined, but the

human recognized it's owner.

Still unable to force his eyes open, he contented himself with a

small smile and a mumbled "Ro?"

"Welcome back, little brother." Estel heard the elf kneel by the

bedside. His hand was firmly clasped now and raised to allow his

fingers to touch his brother's cheek. As his mind cleared, Estel

realized the cheek was damp. His heart tightened in fear and gave

him the strength to open his eyes. His brother's face was near.

The few tears on the elven face ended in the corners of the dark

haired beings smile.

"What has happened? Is everyone okay?" The faintness of his voice

surprised the human. He sounded ill, but he didn't remember being

sick, only cold. So cold he felt he might never truly be warm

again. Just the memory of it caused him to shiver.

The shiver did not escape the watchful eyes of his elven brother.

His hands released Estel's, easing it under the covers and tucking

the quilts in tight around him. That accomplished, he placed the

back of his hand on the human's forehead to feel for fever and

inquired "Are you cold? Is there pain?"

As the young man paused to consider this, a similar voice came from

the doorway in a whisper. "Ro? I thought I heard voices."

"He's awake. Stoke the fire, please? He's shivering."

Elladan moved swiftly across the room, his eyes fixed on his

brothers, not the fireplace.

From the bed, his brother released a familiar sigh – one of

exasperation. "It was one shiver. I'm not really cold. It was

more the memory of a chill than a real chill." Hearing himself,

Estel stopped speaking. His voice was stronger but what he'd said

sounded mixed-up even to him. He feared if he said any more they

would be forcing some vile-tasting medicine down him when all he

needed was more rest. He risked a glance at Ro and was relieved to

see him shaking his head in the time-honored tradition of big

brothers. His look said, "I remember when I've sounded just like

this. And, by the way, I love you."

Estel grinned and both twins relaxed. "Now, how about freeing me

from this cocoon?"

With a twin on each side of the bed, the quilts were soon loosened

and the young man's arms were again on top of the covers. The human

accepted an offer of water from Elladan, drank and returned the cup

to his brother. Lying back again, he smiled and teased, "After

all, how bad could it be if Ada isn't hovering?"

Ro threw Elladan a questioning look. Elladan's response was too

soft for human ears, but his twin nodded slightly to show he'd

understood that their father was sleeping. Estel was tiring and

missed the exchange.

"Don't worry, little brother, we'll let Ada know how ungrateful

you've been and he'll speak to you about it soon!"

No longer able to keep his eyes open, Estel smiled and went to

sleep.

~*~PART 4

The elf lord was not happy with his two oldest sons. His voice was

low, so as not to awaken his youngest, but his fury was not so

restrained. Only centuries of lectures and the absolute faith in

their father's love for them kept the twins from backing away from

him.

"*How dare you?* How *dare* you drug me? Had I been the only one…

ill…it might have been acceptable, but to do so when your brother is

sick with something not yet diagnosed…." Here his voice dropped

dangerously low and Elrohir repressed a shudder. "How. Dare. You?"

The Lord of Rivendell spun and walked away in an obvious attempt at

control. His hands were clasped so tightly behind him that his ring

bit into his skin. The twins had endangered their brother with ill-

conceived pranks in the past, but they had quickly learned that he

paid for their bad judgment. It had been a long time since Elrond

had seriously questioned their actions like this. Wisely, the twins

remained silent and frozen in place, not even risking a look at each

other.

Again the elf lord spun, this time advancing on his sons, eyes

blazing. "What were you thinking? What if he'd worsened? What if -

"

Elrond got no further. Ro heard his brother's intake of breath and

rushed to interrupt before his brother and father both lost

control. Elladan loved his family fiercely, but he was cursed with

a quick temper.

"Ada, please!" Ro's pleading voice was pitched to be heard, but

hopefully not loud enough to reach his sleeping brother's ears. "We

were afraid! Try and understand. We thought we were losing you

both!" Tears came to Ro's eyes, but did not overflow. "You were

unconscious for over a day and we were as unable to diagnose you as

we were Estel! With you, we were at more of a loss. At least we

were able to determine his was some type of poison and give him a

tonic. For you we could do nothing. Nothing! For all we know, you

might drop again while we have this conversation!" Ro's voice

broke. He really hadn't considered the possibility until he'd said

it. What if his father passed out again while Ro was arguing with

him? Distraught, the twin turned and walked to the balcony to hide

the tears that were now flowing freely.

Elrond closed his eyes and tilted his head back, his shoulders

drooped. A lone tear slid down his cheek.

Elladan's anger evaporated and he moved forward to pull his father

into his embrace. The elf lord allowed his head to rest on his

eldest's shoulder for a few seconds while he gathered himself, then

stepped away. Squeezing Elladan's arm to reassure him, Elrond moved

to stand a step behind his middle son. He took a moment to watch

Elrohir before he spoke, thinking that of all his children, Elrohir

was the most gentle in spirit. Even had the elf lord been

unquestionably well, this was the child that would punish himself

most over this outburst. Again he closed his eyes in shame. How

could he have spoken to them thus? How could he have forgotten the

time and energy these two had expanded caring for him and Estel? He

had not even asked them when they had last slept.

Elladan stood a few paces behind his twin and their father, burning

with his own shame. Ro was tender-hearted and Elladan knew full

well that he would never have spoken to their father in the way he

had if he had not been in fear of what Elladan might say or do. He

ached for the opportunity to acknowledge what his brother had done

for him. But he knew he must wait and so he stood silently,

offering a prayer to the Valar.

Drawing a steadying breath, Elrond reached out to put a hand on

Elrohir's shoulder, but hesitated and allowed it to drop to his

side. "Ion nin?"

Elrohir had been so absorbed by his emotions that he had been

unaware of his father's presence. He was at a loss, unused to

speaking to his father like he had, unused to any awkwardness

between them. He didn't want his father to worry about him. He

wanted him to take care of himself, not Elrohir. He wanted him to

be well! He had spoken the truth earlier. He was afraid. What if

his father had another attack? They weren't any closer to finding

the cause than when it had first happened. His father should not be

thinking of him, he should be looking inside himself to see what had

happened to him. Panic rose, he tried to force it back, but barely

succeeded in finding his voice. "I should be with Estel in case he

awakes." Brushing past his stunned parent, Elrohir made for the

door only pausing only long enough to whisper, "Forgive me", before

fleeing to his younger brother's room.

~*~

"He will be well, Ada. Please don't worry."

"You should go to him, ion nin."

"Not yet. He needs time. Taking care of Estel will be good for

him. What of you? Are you well?"

"As well as one can be who has just injured a child…no…two

children. I am sorry, Elladan. I should not have spoken to you as

I did."

"It is well, Ada. You are just worried about Estel. Elrohir and I

understand that. It is just …well, I guess we've switched places.

We are usually the patients and you are healing us. We are

unaccustomed to you being the one unconscious. Honestly, Ada, how

do you stand it?"

This brought a chuckle from Elrond and he let go of some of his

tension. He placed an arm around Elladan's shoulder and guided him

toward the kitchen. "Let us see if we can arrange for Elrohir's

favorites to be on tonight's menu, then we shall review what

happened the night your brother was carried home."

Elladan smiled and nodded.

~*~PART 5

He could hear a sound in his room, but it wasn't his family speaking

to him or Legolas singing. He really needed to wake up. He

shouldn't waste his time sleeping like this. He should be hunting

with his brothers or visiting the Prince of Mirkwood. Estel slowly

opened his eyes and tried to locate the sound that had awakened

him. Ah, it was coming from his balcony. Turning his head slowly,

he squinted against the light until his eyes became accustomed to

it.

When he was finally able to see the source of the sound, his mouth

fell open in shock. One of his brothers was kneeling on the

balcony, hands on his knees and his shoulders shaking. The sounds

that had called him from sleep were his brother's sobs.

"Gwador?" //Brother?//

The sobbing stopped abruptly. The elf froze. Obviously, he had not

meant for his younger brother to hear him. When there was no answer

to his query, Estel threw the covers back and gathered his strength

to make his way across the room. One of his brothers was hurting

and there was no way he was staying in bed!

"Don't." The voice was soft, almost too soft for a human to hear,

but Estel had spent his life in Rivendell and was more attentive

than most humans. At least now he knew which brother it was.

"Ro? Don't what?"

"Don't get up. I could not bear to have you fall."

"Are father and Elladan well?" A nod from the elf was his only

answer.

Estel carefully pushed himself upright in the bed and leaned against

the headboard. He hurriedly did a review of his condition. His

side was sore, but well bandaged, the same with his left wrist. He

couldn't remember eating since … since he met with Mithrandir on the

road and shared a meal with the wizard. He was weak.

"You think I am just going to lay here while you are over there in

pain? You do know better." Then, softer, "Tell me."

The elf leaned back against the doorway, calmer, but with his back

still to the room. He wiped the tears from his face. "Perhaps

later."

"Let me help you, gwador nin" //my brother//

"I …cannot."

"Then come sit with me."

Slowly, the elf stood to his feet, wiped his face again and entered

the room with his head hung low. His long dark hair partially

covered his face.

The human scooted closer to the right side of his bed and nodded to

the vacant spot on pillow to his left. The elf halted and shook his

head.

"Please, Ro. Just sit by me. We need not talk unless you want to."

The elf took a deep breath and moved to the bed. Mindful of his

brother's injuries, he seated himself slightly higher in the bed

than it's present occupant, so he could place his arm around the

human and draw the young man's head to his shoulder. With some

measure of peace, he let his head rest on his younger brother's.

Estel pulled the covers over them both and relaxed into his

brother's embrace. Estel had learned patience as well as some

healing skills from his adopted father. As long as his brother was

within his reach, he could wait.

That was how Elladan found them sometime later. Ro's eyes were

glazed over in sleep, but when Elladan's eyes met Estel's, the man's

were searching and full of concern. Dan smiled sadly and

mouthed, "Later." before silently leaving the room and seeking his

own bed.

~*~PART 6

Awareness slowly returned, but as with any warrior, he gave no

indication he was awake. He could not recall where he was and the

information from his body only confused him more. He was evidently

in a bed, but judging by the sounds from the balcony, it was not his

own, for his balcony was not located to his left. More disturbing

was the fact that he held someone in his arms. His head rested on

that someone's and that person had an arm about his waist. It was

not Elladan; he would have sensed that. Valar, what have I done?

With the unbidden thought and against his best intentions, his body

tensed. Now the head beneath his lifted it's face to his.

Elrohir's heart moved to his throat and he opened his eyes.

"Estel!"

"Easy, brother, no need to yell." Understanding came to the human's

eyes as his brother's face turned red and Estel's grin turned into a

chuckle.

As the elf opened his mouth to respond, the door burst open and

their father entered, followed closely by their brother. Judging

from the latter's appearance; he had been sleeping as well. Both

had an air of panic about them that quickly changed to confusion

when they saw the youngest of the household grinning and noted the

mischievous glint in his eye.

Normally, Elrond would have chastised his son for frightening them

as he had by shouting Estel's name, but the recent misunderstanding

between them still weighed on the elf lord's heart. As for Elladan,

he had not had time alone with his brother to apologize for his part

in the episode and it took real effort to meet his twin's eyes.

As the silence lengthened, Estel realized that whatever had upset

Elrohir involved both their father and brother. Immediately

following that realization was one even more shocking. As far as he

knew, this was the first time his father had been to see him since

he had returned home. The two elves at the door watched the human's

grin vanish and determination replace the mischief in his eyes.

Pushing himself away from Elrohir, Estel moved so he could see all

three elves and demanded in a tone normally heard from the elf

lord, "Tell me". As one, the three other occupants of the room

sighed.

Elrond moved to the foot of his son's bed and smiled. "There will

be plenty of time for talk later. Are you not hungry? I believe

there is broth ready for you in the kitchen."

Before his father had finished speaking, Elladan had turned and

started toward the stairs, grasping at his chance to escape this

encounter. He would go after the broth and perhaps the worst would

be over before he returned. But no…it would not be that way.

"Elladan! Come back here." Silence as the speaker waited for

Elladan's return. Elladan simply stopped and held his breath,

wincing as the speaker continued. "Now!" The elf re-entered the

room, his expression a mixture of sheepishness and dread.

"Yes, Estel?"

"I would love some broth, as soon as the *three* of you tell me what

is wrong. This is the third time I have heard `later'. It is now

later. Tell me." Concern for his loved ones renewed his strength,

at least for a time.

Again, a united sigh from the elves.

Estel smiled at the three reassuringly. "I am not so ill that you

need keep secrets from me. Please, I will only waste my strength

with worry and imaginings. Is it not better I know the truth? I

might be able to help."

Elrohir moved from the bed, his eyes on the balcony. His `little'

brother's hand suddenly grasped his arm. Gray eyes met brown. The

gray eyes were fearful and questioning. Elrohir changed his

destination from the balcony and seated himself on the bed. As the

hand released his arm, he reached to clasp it with one of his own,

bringing them to rest on his brother's chest. With his other, hand

he brushed the hair from his Estel's face.

"We are behaving badly, little brother, worrying you like this. Let

Dan fetch your broth and we will talk while you eat. I promise."

~*~

While Estel consumed his broth and lembas, the elves shared the

telling of the story beginning when he stumbled into Rivendell. The

only time the human had interrupted was when his father's collapse

was first mentioned. He was quickly calmed by the elf lord and the

story continued until they reached the time when those unfortunate

words had been spoken and the elves become uncomfortable in each

other's presence. None took up the story at that point and an

uneasy silence fell.

The food had been refreshing, but the actual act of eating and

hearing the tale of the past days all but drained the young man.

His mind flew through what he had heard and seen: his staggering

into the elven realm; Elrond's collapse; still not knowing the cause

of it; the way the three avoided eye contact with each other;

questions arose that he had not have the strength to ask. What to

do now? What was most important? Finally, only moments after the

elves ceased speaking, Estel made his decision.

"You have given me much to consider, but it has wearied me. I think

I will rest now. May Ro stay? Do you mind, gwador?"

Elrohir didn't hesitate. "Of course not, tithen gwador //little

brother//. I'll stay as long as you like."

Elladan's heart sank. He would never begrudge his youngest brother

anything, but this meant it would be that much longer before he

could speak with his twin. He needed to make amends with Ro and he

knew their father felt the same way. His face did not betray his

feelings however as he leaned forward to kiss the human's brow

before leaving to wait for his father outside the door.

Elrond placed a hand on Estel's forehead, checking for fever and

trying to get a sense of how his son truly fared. It was not like

the human to admit to being weary or to ask for someone to stay with

him. Trying to keep the touch brief, he sought his son's spirit,

but found nothing. Realizing that the twins would soon become aware

of what he was doing and not wanting to upset them further, Elrond

drew back his hand, smiled and kissed his youngest's head. The elf

lord scolded himself for worrying. Elrohir would be here and had

taken excellent care of Estel thus far. On impulse, the father

bestowed a quick kiss on his middle son's head and quickly left the

room.

When Elrohir moved away, Estel was ready. Right hand gripping his

brother's arm he pulled him back toward the bed and whispered "Not

this time." Ro could no longer suppress his tears. Estel placed

his left arm around his brother's neck and pulled the elf's face to

his shoulder, holding him as he wept. In the hallway, an elf lord

and his eldest son heard and thanked the Valar once again for

bringing estel to their family. Elrond pulled Elladan into an

embrace before leading him noiselessly down the stairs.

~*~

After his tears were spent, Elrohir had given in to Estel's

insistence that sharing his burden would make it easier to bear.

Just hearing it spoken aloud had made the problem seem smaller. It

was obvious his father and Elladan were as upset over the situation

as he was. They just needed to talk. Estel called his father and

Elladan back into his room.

"Ro and I have been talking about a conversation the three of you

had earlier. I am not sure I am the best person for him to speak to

about this. Ada?"

The elf lord moved to the foot of the human's bed and eased down by

the younger twin. "I am grateful your brother was able to confide

in you, Estel. I regret it was necessary. Elrohir, I should not

have said what I did to you and Elladan. You had been up day and

night caring for Estel and for me. You most likely had little food

or sleep during that time. In retrospect, I believe not being able

to recall what had happened and not knowing the cause unsettled me

more than I realized. Please forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive, Ada. We thought we were losing you

and when you stayed with us, I chastised you. I am ashamed for the

way I spoke to you."

"There is nothing to be ashamed of, Elrohir. It is not your way."

Elladan stood beside their father. "No, it is *my* way. You would

not have spoken to Ada that way if you had not known I was preparing

to do worse. In trying to spare Ada's feelings, you caused yourself

pain. It should not be your burden, gwador. As always, it is my

temper that hurts us all. I am sorry."

The human decided it was time to change the atmosphere. "Well, that

settles it. You certainly are a sorry group of elves." The man's

grin was daring. With the melancholy broken apologies, sheepish

looks and hugs were exchanged while Estel looked on proudly.

Finally, one problem eliminated. While not dangerous, this

particular issue had been emotionally draining on all involved.

They would deal with the remainder after a good night's sleep.

A/N In response to reviews, I added some dialog to the scene

above. I hope it helps!

~*~PART 7

"Go away!" Elrohir felt as though his head had just touched his

pillow.

"I cannot, gwador", Elladan hissed. "One of the guards has been

injured. Do you want me to wake Ada instead?"

That brought Elrohir to his feet. By the time Elladan reached the

bottom step, Ro had started his descent. He all but flew down the

stairs, turned to enter the Healing Rooms, and collided with a

familiar back. "Elladan…" he began and stepped around his brother

to enter the room. When his brother no longer obstructed his view,

Ro saw what had brought Elladan to halt. Their father, robbed and

with every hair in place, was calmly dropping leaves into a bowl of

steaming water.

"Ada, what are you doing here?"

If the guard's injuries had not looked serious, Elrond would have

enjoyed this moment. Identical faces stared at him from across the

room, both of his sons were still as statues. Evidently, surprise

had stolen their ability to move. Elrohir, at least, had managed to

close his mouth. "I am caring for one who is injured, Elrohir.

Perhaps the two of you would like to aid me?"

"Of course, Ada." The two spoke as one and approached the bed,

immediately recognizing the patient. Nimar was younger than the

twins. They remembered how high he held his head when he went on

his first patrol. Now he lay before them, pale and with eyes

closed. His hair was matted with blood and a bone protruded from

one leg. Elrohir picked up a knife from the small table near the

bed. There were several such tables around the room, instruments

always prepared and carefully placed so the healers could select the

right one without needing to take their eyes off their patients. As

his father and brother examined the head wound, Elrohir carefully

cut away the elf's outer pants and leggings so he could access the

broken leg.

Sensing someone behind him, Ro threw a glance over his shoulder. An

elf even younger than their patient stood behind him. Ro spoke

softly to the distraught young guard. "Are you injured, Tilmor?"

"Scratches only. Will he be…alright?"

Elrohir examined their patient with his eyes. He wasn't sure how

much blood Nimar had loss or how severe his head injury was, so he

settled for a non-committal answer. "He is strong."

The guard's voice dropped to a whisper. "The branch just..fell."

Ro would have liked to stop this conversation so he could listen to

the exchange between his twin and their father, but he knew Tilmor

needed a different kind of help than they were giving his friend.

To speak with him would not hinder the work he was doing on Nimar's

leg, so he queried "Branch?"

"Yes, a large tree branch just fell, it caught his leg and caused

him to fall heavily. His head impacted against a boulder."

During their talk, Elrohir had finished cleaning the wound and now

needed to set the leg. Seeing his father and brother were not yet

free to help him, he decided it might do Tilmor some good to help.

It was basic healing and it was likely Tilmor had assisted in the

procedure before. Tilmor was anxious to help, and they made quick

work of it. By the time they'd finished however, Tilmor was looking

slightly unwell. Letting his father and brother know what he was

doing, Ro walked the young guard to the front door for fresh air,

encouraging him to go home to rest and return in the morning or to

at least rest at the House of Elrond. Stepping outside and taking a

deep breath, Tilmor turned to Ro and forced a smile. "I know he is

in good hands. I will go home in case my family has heard and is

worried. I will return in a few hours."

"May sleep find you quickly."

"Thank you."

Elrohir watched the elf for a few moments then stepped back over the

threshold…and saw Estel sitting before him on a lower step. Ro

closed the door and crossed to the stairs, seating himself by his

human brother. "Estel? Are you well?"

"Yes, I heard something going on and came to help. By the time I

dressed and made it to the bottom of the stairs, you seemed to have

it well in hand, so I was just waiting. Will Nimar be alright?"

Elrohir studied his brother, knowing that his brother still weakened

easily after his poisoning. At least he had the sense to stop and

recover his strength instead of continuing to the Healing Rooms.

The young man was growing up, just as Ada said. Ro leaned his arms

on his knees and clasped his hands together as he answered Estel's

question. "Tilmor and I set his leg, it will heal, but his head

injury…I cannot say. Even if he lives…" Ro let the thought hang.

Estel had studied healing with Elrond long enough to know the

dangers of impairment following a head injury. They were rare in

elves, but not unheard of.

"Is Ada well enough to care for him?"

"Elladan is with him, but if one of them attempts to reach his

spirit, I should probably be there." Ro hesitated, he wasn't sure

he wanted to encourage Estel to join them but he hated to leave him

out here alone.

"I will come with you. I promise to stay out of the way."

"You would not be in the way, little brother", replied Elrohir as

they rose, "it's just…"

"You worry I will overdo. I will not, because if one of you has to

care for me, that will take assistance away from Nimar."

Ro nodded and smiled. He and his brother were just about to enter

the room when their father's stunned voice froze them in

place. "But how can that be? I saw nothing, felt nothing from him…

Oh, Valar, Elladan…The touch of minds with Estel before my

collapse. It must have somehow taken…burned out…my ability to heal

through touch. It is gone… What will I do?"

Ro turned a shocked face to his younger brother. All color had left

the young man's face, he would not meet Ro's eyes. The twin was

torn between his brother and their father. Estel, sliding to the

floor, his back to the wall, whispered. "Go." Still Ro wavered,

until his twin, unaware of Estel's presence, called to him.

"Ro! We need you."

In the Healing Room, Elrohir found his father on his knees beside

their patient's bed, showing signs of shock. He lifted fearful eyes

from his father to his twin.

"Move Adar to a bed, then I need you to help me with Nimar. We must

move quickly or lose him."

Elrohir lifted and supported his father, settling him in the next

bed. "We can't just leave Ada alone, Dan. Not now."

"He feels badly enough, Ro. Think how Ada will feel if Nimar dies

because you were holding his hand."

"Dan…"

"Enough." Estel interrupted from the doorway. "I will watch Ada."

The twins watched as Estel moved unsteadily across the room. There

was a sharp intake of breath from Elladan as he realized all his

youngest brother must have heard.

"Estel," Elladan began.

The human continued speaking as though his brother had never uttered

his name, "It is the least I can do." He removed the blanket from

an empty bed and covered his father with it, sat on the empty bed

and watched the elf lord intently, careful never to touch him.

The twins noticed and exchanged a glance before focusing all their

attention on their patient.

~*~

Somewhere during the night, the elf lord had roused himself from his

stupor and pulled himself together enough to sit up in bed and

motion Estel to his side. They offered the twins silent support and

sent prayers to the Valar while seated side-by-side, Elrond's arm

around his son's shoulders. Hours of combined effort from the twins

had not saved Nimar. The twins were exhausted from their labors and

Elrond insisted they go to their rooms to sleep. Elrohir protested,

wanting to tell Tilmor himself instead of sending a messenger, but

Elrond had been adamant, insisting that waking Tilmor would not

benefit the young guard. Ro relented when the elf lord promised to

wake him early so he could go.

Elrond's intentions had been good, but Tilmor came at daybreak to

check on his friend. Estel, having given up on sleep, was

downstairs and opened the door himself. When Elrond stepped into

the hallway, his youngest had already broken the news and was

holding a sobbing Tilmor in his arms, whispering words of comfort.

The elf lord, feeling at a loss for words himself since he had been

unable to do anything for Tilmor's friend, retreated into his room

and allowed Estel to deal with their guest. By the time the

remainder of the household was awake, Estel had helped Tilmor

compose a letter to Nimar's brother who was visiting family in

Lothlorien and arranged for a servant to escort Tilmor home. After

Tilmor's departure, Estel penned a note of sympathy from the House

of Elrond and dispatched a messenger to Lothlorien with both pieces

of correspondence. He remained in his father's study with his head

down on the desk dozing until he heard his family coming down the

stairs. Straightening his clothes and brushing his hair out of his

eyes, he went to join them for a late breakfast.

~*~

As Estel approached the dining room, he could hear his father and

brothers settling in. He pulled his shoulders back and rotated

them, and trying not to show how tired he was, the stepped into the

room.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Estel." It did not look as though Elladan had slept

much either, even though he must have been exhausted.

Elrohir favored his human brother with a slight nod. "Estel."

"How did you sleep, ion nin?"

"Well enough. Tilmor was here earlier. We spoke for awhile." No

point in avoiding it. Estel learned at an early age that his elven

father had a way of knowing everything.

Elrohir tensed. "I had hoped to speak with him."

Estel placed a hand on his brother's. " I explained we just wanted

him to sleep if he could. He understood." Estel hesitated

briefly. "Are you upset that I did not wake you, Ro?"

Ro's smile was sad. "No, I am not upset with you, Estel. It is

just a duty that I would have taken upon myself."

For a time the only sound was of utensils against bowls and plates.

After forcing down a few bites, Estel simply moved his food around,

hoping no one would notice. Even if they did, he doubted they would

comment on it today. His father and brothers were eating sparingly

as well. The silence was becoming stifling.

"Ada."

"Estel."

Both smiled briefly, having spoken at the same moment. The twins

gave up any pretense of eating and watched quietly. Concern for

their father and brother was palpable as they looked from one to the

other.

"Go ahead, Estel."

Estel studied his food. "It was nothing… I mean it was not

important. What were you going to say, Ada?"

The elf lord's gaze traveled over each of his sons. All appeared

strained, all had abandoned their food. The human was putting up a

good front, but he was still recovering his strength and should not

be at the table after his loss of sleep and time with Tilmor. He

forced a smile as three pairs of eyes locked on him.

"Let us move to my study. Estel may rest upon the couch while we

talk."

Estel opened his mouth to declare that he needed no rest, but

thought better of it as Elrond's eyebrow moved upward, daring him to

argue. The twins nodded agreement and the four moved to the elf

lord's study.

Estel grinned sheepishly at his family as he settled on the couch.

Elrond took a coverlet from the back of the couch and spread it over

his youngest. He started to brush Estel's hair back from his face,

but the human's head jerked away from his father. Elrond sank to

the edge of the couch by Estel, stunned.

"Ion nin?"

Estel dropped his gaze and refused to answer. Elladan seated

himself on the arm of the couch at Estel's head. "He was outside

the Healing Room when we were treating Nimar last night."

Elrond closed his eyes as he searched his memory. He had been

caught off guard when he realized he could not sense Nimar's spirit

while Elladan could. What had he said?

When their father remained silent, Ro picked up his twin's story

from the other arm of the couch. "I had helped you into an empty

bed, but Dan needed my assistance. Estel came in to sit with you.

He covered you and watched you from the next bed over but he avoided

touching you."

"Oh, ion nin. Your touch will not harm me. Did you not sit by me

when I called you to me last night? Did I not hold you near while

your brother's cared for Nimar? I drew comfort from your presence,

Estel. You are not a danger to me."

"How can you be sure? I should not have risked being so close to

you last night, but…"

"But?" Elrond was nothing if not patient.

"I was so…relieved…that you weren't upset with me I was unable to

refuse."

"Estel, why would I be upset with you?"

"You said…I mean…it was because …" Estel took a deep breath, then

the words flowed from him like water from a broken dam. "You were

strickened with this *thing* when you touched my mind to cure me."

Elrond leaned forward, placing his fingers under the young man's

chin to raise his head, giving silent thanks when his son did not

pull back from his touch. "Look at me, ion nin." Elrond could see

the effort it took for his son to do as he instructed. "This was

not your fault. You would never harm one you love. Your brothers

and I know this. I am grateful that whatever has happened to me did

not impede my ability to treat you."</