He was deeply touched when the first concern voiced by all was for the welfare of his sons. Many had not even known that the twin Lords had returned, much less of the fact that the youngest had been gravelly injured. Their second concern was for Imladris' chief advisor, of whose ' accident' all were aware about. Only after their Lord once again gave his reassurance that the two were in stable condition, did the gathered elves turn their full attention to the matter of this strange new being in their midst.
Like Glorfindel, Elrond did not divulge the location or precise circumstances of that first meeting with the Lady Ja-zel, not wanting to cause any further concern, while at the same time wanting to spare himself from going into the somewhat embarrasing details.
To his surprise, the elves before him only expressed their wish to meet with the ' Lady Lyon' so they could each thank her for coming to the aid of Imladris' heirs, whom all had known since their birth and whom all thought of as their twins. Once again, the Lord was deeply touched and assured them, with a pleased smile, that they would soon get a chance to do so. Then he dismissed them so they could go and brief their respective staffs.
After their departure, Elrond took a few moments to clear his thoughts in preparation for his next task. He went to stand by one of the balcony doors of his study, looking out onto the impressive view of the waterfalls as he let his eyes drift out of focus.
Contact was established far quicker than he had expected.
{ I have been awating you... }
Galadriel's voice sounded in his mind and Elrond could smell the distinctive scent of the Mellyrn trees that were the heart of the realm of the Lady of Light.
{ I would know how my grandson fares. } She continued, her concern flooding his senses { For Arwen was greatly distressed when she sensed the echo of his fall through their sibling's bond. As were Celeborn and I. }
{ He rests peacefully, Lady, and will fully recover from his wound. } Elrond answered. { Tell my daughter that though her presence is greatly missed by all in Imladris, there is no need to risk the dangers of a journey home. }
{ I am most relieved to hear that Elrohir recovers, and especially pleased to know there is no inmediate need for Arwen's return. For her time has not yet come to leave these woods. }
Elrond frowned slightly at that, before sending his thoughts out once again.
{ There are other news I must impart.. }
{ I know of what you would speak. } Galadriel's comanding, yet soft voice interjected. { For the mirror has shown me many things... The one who hails from the far-off lands of the Haradrim brings with her the winds of change. The future once again swirls with a myriad of possibilities, but this I can say with certainty: In her lies the power to alter destiny. }
The Lord's frown deepened at those cryptic words, concern assailing him.
{ Not all change portends of worse times to come, Elrond. }
He could feel her enigmatic smile as she sent the gentle rebuke.
{ Aye, Lady. Though I tend to forget that, based on my own past experiences. }
{ Do not let your heart be so troubled. For one last thing I have seen in the waters of the mirror. A gift will soon be offered to you. A gift meant to bring you simple comfort. Do not deny this gift, Earendilion. It is one my daughter wished for you to have. }
Elrond felt their connection fading as she sent those words. Until their very end was as an echo in the breeze.
And then, silence.
The Lord came back to himself in the Anor-bathed brightness of his study, as his eyes once more focused on the majestic view of the waterfalls. One last shiver, as his mind fully anchored to his body and then the Lord of Imladris was turning back towards his desk wondering, somewhat sourly, why his infrequent communications with the Lady of Light always seemed to leave him with far more questions than answers.
After spending the next few moments idly straightening his already meticulously organized desk, Elrond sighed and tried to prepare for his last task. Never had he thought that the simple prospect of going to his sons' chambers, would one day fill him with dread. Although he knew that Elrohir would still be in the craddle of healing sleep, Elladan would most certainly be awake and the Lord understood that no matter how glaring the light of unwanted knowledge, he could not let it blind him into confrontation. Not until Elrohir was hale again.
Keeping his thoughts solely focused on his youngest son's health, Elrond left his study for the twin's rooms.
Elladan was wolfing down the contents of a generous lunch tray when he heard the soft knocking at the door.
" Enter." He said, around a mouthful of buttered roll.
Elrond came in and could not help the smile that curved his lips at the sight of his eldest, with a napkin tucked around his neck in the barbaric fashion of men.
" Ada!." Elladan hastily wiped his mouth with one corner of said napkin.
" Continue eating, ion. It is good to see you enjoying a meal with such...enthusiasm."
Elladan's cheeks colored slightly at his Ada's wry comment, his mouth widening into a rueful grin as he gave a self-deprecating shrug.
" I did not realize how hungry I was, until faced with this delectable delivery." He laughed.
Elrond found his spirit lightening with the playful banter, relieved to find himself at ease with his son. Only to have it marred a moment later.
" Elladan..."
The soft voice inmediately drew them both towards the bed. Elladan sat beside his brother.
" Elladan..." The younger twin opened unfocused eyes. " I thought...you left...mele..."
" Shhh..." Elladan interrupted. " All is well, gwenneth. Ada is here to check on you...Ada is here."
Without his recent knowledge, Elrond would have never caught the note of warning in his eldest son's voice. Nor would he have caught the fear behind it. A painful knot formed in his throat as he was hit with the stark realization that his sons...his sons...lived in fear.
" Ada...?." Elrohir whispered.
" Aye, ion nin. I am here." Elrond managed to keep his tone even.
" Ada... I got hurt..."
" Yes, I know ion. But now you are getting better."
Elrond gently touched the beloved face, before deftly undoing the bandage to check on the wound.
" Better... You always make it...better... Ada." Elrohir said, with a dreamy smile.
The Lord found himself having to fight back tears as he finished his inspection and re-wrapped the wound.
" Go back to sleep, ion nin. You need to rest." He said gently, unable to keep the slight quiver from his voice.
As Elrohir once again succumbed to the healing sleep, Elrond and Elladan walked to the door. Elrond looked into the elder twin's worried eyes and forced himself to smile.
" Do not fret. The wound is healing well. I would offer to relieve your vigil for a spell, but I know you would only decline."
" Aye, I would." Elladan smiled back. " We will be fine until you come again."
As the Lord opened the door, Elladan impulsively hugged him.
" Thank you for making it all better, Ada."
Elrond, overcome, simply hugged him back tightly before hastily exiting the chamber.
TBC...