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The Returned	By : Liliana Category: -Multi-Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 8591 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
Please note that the disclaimer and warnings for this story are given at the begining of the first chapter.
Author Notes:
Ertia: Oh, meldis! I did not mean to break your heart. Though I admit that myown cracked more than just a little, as I was writting that chapter!
Jayn: Legolas is almost there... :)
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CHAPTER 20:
The barest hint of Anor's impending rise had just begun to lighten the color of the sky, as Elrond and the twins stood on the cobbled paveway bisecting the main courtyard of the Last Homely House.
" May the blessings of Elbereth accompany you both, during your travels." Elrond said, first cupping Elladan's face, then Elrohir's, as he placed a tender kiss upon each brow.
No admonitions were made by the lord that his sons seek to avoid any encounters with the foul orcs, for they all knew that the twins rode out for exactly the opposite purpose. And no promises were made by the younger peredhil of a quick return, for they all knew that it could very well be centuries before the two again beheld their home.
Also not spoken, was the real reason behind Elladan and Elrohir's earlier-than-planned departure.
They had tried, truly tried, to come to terms with the profound shock of Erandir's transformation. But the horror and revulsion they had felt when they first saw their childhood friend from the window of their adar's study, would not be tempered, even by their heartfelt compassion. Plainly put, Erandir's appearance was an agonizing reminder of their naneth's tragic fate. And because of that, the twins could no longer find any measure of sanctuary within the borders of Imladris.
Elrond understood. For him, Erandir's presence was like a ceaseless scratching upon the thin scab covering his own heart's wound. Since Celebrian's departure for the Undying Lands, he had managed to go on by focusing only on the many happy memories of their life toguether. Those memories had always proven to be the needed balm that soothed him, when the longing for his beloved lady became too much to bear. But that was no longer so. No matter how hard he willed for it to be otherwise, the sight of Erandir invariably conjured for him the image of Celebrian, as she lay in their marital bed, battered and bruised almost beyond recognition.
Yet he did not wish Erandir gone. Like Celebrian, he had always felt a deep affection for Erestor's younger sibling, and he continued to do so. And in truth, Erandir's return had also brought joy to his heart, for it had been the catalyst that finally allowed Elrond's two closest friends to begin repairing the rift in their relantionship. Still, as he watched his sons mount up, he had an almost overwhelming urge to saddle his own horse and go with them. Perhaps because he yearned to learn for himself, whether their active pursuit of vengeance could banish the sharp pain that Erandir had, inadvertently, reawakened.
But he was the Lord of Imladris, and he would do no such thing. Instead, he stood silently as Elladan and Elrohir rode out of the courtyard, onto the long stone bridge and finally, out of sight...
~~~~~~~~~~
In another wing of the Last Homely House, two elves were experiencing a very different kind of farewell.
Since their picnic, three weeks past, Glorfindel and Erestor had been slowly, but steadily rediscovering one another. And the change in their relantionship had not gone unnoticed. Thus, when the subject came up during a lazy afternoon spent in jovial conversation, Taurnil, Erunis and young Nimarfan had decided that it was up to them to see to it that the Balrog Slayer and the Chief Advisor be provided with some much-needed time to themselves.
Upon obtaining Lord Elrond's approval, their plan was put into action. The previous eve, Erunis had cornered the two lords and informed them, in her own inimitable manner, that on the following morning they were to be at her kitchens, before daybreak. After their initial surprise, Glorfindel -speaking for himself and Erestor- had promised they would be there, proclaiming that he would just as soon face another Balrog, than risk the displeasure of the realm's formidable head cook. Erunis had let out a most indelicate snort at the warrior's extravagant wording, before taking her leave of them. Yet as she walked away her lips had curved into a winsome smile, for it had been good to hear the legendary lord engaging in playful banter, once again...
So it was that they came to be standing in the kitchens, both equally perplexed as they saw not only Erunis and Erandir seated around one of the large kitchen counters, but also Taurnil, Nimarfan and Melpomaen.
" My lords. You are leaving." Erunis announced prefunctorily, in lieu of a greeting.
Two pairs of eyes widened as they looked at the elleth, before glancing down at the countertop, where two panniers packed with soft pillows and blankets, fresh loaves of fragrant bread, a large wheel of cheese, four bottles of Miruvor and assorted other delicacies, had been set. Then, they looked back up at the elleth, who was regarding the two with an expression that brooked no argument. Yet argue, they did.
" Erandir..." Erestor began.
" Will be just fine without you for a few days, my lord." She interrupted, gazing fondly at the large figure making short work of her latest batch of blackberry tarts, albeit in a far less messy manner than previously. " Lest you've forgotten, I used to watch him on occassion, when he was an elfling. And I assure you, I am quite capable of doing so again." She finished.
As if on cue, Nimarfan then spoke up, his tone earnest.
" And you need not worry that Erandir will lack things to do while you are gone, my lords. Those of us on leave from border duty were planning to teach him some of our favorite games, like kick-ball."
" That should prove interesting." Glorfindel remarked, cocking an eyebrow at his youngest recruit. " You may certaintly do so. I am sure Erandir will find such exercise to be very enjoyable. And our warriors can only benefit by having their dodging skills put to the test." Those last words were said in a decidely droll tone of voice. Then, he continued. " But as for me, the defense of Imladris is an ongoing responsibility and therefore..."
This time it was Taurnil who interrupted.
" And therefore, my lord, it is most fortunate that you have such a highly competent second-in-command to oversee things during your short abscence."
Glorfindel's gaze shifted to the veteran warrior, who grinned impudently at him, as if daring his old friend and superior to contradict that statement. Knowing full well he had just been had, the Balrog Slayer shook his head and grinned back, conceding his defeat. At that point, Erestor rallied to voice his own work-related objection, only to be forestalled by a sleepy-looking Melpomaen.
" My Lord Erestor. I have been instructed to relay the following message on behalf of Lord Elrond." The mild-mannered assistant said, unfolding the piece of parchment that he had just retrieved from one of the hidden pockets in his robes. Clearing his throat, he began to read:
" Lord Glorfindel and Lord Erestor are hereby released from all duties and obligations for a duration consisting of the next five, consecutive days. They are to leave the grounds of the Last Homely House and are not to return before said time is up. Should they attempt to do so I, Elrond Peredhel, will personally see them imprisoned until the End of Days."
As he finished his appointed task, Melpomaen stiffled a yawn. Then, after neatly refolding the note, he came around the counter and executed a short bow, before exiting the kitchens while quietly grumbling about foolish plots and lost sleep.
He left behind two thoroughly stunned elves, three smirking conspirators, and one utterly oblivious quasi Uruk-Hai.
For a few moments, all that could be heard was the cheerful chirping of birds, greeting Anor's arrival from outside the windows. Then an equally melodious, though decidely sardonic female voice, spoke up.
" As I said... My lords. You are leaving."
TBC...
- 19
- 20
- 21
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The Returned