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All That is Gold	By : shandrial Category: +Third Age > General Views: 1115 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Any recognizable characters and places associated with the Lord of the Rings are creations of J.R.R. Tolkien and property of Tolkien Enterprises. No money is being made off of this story, it is for entertainment only.

Chapter List
- 1-The Third Arrow
- 2-Bitter Awakenings
- 1
- 2
Disclaimer: Any recognizable characters and places associated with
the Lord of the Rings are creations of J.R.R. Tolkien and property of Tolkien
Enterprises. No money is being made off of this story, it is for entertainment
only. I do however, own the characters of Celavial, Aranel, Haldan and some
Breelanders.

Rating: Pg 13 mostly, R in some places for violence, death, and
major angst

Genre: Hurt/Comfort : Angst : Action/Adventure

Characters: Elladan/Elrohir/Gilraen/OC. Later on Elrond/Arwen

Synopsis: Following the death of Arathorn, Master Elrond decides to bring
the little Aragorn� to Rivendell for his
own protection and sends a group to accomplish this task. But there is always a
cost to be paid when great deeds are to be done. Our adventurers come to find
their journey will not be as easy as they had hoped.

Dedications: Thank you to Hobbit-eyes for the idea behind this story! It
was a most superb suggestion and I had to act on it. So Hobbit-eyes...this
story is dedicated to you.

This
particular story is also very drama/angst filled as it progresses, so grab the
tissues. Lots of tissues.

Warnings: Character deaths, violence, adult situations, and the big one -
major angst.

All That is Gold

Chapter 1: The Third Arrow

�

I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived.

- Willa Cather

----------------------

Spring of the Year 2933 of the Third Age

Thud. The arrow took the orc in the throat and it fell to the ground with a
muffled gurgle.

"Not bad for an old man," teased the dark-haired elf.

"Old man indeed," replied the lone human.

The human huffed at the elf, slung the bow over his shoulder, and slipped off
his horse leaving the still smiling mounted elf behind. The human carefully
walked over to another dark-haired elf while scanning the ground. The signs
were clear to him, but habit made him ask.

"Mani naa ta, Elladan?"

Elladan, who was kneeling down, looked up in response to the human's question
and a smile spread across his face.

"Why do you still ask, ianter?"

Old one? The human rolled his eyes and sighed. Why did they always have
to get into these moods when he was traveling with them?

Elladan noticed the frown on his friend's face as he stood.

"I apologize Arathorn, if I have offended you, for you are still young for
one of your descent."

Arathorn was a bit shocked. It was rare indeed for either son of Elrond to
relent that easily.

"No, my friend, you have not. But him," he said with a twinkle in his
eyes and a slight nod towards the mounted Elrohir, "on the other
hand."

Elladan's eyes lit up as he caught on. He shook his head sadly.

"I know what you mean. He has been that way for years, ever since the
oliphant incident...I shall gladly help you redress your grievances."

"I heard that," the afore mention elf called dryly.

The two shared a devious smile until Arathorn turned series.

"These tracks suggest the orc was not alone. What could such a horde be up
to?"

Arathorn saw Elladan's eyes smolder at the question.

"Nothing good I can assure you. Whatever it is I suggest we inspect it a
little closer."

"Very well, my friend."

----------------------

The three companions followed the orc tracks and occasionally dismounted to
make sure of the trail.

The three stopped and Arathorn, being his turn, dismounted to inspect the
tracks. He bent down for a closer look and frowned. Two groups of orcs had
split off from the main band. He rose and walked back to his horse. The sons of
Elrond could easily see the signs off worry on the ranger's face.

"What is wrong?" asked Elrohir.

"Two smaller groups have split from the main one and have headed off in
opposite directions."

"I do not like the signs of that."

Elrohir looked at his brother and raised an eyebrow.

"A trap do you think?"

"Mayhap, but how would they know we are behind them?" answered the
other elf.

"Elladan is right. It is unlikely that they would know we are here. I
suggest we continue to follow the main group," the ranger suggested.

Elrohir still looked skeptical.

"I am not so sure, Arathorn, but if you wish to continue on I will, of
course, come with you."

Elladan, Elrohir, and Arathorn continued to follow the main group. They came up
to a narrow trail with a short drop off on one side and a rock outcropping on
the other. All three halted as a sense of uneasiness swept through them.

"The tracks continue across hear and they look fairly recent. They could
not be far ahead of us now," the ranger said not realizing he was almost
whispering.

"I do not like the looks of this place at all," whispered Elrohir.

"Me neither. Arathorn, Elrohir I think it is time to turn around,"
Elladan put in.

"I do not believe it. Even for the most obvious mishaps, I have never seen
either of you turn around, but I have full faith in the both of you. If the
sons of Elrond feel a foreboding, it is good enough for me."

Elladan was not paying any attention to Arathorn. He was staring intently
behind them.

"I believe it is too late for that."

At his brother's word Elrohir turned his head and listened in the direction
Elladan was staring.

"I believe you are right brother."

Arathorn could not yet hear anything, but he trusted in his elven companions'
senses enough to know that something or more precisely many somethings were
approaching.

"How many?" he asked quickly.

Elladan turned to him and smiled roguishly.

"You probably don't want to know. Across the pass!"

Elrohir, in the front, seemed to agree with taking the risk and wheeled his
horse around. He rode carefully over the loose rocks with Arathorn behind him
and Elladan in the rear.

Elrohir was just about to reach the end when he first heard the first crack.
With no room to turn around he pushed his horse to clear the ledge and turned
just as the rocks began to fall. Elrohir reached for Arathorn who was right
behind him. He managed to grab hold of the human's hand and held tight. Having
a hold of the ranger he glanced up and watched in horror as Elladan and his
horse, seemingly in slow motion, were swept over the side and disappeared.
Reassuring himself that everything would be all right somehow, Elrohir focused
on the task at hand. Arathorn's horse was loosing its footing. A large boulder
crashed down heading for Arathorn and Elrohir pulled on the ranger's arm with
all of his strength. He uprooted the ranger, but his horse was the quicker. The
horse saw the danger coming and reared high in the air to give the rock room to
pass without grazing it's rider. The sudden movement ripped Arathorn's hand out
of the elf's grasp and Elrohir was thrown backwards to go skidding in the dirt
while the uprooted Arathorn was carried over the side.

----------------------

Elladan felt a sharp pain in his side as he was struck by a rock and knocked
from his horse. Knowing his horse was probably right behind him Elladan tried
to roll clear of the animal as he fell and, somewhere in the back of his mind,
it registered that at least he wasn't crushed yet. More rocks assaulted him,
though, as he tumbled to the ground below to land hard stunned amongst the
pile. Elladan groaned as he hit the ground and instinctively brought his arms
up to cover his head as dirt, pebbles, and rocks fell around and on top of him.
It took Elladan's mind a moment to realize that he wasn't cart wheeling
downward anymore and he took a deep breath, which only sent him into a coughing
fit as he inhaled dust.

Arathorn desperately tried to grip Elrohir's hand back. He was taken off guard
when his hand was suddenly ripped away and he found himself without a horse
underneath him. He bounced and rolled down over the ledge and down to the
ground below. One battered ranger shook his head to clear it and shakily pushed
himself onto his knees. He looked up to where he had just been a second ago and
said a silent thanks to the Valar that he was caught just at the fringes of the
rock slide and not fully in it. He also told himself to thank Elrohir later for
keeping him from being swept away with the worst of it, although, it would seem
his poor horse wasn't as lucky. The poor beast lay broken and battered a few
feet from him, half buried under debris. His heart was grieved for the lose of
such a noble beast and he silently thanked the animal for it's loyal
companionship.

Arathorn
sucked in a breath as a fact struck him� Elladan had been behind him. He
frantically scanned the area with his eyes. His eyes spotted movement and he
heard a slight groan followed by violent coughing. Arathorn scrambled over the
rocks, not caring that they dug deep into his hands or knees, and came to a
halt next to Elladan who was unsteadily getting to his feet. He helped the
ashen, dusty elf up and supported him with a supportive arm around his waits.
Arathorn tried to scan the elf for injuries.

"Elladan, are you alright?"

Although Elladan couldn't stop coughing long enough to answer him, Arathorn was
somewhat relieved when the elf did give him a look that plainly said are you
daft? He smiled inwardly, couldn't be too bad then.

Their attention was diverted when they both looked up to see Elrohir half
running and half sliding down the side of the bank towards them and waving his
arms frantically in the air. Above Elladan's hacking they could hear him
yelling for them to stop gawking at him and move, because they were here. The
whom part was answered as an orc burst clear of the trees to come running
toward the stunned elf and ranger.

Arathorn
drew his sword to defend his still recovering friend, but the creature lurched
backwards as an arrow slammed into it's chest. Elrohir leapt the remaining
distance and landed lightly next to the ranger and his brother.

"As I was saying, we are about to be beset. Fly!"

Elrohir supported his brother while casting him a concerned look and Arathorn
took the lead. Arathorn could now here the sounds of the orcs coming towards
them and the three headed back the way Elrohir came.

"Elrohir, you can let go," Elladan rasped out through a dusty and dry
throat.

Elrohir smirked at his brother, but did not relinquish his hold.

One of the orcs appeared in front of them. He seemed more surprised to be this
close to his prey than they did. He brought a bow up to fire at the three.
Arathorn, never giving it a chance to fire, sprung at the creature and split
its bow in half with a mighty swing of his sword. After the bow splintered in
the orc�s grasp the ranger reversed his swing and sliced through the orc's
throat. He turned to face the twins behind him.

"Great, they have archers," he stated grimly.

"We have to get out of here before we get are encompassed," Elladan
said meekly.

Elrohir nodded in agreement and gave a shrill whistle. Elladan looked to his
brother.

"Your horse cannot carry us all, brother."

Elrohir nodded again and Elladan noticed the look he and Arathorn exchanged.

"Oh, no, I am not leaving the two of you here alone. Are you insane?"

Arathorn put a comforting hand on Elladan's shoulder.

"We may very well be mad, my friend, but you are injured and in pain. We
can flee from here where you cannot. Go."

Elladan was about to express every type of argument that he could think,
logical or not, and in every language he knew, when he was interrupted by the
sounds of orcs to the right. Three orcs attacked and released a volley of
arrows. Elrohir reflexively dodged trying to pull the other two with him. He
managed to loosely grab Elladan and tugged him halfway out of the way before he
hit the ground.

Elladan, slowed from injury, couldn't react as fast. Elrohir saved him from
being shot dead center in the chest, as the arrow narrowly missed him and
ricocheted off of a tree. One of the arrows didn't miss, though, and thunked
into Elladan's right shoulder. Pain seared through his side and down his arm making
his vision sway briefly. Gritting his teeth through the pain Elladan made
himself try to rise. With orcs close by there was no time to lie on the ground.
Elrohir and Elladan recovered and rose to face the orcs.

The orcs had the advantage and they knew it. Matching malicious smiles broke
out on the three faces as they raised their bows to fire again.

Those smiles turned to looks of dread as a piercing whine sounded behind them.
Before they could turn around to face whatever terror was behind them, Elrohir's
horse Aethaenyn plowed through the middle of the three. One went sprawling into
the ground face first and Aethaenyn trampled another. Elrohir used the
diversion to act and in the blink of an eye pulled his own bow and shot the orc
still standing. The orc that had been pushed out of the way by the horse
started to rise, Elrohir quickly ran over to it and finished it off. When he
was done he felt a playful nudge in his side and turned to see Aethaenyn's head
right next to his.

"Hantale, mellon nin," he whispered as he stroked the horses neck.

After Elrohir felled the first orc Elladan was confident his brother would get
the other one as well. He smiled slightly as he realized his slowing reflexes
weren't going to be of much help to Elrohir right now anyway. Soon, to be even
slower he knew, for the wound didn't really hurt, it burned, and Elladan was
knowledgeable enough in healing to know what that meant. He was poisoned.
Ignoring that fact for now, Elladan was wondering where their witless ranger
had disappeared to. He stopped mid tirade and froze in place as soon as he
turned around.

"Ed' i' ear ar' elenea!" he cried as he dashed over and knelt down.

Elrohir heard his brother�s anguished cry and rushed over.

Elladan was kneeling over a prone figure and Elrohir's heart skipped a beat. As
he came up beside his brother Elrohir saw what had made Elladan cry out and he
dropped to his knees also. There had been three orcs. Three arrows fired. Why
did he not stop and think about where the third arrow had gone? The third arrow
was plainly visible now. The third arrow was piercing the eye of an honorable
human, a fine man, and a dear friend.

Elrohir shut his eyes in grief. How could this have happened? It was too
sudden. Too unexpected. Anger and grief burned inside of him. Those orcs did
not deserve the quick death he had rendered them.

Elladan wanted to block the image out, but he could not force his eyes to look
away. Logically he knew the arrow had probably pierced beyond the ranger's eye
and there was no hope of him surviving it. He knew that, but for some reason he
could not stop himself from reaching out to make sure. He checked the human's
pulse and found... nothing. He knew there wasn't going to be one. Elladan
placed that hand upon his friend's chest and bowed his head. He knew he should
be far more upset than he was, but his mind couldn�t absorb the grief at the
moment. The rational part of his brain, that told him the poison was spreading
now, also told hom there would be no pulse� but didn�t that mean he should be
sorrowful? Odd. Why wasn't he? Maybe it was just because he was so tired. So
very tired�

Elrohir's sharp hearing picked up the sounds of more orcs closing in. The
sounds were coming from all sides now. Just their luck, he sighed. He was going
to suggest they get moving and looked up just in time to grab hold of Elladan
as he nearly swooned foreword. He gripped Elladan's shoulders, mindful of the
arrow still embedded in there, and held him upright. 'The arrow you dolt,' he
scolded himself. Despite the sounds around them Elrohir did a quick look over.
Besides the obvious arrow it was difficult to tell without further examination
if there were any internal injuries from the rockslide. He could see that his
brother was pallid and although he was sitting with support it didn't look like
he was going to be able stay awake much longer. Elrohir could feel the heat
radiating off his brother and that meant one thing. He was poisoned. Elrohir
didn't know what the poison was, but it must be potent to work so quickly on an
elf. He needed to get him home and fast. For the first time, Elrohir was never
so glad to be near the Misty Mountains. All he need do is cross them and he
would be home. Father was not going to be pleased, but right now he didn't care
as long as he made it in time.

The orcs were getting closer, so he wouldn't have time to tend to the wound
until they put some distance between them and here.

"Aethaenyn, tula sinome," he called to the horse.

"Elladan," he said firmly as he gently shook his brother.

He was relieved when Elladan looked at him, with only slightly unfocused, eyes.

"Come on, my brother, we are going home."

"But...we cannot... leave... Arathorn."

Elrohir noticed his brother's speech beginning to slur and had to take a deep breath
to calm himself. Elrohir removed a ring from his fallen friend's hand. He knew
someone that would want that.

He looked at his brother with regret in his eyes, but never stopped his motion.
He swung Elladan's uninjured arm around his shoulder, grabbed him around the
waist, and stood up. He tightened his grip when he felt Elladan almost crumple
back down.

"I am sorry Elladan. I do not wish to leave him, but I can no longer save
him. I can help you, though."

With some difficulty Elrohir placed Elladan on his horse and sprung up behind
him to keep him from toppling off. The dark haired elf looked at the body of
his fallen friend with longing.

"Forgive me for leaving you. I shall treasure your memory and friendship
until the end of Arda, my dear friend. May we meet again, namaarie."

With one last look Elrohir spurred the horse off with all haste.

-------------

Elrohir stopped a short time later as the sun was rising to tend to his
brother. He removed the arrow and as much of the poison as possibly and cleaned
the wound. Too much poison had already been absorbed and he was unable to drain
much. He just hoped it would buy enough time to reach Imladris. Elladan, for
his part, was still conscious. Elrohir contributed it to pure stubbornness.
After Elrohir did all he was able, they continued on.

Shortly after their brief pause Elladan went completely slack in Elrohir's arms
and he reined the horse to a stop as fear tightened his heart. He held his
breath as he felt for a pulse and released it when he felt one. He clutched his
brother tighter, closed his eyes, and took a deep, steadying breath. He felt
his hope dying as his brother slipped away from him.

"We nearly lost our mother in these mountains and now we have lost a good
friend near here. I will not lose you here as well," he stated
determinedly.

"I am sorry Aethaenyn, but there is not much time left. I must ask for
more, my friend."

The elven horse pawed at the ground determinedly and Elrohir managed a smile.
Aethaenyn took off at a strong pace and refused to let himself slow down.

----------------

The world had been going by in a steady blur, for Elrohir couldn't tell how
long. He wasn't really paying attention where he was going. He just let
instinct and his horse guide him through the mountain trails. Elrohir snapped
out of his reverie when he realized he was coming down the trail out of the
mountains entering Imladris. As he drew closer to the house his hope began to
renew.

"Ada! Ada! Tua! Ada!"

----------------

When the Lord of Rivendell walked out the rear door to enjoy the fine day the
last thing he expected to see was a horse barreling toward The Last Homely
House and to hear Elrohir calling out like a mad man. Still, expect it or not,
the situation wasn't surprising. Homecomings like this were not rare when his
sons were traveling and especially together.

Master Elrond tried to wait for Elrohir to ride to up to the door with some
semblance of calm. When the horse got close enough to distinguish that someone
was slumped in the front of Elrohir, the calm visage became increasing hard to
hold. Since Elrohir was doing all of the hollering, Elladan must be in need of
care and immediately.

"Sweet Eru, what have they gotten into now?"

Elrond glanced behind him as someone approached. Celaviel bowed her head as she
came up behind her lord and friend.

"It would appear your children are home, my lord. Shall I prepare one of
the young lord�s chamber with the appropriate healing herbs and supplies?"

Elrond smiled warmly at the elf maid.

"Yes, Celaviel, I think we are going to need it."

Celaviel gave a quick nod and disappeared through the door with a swish of her
skirt. Elrohir rode right up to the porch and Elrond ran down to meet him as he
commanded� the horse to a stop. When
Elrond laid eyes on Elladan it took a good bit of effort to remain composed.
His oldest son by minutes looked like he already had one foot at Mandos.
Elrohir lowered his brother down and Elrond grabbed his son. He turned back for
the house carrying Elladan with Elrohir on his heels.

"What happened Elrohir?" Elrond asked with a calm in his voice that
he didn't feel on the inside.

"He was poisoned, shot, I mean poisoned from being shot. It was an orc
arrow. He almost collapsed minutes after being hit and he has been unconscious
for hours now."

Elrond carried Elladan into his room and laid him down on the bed. No sooner
had Elrond laid his son down than Celaviel and another entered. He leaned over,
placed his hand on Elladan's forehead, and briefly closed his eyes. He turned
around to see three sets of worried eyes staring back at him.

"The poison has spread far, but you made it back in time, Elrohir."

Three sighs of relief followed the statement and Elrond smiled inwardly to
himself. He looked into Elrohir's eyes and noticed something else besides worry
in them. Something akin to the look they held for sometime after Celebrian had
left. Was it grief? Elrohir looked as if he had been; no still was he corrected
himself, in emotional turmoil.

"Elrohir go get cleaned up and eat something."

Elrohir's eyes went wide.

"But father..."

"Elrohir that is not a request. You may return after."

Elrohir sighed too tired to argue, nodded his head, and left the room.

After Elrohir had existed Celaviel lifted her eyebrow questionably at Elrond.

Elrond
gave no explanation for his action and simply returned his attention back to
his other son.

******

Although Elrohir hardly felt like eating anything, he had to admit, he felt a
little better after following his father's orders. He approached Elladan's door
and hesitated. He did not hear any sounds coming from behind the door so he
knocked quietly.

"Come in my son."

Elrohir entered the room and closed the door. The curtains were closed and the
room was fairly dark. Elrond was setting on the edge of the bed close enough to
be able to reach Elladan's face as he checked his temperature. Elrohir came up
behind his father where he could see Elladan. His brother still looked deathly
pale and his eyes were closed, but he seemed stronger now.

Elrond turned to face his other son.

"Sit, Elrohir. It is all right, my son, Elladan will not wake for some
time."

Elrohir smiled inwardly. He was fully aware how he knew his brother wouldn't
wake for a while. He had been given the same herb many times himself.

"What has befallen, Elrohir?"

"I guess I pushed it to the back of my mind. I was so preoccupied with
trying to get Elladan back here in time..."

Elrond was concerned when he noticed Elrohir was holding back tears. Neither of
his sons were usually ones to cry over matters. Elrond didn't need the gift of
foresight to know he was going to dread hearing this.

Elrohir reached into his pocket and pulled out something. He placed the object
in his father�s hand, then put his own hand over it, before Elrond could tell
what it was.

"Elladan and I, we...we were traveling with Arathorn adar. When Elladan
was shot with an orc arrow, so was Arathorn, only..."

Elrohir had to stop and take a breath. Elrond put his free hand on his son�s
shoulder in silent support.

Elrohir looked at Elrond with such sorrow it made Elrond's heart ache. Elrohir
gently slid his hand away from Elrond�s revealing the object to his father.

"Elladan was shot in the shoulder, but Arathorn was pierced in the eye.
Isildur�s heir is dead."

Elrond looked down at what his son had given him. He held the ring of Barahir.
Elrond closed his eyes and folded his hand around the ring. Arathorn had been a
friend. Now he understood what was making his son so distraught.

Arathorn,
Chieftain of the D�nedain, had fallen.

TBC...

---------------

Sorry no wee Aragorn in this chapter, but he is coming up in the next one! I
had to do the sad business of killing off his father in this one. Just when I
was starting to like him to.

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All That is Gold

All That is Gold