My Sword Weeps
by Agape4Rivendell
Chapter 5: Brothers United
Once Lord Elrond had been apprised of
the
situation, he opened his apothecary to his foster-son. Estel and he
spent several hours pouring over notes looking for the most effective
potions to heal the young Steward. When at last they finished, they sat
back on the stools and were quiet.
At last, Lord Elrond spoke. “When do you plan on leaving?”
“I must be away before sunset. Already I have been here too long.
Every day, every moment, draws Faramir closer to death. There is Elf in
the blood of the sons of Denethor,” he choked on the name but
continued, “The lad could fade.”
“He could. Though I have heard of no such thing happening to a man. But
it is possible. You have rested only a few hours.”
“It is all I need. I will away to the kitchens and pack some food, with
your leave, and then depart.”
“Which path will you take?”
“I was planning on going past Isengard. Then, through to Edoras.
The Rohirrim will lend me another horse. I will leave yours with them
until I can claim it again. Then, on to Minas Tirith.”
“May we ride with you at least to Tharbad?” Estel turned quickly
and looked at the sad faces of his brothers. “We would be no bother, we
promise.”
He smiled warmly. “I would be most pleased to have your company.”
“Ada?” Elrohir asked.
“You give Estel hope that you can go with him before asking for my
permission? I think you are trying to manipulate me,” they smiled at
him, “but I agree. It would be best. Though Orc attacks have been few,
as of late, I think an escort would be wise. At least until Tharbad.”
Both Elves quietly bowed and backed out of the room, watching as their
father laughed at their absurd departure.
“They are good sons, as are you, but I grow weary of their
continued antics. None would believe, at times, that either of them has
come of age!”
Estel laughed. “They are as dear to me as they are to you, Ada.”
“It is good to hear that title pass your lips again; it has been a long
time since you called me ‘Ada.’
“I have been in the wilds a long time, Ada, and have come to value
our relationship deeply. Forgive the headstrong lad that would relegate
you to ‘Lord’ when we are alone.”
Elrond stepped down from the stool and unceremoniously hugged
Estel. “You are dear to me, my son. Report to me before you go back
north.”
“I will, Ada.” Estel returned the hug and strode from the room.
He was quickly grabbed by the shoulder and spun around as he left the
apothecary. “When do we leave?” Elladan asked
“Now! We must pack some food.”
“And wine!” Elrohir added.
“And some warm clothes. The mountains dump fresh snow, outside our
valley, at least once a week. Rohan will be just as cold.”
“Then let us find such clothing and food and depart this place.”
~*~
Elladan’s words had been farsighted. They had not gone a day from
Imladris when snow fell, deep and cold. They had found a small cave,
the first night, and quickly lit a fire. Rummaging through their
supplies, Elrohir found a small loaf of sunflower bread. He sighed. “I
love this bread with a nice flagon of wine.”
Elladan laughed. “You love practically everything with a nice flagon of
wine!”
Estel joined his brother’s laughter; then grew quiet.
“I do not understand how the child could be in such a state.”
“Tell us what you know, Estel.”
“His father was murdered; Rohan discovered the treachery;
Théoden
led a sortie to return the body; Faramir and Boromir were attacked on
the road; Théoden moved them with no one’s knowledge; their
escort was
attacked; Faramir and Boromir were separated; Faramir was tortured and
finally rescued; during the rescue of Boromir, Boromir was murdered.
Faramir watched.”
“And what part of Faramir’s present state do you not understand,
Estel?” Elrohir asked quietly.
“I would share something with you that is quite painful, but will
perhaps help you understand Faramir’s condition. A very long time ago,
in human time, our mother—"
Elladan gasped. “You will not….”
“I will. We have accepted what happened, have done our own
grieving, and must help Estel understand grief. His father died before
he even knew him. And his mother died in peace in Imladris.”
“But he has seen death and suffering!”
“None of those who held his heart, Elladan. If you do not wish to hear
this, then rub down the horses.”
“They have already been rubbed down,” Elladan said testily. “I will
stay. But I do not agree.”
Elrohir sighed and turned back to Estel who looked on in surprise.
“Our mother went to Lórien to visit relatives. A sizable
entourage was
sent with her for protection. A large band of Orc, spewing from the
mountains, engulfed her party. She was taken. Unspeakable things were
done to her, torture and such. It was… It was many days before the deed
was discovered. My brother and I were part of the group that found her.
Father’s most potent potions and charms could not heal her. Within a
very short time, she sailed to Valinor.”
Elladan was sobbing by the fire and Estel looked on, askance.
“Though Elladan and I were already of age, we grieved.” He looked
at his brother. “We still grieve. A madness overtook us, Estel, and we
left Imladris in search of the Orc who stole our mother. We spent many
long centuries killing and killing. Our grief could not be assuaged.
Finally, our father took us to task.” He smiled. “He was most
persuasive. Finally, we were able to resume some semblance of a normal
life. Though we continue to kill Orc when the opportunity arises.”
He paused for a moment. Elladan looked up, wiping his eyes with the
back of his hand. “We still miss her and the grief is great,” the
younger Elf said. “If not for father’s love, I believe we too would
have been lost eventually. Grief can kill, Estel.”
Elrohir nodded. “What can a six year old human do to fight such
things as he endured and such sorrow? It is more overwhelming than even
our sorrow. If it was in my power, my brother, I would go with you all
the way to Minas Tirith, but I fear I would not be welcomed.”
Estel agreed. “Elven fear is rampant in Gondor and in Rohan. Though
I bitterly fought such things while I was in Thengel’s service, and
Denethor’s.”
“We reach Isengard in a short time, Estel. Will you visit the wizard
before we pass?”
