85Many thanks to...
Me And Not You 1001
The better twin
CodenameAgentC
LilactheDryad
Emperor DeLacus
Nerdy Awkwardness
Piper and Snippy
and the random guest!
Sorry I took so long to update! I will be working on that one shot!
"Glorfindel!', Elrohir called as he hurried to catch up with the blonde elf. "I need your assistance with something."
"Why not ask Elladan?', the addressed elf inquired as he continued to walk, not once breaking his quick pace.
"It involves Elladan."
"Oh? And how do I fit into your latest shenanigan?"
"How do you feel about cancelling your lessons with Aubrey?"
"And why would I do that?"
"Well..." Elrohir hesitated, obviously trying to come up with a reason that would satisfy the Balrog slayer. "I believe you told Muriel that she has to accept the elven side of her nature in order to bring her elvish senses to light, did you not?"
"Yes, but you might as well go ahead and speak your piece without all the extra fripperies, Elrohir. You wish to free her of my lessons, but what will she do with her free mornings if I agree?"
"A few rudimentary lessons in healing perhaps?', Elrohir grinned, glad that the elf had simply cut to the chase.
"Lessons from who?"
"That is where we need your help."
"First it was only yourself who needed my help, and now it is a 'we'? Tell me, Elrondion, who is your other accomplice?"
"Cassie.', smirked Elrohir.
"Of course.', Glorfindel said dryly, suddenly realizing what their scheme was seeking to accomplish.
"We thought that she could study under Ada with Elladan and I... and perhaps you could find something important enough to draw both my father and I away from the lesson? Elladan would be able to teach her the basic things... why are you looking at me like that?"
"Is Elladan aware of this plan of yours?', Glorfindel frowned.
"Of course not! He says there is nothing between them beyond friendship and that he will not pursue her until she has made her decision."
"And I suppose that is why you decided to involve yourself?"
"I think they are perfectly suited for one another.', he nodded. "Though they seem to be the only ones who do not believe so."
"I had thought you would have more respect for your brother's wishes. He is wise to wait until Aubrey has chosen her path."
"I know that. But I believe that unless Aubrey has a reason to do otherwise, she will choose to live a mortal life."
"Explain your reasoning.', Glorfindel mumbled as he finally stopped at the door to the library.
"Why live forever if you have nothing to live for?', Elrohir shrugged in response. "Love could possibly change her her decision. And besides, I think that a lovestruck Elladan would act like a drunken Elladan, hm?"
"I am sure that would be quite the sight.', Glorfindel chuckled before replacing his amused expression with a stern mask once more.
"Many die for love.', he reminded Elrond's son in a low voice.
"So other's may live.', Elrohir shot back with a smug wink.
The warrior shook his head in bemusement.
"I suppose I will see if I can be of any help. But do not force them into something they will later regret, Elrohir. If they are pushed too hard in that direction they will rebel against it.', Glorfindel warned, shaking a finger at the young elf in warning.
"Good enough.', Elrohir laughed. "I will speak with Ada on the matter."
"You are giving up on me already?', I teased with a mock pout. "Am I truly such an awful rider?"
"No!', Glorfindel laughed, not taking the bait. "Quite the opposite. You have improved wonderfully over the past few months. I do, however, think that you should broaden your studies. You have already learned our written language... Perhaps you should try something different?"
I had begrudgingly come to enjoy my lessons with the renowned warrior of Gondolin and his dry sense of humor. Of course learning to ride was a bit rough at first, but I had gradually adjusted to Dúlin's smooth paces and could ride with a greatly lessened sense of fear.
"Try what?', I snorted. "Anything pertaining to being in the kitchen is out: I've been banned since that 'incident' last week. And I highly doubt that I will be allowed in the weaving rooms. And I KNOW for certain that an accident-prone teenager would NEVER be allowed anywhere NEAR the smithies."
"Why not healing then?"
"Healing?! Where the heck did that come from?"
"Learning the basics would be rather helpful for an 'accident-prone' person such as yourself."
"Hey!"
"You said it yourself.', he smirked.
"Yeah, but—"
"Wonderful! I am glad you agree! You shall start tomorrow morning, of course."
After giving me a good natured slap on the shoulder he left me in a stunned silence for what wouldn't be the first time.
"Morning?', I finally managed to splutter. "What time in the morning?! Where at in the morning? But most importantly with WHO in the morning?"
"How?', I mumbled as I wandered the halls. "How the heck did I get into this mess?"
"You would think that with how many times you have had to visit the healing houses you would know your way by now.', a laughing voice called from behind me. Turning, I came face to face with Elladan.
I'm still not used to sneaky elves. They're like... bunnies. No, that can't be right. They're like... mice. Yeah, mice. Mice are nice, right? Eww no! What is wrong with my brain this morning?
"You know Elladan, I think that for the first time I am actually glad to see your face."
He rolled his eyes in response to my teasing.
"I should leave you here and let you find your way yourself.', he grumbled with a smirk.
"You wouldn't."
"Wouldn't I?"
"Cheeky elf."
"Absurd woman."
We walked in silence for a few moments.
"So.', I began. "Why are you looking for me?"
"Because you are late for our lesson."
"Our?"
"Ada apparently had something come up, so I will be taking his place."
"This isn't going to be good, is it?"
He shot me an amused look.
"Knowing you it is likely to end in disaster."
"Way to boost my confidence.', I huffed.
"Don't you mean your ego?"
"Shut up.', I laughed.
"Your wish is my command, my lady."
I scowled playfully at him. He, of all people, knew I hated to be called by stuffy titles.
The elf caught sight of my grimace and, laughingly, he tugged me into the healing wards.
"What is this?', Elladan drilled, holding a cutting beneath my nose. I slowly inhaled the woodsy sent, grinning as I recognized it.
"Cedarwood."
"And the three most common uses for it?"
"It can be used as a sedative and can help clear the lungs. It is also good for arthritis."
"Good. And this?"
Elladan, it turned out, was an excellent teacher. He held a careful balance of keeping things interesting and keeping them serious, which seemed to work quite well. The sarcasm that usually tinged his voice was gone and, oddly enough, was replaced with a warm tone. It seemed that healing was something he was quite passionate about.
"Cinnamon.', I grinned. "I didn't know you had it in this world."
"Of course we have it.', he scoffed. "And its uses?"
"We never went over it's uses...?"
"Nay, we did, though I believe you were daydreaming during that part of our lesson.', he laughed. "It is used as a purifier and helps with certain fevers. Do you at least remember how to apply it?"
"Uh... you dilute it?"
"With?"
"An oil?"
"Perhaps you were listening.', he hummed, not looking in my direction as he organized the canisters and bottles we had opened, replacing them tidily on their designated shelves.
"I think this type of medicine is kinda like something we call essential oils back home, though some of it is just dried herbs.', I mentioned thoughtfully.
"Hm."
I gave a small huff, rubbing my eyes tiredly as I watched him continue to replace the medical supplies.
"Did you not sleep last night?"
"What?"
"Do not play dumb, Aubrey.', he chided. "Your eyes are shadowed from a night of restlessness."
"Several nights, actually."
"You still have trouble sleeping?"
It wasn't as much of a question as it was a statement.
"Sometimes.', I answered, trying to shrug it off.
"It is not healthy for you to starve yourself of rest."
"Whenever I try to rest I end up thinking instead."
"Of your home.', he finished with a humorless smile.
"Yes."
"Talking about it might help, you know."
"Cassie's always too busy planning her wedding and learning how to run a household to talk to me."
His busy hands stilled for a moment, and I watched as his lip curled in thought.
"You can talk to me, then.', he finally said, turning towards me.
"Where?"
"Not far from here. There is a place that others seldom come."
"Hang on— you want to talk with me?"
Elladan gave me a funny look before grinning.
"Of course. You did, after all, 'bawl all over my clothes' several days ago, as you so tactfully put it."
"Oh, so now you bring it up?"
"At least you are smiling now."
I blinked owlishly at him for a moment before the realization hit me that I was smiling.
"You've got yourself a deal."
"Good. I'll go raid the kitchens."
Elladan had carried out his threat of 'raiding the kitchens', and he had managed to find us some bread and cheese, along with a small amount of fruit to snack on. We were seated on a small balcony that was slightly more isolated than other areas, both of us leaning out against the railings with our feet dangling precariously over the edge where the end of the terrace met with the air.
"How are you adjusting?"
"Fine."
"Be truthful, Aubrey."
"Fine for me, then."
"And that means?"
I plopped my head into my hands with a groan.
"I'm just dealing with it in my own way, I guess. It's hard, you know? I had my whole life planned out and then... poof! It's all gone— just like that." I snapped my fingers to illustrate my statement.
"Your whole life was planned?', he said, scrunching his nose up in confusion. "How does one plan such a thing? Life is uncertain."
"I know that more than anybody now.', I laughed wryly. Biting my lip, I gazed out at the valley, resting my chin in my hands.
"I was going to go to college for a few years since I was offered a scholarship at Auburn... then I was going to get a good job and settle down with a good man... maybe have some kids. Though that obviously didn't turn out the way I planned." I sniffled, rubbing away a bitter tear.
"Life often doesn't.', he noted with a sad smile. "What do you plan to do now?"
"I dunno. See Cassie get married, and find the family I have here, I guess."
Elladan was silent for a few moments and I was almost afraid I had said something wrong before he spoke quietly.
"Tell me about your twin."
"Well, we have identical faces."
"Dually noted.', he said dryly. I chuckled, snagging another grape and popping it in my mouth.
"Mark is super athletic— fast runner, good balance, the whole package. Basically he is coordinated everywhere I am not."
"Does he tease you mercilessly?', Elladan smiled from his vantage point.
"Of course!', I laughed, glad the conversation had taken on a lighter tone. "Though he is also super protective of me: I am his baby sister, after all."
"What did he think of Colton?"
I frowned at Elladan's remark. Why in earth had he thought about that? I hadn't spoken of Colton in months, much less mentioned him more than three times since we had arrived here.
"He wasn't happy." I sighed softly. "He teased me, yes, but he wouldn't let that kid get anywhere near me."
"Why?"
"I dunno. He just said that he was a jerk."
"I thought you told me that was a compliment."
"Er, no, not usually. I mighta lied on that one.', I laughed. "Sometimes it is though.', I tacked on, giggling at his pout.
"So what does it mean when you and Cassie call me that?"
"Oh lord, you heard that conversation?!"
"Yes."
I cringed at his affirmative answer, knowing he had heard Cassie teasing me and my less than grateful response.
"It's alright.', he laughed. "I will admit to being a 'buttmuffin' that day."
"You heard that too?!"
"Of course— And I cannot wait to use such an insult on Elrohir."
"Please don't.', I laughed, giving him a small shove.
"So Mark...', he pressed after he had scooted several feet away from me.
"Ah, yes. Mark is sweet, scary, and protective all at once. He has red hair and freckles, a sturdy, slender build, and he can play football like nobody's business."
"What does his name mean?"
"God of war, I think."
"It is better than Elladan. I am simply the 'elf-man'.', he said, giving another exaggerated pout. I threw a grape at him for his feigned melancholy.
"So the elvish names actually mean something?', I inquired, watching as he picked up the thrown grape and popped it in his mouth. I guess five-second rules exist in Middle Earth too.
He rolled his eyes before giving me the 'you idiot' look.
"Of course they do! Doesn't your own name hold meaning?', he asked, lounging comfortably against the balustrade.
"Yeah it means— oh no way!"
Elladan watched with a puzzled face as I broke into laughter, rolling over on the stone floor of the balcony.
"What on this earth has gotten into you?"
"My dad has such a twisted sense of humor!', I howled, doubling over. "My name means ELF-KING!"
His mouth formed an 'o' before he too got the joke and started laughing.
"Truly?', he gasped out through breathless laughter.
"Yes!', I giggled. "My mom named Mark, and my dad named me."
We quietened for a few moments, still breaking off into laughter before Elladan popped the next serious question.
"What is he like? Your father?"
"He looks like me, in most ways, though he doesn't have any freckles."
"Hm. And what is his name?"
"Martin. I don't know what it means though."
"In elvish it means 'fated one'."
"Really?"
"Yes. Amarthan is the translation, I believe."
"Amarthan? Isn't that Erestor's friend?"
"Yes, I believe he had an acquaintance who went by that name, though he disappeared many years ago, from what I have been told."
"Huh. So Martin means..."
"Fated one.', he finished.
"And Amarthan also means fate one... And there was an elf called Amarthan who disappeared to who knows where..."
My eyes narrowed and I worried my lip as my mind began to turn.
"Elladan—', I began slowly. "— you don't think that Erestor knows my dad... do you?"
His eyes widened slightly, and I watched the pieces click in his own mind much like they had done in mine a few moments ago.
"We need to go.', we both yelped at the same time.