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Chapter Text

The first time Dan and Ro met her they had barely reached their adolescence, possessing the genuine belief of youths that they were invincible. Why should they have to wait until they had come of age before they joined patrols? They were peredhel, they aged way faster than others born around the same time. And they had already begun training, with Glorfindel no less. So they would be fine, Adar and Nana were just being overprotective, as usual. They would most certainly be able to take out a few dozen orcs.  

Thus, when the opportune moment arrived- when Nana was busy nursing baby Arwen and Ada was busy in the healing wing- the twins seized their chance for heroism, following the trail Glorfindel’s patrol had taken mere minutes before.   

They were expert trackers, and Warriors. Their great-great-grandfather had challenged Melkor himself to combat! Their great-grandmother had danced said Melkor to sleep! And then there was their Adar’s Adar in the sky, their Nana’s Nana in her enchanted woods and that was only a sample of their legendary ancestry.   

‘Dan...’ Elrohir questioned a tad hesitantly, glancing around a woodland terrain that was wholly unfamiliar. ‘...if we are such great trackers... how come we are lost?’   

‘I don’t know, Ro...’ Elladan, who usually blindly emanated confidence, frowned, before shrugging. ‘But I guess as long as we find some orcs, it doesn’t matter where we are...’  

Indeed, in such an isolated space, it didn’t take them long to find orcs... Or more precisely, it didn’t take the orcs long to find them...  

They stood in a glade, back to back, seeing the dark figures approach from a distance. This was it, their moment. Adrenaline rushed through them, excitement...  

...and then fear.  

There were too many...  

They were too big...  

No stories they had been told could ever depict what these creatures were truly like, nor the terror their twisted faces instilled deep within the twins chest.   

Dan... Elrohir cried through their bond. WE HAVE TO RUN!   

Thankfully, his brother agreed. They clasped each others’ hands and made a desperate dash for the thorny undergrowth, squeezing themselves into a a dugout, ignoring scratches in their panic.   

Then they realised, as the creatures halted at their feet and began to taunt in a language they did not understand...  

...they were trapped.   

The two of them tried not to cry. Tried not to be consumed by numbing shock, tried not to hold on to each other so tightly it hurt...   

They realised at the same time that getting separated by brutal force was a possibility. Separated and then tortured and then killed. They might die alone. One would have to die first, one would have to witness to the other die...  

They would never see Imladris again. Adar and Nana would cry for them. Little Arwen would never truly know them. Glorfindel would have no one pestering him to train them. Erestor would have no one to teach. Lindir would have no more pranks played on him...  

All this crossed their minds in the few seconds it took for the horrid creatures to pull the bushy shrubbery off them, ignoring their terrified screams and desperate thrashing as Elladan and Elrohir were pulled apart from each other.   

They kicked and bit and punched, but they could not escape. Harsh words and hits were aimed at them. The message was clear, they were being told to shut up.   

Elrohir eventually realised that trying to escape was hopeless. His arms dropped to his sides.   

Elladan had never been one for logic. He continued his thrashing.   

And thus it was Elladan who was pinned down, dagger pointed at his throat.   

Elrohir screamed.   

For a moment the world stood still, and the twins were certain their time was up.  

And then suddenly, birds.   

Hundreds, maybe thousands of birds, swarming through the glade, gliding into the monsters, beaks stabbing, feet clawing.   

The trees shook with mighty force. The twins could sense it, the Maia part of then could feel it. This was strange power...  

And then the arrows arrived. The orcs first to fall were the two that gripped the boys , and then the ones surrounding them. Free from their captors, the twins ran to each other again, but once they were together they found themselves in shock frozen to the spot. The orcs continued to fall around them.  

And then they saw her.   

Her dark, worn cloak concealed her entire face. Her blades sang as she leapt gracefully through the clearing, her lithe form so used to battle it was as though she were dancing through the orcs.  

The orcs fell so swiftly, as though it were staged. She left not one alive, not abiding by the warrior code Glorfindel had taught the twins- if at all possible, as it most definately was in this case- one of the enemy’s ranks was to be kept alive, for information.   

The trees eventually stopped rustling. They air grew still. The birds flew away.   

She paced around the clearing, her boots kicking the fallen monsters with such rage and hatred the twins felt almost afraid. But they consoled each other. This person was their enemy’s enemy, and therefore their friend.   

But Dan and Ro still did not know who or what their saviour was.   

Ro, say something to them!  

Why me?! You’re older!  

You’re better at talking! And you actually tried to learn Quenya!   

Well they do not exactly look like someone who speaks Quenya!   

Yeah... It does look rather...rough...  

What language does it even speak?   

‘More languages than you will ever learn, peredhel.’ The cloaked hero startled the two to a jump when she spoke, annunciation surprisingly perfect and accent surprisingly posh, despite her worn and tattered gear and appearance. ‘Including Quenya- my mother tongue.’ She could not resist adding- in Quenya.   

‘Uh... sorry for prejudicing... wait... YOU READ OUR MINDS!’ To say Elladan felt his privacy had been violated was an understatement.  

‘You need to work on your osanwë.’ The stranger shrugged. ‘You two were being lazy, you didn’t keep any mental barriers up to stop me from listening in.’  

‘Well it’s rude to eavesdrop.’ Elrohir also felt the urge to confront the elleth who had breached his personal mental space.  

His cheeky statement made the stranger spin on her heel, hands placed firmly on her hips. Her hood fell, revealing a head full of uniquely coloured silvery curls, and a surprisingly pretty face, though it appeared tired, and weary- tired of fighting a battle with the enemy that had still not come to an end. the enemy for years and years. Her bright green eyes shone not dissimilar to their maternal grandmother’s- they knew what that meant- she had seen the Two Trees- therefore she was very old...  

However, had the twins ignored the telltale bright eyes, they would have been convinced this elleth was younger than their Adar at least. She had a recklessness about her, a rash and determined air about her that would typically only be associated with youth. Their grandparents, Eru even their parents were much more... what was the word? Calm? Serene?... Wise? Slow? Mature...  

This elleth had an air of eternal immaturity about her. Subconsciously, the twins labelled her as ‘girl’ rather than elleth.   

That rash attitude she possessed was doing them no favours at the moment, as she faced the twins, quickly angered by their cheek.   

Her bright green eyes darted between the two, narrowed. She raised an eyebrow and simply stared.   

So intense was her glare, with a feral set to her jaw, that soon the twins were fidgeting and wishing they could have kept their big mouths shut for once.   

Finally, she broke the humbling silence  

‘Mmmm... Well it’s also rude to judge someone by their looks. Especially when that someone has just saved you and your twin brother from a band of bloodthirsty brutal orcs. But whatever, I’m not the most polite person either. I’d almost forgive you for your osanwë gossip... HAD YOU NOT SOUGHT OUT THIS TROUBLE YOURSELVES! WHAT IN ILÚVATAR WERE YOU DOING?! WHAT ARE YOU BOYS LIKE, TWELVE? ANSWER ME!’   

The twins felt rather young and silly indeed, under her ancient glare. And they cringed, because this was only the first of the scoldings they were sure to receive.   

They lowered their eyes to the ground, truly ashamed.  

She was having none of it.   

‘You have one chance to explain yourselves. And if I’m feeling generous, I will forget to mention the band of orcs to your father. But only if you swear to never recklessly go chasing orcs again, with some ludicrous ideal of heroism or justice or whatever the fuck sort of daydreaming goes on in the heads of the youth these days!’ She crossed her arms and frowned.   

Dan and Ro looked to each other, then back to the stranger. ‘Do you know our father?’ They asked in unison.  

All she did was shrug. ‘When I found you there was a moment I thought I was imagining things. I thought I was seeing the past.’ She explained no further, but the twins were sharp enough to know what she meant.   

‘You knew Elros? We remind you of he and Adar?’ Elrohir questioned cautiously.   

She nodded, solemnly. And her eyes went sad.   

‘Ada misses him.’ Elladan muttered quietly. ‘I think Ro and me bring back memories too.’  

Elrohir nodded. ‘Sometimes when we cause trouble it makes him more sad than angry. I don’t know how he survived losing Elros. Dan and me are going to chose the same fate, no matter what happens.’   

Elladan looked to his twin and nodded, and then looked to the mysterious elleth, serious and solemn. ‘Losing a brother is a pain no one should have to experience, Lindir says.’  

They had not expected their words to knock the stranger to the ground. They watched her draw deep, choking breaths and clutch her chest. Naturally, the boys rushed to her side, concerned.   

She threw them a reassuring hand gesture, before rising unassisted, shrugging off their offered aid.   

She then proceeded to ignore her moment of weakness, acting as though it had never happened.  

‘I will send a bird to your father, yes. He will be so worried!’ She strode purposely to a tree, and the twins were amazed to hear her mimic a bird call perfectly, coaxing a small, feathered friend to her hand. A Robin. She then whistled some more to the bird, the little thing chirping and nodding as though he understood every word. He then flew purposely away.   

The elleth could feel the twins curiosity and questioning gaze on her back. ‘ Elrond will understand.’ Was the only explanation she offered. ‘We had a code back in the day... robin meant those who were lost had been found. Now c’mon. I’ll escort you to the borders of Imladris. I hope I can trust you to not do anything life threatening after that, hmm?’   

Her questioning look was blackmail of the highest standard. The twins quickly nodded. ‘Come along then! Knowing Elrond he will be frantic with worry! And Eru help you both, Celebrian is going to go apeshit at the two of you! She gets that from her mother, who gets it from her mother, who can be VERY scary sometimes. And believe me, I have met many scary mothers, my own included,  but with Eärwen you’d never see it coming and then BAM! -...’  

‘Are you sure you’re alright?’ Elladan interrupted. They both had noticed the increased tempo her words flew from her mouth, as well as the suspicious cracks and high pitches in her tone. Like...   

Like someone trying not to cry.   

The simple question completely threw the elleth off, and she went blank for a moment. ‘Y-Yes. I’m... fine. Perfectly fine. Everything is okay. It’s all going to be alright. Yes Baby. Baby is fine. She’s all good. All alone. But FINE!’   

That is not very reassuring, Dan. Elrohir whispered, doing his best to keep their osanwë private this time.   

Hopefully we can convince her to come into Imladris with us. Elladan answered.. If Ada knows her, he will know how to help her.   

She absently fiddled with a silver chain around her neck, there appeared to be a sigil on it. It looked familiar.   

‘Are you from Gondolin?’ Elrohir asked. ‘That’s one of the House sigils youve got on you’re necklace.’  

‘House of the Fountain.’ Elladan confirmed. ‘Are you from that house?’  

‘Did you know Ecthelion?’ Elrohir could not help but ask, fascinated by legends and tales and songs heard in the Hall of Fire. ‘He killed the balrog with his hel-...’  

‘HE DID NOT KILL THE BALROG.’ The elleth suddenly screamed. ‘THATS BULLSHIT, YOU HEAR ME?! I KNOW, I WAS THERE! I WAS FUCKING THERE! ECTHELION DIED FIGHTING BALROGS YES, BUT HE DIDN’T KILL THEM! STUPID HISTORY, STUPID BOOKS, STUPID SONGS! HOW COULD THEY FORGET WHO REALLY WAS THE HERO THAT DAY!’  

Silence. And heavy breathing from the elleth.  

The twins, not for the first time that day, were shocked...  

... but clearly not shocked enough.   

‘Who...’ Elladan began, too curious for his own good. ‘...who did kill those three balrogs?’  

‘Was it you?’ Elrohir questioned.  

The troubled elleth closed her eyes and shook her head. A couple of tears flowed down her cheek.  

Suddenly, the trees began to sing. Sadly, mournfully, but also comforting. The twins watched the elleth take many composing breaths, turning her face to the wind, hand to her chest again, as though trying to feel... feel something.  

When the trees stopped singing, she faced them again. Eyes no longer angry, just very, very sad. Haunted. Died.  

‘Forgive me...’ She whispered hoarsely. ‘I didn’t mean to shout at you... I’m sorry...’  

‘Don’t worry about it.’ Elladan spoke reassuringly.  

‘We shouldn’t have asked questions without thinking.’ Elrohir added.   

The elleth nodded, and was silent for a time. Contemplating. The twins dared not to speak.   

Finally, she raised her head to meet theirs, eyes all but dead. ‘You wanted to know who killed the three balrogs. I will tell you, because he should be remembered. His sacrifice should not have been forgotten. And part of that is my fault... because I cannot speak of him to anyone... I haven’t spoken his name since... I can’t even remember... His funeral maybe, then again I can’t even remember that... I drank alot after Gondolin fell... those years were a bit of a blur... I probably wouldn’t be here were it not for...’ she sobbed suddenly ‘... were it not for sweet Tyelpe! Ai Celebrimbor... I failed you! I’m so so sorry.’  

She took another moment.  

‘The real slayer of the balrogs was not Ecthelion, but the ner who fought alongside him, who could easily be mistaken for Ecthelion by some bard who in the panic of the battle did not take a second glance. Ecthelion died to save this ner, jumped in front of the fiery whip. The ner, in rage and despair took his father’s helmet and sword, and proceeded to kill not one, but two. And the fucking fool should have stopped there! I should have been there to hold him back- as he was for me when, when my Atar-...’ she winced, before continuing ‘...I tried to save both my brothers that day. But while I was failing to save one, the other was headbutting that balrog into his father’s fountain...’  

She looked away. And then just as swiftly looked back to them. And then closed her eyes.   

‘Kyelaeron.’ Her eyes widened as she spoke the name, as though she was shocked at herself for saying it. ‘That was his name. Kyelaeron ... He was my brother.’  

And then Siofra Aranya promptly burst into tears, leaving two very confused children in yet another predicament they had certainly not expected when they had snuck out of their home...  

SSSSSssssSSsSsSSssaSss  

Chapter Text

The elleth that had given the twins an initial first impression of strong, unbreakable and badass was now a in a heap on the forest floor. She proved to be a very loud dilemma for the twins.   

Dan… Elrohir cringed in osanwë. …remember when Nana said ‘curiosity killed the cat.’  

Elladan grimaced. And Adar used to say there is a fine line between asking a question and asking for trouble…  

What are we supposed to do? What if there are more orcs around, and they hear her Elrohir looked to the legendary-but-broken First-Age warrior on the ground and could not help but feel totally helpless. They may have felt very old and responsible this morning but now, faced with someone who had actually lived through the epic tales and songs, they felt like mere babies.  

As the elleth continued to cry, the twins realised that being a hero of the First Age was not all it was cracked up to be. The glory did not come without sacrifice.   

They did not bother asking the elleth if the sacrifice was worth it in her experience. They did not want to know.   

The trees began to shake again, and made the elleth bawl even louder. The twins gazed around, fascinated by the rare event they had not paid much heed to the first time round.  

Then Elrohir had an idea.  

Dan! Remember when the King and Queen of Mirkwood came to visit?  

That was so funny! King Thranduil hated Lindir for no reason! The glares and one-liners he kept throwing at him were hilarious!  

Yes but remember the Queen? And the trees?  

She wandered round the boarders and talked to the trees? We were spying on her…  

She caught us. But then she was really cool about it and tried to teach us how to talk to them…  

But we were very bad at it. Because we’re Noldor.  

But we also have a bit of Sindarin and Maiar in our blood…  

And human blood. Which probably cancels the Maia-ness out…  

Don’t be so skeptical. I reckon if we both try to understand what the trees are saying we will find out a way to help her  The trees seem to shake when she is upset…  

That’s kind of strange… she’s not a wood elf. She looks… Noldorin? But I’ve never seen that colour hair before…  

As if on cue, the elleth, face now cradled in her hands, wildly swung her head in a wave of emotion. Her curls shifted to dangle over one shoulder, exposing her neck.  

It took everything within the twins not to gasp at the tattoo she displayed.  

THE FËANORIAN STAR!!! They shouted through their bond in unison.   

Hang on a minute Ro… Elladan made a realisation. …One of Fëanor’s sons was able to talk to animals… Just like her…  

That would be Celegorm. Elrohir confirmed. The hunter that is very very dead, thanks to our great-grandfather …  

Yes, but she also looks like him! That colour of hair- the only other time I heard of a Noldo having that hair is Celegorm!  

Our grandmother has similar hair you dope!   

She’s half-Telerin, doesn’t count!  

How do we know this one isn’t half Telerin?   

The Fëanorian star…? Would a Teleri tattoo it onto their neck?   

Right… What are you trying to say?  

Celegorm was said to have had tattoos, and he would tattoo such a thing onto his neck…  

Yes Dan, but you are forgetting one little detail in that theory.  

Ugh! What?  

SHE’S A GIRL!!!!  

The trees grew louder, demanding the boys’ attention.   

Look, Dan, let’s just try to even hear a little bit of what they are saying…  

Fine! But it won’t work.  

Closing their eyes, Elladan and Elrohir reached out with their fëar to the trees, trying extra hard to use whatever bit of Maia they had within them…  

It worked.  

Well, not perfectly. They could understand hardly any of the gibberish that sounded to them like mere leaves rustling. But they did make out the phrase make her laugh…  

The twins glared at the trees, not impressed by the useless information they provided. ‘And how are we supposed to do that?’ Elladan raised his brow in a manner not dissimilar to his father. ‘We don’t make people laugh!’   

‘We make ourselves laugh, at the expense of others!’ Elrohir clarified. ‘Through elaborate pranks!’  

‘Like the time we put glue on Lindir's harp strings, and he couldn’t finish his depressing song in the Hall of Fire.’ Elladan caught his twin’s eye, speaking a little louder. ‘He still cringes when we remind him of it. He thinks his reputation as a serious musician has been ruined-…’  

‘But we think it actually helped his reputation, because who wants a bard who refuses to play anything happy, like ever?!’ Elrohir continued to retell the story, hoping it would somehow make the stranger laugh.   

‘And when the King and Queen of Mirkwood visited, he decided to play ‘The Lay of Gil-Galad’, with an extra verse added that listed all the reasons why Oropher’s early charge was extremely stupid and a betrayal to Gil-Galad.’  

‘And then the Queen had to hold the King back. And they both spoke a very fast Silvan language, angrily. We made out the words ‘brothers’ and ‘Noldor’ and ‘Doriath’. And Lindir just sat there and kept singing away…’  

‘Ada actually face palmed.’  

Finally, the twins prompted the elleth to raise her head, tears significantly reduced. The look on her face was not quite a smile, but it was not completely sad either. Puzzled was the word.  

‘What does this Lindir look like?’ She raised an eyebrow, a smirk underneath her tone. ‘Any distinguishing features? I think I may have met him once or twice before...’  

The twins, only too pleased to see the elleth no longer crying, spared no details.   

‘He has dark hair, and grey eyes. He’s tall, but quite thin.’  

‘He looks rather worn, but I think that’s ‘cos he stays up all night writing music.’  

‘He has seen the Two Trees. His eyes shine like yours…’  

‘He always wears a leather glove on his right hand. He won’t tell us why.’  

‘We think he must have a tattoo that he is embarassed of…’  

The stranger nodded, before muttering ‘The little shit…’ under her breath.  

‘Huh?’ The twins asked in unison.   

The elleth shook her head. ‘Nothing. I know the person of whom you speak. Let’s just say he disappeared a while ago and had me worried sick. I thought he was dead!’  

‘You can visit him now, if you like. Come to Imladris with us!’ Elladan offered eagerly.  

Elrohir nodded just as vigorously. ‘You already know Atar and Ammë, Lindir and Glorfindel! And us! And we can introduce you to baby Arwen!’  

‘Who?’ The stranger raised her eyebrows.  

‘Our little sister.’ Elrohir confirmed. ‘She’s really cute.’  

‘A girl… another girl for the family at long last.’ The elleth smiled to herself before awakening to the present. ‘I am afraid I cannot go with you boys.’  

‘Why not?’ Elladan pressed.   

The stranger shook her head, eyes growing dark. ‘Wherever I go, people get hurt. Trust me, you are better off without me. Now come along.’ She began leading them back towards Imladris. The twins followed, but had not yet given up on their convincing.  

‘But we have lots of warriors in Imladris! And Vil- … and uh… special protection!’ Elladan argued, earning himself a glare from his twin for almost mentioning their Adar’s ring, though they both had the feeling this elleth knew well.   

‘And one person is not going to cause that much trouble!’ Elrohir added.   

‘Believe me, one person can cause a lot of trouble.’ The elleth answered from ahead.   

‘But you are strong, and smart.’ Elladan argued.   

‘And you’re an elf!’ Elrohir added.   

‘So was Fëanor, and look at all the trouble he caused.’ The elleth answered dryly.  

The twins shot each other a look, and looked back to the star tattoo on her neck.   

It was as though she had eyes at the back of her head however, when she answered. ‘No, I never met Fëanor.’ Her tone hinted she wished to end the conversation of all things Fëanorian here.   

The boys did not take the hint. ‘Why’d you tattoo the star onto your neck then?’ Elrohir questioned.    

‘I didn’t.’ Her tone was far from happy.  

‘Who-…’ Elladan began.   

‘STOP REMINDING ME OF THE PEOPLE I WILL NEVER SEE AGAIN!’ The elleth spun on her heel, losing her temper.   

‘But-…’  

‘NO ELLADAN! It doesn’t matter who gave me my tattoo! They are gone and they are not coming back!’ She crossed her arms and glared, pain turned to anger vivid in her expression.   

Any other youth would not have dared question her again.  

But the twin sons of Elrond were not known for having heed for personal safety.   

‘Did your brother give it to you… Kyelaeron?’ Elrohir questioned.   

Ro! You’re going to make her cry again!   

Admit it Dan, you’re as curious for the asmwer as I am!   

Luckily for both the elleth did not cry. Instead she simply pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed dramactically. ‘Do you pester all of Imladris with these ceaseless questions?’  

‘Only the people we like.’ Elladan smirked.   

‘For what it’s worth, we think your tattoo is very badass.’ Elrohir added.   

‘We would definitely tattoo the star onto our necks, if we could find someone who would do it…’   

The elleth shook her head and couldn’t help an exasperated giggle.   

‘Have you ever been to Eryn Galen?’ She questioned.   

‘You mean Mirkwood?’ Elladan answered , shaking his head. ‘No…’  

‘Would you like to go there someday?’ The stranger continued, eyebrow raised.   

Elrohir shrugged. ‘I guess…’  

‘Then I suggest you do not tattoo controversial House sigils anywhere on your body, to save yourself the hassle of being escorted to the dungeons every time you wish to take a stroll in the Greenwood the Great!’ The elleth answered seriously.   

The twins laughed. ‘You’re joking.’  

‘I wish I was.’ The elleth shrugged.  

‘Just because of your tattoo?’ Elladan raised his eyebrow.   

‘Well… I guess you could say stubbornness and refusal to back down also plays a part in it.’ The stranger shrugged. ‘What happens usually is the trees tell the Elvenking I am there, a patrol takes me to him, I get pissed off because why do I have to state my business in the forest every damn time Thranduil? He gets insulted ‘cos I answer his questions sarcastically in Quenya, proceeds to throw me in the dungeon, till Queen Lasgalen, bless her, comes back from patrol, scolds both her husband and me for our pettiness and then let’s me go…’  

‘Why does King Thranduil hate the star so much? Especially when Gil-Galad used it…’ Elrohir crinkled his brow.  

‘He hated Gil-Galad as much as he hated the Fëanorions. And he hates me because I was… I was there during many battles he also fought… sometimes I was on the wrong side…’ She shuddered.   

‘But surely by the end of the Second Age the feuds of the First Age put to rest?’ Elladan asked.   

‘King Thranduil ought to forgive and forget…’ Elrohir added.   

The elleth did not agree with them. She simply halted again, expression so dark and full of remorse it was as though every crime in the world weighed on her heart.   

‘No…’ she whispered. ‘He’s right. Three ages of fighting the enemy is still not enough to redeem myself from my worst deed. Doriath… I will never forgive myself. And no one else should have forgiven me either. Thranduil is right not to trust me…’  

‘Everyone makes mistakes.’ Elladan tried to pull the elleth out of her melancholy again.   

‘I’m sure whatever you did in Doriath you believed it to be the right thing at the time…’ Elrohir added.   

The elleth stared into the distance. ‘No, I knew what I was doing was wrong. But I didn’t care. I was… mad with grief. It consumed me. Sometimes I wish Kyelaeron hadn’t held me back until the fighting was over. Better I died than them… Poor little things… I shouldn’t have let them out of my sight, should’ve been able to find them before it was too late…’  

The stranger crouched down on her honkers, leaning against a tree. ‘You boys and your stupid questions… Ai what’s wrong with me today… two breakdowns within a few minutes…’  

She hid her face in her hands.   

Elladan and Elrohir placed their hands on her shoulders in a comforting gesture, and looked to each other.  

Dan, I thinks she’s talking about Elured and Elurin…  

Ai! That story is sad enough to hear two Ages later! Never mind being there and not able to find them.  

We have to tell her it’s not her fault! It was Celegorm’s second-in-command who left them to die!  

‘Exactly.’ The Elladan and Elrohir were startled from their osanwë by the girl’s hoarse whisper, twin ghosts now clearly haunting her eyes…  

Chapter Text

Dan and Ro became overwhelmed with an eerie feeling of their very very dead twin ancestor’s ghosts appearing at the worst possible moment and tearing to shreds the progress they had made in cheering up the emotional elleth/saviour/potential murderer.

What do we do Ro? Elladan exclaimed rather dramatically in his twin’s mind. I…I know she saved us and is a complete badass First Age hero… BUT SHE ALSO KILLED ATAR’S UNCLES!!! OUR GRAND-UNCLES!!!

Don’t be hasty in jumping to conclusions! Elrohir, that tad bit less rash, breathed deeply and tried his best to reassure his twin before Dan decided to run off or something daft. THINK Dan! If Atar trusted her once then surely she did not kill them in cold blood! Remember what Lindir said- not all atrocities of the First Age were done with intent!

Yes but Ro… Elladan replied …what if Atar didn’t know at the time?

Well…just… give her a chance to explain things…

She’s not exactly in the most talkative mood!

The elleth in question had remained in her blank, mournful brooding for the last few minute. The twins wondered if she would even notice them should they try to run.

If she meant us harm she would not have saved us… Elrohir finally concluded. And I would rather go with her back to Imladris than take the journey on our own…

I suppose… Elladan sighed, before slowly approaching and placing his hand on the lost elleth’s shoulder. She jumped, before resorting back to her shaky breaths, naught but the small pat she gave Elladan’s hand betraying her trance had been broken.

Elrohir closed his eyes briefly, and pondered what to say.

It was probably best to be blunt, just enough to shock her out of the past.

‘I don’t believe you did it on purpose.’

Her head suddenly jerked towards him, eyes wide and finally back in the present. She paused for a moment, as though recollecting what was going on, before she finally spoke.

‘I… I thought they would be safe- they were wood elves and Menegroth was their home! I lost my Atar that day… two of my uncles too and their followers were all so loyal, all so devastated and enraged by not only their by deaths but the deaths of their comrades, loved ones, family. The sons of Dior would not have been safe, even as captives, not amongst an army of kinslayers. So yes, I dragged them out to the woods and left them there! I told them to run in the direction of the many footprints of the survivors. I had never encountered Peredhel before, didn’t realise they were affected by the cold, nor did I realise they would run the opposite way to what I, the spitting image of their father’s doom, instructed.’

A single tear ran down her face at the recollection. The twins, taking this as their cue to intervene before more tears followed, both lunged to each side of her, demanding her gaze.

‘We do not blame you. You did what you thought was right at the time.’ Elrohir caught her eye and ensured she heard every word, trying his damn best to sound like an heir of Thingol in his assurance.

‘Maybe they did escape. I think they’d have had less of a chance of surviving were they kept in Menegroth.’ Elladan pushed his optimistic mindset on the elleth, whose sorrow seemed to lighten just a little at the suggestion.

‘I doubt that…’ She muttered. ‘But then again, I am living proof that not all those history believes dead are gone…’ To the twins’ great relief, she pulled herself together yet again, laughing in a rather unsettling manner. ‘I really am sorry for my ridiculous emotions, boys. I haven’t had much contact with elves in many, many years and, well, you reminded me of the past, a subject I try to ignore at all times. Anyhow, how about I promise no more tantrums and let us get on our merry way to Imladris!’

She proceeded to bound off, in complete denial of her outburst, gesturing for the boys to follow.

‘Alright!’ The twins exclaimed in unison, though they had not missed a certain detail this elleth had just let slip - that she was believed dead.

Instead of asking directly, which they had learned the hard way was not always ideal with this girl, they decided to use an alternative method.

‘By the way, my name is Elladan and this is my baby brother Elrohir! What’s your name?

‘Baby’ brother by two minutes Dan! And sometimes I truly believe they got the order wrong!

‘ Lovely names. I’m not surprised.’ The elleth interrupted their osanwë argument before it happened.

If she had realised the twins’ motives in introducing themselves, she chose to ignore it, forcing them to ask.

‘What’s your name?’

She sighed, and paused, before speaking ‘I have had many names, and titles, but for the sake of simplicity you can call me by the names given to me by my parents. Siofra Aranya.’

‘They’re nice names too.’ Elladan commented. She shot him a half smirk in return.

I’ve never heard that name before…. Elrohir spoke to his brother, making sure he kept those barriers up.

We will ask Erestor when we get back, she probably went by a different name when she was making history. Elladan replied.

They let her do the taking the rest of the way to Imladris. Most of the conversation involved her naming the birds they heard singing, and whistling their song back.

Once they had passed the boarders, they begged her to accompany them back to the last homely house, but she simply shook her head and ushered them on, promising she would not utter a word to their father through the birds of their earlier brush with death.

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Meanwhile, in Imladris…

‘Elrond, SIT DOWN for the love of Eru! You’re upsetting the baby!’ Celebrian bounced Arwen on her shoulder and the infant’s sobs subsided just a tad, only to increase when her father continued to pace the room fearfully.

‘They have been gone for over two hours Celebrian! No sign of them anywhere within our boarders and my sight fails to locate them.’ He fidgeted with Vilya frustratedly. ‘I swear they have followed Glorfindel’s patrol.’

‘Meldo, how many times before have the twins disappeared, just like this? They always return. Granted with much mischief caused but never anything mortally dangerous! So stop stressing. They are smart boys!’ Celebrian pleaded.

‘They are also stubborn and reckless! With terrible self-preservation skills. They have broken so many bones they now know how to fix each other’s and no longer need my help to reset the bone!’ Elrond stared worryingly out the window, Celebrian made her way to his side, wrapping her free hand around his waist. Elrond leaned into her touch and tried to be as laid back as she as regards their children’s safety. He never truly realised how difficult fatherhood could be, and often reflected on the sheer chaos and stress himself and Elros had caused their adoptive fathers…

‘They know the limits of my patience.’ Celebrian insisted. ‘They will be back before dinner or else they will see my not-so-friendly side.’

‘Eru help them then!’ Elrond could not help but tease, receiving a playful whack in return.

They both laughed and looked out at the view from their balcony. Grateful for the blissful peace they had achieved for the time being.

Now if only the twins would reappear, and put an end to the worry gnawing at Elrond’s heart.

‘Chirp chirp!’

The Lord and Lady of Imladris both jumped to find a little robin greeting them on the balcony. Celebrian cooed and showed the creature to Arwen, who giggled in delight. Elrond, however, felt an old stab of pain despite the happy scene. Birds always reminded him of-

‘Chirp Tweet Tweet Tweet CHIRP!’

Elrond felt his heart soar. That bird call… the one that meant what was lost was now found…surely not? It could not be…

The robin simply stared at him and made a motion eerily similar to a nod, before repeating his message.

‘Chirp Tweet Tweet Tweet CHIRP!’

‘No…’ Elrond whispered. ‘I don’t believe it!’ He could not prevent the beam that broke out on his face- all those years he had searched and of course the twins end up finding her the moment they step foot out of the boarders.

‘What is it Elrond?’ Celebrian asked, her curious tone matching his.

‘I believe our sons have found, or more accurately been found by no other than Gil-Galad!

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Near the boarders of Imladris…

Lindir sat by the river and felt it’s power and song. Harp in hand, he closed his eyes, breathed deeply and proceeded to do the one thing he was good at that didn’t end in unnumbered tears…

Hello Darkness my old friend

I’ve come to talk with you again

Because a vision softly creeping

Left it’s seeds while I was sleeping

And the vision that was planted in my brain

Still remains

Within the sound-

‘YOU FUCKING BASTARD!’

His depressing rendition was ever so rudely interrupted by a voice he had not heard in so long he had almost forgotten its tones and ability to scare the shit out of him. He let out an indignant yelp, pinched himself to make sure he was not dreaming, before turning to face Tyelko’s little terror.

He felt a sharp sting on his face before he even saw his niece.

‘Ow! Is that any way to greet your uncle?’ Lindir crossed his arms and scowled dramatically.

Siofra Aranya crossed her arms back at him and narrowed her eyes, before stating ‘When my uncle, the last living member of my house on these shores, vanishes off the face of ARDA FOR AN ENTIRE AGE, and then proceeds to renter society and all the comfort and luxuries that brings WITHOUT TELLING ME, HIS ONLY CLOSE BLOOD RELATIVE ON THESE SHORES, THEN YES MAGGIE- I DO BELIEVE A SLAP ON THE FACE WAS A KIND WAY TO GREET YOU CONSIDERING WHAT YOU PULLED. IF IT WAS ATAR I’M SURE HE WOULD HAVE KICKED YOU WHERE THE SUN DON’T SHINE!’

Maglor, stunned to silence, did not know what to say or do. Luckily, but also quite confusingly, he was dragged into a fierce embrace, and felt sobs on his shoulder- which made him feel terrible in a way that no amount of scolding ever would.

Feeling wretched for the past, and useless in the present, he simply stood and rubbed soothing circles into his nieces back.

Siofra cried again, because they were the only two left, but that was one more than what she believed alive a few mere hours ago.

‘I…I t-thought y-you were DEAD…!’ She buried her face into his shoulder.

‘I’m sorry about the Second Age… I should have been there. For you, for Elrond, and… for Tyelpe. You should not have had to bear the whole burden that comes with the crown. I should have been there for all of you but… I just couldn’t, Siofra. I was driven to insanity. I barely knew my own name when Elrond found me and brought me here. I know I swore I would forever remain in exile but… I could not bear to see the pain that would cause Elrond…’ Maglor turned his face to the side in shame.

‘I am honestly glad you are alive, and out of that stupid exile that was just more harm than good to everyone!’ Siofra reassured Maglor he was doing the right thing.

‘And what about you, niece?’ Maglor raised an eyebrow. ‘You would do well to listen to your own advice. Will you not?’

Siofra shook her head. ‘Never again. I could never… never face… people again. No it’s much safer for everyone if I fight alone.’

Maglor frowned, before placing a hand on her shoulder. ‘You won the war, Gil-Galad, which is more than what many of your predecessors can boast.’

Siofra shook her head quickly in pure denial.

‘I won, but at what cost? The most kind hearted and honest and genuinely good Fëanorian used as a flag pole! Two thirds of the wood elves dead! The One Ring lost, not gone. Forgive me if I find it hard to wish it all never happened.’

‘Then you are foolish to wish such a thing!’ Maglor replied sternly. ‘Loss is the cost of war, but had you not gone to war it is very likely all would have fallen to darkness.’

‘I know. But I still hate the loss.’ Siofra sat on the riverbank, hugging her knees to her chest. Her uncle sat beside her, placing a comforting arm around her shoulder.

‘And it was not your fault what happened to Tyelpe.’

Siofra responded to that statement by putting her head into her knees, and did not move for quite some time.

When she finally did, however, Maglor was there, staring blankly at the rushing water. Siofra inhaled sharply, before resolving to end this reunion in a light hearted manner.

‘So tell me, dear uncle, was it you who composed the famous ‘Lay of Gil-Galad?’’

‘Indeed it was.’

‘And why, pray tell, did you decide to make me a NER!?’

‘Simple, I needed a word to rhyme with ‘sing’, and ‘Queen’ did not quite fit so well.’

‘Are you fucking joking? So now history believes me to be a ner all for the sake of your silly rhyming scheme!’

‘Well you have to admit the parental rumours also make it funny.’

‘Yes, hmmm, my money is on Finno to be my father, despite how my hair is more akin to Orodreth. Finno is more badass. He’s my dad.’

‘I think Tyelko is puking in his grave.’

‘Maglor, I’m going to go back to the wild soon, but will you do me a little favour before I go?’

‘Hmm yes of course.’

Siofra stood, strapping her quiver and bow and belt back onto her. Kneeling down, she gave Maglor a hug goodbye before whispering.

‘Please write a ballad about Gondolin’s fall, about who really killed the three balrogs. He should never have been forgotten…’

Maglor shot her a sad smile, before nodding. ‘Of course I will, Siofra. I swear I will.’

Siofra nodded, before vanishing into the green foliage.

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