Ch 9 Unveiling

As they rode along, Elrohir started to get the feeling Estel was with them. He tried to ignore the feeling, but it did not cease. But if Estel was there, then which one was he? Elrohir could feel the beginning of a headache. Now he was starting to realize what his poor Adar was going through whenever the four friends were together.

He rode next to Glorfindel. “Glorfindel, I have a question. Do you know any of the people we are escorting personally?”

Glorfindel his head and said, “Nay, only the names your Adar gave me. The man on the stretcher I know nothing except what we were told. Why do you ask?”

Blushing slightly, Elrohir answered, “I keep feeling Estel is with us, and I thought perhaps he was actually one of the healers.”

Glorfindel laughed as he said, “And I feel that Estel and his wager is beginning to make you feel things that are not so. Perhaps Estel is here, I do not know. Please, however, resist questioning our guests.”

Elrohir nodded and dropped back to speak to Elladan. “I know Estel is with us, muindor. I just do not know which he is. I cannot ask, for I promised Glorfindel I would not.”

Elladan replied, “Do not fret, the healers are as they say. Their feet are shod with shoes, rather than the boots Estel favors. As for the injured man, I could see a bit of hair. It was lighter than our brothers’.”

Glorfindel listened to the brothers, realizing they were beginning to put the lessons from Estel into practice. They were watching everyone, paying attention to everyone within sight - or almost everyone.

Finally, Rivendell was in sight. Glorfindel dropped back to where the healers and the injured man were riding. “My Lords, Rivendell is ahead. We will be there very shortly.”

“We thank you, Lord Glorfindel. It has been a most pleasant journey. We thank you and the sons of Elrond for being so considerate for our needs. We will be sure to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lord Elrond for your assistance,” replied Erellont.

The healers and the injured man were guided to the healing wing, where Elrond was waiting, along with Legolas. “Welcome to Rivendell, Lord Erellont, Lord Aerandir. I trust your journey was without incident?”

“Aye, Lord Elrond. Your seneschal and your sons were most helpful, especially your youngest. He worked on my brother, who was in a great deal of pain. He was able to block the pain and helped him start to heal.”

Elrond was somewhat puzzled, until he realized the healer was speaking of Estel. At the same time, the twins also realized that, indeed, Estel had been with them. But who, and why?

“Estel, perhaps you would be so kind as to step forward?” said Elrond, with a sigh.

“Certainly, Adar. Lord Aerandir, I was happy to assist your brother. He will find complete healing in Rivendell.” As Estel spoke, he stepped forward, still dressed in the garb of the Imladris Guard.

Both Elladan and Elrohir looked stunned. Estel just smiled.

“How..where…” spluttered Elrohir. Elladan asked, “Where is King Thranduil?”

“I am right here,” said ‘Erellont’, removing his headdress and revealing the laughing face of the elven king. “That was very enjoyable.” Legolas was laughing as his father revealed himself.

The twins sighed. “What did you have from us, this time?” said Elladan as Elrohir started to look to see what was missing.

“First, your hair ties. Secondly, here are your combs - again.” Estel gave the items back to his brothers.

“Ion nins, it appears you have a problem with your combs,” said Elrond drolly. “Especially when Estel is near.”

The Lord of Imladris turned to Aerandir, saying, “I will have someone show you your room, and will have your brother settled into the healers wing. I hope you will make yourself at home.”

Lord Aerandir bowed, saying, “I give you my most heartfelt gratitude. On my brother’s behalf, I will be most grateful.”

Elrond smiled, and said “I will send someone to escort you to the dining hall. If you and your brother wish, please feel free to join us in the Halls of Fire this evening.”