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No one faint now... :P
Away with You - Chapter 11 - Ashes
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: R
Pairings: Elladan/Elrohir and Eluréd/Elurín
Beta:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
enismirdal
Warnings: Incest, angst
Previous Chapters, since I haven't updated this since 2006, are here.
The smell of smoke still lingered on the air, along with the faint odour of charred flesh, turning the stomachs of all who smelt it.
Several days had passed since the devastating attack and the small community was struggling to repair the terrible damage. The only blessing so far was that the healing hut had mercifully not been damaged, though it was currently filled past its capacity with wounded. More than half of those who had gone into battle against the men had been injured and Elurín, who was still weak himself, had his hands full trying to cope. Two of the men who had fought with the Elves had already died and Elurín was determined to lose no more.
Those that were able worked on repairing or rebuilding the fire-damaged huts, though it was slow work and more than one was declared irreparable and dismantled before it could collapse.
Elladan worked side-by-side with his uncle as they tried to restore order to the once beautiful settlement, now scarred by fire and war. Elrohir was unable to assist - he had greatly over-exerted himself during the attack and his still-healing body had not taken the new stresses well. He was currently confined to bed, in the hut he was sharing now with several others.
In less than a day, their peaceful, simple life had been left in smoking ruins. Even as they worked to bring back what had been lost and adapt to this as but one more change, there was a strong feeling of shock throughout the close-knit community.
Working so closely with Eluréd, Elladan noticed that all was not right with the elder Elf. Perhaps it was natural, after all that had occurred, yet the younger Elf was worried. Eluréd was very quiet - far more so than was usual for him - and nothing he said seemed to help. He knew that the one person that could ease Eluréd’s worries was Elurín- however, the younger twin had hardly been seen outside the healing hut these past days. As a rule, Elurín was observant, but the recent events were taking all of his energy and it had seemingly slipped by unnoticed. Elladan knew that he would have to speak to Elurín directly, the first chance he got.
************
Leaving the healing hut in Elladan’s capable hands, Elurín went in search of his brother. He already felt guilty for neglecting him so long, for becoming so caught up in the recent events that he had almost forgotten the one dearest to him. When Elladan had approached him, telling of his concerns for Eluréd, he had felt deeply guilty at his oversight.
He found Eluréd rebuilding the hut they used to store crops. It would be a hard winter for them all – it was already mid-autumn and most of the summer’s crops had been in here. They would send out a hunting and foraging party within the next few days, yet they would not be able to even half-fill the hut, that he knew. Already there was a chill wind in the air, worryingly early for the time of year. He only hoped they would all see the spring with the resources they had. The men especially would struggle and he knew they would likely have to go ice-fishing in the vague hopes of catching just a little extra food.
Turning his thoughts from food to his brother, he cast a critical eye over Eluréd. His posture was tense and there were dark circles under his eyes. Elurín understood that his twin was worried, for he felt the same, yet Eluréd was working far too hard and Elurín feared for his well-being if he kept this up.
“Eluréd?” he called out softly, not wanting to startle him. It was testament to Eluréd’s exhaustion that he had not noticed his twin already.
Eluréd stopped his work on hearing his twin’s call and turned to face Elurín. “What is it, is something wrong?” he asked tiredly.
“Yes, indeed there is.” Walking over, Elurín took the hammer from his twin’s hand. “You are pushing yourself too hard. Even Elladan is worried and he is almost as bad! Please… come home now.”
“I need to get this completed,” Eluréd replied. “We need the food store urgently.” Yet even as he spoke, he looked longingly at his twin and there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
“We do,” Elurín agreed, “yet a few more hours will make little difference and I daresay you will work better after some rest. Please, Eluréd, we need to spend time together… to talk, amongst other things.”
Unable to disagree, Eluréd stepped closer, allowing his twin to wrap his arms around him. Eluréd all but melted into the tender embrace. After a long moment, when Elurín pulled away, Eluréd did not resist when he was gently led away to their hut.
Stepping into their home, Eluréd’s was suddenly grateful for the warmth of the fire that burned brightly in the stone hearth. When had it become so cold? In his almost feverish endeavours, he had not noticed the weather changing. Yet those thoughts were lost when he saw the meal that awaited them. It was simple, even by Eluréd’s standards, yet under their current circumstances, it was a veritable feast. Slices of cold rabbit, lightly cooked mushrooms, some type of greens and several slices of bread all sat invitingly on a plate, next to a large jug of water.
“Where did this come from?” Eluréd asked in wonder. His stomach rumbled with hunger and he swiftly moved to the table.
“Elladan thought we deserved an evening of peace,” his twin explained. “He put all this together for us. I think he has done rather well!”
Eluréd nodded in agreement. “That he has. I must remember to thank him in the morning.” Sitting down, he pulled his plate towards him. “Eru knows I need this!” Taking a slice of bread, he put a sizable piece of rabbit on it, along with a sliver of mushroom. “It seems an age since I last had a meal so good!”
“That it does!” Elurín laughed. He decided to let his brother eat before bringing up his concerns. Even now, he could see the haunted look in Eluréd’s eyes and it concerned him greatly, yet he knew that disturbing his brother’s meal with his feelings would do more harm than good. No, he would wait until both their bellies were full.
As they ate they made easy conversation about crops, hunting and the welfare of all those in the small community. Elurín let his brother lead the conversation and tried to read deeper into his words when possible, trying to see if he could find the true root of Eluréd’s troubles. Yet the conversation remained inconsequential, never even hinting at anything deeper. The younger of the two found himself starting to doubt whether patience was truly the virtue he’d been led to believe it was.
Eventually, when their plates and glasses were empty, Elurín decided enough was enough. At this rate, they’d have rebuilt the settlement several time over before Eluréd spoke up. “What troubles you, brother?” he asked simply. “Elladan said there was something amiss with you and he was right – I can see it in your eyes. No half-truths now… tell me what really haunts you.”
Eluréd sighed. He had hoped not to burden his twin with his problems, but he should have known it would not be possible. Even if Elladan had said nothing, Elurín would have noticed eventually.
“Is it not obvious?” he said softly. “I killed them, brother… all those men. I heard them scream as their flesh caught fire… as they burned slowly… even now, I can still smell it. Their screams still linger in my mind.”
“They would have killed us if you had not killed them first,” Elurín responded gently. He reached out across the table, taking Eluréd’s hands in his. “I know you did not want to do it, but they left you no choice. You did only what you had to do, as any warrior in battle would.”
Clutching his twin’s hands tightly, Eluréd did not look up. “It did not feel like battle,” he said bitterly. “Only like cold-blooded murder.”
“Perhaps because it was not hand-to-hand combat,” Elurín suggested. “Eluréd – we set up that system to be used only in dire need. The need was dire; you had no other choice. Your decision saved us all – had they broken our defences we would likely all be dead.”
“Then why do I still hear them screaming? Why does it still trouble my dreams?” Eluréd’s voice was only a whisper, broken and afraid.
Leaving his seat, Elurín walked around the table to embrace his brother. “It haunts you because you have a good heart and because you have seen too much death to take it lightly. I can only ask you to believe that you did what was right and needed; nothing more.”
Eluréd sighed in resignation. “You say that and perhaps it is true, but it does not help. I do not know how to forget what I saw and heard, and I fear it will never leave me.” Leaning against Elurín, he let his brother comfort him in his moment of weakness.
“It will fade, in time,” Elurín promised. “Time will fade the pain, as it has many times before.” He held Eluréd close, trying to offer the security his twin so needed. At last he felt Eluréd sag against him and he knew he had won the battle – for now, at least. “Come,” he whispered. “Let us rest now. I will be with you tonight and, in the morning, we will face the new day together.”
Having neither the strength nor inclination to resist, Eluréd only nodded as his brother led him away. He wanted to rest, he could deny it no more. He had nothing left to give and needed the comfort only his twin could offer. As they moved into the small sleeping area, he held Elurín’s hand tightly, content for once to let him take control.
That night, as they slept, they were peaceful and warm in each other’s arms. Content and safe, they did not notice as the temperature dropped sharply and the clouds turned grey with early snow. As morning broke, the first white flakes began to fall, covering the damaged settlement in white dust.
End Chapter 11
Away with You - Chapter 11 - Ashes
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: R
Pairings: Elladan/Elrohir and Eluréd/Elurín
Beta:
enismirdalWarnings: Incest, angst
Previous Chapters, since I haven't updated this since 2006, are here.
The smell of smoke still lingered on the air, along with the faint odour of charred flesh, turning the stomachs of all who smelt it.
Several days had passed since the devastating attack and the small community was struggling to repair the terrible damage. The only blessing so far was that the healing hut had mercifully not been damaged, though it was currently filled past its capacity with wounded. More than half of those who had gone into battle against the men had been injured and Elurín, who was still weak himself, had his hands full trying to cope. Two of the men who had fought with the Elves had already died and Elurín was determined to lose no more.
Those that were able worked on repairing or rebuilding the fire-damaged huts, though it was slow work and more than one was declared irreparable and dismantled before it could collapse.
Elladan worked side-by-side with his uncle as they tried to restore order to the once beautiful settlement, now scarred by fire and war. Elrohir was unable to assist - he had greatly over-exerted himself during the attack and his still-healing body had not taken the new stresses well. He was currently confined to bed, in the hut he was sharing now with several others.
In less than a day, their peaceful, simple life had been left in smoking ruins. Even as they worked to bring back what had been lost and adapt to this as but one more change, there was a strong feeling of shock throughout the close-knit community.
Working so closely with Eluréd, Elladan noticed that all was not right with the elder Elf. Perhaps it was natural, after all that had occurred, yet the younger Elf was worried. Eluréd was very quiet - far more so than was usual for him - and nothing he said seemed to help. He knew that the one person that could ease Eluréd’s worries was Elurín- however, the younger twin had hardly been seen outside the healing hut these past days. As a rule, Elurín was observant, but the recent events were taking all of his energy and it had seemingly slipped by unnoticed. Elladan knew that he would have to speak to Elurín directly, the first chance he got.
************
Leaving the healing hut in Elladan’s capable hands, Elurín went in search of his brother. He already felt guilty for neglecting him so long, for becoming so caught up in the recent events that he had almost forgotten the one dearest to him. When Elladan had approached him, telling of his concerns for Eluréd, he had felt deeply guilty at his oversight.
He found Eluréd rebuilding the hut they used to store crops. It would be a hard winter for them all – it was already mid-autumn and most of the summer’s crops had been in here. They would send out a hunting and foraging party within the next few days, yet they would not be able to even half-fill the hut, that he knew. Already there was a chill wind in the air, worryingly early for the time of year. He only hoped they would all see the spring with the resources they had. The men especially would struggle and he knew they would likely have to go ice-fishing in the vague hopes of catching just a little extra food.
Turning his thoughts from food to his brother, he cast a critical eye over Eluréd. His posture was tense and there were dark circles under his eyes. Elurín understood that his twin was worried, for he felt the same, yet Eluréd was working far too hard and Elurín feared for his well-being if he kept this up.
“Eluréd?” he called out softly, not wanting to startle him. It was testament to Eluréd’s exhaustion that he had not noticed his twin already.
Eluréd stopped his work on hearing his twin’s call and turned to face Elurín. “What is it, is something wrong?” he asked tiredly.
“Yes, indeed there is.” Walking over, Elurín took the hammer from his twin’s hand. “You are pushing yourself too hard. Even Elladan is worried and he is almost as bad! Please… come home now.”
“I need to get this completed,” Eluréd replied. “We need the food store urgently.” Yet even as he spoke, he looked longingly at his twin and there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
“We do,” Elurín agreed, “yet a few more hours will make little difference and I daresay you will work better after some rest. Please, Eluréd, we need to spend time together… to talk, amongst other things.”
Unable to disagree, Eluréd stepped closer, allowing his twin to wrap his arms around him. Eluréd all but melted into the tender embrace. After a long moment, when Elurín pulled away, Eluréd did not resist when he was gently led away to their hut.
Stepping into their home, Eluréd’s was suddenly grateful for the warmth of the fire that burned brightly in the stone hearth. When had it become so cold? In his almost feverish endeavours, he had not noticed the weather changing. Yet those thoughts were lost when he saw the meal that awaited them. It was simple, even by Eluréd’s standards, yet under their current circumstances, it was a veritable feast. Slices of cold rabbit, lightly cooked mushrooms, some type of greens and several slices of bread all sat invitingly on a plate, next to a large jug of water.
“Where did this come from?” Eluréd asked in wonder. His stomach rumbled with hunger and he swiftly moved to the table.
“Elladan thought we deserved an evening of peace,” his twin explained. “He put all this together for us. I think he has done rather well!”
Eluréd nodded in agreement. “That he has. I must remember to thank him in the morning.” Sitting down, he pulled his plate towards him. “Eru knows I need this!” Taking a slice of bread, he put a sizable piece of rabbit on it, along with a sliver of mushroom. “It seems an age since I last had a meal so good!”
“That it does!” Elurín laughed. He decided to let his brother eat before bringing up his concerns. Even now, he could see the haunted look in Eluréd’s eyes and it concerned him greatly, yet he knew that disturbing his brother’s meal with his feelings would do more harm than good. No, he would wait until both their bellies were full.
As they ate they made easy conversation about crops, hunting and the welfare of all those in the small community. Elurín let his brother lead the conversation and tried to read deeper into his words when possible, trying to see if he could find the true root of Eluréd’s troubles. Yet the conversation remained inconsequential, never even hinting at anything deeper. The younger of the two found himself starting to doubt whether patience was truly the virtue he’d been led to believe it was.
Eventually, when their plates and glasses were empty, Elurín decided enough was enough. At this rate, they’d have rebuilt the settlement several time over before Eluréd spoke up. “What troubles you, brother?” he asked simply. “Elladan said there was something amiss with you and he was right – I can see it in your eyes. No half-truths now… tell me what really haunts you.”
Eluréd sighed. He had hoped not to burden his twin with his problems, but he should have known it would not be possible. Even if Elladan had said nothing, Elurín would have noticed eventually.
“Is it not obvious?” he said softly. “I killed them, brother… all those men. I heard them scream as their flesh caught fire… as they burned slowly… even now, I can still smell it. Their screams still linger in my mind.”
“They would have killed us if you had not killed them first,” Elurín responded gently. He reached out across the table, taking Eluréd’s hands in his. “I know you did not want to do it, but they left you no choice. You did only what you had to do, as any warrior in battle would.”
Clutching his twin’s hands tightly, Eluréd did not look up. “It did not feel like battle,” he said bitterly. “Only like cold-blooded murder.”
“Perhaps because it was not hand-to-hand combat,” Elurín suggested. “Eluréd – we set up that system to be used only in dire need. The need was dire; you had no other choice. Your decision saved us all – had they broken our defences we would likely all be dead.”
“Then why do I still hear them screaming? Why does it still trouble my dreams?” Eluréd’s voice was only a whisper, broken and afraid.
Leaving his seat, Elurín walked around the table to embrace his brother. “It haunts you because you have a good heart and because you have seen too much death to take it lightly. I can only ask you to believe that you did what was right and needed; nothing more.”
Eluréd sighed in resignation. “You say that and perhaps it is true, but it does not help. I do not know how to forget what I saw and heard, and I fear it will never leave me.” Leaning against Elurín, he let his brother comfort him in his moment of weakness.
“It will fade, in time,” Elurín promised. “Time will fade the pain, as it has many times before.” He held Eluréd close, trying to offer the security his twin so needed. At last he felt Eluréd sag against him and he knew he had won the battle – for now, at least. “Come,” he whispered. “Let us rest now. I will be with you tonight and, in the morning, we will face the new day together.”
Having neither the strength nor inclination to resist, Eluréd only nodded as his brother led him away. He wanted to rest, he could deny it no more. He had nothing left to give and needed the comfort only his twin could offer. As they moved into the small sleeping area, he held Elurín’s hand tightly, content for once to let him take control.
That night, as they slept, they were peaceful and warm in each other’s arms. Content and safe, they did not notice as the temperature dropped sharply and the clouds turned grey with early snow. As morning broke, the first white flakes began to fall, covering the damaged settlement in white dust.
End Chapter 11
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-10-21 12:17 am (UTC)From:Just kidding! **grin** You don't know how happy I am to see this one continuing, Tux!
I feel an angst storm coming on, though, right along with the snow. **hides** I can't wait for more, even if I have to read it from the protection of my closet! **hee**
**hugs**
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 11:51 pm (UTC)From:All my fics are behind but this one was embarassingly so! Hopefully chapter 12 won't take me until 2010! :P
Glad you enjoyed it. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-10-21 02:49 am (UTC)From:Thank you for the link to the previous chapters! Have to go and reread!
*huggles*
no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 11:52 pm (UTC)From:Happy reading, hopefully the next chapter won't take as long. :P
*Hugs*
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Date: 2008-10-21 04:10 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 11:54 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-10-21 06:36 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 11:56 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-10-21 05:56 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 11:59 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-10-22 07:18 am (UTC)From:I'm glad you're continuing and thanks for the sharing. ^^
no subject
Date: 2008-10-23 12:03 am (UTC)From:The Elrond in this fic was born out of my frustrations with the movie version of Elrond - he always seemed so cold to me. But I promise he will reappear eventually and hopefully you'll find him a bit less hateful! ;)
Thanks!