Chapter Text
“Promise me again you will do nothing but sit here and ready your book while I practice?” Boromir looked down at me with a mock, stern expression.
I was happy to be free from my room. I didn’t care about the conditions set upon me. I nodded eagerly and smiled up at him. Boromir shook his head in amusement and continued down the path to the practice field with me in his arms. He kissed my temple, making my smile turn into something more genuine. An affectionate Boromir always melted my heart.
It also made me miss the closeness we’d shared on the road. Sharing a bed with Boromir had been something I’d gotten used to far too easily.
When we made it to the practice fields, I was beginning to wonder if this was a good idea. Every Elf we passed turned to stare at me. I felt a blush creep onto my face every single time it happened. I hated being the centre of attention. I’d much rather fade into the background to go unnoticed. It wasn’t hard for me to do at court as long as I wasn’t attached to Boromir’s arm.
Boromir sat me down on the bench gently and, without a word, walked over to one of the rings where his opponent was already waiting for them. The bench was a high-backed one with sides, so I could easily prop my leg out in front of me and lean back against the sides. Lord Elrond has been very firm in that I needed to keep my leg elevated and straight. Not that I had much of a choice in the latter as it was bandaged with so many layers I couldn’t bend at the knee.
I had seen Boromir practice many times. I felt no need to watch him now. I opened my book and began to skim over the pages. I hadn’t looked at the book before we left. I grabbed the first one off the unread pile. To my annoyance, it wasn’t written in Common. It looked to be Sindarin, but I couldn’t be sure. I flicked through a few more pages, hoping there would be something in Common. But there wasn’t. I slammed it shut in frustration and glanced up.
I jumped as I realised I was being watched. One of the twins was standing over me with an amused smile on his face.
“Lady Devera, how lovely to see you out of bed,” the voice I knew as Elrohir greeted me.
“It is lovely to be out of bed,” I said with a wry grin, motioning for him to sit down. Elrohir shook his head politely.
“I’m on my way to either beat or be quite thoroughly beaten by Lord Boromir,” Elrohir explained. “I just wanted to say good morning before I potentially embarrass myself.”
“Then I shall enjoy watching then,” I said, my grin turning more genuine.
It made the Elf above me mirror my grin.
“Is your book not to your liking?” Elrohir motioned to the book, now sitting in my lap.
“I’m sure it is. However, I don’t speak Sindarin, which I think is what it’s written in,” I said, trying to cover my disappointment.
“Ah,” Elrohir said, looking quite like his father with a thoughtful look on his face. “Perhaps since you will be staying for a time, then you can learn while you are here?”
“Are you offering your tutoring services, Lord Elrohir?” I asked jokingly.
Despite my joking words, I hoped there was some truth behind his question. It had occurred to me that it might work to my advantage to do something with my time. I was not one to sit idly. I was going to be bored once I was healed.
“I fear I would be a terrible tutor,” Elrohir said with a small shake of his head. “Archery and sword lessons would be more my style.”
“I’m terrible with a sword,” I admitted with a smile. I don’t think having an Elf as a tutor would change that. “However, Lord Boromir promised me a new bow, and I’m sure he’d be very grateful if you offered some lessons with it.”
“I’ve heard stories of your aim, I hardly think you need lessons,” Elrohir said with a genuine smile “Though when you stand, I would quite happily spend plenty of time at the range with you.”
“On horseback?” I could feel my eyes light up at his words.
“Not on that beast of yours,” Elrohir scowled briefly, no doubt remembering the bite Axis landed on his arm. “However, that privilege would have to fall to Lord Glorfindel. I’m a much better shot on the ground, not on horseback. Have you met Lord Glorfindel?”
“Yes, in the stables yesterday.”
By the growing smile on his face, I knew he had been told of my little trip. I could feel a blush stain my cheeks at the smile on his handsome face. Why did Elven males have to be so attractive?
“Ah, yes, I believe I lost a bet with my brother on how long it would take you to become bored and get out of bed.” Elrohir’s eyes were twinkling with contained laughter.
“You and your brother seem to gamble a lot,” I said with a laugh. “And it seems to me over me lately.”
“It’s not every day we get visitors from the south in such a dramatic fashion,” Elrohir explained, the amusement clear in his voice. “Especially when we find out the messenger is the stubborn woman we met many moons ago.”
“Then I’m glad to be an amusement and source of losing money between you and your brother.” I couldn’t keep the laughter out of my voice.
I liked Elrohir. I could see us becoming friends easily while I stayed in Rivendell.
My attention drifted back to Boromir, who was now lying flat on his back with a sword pressed to his throat. He was plastered in sweat and had a look of wry amusement on his face. Elladan offered him a hand, which he took gratefully. Elrohir’s eyes followed my own, and he let out an overly dramatic sigh.
“Wish me luck, my lady,” Elrohir said dramatically. “I fear Lord Boromir’s anger over being beaten will be transferred to giving me a thorough hiding.”
“Good luck, Lord Elrohir, I fear you are right” I tried to sound as sincere as possible without breaking into giggles. I wasn't being very successful, and a strangled and unladylike snort came out.
Elrohir smiled at me and sauntered over to the practice ring. A few Elves had gathered around and were watching as Boromir twirled his sword with ease. I had to admit that he was an impressive sight. Without the pressure of daily life in Minas Tirith, he seemed to have lost that strained look of weariness that so often followed him. In the short time we had been in Rivendell, he was starting to look his age again. He had put on the weight he’d lost on the trip up here. Every morning, he was freshly washed and shaven.
And without a shirt on, I was beginning to think I should be paying a lot more attention to him practising.
It was more than I could say for myself. I looked older than my 28 years. Despite the amount of sleep I was getting, I still had large purple circles under my eyes. My entire body seemed pulled too tight over the bones. I couldn’t help but notice the more than generous portions I was always sent at mealtimes. It was more than I could ever finish, which, of course, did not go unnoticed. Whoever came to clear my food tray always inquired if I wanted anything else or if I was sure I was finished with all of my meal. My blonde hair lay limply in a simple plait, and I yearned for a hot soak in a bath to wash it thoroughly.
“May I sit?” A polite Elladan interrupted my thoughts.
“Of course, I would need to sit down after a workout like that as well,” I said with a small laugh.
It earned me a grin from the Elf, who plonked himself down on the bench. I tried not to shift nervously as Elladan said nothing more. While I was at ease in the company of his twin, I wasn’t sure what to make of Elladan. Since the night I had first woken up in Rivendell, he had maintained a polite yet distant profile with me.
“Is the book not to your liking?” Elladan asked, gesturing towards the book.
It struck me how much the twins were identical in so many ways. If I hadn’t known it was Elrohir in the practice ring, getting thoroughly beaten by Boromir. I would have sworn it was the same person.
“Your brother asked me that same question before he left to get beaten,” I couldn’t help but laugh lightly at his enquiry.
“And isn’t he getting quite the thorough hiding,” Elladan said with a chuckle.
The amusement clearly on his face made me feel more at ease.
“I hate to say it, but yes, he is.” I smiled as Boromir made his final move.
He sent Elrohir’s sword flying across the ground. The Elf looked at his hands in dismay. I was more focused on a sweaty and shirtless Boromir and how his arm muscles rippled with the swing.
“And the book isn’t written in Common. I don’t speak Sindarin,” I continued before I lost my train of thought watching a shirtless Boromir. “I’m not even sure what it’s about.”
Elladan took the book from my lap in such a swift movement I barely saw it. He opened the first page and scanned it briefly before pulling a face.
“A book on the Years of Trees,” Elladan screwed his nose up. “Why would you want to read that?” “I like history,” I said with a shrug. “Well, I like to read, it doesn’t matter the topic.”
To my surprise, Elladan laughed.
“You are full of surprises, Lady Devera. I would have never picked you for the book type.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow in question. “What would you have picked me for?”
“A sword-swinging Shield Maiden, one who doesn’t want to conform to the confines of what is normally expected of a maiden your age in Gondor,” Elladan was still chuckling. “For it’s clear to see that you’re not born in Gondor.”
“No, you are correct, I was born in Rohan and moved when I was a small girl,” I confirmed with a nod. “But I can’t swing a sword to save my own life if you really must know.”
“Then it’s a good thing you can shoot,” Elladan recovered enough to rein in his amusement. “I’m sure I could teach you to swing a sword.”
“Believe me, many have tried and failed.” I could feel the corners of my lips starting to quirk in good humour.
If I had thought for a moment I would be bored in Rivendell, it was now sure I would be busier than ever if I took them up on the offers I was getting this morning.
“But none of those have been me.” Elladan puffed out his chest in such a ridiculous manner I couldn’t help but laugh.
“By all means, you’re welcome to try,” I said through my laughter.
My attention was quickly pulled back to Boromir, who had begun to spar with Elrohir again. This time Elrohir seemed to have the upper hand in the match. Although powerful, Boromir was not as fast as the Elf. Elrohir was using it to his full advantage this time. I winced as Boromir caught him with a glancing blow that caught them both off balance.
“Do you remember me?” Elladan asked suddenly.
“Pardon?” I turned my attention back to him. The question caught me off guard. So was the gaze from his smouldering grey eyes. I felt myself flush slightly. He was looking at me so intently. It reminded me of how Glorfindel looked at me at the stables yesterday.
“From when you first rode to Rivendell?” he probed further.
“Oh,” I laughed breathlessly. Gods, he must think me dimwitted. I wanted to smack myself in the head for my silliness. What is it with male Elves all being so breathtakingly handsome?
“Of course I do,” I continued. “Although I still can’t tell you apart.”
“I often wondered if you made it back to Gondor safely,” Elladan said before finally turning his gaze away from me. “Such a stubborn thing you are. I was sent out on guard duty for punishment that week, and you certainly made it interesting. Camping right underneath my guard hut. You have no idea how shocked we were finding Boromir and then finding out you were back again.”
“Punishment?” I echoed. I could feel my cheeks starting to turn pink with embarrassment. I was never sure how close I was to their guard hut. Since I couldn’t see anything, I assumed I was out of eyesight. And carried on as if no one could see me.
“You blush,” Elladan stated. I could see a wicked gleam in his eye. He must have known exactly what line of thought I was going down with. Now, I had to contend with the knowledge both he and his brother had seen my naked behind. Many times.
“What did you do to deserve such a punishment?” I asked, steering the question away from my pink cheeks.
“Now that is a story that would ruin my good reputation”, Elladan said with a grin that lit up his entire face.
“Then it’s a good thing I know that your reputation is far from good, and any story you speak about cannot do any further harm,” I quipped, the words leaving my mouth before I could think about what I was saying.
I mentally cringed, hoping Elladan wouldn’t take it the wrong way. Thankfully, I was saved from the anguish, and he laughed instead.
“Have you met Lord Erestor?” Elladan asked once his laughter died down.
I shook my head, leaning forward, not wanting to miss anything to this story.
“Elrohir and I thought it would amusing to slip him a sleeping powder in his wine glass. One that wasn’t strong and took a while to take effect. Lord Erestor is far too serious for his good, so we tied him naked to a tree.”
“You what?” I thought my ears had failed me for a moment. But the ridiculous grin on Elladan’s face gave it away that I hadn’t misheard.
“Tied him naked to a tree, right outside his rooms, of course, but unfortunately, Father was the one who happened to find him,” Elladan clarified for me.
I barely heard him, though, I was laughing so hard I could feel tears welling in my eyes. I had to finally clamp my hand over my mouth so I could breathe. If I had any notion that Elves were all boring and serious, that was now long gone. Elrohir and Elladan were mischief-makers through and through.
“Pray tell what is so funny, Devera?” Boromir’s voice cut through my now muffled laughter.
I raised my eyes to him and still couldn't find the words to tell him.
For the first time in weeks, my body came awake with desire, looking at Boromir standing there, shirtless, gleaming with sweat and leaning casually against his massive sword. I could feel my cheeks heat for another reason entirely. I would never tire of the sight of Boromir shirtless or naked.
“Elladan was retelling the story of why he and his brother had guard duty when I first rode to Rivendell,” I finally explained to Boromir between my giggles. “It seems that I have just found the Elvish version of you and Faramir. He also volunteered to teach me how to handle a sword.”
“Did he now?” Boromir’s eyes were twinkling with amusement. I couldn’t help but grin at him. Mine was for different reasons than what he would be thinking right now.
“How hard can it be?” Elladan shrugged with a smug air of confidence about him.
“Then I wish you the best of luck, Lord Elladan,” Boromir said with a mock grimness to his voice.
I smiled sweetly at him. Shaking his head, Boromir pulled his shirt back on, much to my disappointment.
“Elrohir also agreed to ask Lord Glorfindel to give me lessons with my archery on horseback.” I turned my sweet smile to the other twin, who raised an eyebrow at me.
“Did I now?” Elrohir echoed Boromir’s earlier words.
“Of course you did, and Sindarin lessons, too,” I informed him.
“Okay, time for you to go back, Devera, before you have all the Elves in Rivendell owing you something,” Boromir’s voice was full of laughter.
Before I could protest, he scooped me up like I weighed nothing.
I gasped in pain as my leg just barely brushed against the bench. Any lingering trace of desire I felt before quickly vanished. I felt Boromir flinch.
“Sorry,” he apologised. “Thank you for the spar, my lords.”
I hadn’t realised how tired the little trip left me. Almost straight away, I could feel my eyelids drooping despite my efforts to stay awake. I wanted to make use of my time spent outdoors as much as possible.
I smothered a yawn, which made the cut my cheek hurt. I sighed inwardly, when would my body ever stop aching? Or when would I be able to stay awake during the day without feeling exhausted? Part of me knew it was my body catching up on the many months of abuse I put it through. But the other part of me longed for nothing more than to be able to be up and about. I wanted to spend time with Axis more than anything else in the world right now.
“Do you want anything when you go to your room?” Boromir asked me, breaking through my thoughts.
“You naked in my bed,” I unsuccessfully tried to hide another yawn.
Boromir chuckled, the sound vibrating through my body from the rumbling in his chest. I snuggled into the crook of his shoulder and closed my eyes. It was comforting being in his arms. Breathing in the scents, all mixed that made him the man I knew. The desire from before started to come back.
“And what would I be doing naked in your bed?” Boromir asked as he walked up the stairs towards my room.
He laid his cheek against my head and gave me a brief kiss. I smiled at the tenderness behind it. Behind that hardened warrior exterior, he could be sweet when he wanted to be.
“You could be lying back while I ride you.” My voice was muffled by speaking into his tunic. “Or you worshipping my body with your mouth.”
“Mmm, that is a tempting offer,” Boromir chuckled again.
I felt him open the door rather than see it. I could already feel the corners of sleep tugging at me. It took all of my strength not to fall asleep.
“Then you should take me up on it.” I managed to crack my eyes open and tried to flash my best smile at him. He peered down at me with an amused look on his face.
“There is nothing in this world I would enjoy falling into bed with you.” Boromir kissed my temple before setting me down on the bed gently.
The motion was enough to wake me with another hiss of pain. I muttered curses under my breath at my broken body. When would I be free from this ache? My leg was a constant dull throb unless something disturbed it. Then, it felt as if a knife was twisting in it. At least my arm wasn’t too painful until I tried to use it.
My hiss of pain didn’t go unnoticed by Boromir. He sighed deeply and brushed my hair away from my face before cupping my cheek. I closed my eyes and leaned into his touch. His hands were comforting, rough and calloused. I knew every bump and scar on them.
“Once you can move without gasping in pain every time I touch you, I will lock this door and spend every moment in bed with you,” Boromir murmured against my lips as he kissed me tenderly.
I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him in for a deeper kiss. Caught off guard, Boromir nearly landed on top of me. Ignoring every ache and pain in my body, I tried to wrap myself around him as much as I could. My tongue danced around his and met no resistance.
Boromir groaned against my insistent lips, his hands instantly gripping my waist. Not breaking the kiss, I reached down and started to pull his shirt over his head. Boromir gripped my hands gently to stop my progress and reluctantly broke the kiss. He dropped his head on my shoulder and chuckled breathlessly.
“Devera,” Boromir’s tone was full of affectionate exasperation. He pulled away enough that I couldn’t reach up to kiss him.
I pouted that my efforts were so easily thwarted. My body was on fire now, not from pain but desire this time.
“I suddenly find myself missing those nights spent on the road with just you and me,” I said, purposely brushing up against Boromir as much as I could manage. I knew the effect I was having on him. It was working on me as well.
“Me as well, stop it, Devera,” Boromir tried to scold me but couldn't get the mirth out of his voice. “I am going to have to make it back to my room quickly because I’m quite indecent now, and it won’t go away anytime soon.”
It wasn’t an outright refusal. I could work with that.
“I have a suggestion then.” My own body was on fire, and there was no quenching it. Boromir raised a questioning eyebrow. “And it was my second suggestion with a promise of the first when I can move properly.”
It was rare Boromir refused me. I had managed to persuade him in a manner of places that we should not have been having sex plenty of times. It only took a few moments before I knew I had him.
“Once wince of pain and I stop,” Boromir warned. I could only nod eagerly. Boromir didn’t need any other encouragement. His lips were on my neck, his hands working my dress up before I could answer.
After Boromir left that morning, I slept all day and didn’t wake until day the next morning. My days were then filled with sitting by the practice ring with a book while Boromir trained. When Boromir wasn’t training, he would leave me in a garden not too far from my room. When he finished practice, he’d take me to the stables to visit Axis and Nightwind.
The days grew colder, and the occasional snow would sprinkle. It never deterred me from being outside. Huddled in many layers of clothing, I would sit and read the day away after my stable visit. I was rarely alone for too long. It seemed like every Elf in Rivendell would stop by and greet me. Most of the conversations were brief, as my knowledge of Sindarin was still non-existent. Most Elves didn’t speak Common, but I seemed to be able to muddle my way through a greeting now.
A week and a half later, I was sitting in one close to the gateway. It had been a longer walk than usual for Boromir to carry me there. He left me with two books and the promise to come back by lunchtime. This morning, the gate was bustling with its usual activity. Rivendell was always abuzz with Elves. It wasn’t unlike Minas Tirith in its preparation before winter. There would be thousands of jobs to get done before the snow set in. It would only take one heavy snowfall, and there would be no getting out until it melted. No one paid me any heed, as if I was a statue sitting there with my leg propped up.
An old man in tattered clothes strolled in out of nowhere. I barely noticed him and would have kept reading if he had not abruptly come to a stop in front of me. I dragged my eyes away from the story of the Battle of Dagorlad. I looked up at the unkept old man in front of me.
“Lady Devera? The personal messenger of Denethor?” he asked me in a scratchy tone. His voice wasn’t unfriendly. He simply sounded surprised. I suddenly knew who I was talking to.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Gandalf in the few times he was in Gondor. However, I had heard many stories of him. Faramir loved regaling me in the tales when he visited. Boromir was never quite as keen on the wizard as his younger brother. I was curious about meeting a real wizard. It seemed he had the same about me. Then again, how many very Rohirric-looking females would be sitting in Rivendell right this very moment?
“Mithrandir, it is an honour and pleasure to meet you,” I smiled politely. “Please excuse my rudeness by not standing. My leg is rather badly broken.”
“I can see that, my dear, no need to apologise,” the wizard's eyes sparkled in good humour. His weathered face was kind and warm. I felt myself relaxing instantly.
“Pray tell, what is the steward’s messenger doing all this way north?” Gandalf inquired politely. However, the curiosity in his voice could not be masked.
“Lord Boromir and I travelled to Rivendell to seek answers,” I explained. “I knew the way to Rivendell.”
“And how did you become injured?” Gandalf asked, leaning heavily on his staff.
He looked like a very tired old man when he did that. However, those eyes gave nothing away. Years of wisdom hidden in those sparkling grey eyes. I felt looking into those eyes, I would never be able to hide the truth from him.
“A party of Orcs attacked Lord Boromir and I when we were less than a day's ride from Rivendell,” I shuddered as the memories loomed before my eyes. “One of them was riding a Warg and managed to unhorse me.”
“Orcs this far North?” Gandalf suddenly looked grave.
“We first encountered a party when we crossed Tharbad. Boromir and I sheltered for the night in a rain storm” I felt my voice trail off in uncertainty.
Surely, being so travel-weary, Gandalf wouldn’t want to hear my prattling on about my journey. Gandalf looked at me in expectation of finishing my story.
“My apologies, I did not mean to hold you up,” I continued, shifting uncomfortably on the seat. “You must be travel weary.”
“Not at all, my dear,” Gandalf smiled at me, though it never quite reached his eyes. “I think we shall have plenty to speak about soon.”
And with a lift of his robes, Gandalf the Grey disappeared into Rivendell. I frowned after him but went back to my book. The words were just tugging at me to shift my eyes down to read them. To get lost in the tales of a long-ago battle. It only took moments for me to get lost in another time and forget about Gandalf’s arrival.
I had only read through a total of ten pages before a shadow loomed over me.
“I’m not done, Boromir, come back later,” I said, my eyes not even leaving the page.
It was only when the shadow snorted in a tone that was not my lover I glanced up. Elladan was standing over me.
“Oh.” I covered my embarrassment by smiling sweetly. “How are you today, Lord Elladan?”
“Very well, thank you, Lady Devera,” Elladan said with a wide smile. “I’m not sure whether to be offended or delighted that you mistook me for Boromir.”
“I suppose that would depend on whether he has beaten you in practice today,” I quipped quickly. I felt much more at ease around Elladan now. I found him to have the exact wicked humour his brother did. However, he was slightly more serious than Elrohir.
“Fear not, for he was the one who was beaten today.” Elladan sighed dramatically. “Though not before he gave me a few bruises for my trouble.”
I snorted in reply and felt my eyes drifting back down to my book.
“Father wishes to speak to you privately,” Elladan said.
My eyes snapped up from the pages of my book. I felt my stomach lurch in nerves. I only saw Lord Elrond when he was changing the bandages on my leg. Though we spoke, it was never of importance. Had I done something wrong? “Don’t look so terrified, Devera,” Elladan sounded like he was barely containing himself from bursting out laughing. “You are not in trouble, Father simply needs some questions answered about things that Boromir could not provide him with.”
“Oh,” I said for the second time, feeling embarrassed, more so than the first. “ I would be glad to be of assistance, but how am I meant to get there?”
“I did consider leaving you to crawl there,” Elladan said, giving me a sweet smile. “Because in your stubbornness, I’m sure you would do it.”
“Elladan,” I shot the Elf a warning look, but he raised his hand for silence before I could continue.
“However, I do not wish to spend the next six months doing border patrols, so I will carry you there.”
“How kind of you,” I drawled, hoping my voice would cover my nerves.
No one but Boromir had ever carried me anywhere. Elladan's good looks were enough to make me blush, let alone him touching me. I swallowed heavily, hoping my nerves wouldn’t show on my face. It didn’t help that I nearly jumped clear off the bench when Elladan went to scoop me up.
“Did I hurt you?” He withdrew his hands so quickly it was as if I scalded him.
I felt my cheeks heat, and I knew I was blushing. He looked at me in confusion with a wry grin on his face.
“No, I’m sorry. I normally don’t let anyone else touch me besides Boromir, no one else has ever carried me before,” I blurted out. My cheeks were flaming red from embarrassment now.
“I promise with all of my honour I will not touch you anywhere except for carrying you,” Elladan looked as if he was trying very hard not to laugh at me. “That is unless you want me to. Then I would be happy to put my hands anywhere you wish it”
My embarrassment was very quickly replaced with laughter, and this time, I didn’t flinch when Elladan delicately picked me up. He, however, seemed to have to adjust his weight rather quickly. I raised an eyebrow at him in question. This time, it was his turn to look slightly embarrassed.
“I did not expect you to be so light,” Elladan explained.
I couldn't even think of a witty comeback to him, so I kept silent and let him stew in his embarrassment for once.
It was strangely familiar, yet so different from being carried by Boromir. He had the same steel hardness beneath his clothes. It wasn’t hard to imagine how well-built he was. I had to stop myself from the unbidden thought popping into my head of what Elladan looked like without a shirt. I’d seen both he and Elrohir spar without shirts on. Those were the mornings I found it very hard to concentrate on my book.
Biting back a grumble, I tried to relax as much as I could in his arms. Unlike Boromir’s solid body, Elladan was much more lithe. It was almost like liquid how his body moved. I noticed for the first time he didn’t make any noise when he walked. No wonder he could sneak up on me all the time. I shifted to get slightly more comfortable, which nestled me into the crook on Elladan’s shoulder.
“Still thinking about my offer?” he said cheekily.
“No, I was more thinking of your twin,” I shot back just as cheekily.
“You could always have us both,” Elladan said without missing a beat.
The implied words behind such a casual sentence made my face turn bright red. Again. It wasn’t the first time I wondered if Elves could read minds, and he caught what I was thinking of just moments before.
Thankfully, I was saved from retorting by arriving at his Father’s office. Elladan didn’t bother knocking. He kicked the door open. To my horror, it wasn’t just Elrond sitting there, Gandalf was there as well. Gandalf looked as if he had come straight to Elrond’s office after speaking to me. My previous nerves increased tenfold at seeing them both sitting there. Elladan said nothing but sat me down gently in a chair and stool that was already prepared for me. I had to fight the urge to fidget. The fact Elladan left without a word didn’t do anything to soothe my frazzled nerves.
“Please don't look so frightened, Devera, despite what my sons say, I will not bite,” Elrond smiled kindly, humour heavy in his tone. He reached forward to pour a glass of wine.
Despite his words, I couldn’t find myself relaxing but simply plastered a smile on my face.
“You wished to see me, Lord Elrond?” I asked cautiously, taking the glass of wine now offered to me. I sipped it delicately before placing it back on the table in front of me. It was a stretch for my arms, and I wondered for a moment if the glass would knock off.
“Yes, I did. How are you feeling?” Elrond asked.
I glanced at Gandalf, whose face gave nothing away.
“Much better now I’m free from the confines of my bed,” I replied honestly, gaining a smile from both of them.
“Good, there is something we must discuss about that before we are done,” Elrond said briskly, all of a sudden being businesslike.
I glanced between the two of them, not feeling anywhere near at ease. I took a rather large gulp of wine for courage.
“What do you remember about the Orcs that attacked you?” Elrond asked.
I raised an eyebrow, that was not the type of question that I thought I would be asked.
“I thought Boromir would have been able to provide you with those details,” I said carefully.
“He did however I wish to hear your side of the story as well,” Elrond said firmly, though not unkindly.
I bit my lip and looked at Gandalf, who was studying me intently. Part of me didn’t want to drag those memories up again.
“We crossed Tharbad further downstream than normal as the bridge had broken. It was sunny while we were crossing, and then a great storm appeared from nowhere. We galloped, probably about five or six miles. The rain was pelting down, and Boromir found us shelter on the side of the road. That night, we heard noises outside the door, five Orcs and one Warg were there. I don’t know what happened, but in the morning, there was a dead Orc outside the door.”
“Can you describe anything unusual about the Orc?” Elrond asked, cutting into my story.
I frowned and thought back to that morning. It seemed like another lifetime ago it happened. But I still remembered it far too clearly for my comfort. The blood and gore of its smashed face will never leave my mind. Neither would the memory of its insides trailing out on the ground. I forced myself to look closer at the memory. The only thing that stuck out in my mind was the flecks of old white paint on what could be seen on its armour under all the gore.
“It had white paint on its armour,” I said. “The warg that chased me when we were close to Rivendell, its rider, had a red eye on the armour. I don’t know why I can remember that. At the time, it didn’t even process in my mind.”
I didn’t miss the look that Elrond and Gandalf both exchanged.
“When we stopped in Rohan, there were rumours of riders in black crossing the Isen,” I said before I could stop my own words. To my surprise, neither Elrond nor Gandalf reacted to this news.
“Yes, we have heard the same rumours,” Gandalf said roughly “From the same lips that you probably heard from.”
My ears perked slightly at hearing this. I had never seen Gandalf in my travels. I never knew he had visited Rohan.
“Devera, there are other things I must ask of you,” Elrond put his elbows on the table and made a steeple with his fingers. “Being personal messenger to the Steward, you would be privy to more information than most.”
I felt trapped. I tried to make my mouth form a few words, but I couldn’t get them out. I flushed, thinking back to the day when we had met Eomer. The knowledge I carried so carelessly in my head was turning out to be quite valuable. However, I’m not sure how Boromir’s feelings would be to me sharing vital information on the current state of Gondor.
“Lord Boromir has already told me you were the one to speak about,” Elrond said as if reading my mind. “Though you are both frequently away, you are the one listening to all council meetings and understand the political situation much better than he does.”
“Yes, Lord Denethor has a chamber behind the main meeting rooms,” I said, unsure of how to keep going with this. “Though I’m not sure how much information I can be used to you. I usually take a book with me to read.”
To my surprise, Elrond smiled a genuine smile at me. Gandalf shot him a look of puzzlement.
“There is no surprise in that. However, if you can help us with a few pieces of information, it would be most helpful,” Elrond said.
I found myself sitting there for a few hours after that, answering what I knew. Most of it was things I had already shared with Eomer and Boromir, so it was easy to remember. It was Elrond asking the questions, with Gandalf occasionally chipping in to clarify things. By the end of it, the sun was setting, and I felt exhausted.
“One last thing, Devera, before you leave,” Elrond rose and walked to the back of his study. He came back a moment later with a pair of crutches. I had to stop myself, letting out a squeal of joy as he handed them to me.
“Be careful with them,” Elrond gripped them tightly before relinquishing them to me. “If your wrist hurts, stop using them.”
“Of course,” I grinned happily. “Thank you.”
Elrond smiled, and I took it as my dismissal. Gleefully, I swung around on my crutches and headed out the door as fast as I could manage.