Book Of Ages

Book Of Ages

Posted: September 12, 2008
Title: Book Of Ages
Author: Iamme
Type: FCGen
Characters: Elrond/Elros
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Belongs to Tolkien not me.
Beta: Alex

Summary: Elros leaves Elrond a parting gift.

*****

Elros sat in the big oak and watched his brother. Always so serious. Even now he sits pouring over some book on medicinal herbs. I suppose his decision was made as surely as my own. He shook his head and closed his eyes. He had to think of a way to tell his brother about his decision, though he was sure he already knew just as he knew Elrond’s choice in his heart. He opened his eyes watching his mirror image pour over the book. What a waste of time.

How do you explain the unexplainable to someone? Their lives had been identical until that moment that fateful question had been set before them. They had always stood together till then despite their differences. Now, however, was a different story. 500 years and I have so much to do. If only he could understand how much excitement this puts back into my existence. I am challenged to see if I can accomplish everything I desire before that last moment. It is like being alive for the first time. If only I had a book to explain it to him. That is it! At least if he has doomed himself to stuffiness for eternity , I can leave him something entertaining to read other than the waste of parchment he pours over constantly. I hate to write but I suppose I can make the sacrifice. He will feel obligated to read it to despite how uneducational it is.

Elros laughed as he jumped down and ran to the library. He arrived disheveled and out of breath, causing Erestor to glare at him. “Try to compose yourself, Lord Elros. This is not a place to be running about like a rabid orc.”

Elros tried not to smile. He would miss being able to needle Erestor. “My apologies, Master Erestor. I simply came to get a journal. If you could point me in the direction, I will...”

Erestor interrupted “You are sweaty and covered in dirt. You will stand there and I will get it.” Elros waited staring at the parchment. It looked very interesting indeed as he went to grab it, however, Erestor said, “If you pick up that chart, you will not live your 500 years that the Valar have promised you.”

Quickly he backed up and Erestor handed him the journal. “Thank you Master Erestor.” With that, he turned and ran off to start writing.

*********

Elrond picked up the book out of the neatly wrapped box. Inside on the first page was inscribed to him from Elros.

Elrond, I know you do not understand my decision. Despite what everyone says, I do not feel that men are weak or more evil than elves. There are just more humans to make it seem such. Inside, I have left some of my favorite memories for you to pour over when you are 10,000 years old and have forgotten the childish things we did. (Yes, you as well. Though I am sure you have allowed your misbehaving to slip from memory. Like the time you not put that snake in Erestor’s drawer. I just laughed too loud and no one believed you would do such a thing. It is all right; it will be our secret forever.) Maybe, this will teach you not to be so serious or at least teach your elflings you will have someday how to properly torment Erestor. I am sure the only way to get rid of him is to push him into Mt. Doom. I did try to talk the High King into once but he said no. Anyway read on and once a year, I will send you new tales or even better, perhaps we can visit once in a while.

Love Always,

Your Brother

Elros

**********

Many years later, Elrond opened the final box holding his brother’s last gift to him. He had hated to receive it, knowing his brother had left him for all time. He had done many great and wondrous things during his life and had been happier than many elves he had known. Elrond let a ghost of a smile grace his lips as the tears fell silently. Erestor took the book so as to not let the ink get ruined and he placed it on the shelf and led Elrond off to bed.

**********

Again Elrond found himself staring down at the yellowed parchment scrawled with his brother’s hand, reading his own children a story that his brother had written down, one that he had long forgotten until he read it once more.

Elladan looked up at Elrond with the curiosity that only children can possess. “Were you sad when your brother left, Ada?”

Elrond nodded, running his fingers through his son’s hair. “Yes, Elladan, I was very sad.”

Elladan frowned. “I will never become Edain. I do not wish to leave my brother and make him sad.” Elrohir nodded in agreement, crossing his arms. “Besides humans smell funny and they are hairy too!”

Elrond hoped his sons did indeed remain among the firstborn but he was sure, unlike he and his brother, they would go together regardless.

********

Elrond sat reading another’s story about the loss of his own wife. Feelings so close to his own. Grateful separation would not be forever. Only till his job was done and he could go to her once more. In his own way, Elros had exactly the same thing and like his brother, he would have to wait till his time on Arda was over, despite what happened. Maybe Elros had not been so unwise after all. He closed the book as the sun rose over the horizon. “Celebrian, my love, it is time for you to go.”

********

The elf lord could not believe he had heard those words from her. Could not believe that She had sacrificed everything for a few years. At least, Elros had had 500. Arwen’s time would be but a moment in the world of men. He had been strong when he had turned her over to Aragorn, been strong as they were seen off. On the ship once out of sight, however, he had retreated to his rooms and neither Galadriel nor Cirdan could bring him any comfort. His only hope was that his sons would decide to follow him or he would not be able to bear the weight of the irredeemable losses.

********

Elrond opened the door to the house he shared with Celebrian to see mirror images of himself standing before him. Dock workers helping to carry their belongings. “Hello, Ada.” They both smiled. “We have come home.” Elrond threw his arms around them both and dragged them inside . Soon Celebrian was there and the reunion was happy and tearful. When everyone was calm once more, they presented Arwen and Estel’s gift: a set of journals t with much fewer volumes but no less of happy memories. There were also stories and pictures of those they left behind to remind them that , despite the pain of their choices, they were happy.

Elrond found after all the ages he could finally accept that.

*****

THE END

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