Black Death

(*)

The call of the reapers,
Calling for the dead.
A darkness moves over Middle Earth,
Consuming a lot of human lives.
Taking them painfully,
Without mercy.
Mothers and their infants,
Fathers with their sons.
Whole families without a care.
Thus we moved into,
One of the dark times of Middle Earth.

(*)

Elrond held young Estel to his chest, holding him as tight as he could. He could easily feel the boys fever raging on, heat penetrating through his shirt. In all his years he had never missed Estel coming down with illness, now he did. It was obvious that Estel was very sick, and might die. Gently he pulled down Estel's collar knowing, yet fearing, what lay beneath. There it was in all clarity, a large black boil. Now he felt something he hadn't felt so strongly in three years, the sense of utter helplessness.

"He has the plague." Elrond said sadly. "Elladan go get me some cool water we need to get down his fever. Glorfidel go get my herbs. Elrohir, prepare Estel a new room, his room will have to be sanitized. Figwitt, please deal with our guest. My apologies Legolas."

"Nay Lord Elrond, you owe me not your apologies. 'Tis tough times in middle earth." Legolas said softly.

Elrond nodded standing up cradling Estel. Elladan, Elrohir, Fignutant, and Glorfidel filed out of the room quickly. Elrond turned to leave the room, his son needed dire care. Behind him he could hear Legolas take a breath to speak. Slowly Elrond turned to face him, allowing him some time to speak.

"Lord Elrond, if there is anything I can do, please tell me." Legolas offered.

"Thank you friend, I'll keep that in mind."

Legolas watched at Elrond left the room, it amazed him how attached the lord became to the human parasite. Still Legolas had to admit he was cute for a child. Shaking his head Legolas looked to Fignutant who was tapping a stack of papers on the table. Pretending to straiten them out, even though they had no need for that. Whenever trouble came, it seemed like Fignutant wanted to crawl back into the wood work.

Elrohir spread clean sheets on the bed in order that Elrond could put Estel to bed right away. On a chair by the freshly started fire, Elrond had began to strip Estel of his clothes. Trying not to accidentally drop the limp body on the floor. Looking up at his father, Elrohir could see the clear worry his father felt.

"Father, he will be all right." Elrohir said softly. "It's not like Estel to give up."

As if he sensed the tension building, Elladan walked in with two buckets of water. Setting them beside his father, looking at his brother. Not only was there a boil on his neck, but under both of his arms. Elladan took a rag out of his pocket dumping it into the cool spring water. Then handed it over to his father, who took it from him gratefully.

Estel jumped as the cool rag touched his skin. His eyes fluttered open, looking at his father. Smiling reassuringly, Elrond continued to try to lowering his body tempiture with the cool rag. Unhappily Estel tried to pull away.

"That is cold!" Estel complained.

"Would you rather want a bath Estel?" Elrond asked, hoping to quiet the boy.

Catching site of Elladan, Estel nodded weakly. He would bare the bath, if only to drive his brothers insane. Elrond took a deep breath, handing the cloth back to Elladan. His face apologetic, but commanding. Shoulders dropping Elladan got the message loud and clear.

"Yes father, I'll get the tub and more water." Elladan said dryly.

"I'll help." Elrohir said quickly.

"No!" Elrond snapped.

"But-"

"No buts Elrohir, Elladan can take care of this you done enough."

"Father I'm not a bloody cripple." Elrohir snapped venomously storming from the room.

Elladan cringed, he knew how much his brother hated being babied. For the last three years Elrond was babying him more then Estel.

"I'll help Elladan." A soft voice said from the door way.

"Thank you Legolas." Elladan praised Valar.

A few strides, and Elladan was pulling Legolas down the hall. Legolas followed the elf into a spare room where he pointed to an iron tub. It was large, decretive, and it couldn't be to lite. Elladan moved quickly to one side, giving Legolas a smug smirk.

"Come on Mirkwood elf, lets see if you can actually beat a Rivendell elf. Or you scared prince Goldylocks." Elladan teased.

"Eat my dust." Legolas jolted back.

Together Elladan, and Legolas picked up the tub. Running back to the room as fast as there legs could take them. Without thought they dropped it in front of the fire place. In a flash both of them grabbed a bucket dumping it into the tub then they were out the door.

"Father, are you going to yell at them for running in the house?" Estel asked weakly.

"When they are done filling the tub." Elrond said softly.

"Father?"

"Yes my son?"

"I am cold."

Elrond stood getting a spare blanket, wrapping Estel tight. Patently he waited for the two boys to fill the tub. Six buckets come easily, with minor spills, the seventh didn't go to well. Neck in neck with Elladan, Legolas slipped on a puddle. The bucket soaring into the air. As Elladan dumped in his bucket, Legolas' landed on his head. Elrond and Estel began to laugh, but soon Estel began coughing.

"Relax little one." Elrond cooed. "Legolas, be more careful."

Legolas pushed up the bucket, spitting out water. "Sorry."

Elladan laughed hysterically at Legolas, it was amusing to see the great prince screwing up. Thoughtfully Legolas looked from Elladan, to Elrond. If there was anything in his power he could do to get even he will.

"Lord Elrond, may I take my frustrations out on your son who thinks this is funny?" Legolas inquires.

"After you get on a dry pair of clothes."

With this Elladan doubled on the floor laughing. Gathering what pride he had Legolas stood, then walked out the door. Elrond unwrapped Estel, pulling off his britches carefully. He walked over to the tub, cursing when he began to slip on the floor. Holding Estel over the tub, he began to hum a lullaby. Estel sucked in a breathe as he was set into the water, but soon he just rested his head on Elrond's arm.

"Cold." Estel complained distantly.

"I know Estel, but your fever has to come down... Estel?"