It took a while, but soon the residents of Imladris were back to their daily routine. All that is except Elladan and Elrohir. Elrohir had been bathed, fed and put to bed, but the next morning, Lindir led him to his Ada's office. Elrohir walked slower and slower the closer they came to the door until Lindir turned around and frowned, making him speed up his steps. Once inside, the minstrel directed him to a large chair across from his Ada's desk. Then Lindir stood behind Elrohir in the back of the room and waited for Lord Elrond to enter. When he did, Lindir silently exited, leaving the elfling to face his father alone.
From the look on his Ada's face, he knew he was in trouble. Elrohir decided to quickly explain the reason for his transgression. Perhaps once his father understood, he would not be quite so mad.
"It was Maethor, Ada. I looked for him everywhere and could not find him. He always returns for dinner, but that day he did not. I worried about him all night and when I thought he might have hurt himself, I just had to go look for him. Please do not be angry with me, Ada. I love Maethor."
His father's expression did not change at these words, and Elrohir dropped his eyes to his lap. His little fingers twisted together as his eyes filled with tears. "I am sorry, Ada," he mumbled. "I did not mean to get everyone worried about me, but Maethor..."
"Elrohir," Lord Elrond replied in a very angry voice. "We have had this discussion once before concerning Maethor. Do you remember what I told you then?"
"Y-Yes, Ada." Elrohir whispered.
"I did not hear you, Elrohir," Elrond said, cupping his hand to his ear for emphasis.
"Yes, Ada." Elrohir spoke a little louder, his bottom lip trembling.
"When Elladan could not find you he was upset. He and Lord Erestor searched for you all over the house. When they did not find you, they came to me. Your Nana and I thought something bad had happened. We did not think you would leave without telling someone where you were going. Elrohir, the entire household staff of Imladris turned the Last Homely House upside down looking for you. Beds were not made, floors were not swept, and because of that, the servants will now have to perform double duty."
"When it was discovered you were not in the house, your Nana and I, my seneschal, chief advisor, and head minstrel searched the grounds around the manor. By noon, when you were still missing, Lord Glorfindel had to ask guardians who were not on duty to help. He put together a mounted patrol. The stable lads had to prepare the horses for the patrol and then bathe and care for them when the animals returned. My paperwork stayed in a stack on my desk, untouched, as did Erestor's. Lord Glorfindel could not work on his duty roster. My entire personal staff and the household staff of Imladris stopped what they were doing to search for you because they cared about you and were concerned."
Elrohir's Ada stood up from his desk. He could be quite imposing when he wished. Elrohir's eyes grew round and he stared at his Ada in fright.
"The entire realm of Imladris came to a standstill for most of the day, Elrohir, all because you were worried about a DOLL!"
Elrohir cringed when his Ada raised his voice. "But Ada, I told you that Maethor is not just a doll. He goes places with me and he talks to me, and I love him, Ada."
"I do not wish to hear any more about it, Elrohir. You are grounded for three days. During this time I expect you to think about your actions. How your worry over an inanimate object disrupted this whole household! In addition, you will apologize to all elves involved, starting with your brother. And from now on, I do not wish to hear the name Maethor mentioned ever again! You are dismissed. Report to Lindir and he will escort you to your room."
