Elladan was frustrated with his brother. For the last two months he had not wanted to do anything, just sit in his room and mope. If asked, he would go play, but his efforts were half-hearted, he was no fun. It was all about Maethor, the now forbidden word in Imladris. Carrots! Who had made that doll for him, anyway? Elladan did not remember, nor care much for that matter. The dratted thing had never been found and now Elrohir was sad all the time. Elladan just did not understand. What was it about an old carved doll that was so fascinating? And where was Elrohir now? Elladan wanted to go swimming, but it was not fun without his twin, so he went to look for him.
It was a beautiful day, but Elrohir did not notice. Nothing was the same after Maethor left. It was hard, losing a friend. It hurt and left an empty space inside. He wondered where the old one had gone, whether he was all right, even if he still lived. Maybe it would have been different if he had seen some type of closure, but he had not. Forever he would wonder, what happened on that day?
He sighed, leaning back against the trunk of the tree where he had been sitting for most of the morning. He figured it was time for Elladan to come looking for him. His brother could not be parted from him for long, especially since the 'incident'. Elrohir had changed since that time. He had grown inside and was not such an elfling anymore. At least he thought so. But he was also sad. Lindir told him time healed. He hoped so. He did not want to feel this way forever.
"There you are!" Elladan bounced into view. "Are you ready to go swimming? Ada said it was all right as long as we stay in the calm part and take a guardian with us. Come on, Elrohir, you are going to wear a hole under that tree. I want to swim, now!"
Elrohir sighed and rose to his feet. "Race you there!" he shouted, but he did not really want to. He did not wish to hurt Elladan's feelings or spoil his brother's fun. They reached the shallow banks of the stream and stripped out of their clothing. The guardian who had been waiting for them politely turned his back until they were in the water. Elladan immediately began splashing his twin, trying to win a smile from the other, but Elrohir just showed the same expression he had worn for the past two months. I want my brother back, Elladan thought, the elfling who was full of fun and laughter, who beamed excitedly at a butterfly or saw pictures in the clouds. I wish Maethor had never existed. I hate him!
When they had tired of playing in the water they lay on a large rock near the edge of the stream, drying themselves in the sun. Elrohir was moody and lay on his stomach, his head on his arms. Elladan continuously tried to cheer him, but nothing worked. Finally he gave up.
"Are you hungry, Ro? Want to go to the kitchen and see if Cook has made something sweet? I am sure she has, want to go?"
Elrohir nodded and started to get dressed. Soon, little feet were flying over the grass, heading towards that part of the Last Homely House where delicious aromas always wafted through the air.
"First one there gets first pick!" Elladan called out to his twin, he was already a good distance in front of Elrohir. It used to be his brother would double his effort to catch up, but not today. It was as if Elrohir was a shell with nothing inside it. Elly pouted. "You are no fun anymore, I want a new brother!"
Entering the kitchen, Elladan saw a tray of freshly baked sweet rolls set out on the counter to cool. They were covered with sticky icing, the kind he loved best. "Look, Ro, look what cook has made." The elleth in question suddenly appeared and picked out two of the biggest, one for Elladan and one for Elrohir. Both twins gobbled them down greedily, but it was Elladan's eye that held the twinkle, not his brothers. Cook just shook her head as she watched them leave. It was sad to see a young one so broken-hearted. She secretly hoped Elrohir's doll would be found soon.
