Sidenote A - Another One
"What should we do?! We can't find her!" said one of the younger elven scouts.
The others looked at each other, panic bleeding through their eyes, "Should we report this to the captain?" Huddled in a circle, in the middle of the Rivendell woodland, the others started to nod or shake their head.
Teomhel, the blond and oldest among them reminded them, "No way. Since the captain has already handed it over to us, then no matter what happens, we still have to do it ourselves. Do you remember what he taught us?"
One by one the members looked at each other with a bitter smile and then replied in union, "If I tell you to jump down a cliff, you have to jump down. Otherwise, I'll push you down and then push a giant rock down to accompany you!"
After they finished, the platoon members laughed themselves into hysterics. One of them nudged the comrade beside him, laughing as he said, "Feran, how's the feeling of being pushed down a cliff and then having a giant rock following you down?"
Feran gave a bitter smile. With a sigh he said, "Well, I can't believe that I'm still alive. Everyone keeps saying that his temper is so good that if you accidently shoot an arrow at him two times, he won't get angry. But in truth, you already died a hundred times in his mind."
"Don't say it like that." Said Teomhel, "Captain's really nice. He's most especially strict with us because we are his platoon and we shouldn't allow ourselves any mistakes anyway. Now, more than ever."
Another shrugged, "Yes. It was our duty to watch over her and now she is missing."
"Who is missing?" asked a voice.
"Weren't you paying attention?!" Feran answered—but then his face fell.
They had now only realized that a smiling Elven man with long brown hair and white skin had joined in their secret conversation. All of them automatically stood up and saluted their captain. The young elven scouts before him remained calm as one should when addressing one of the sons of Lord Elrond, but their hands twitched in nervous anticipation. The surrounding woods could not cool the heat escaping from their bodies.
There was silence between them. As the seconds grew longer, they could see their captain's smile deepening. "Don't make me ask again."
All of them looked to Teomhel for help. "Captain, there has been an incident."
"Since there are only ten of the twenty-five members of my platoon, I assume you sent several others and followed protocol." stated the Elf Lord with a smile, "Preferably before you started panicking and gossiping." He could see the sweat falling their faces.
"Elrohir, it has only been three days since Aragorn and the fellowship left Rivendell, be nice. It will come back to you eventually" Said the Captain's twin brother as he walked into the area.
The brother continued to smile, "I'm always nice. But back to the point. It seems our guest is missing."
Elladan's eyes grew in shock, "When? How did this happen?"
All of them turned to Teomhel who still kept calm. He was about to speak when they had heard an incomprehensible sound. By instinct, they readied their bows while the sons of Elrond drew their swords. Elrohir signed them to move forward, while he and his brother took point.
Further and further they went to find the source of the sound. The shadows of the woods before them grew darker. But elf eyes are keen and in the darkness, they saw a naked man walking moving through the trees.
"What is a man doing here?" whispered one to another—their bows trailing after the suspicious one, "Naked too?"
"Drunk maybe? Lucky." Feran laughed softly. Vice-captain Teomhel glared at him.
Elrohir gave a signal and Teomhel gave out a warning shot.
The man was stunned.
Another shot.
The man fell down.
Stowing their bows and drawing their swords they ambushed the fallen man. Elrohir revealed himself and brought his sword to the man's chest, "Who are you? What are you doing here?" but the man did not answer—fear in his eyes. "Answer me!"
"You don't think he's like her, do you?" Elladan asked his brother, "What is happening here?"
"I do not—"started the twin, but then he was tackled by the naked man. The Elf lord struggled as the naked man placed him on choke hold. But then using his own strength, Elrohir slammed the man into a tree. After three tries, the naked man fell unconscious.
Elrohir sat on the ground as he tried to catch his breath. "Why didn't you help me?!" he bellowed afterwards.
Elladan looked at him and smiled, "I told you to be nice today." His brother scowled in response. "Are you alright?" lending a hand to him.
His brother waved it away and looked at the unconscious man. "Well, we can't just leave him here. We better tell father that another crazy one showed up. Teomhel, carry him back." The elf nodded and started to collect the man.
"And maybe a bath..." muttered Feran, "I'm glad that is over with."
The sons of Elrond started to walk back. The captain waved back to them as he continued walking onward. In a loud, sweet voice he said, "Oh, and the rest of you, I haven't forgotten what happened today. Please get your favorite rock ready. If not, I will glady choose your 'favorite' for you."