{Orophin's POV}

Orophin stood at the edge of the watch flet he had come across when he had retreated with an unconscious Arinalce. He looked back to where he had placed Arinalce. She was under a shelter that was used for sleeping.

Her breathing and her heart rate had calmed significantly. She had transitioned quickly into a healing sleep. He felt that what they had all experienced earlier had affected all of them. But it had affected her but more profoundly. He felt in his heart that she would recover from it in time.

He also knew that Haldir was right they needed to get her back to Lord Elrond as soon as they could. He would probably be able stabilize her conditon faster than he could. Lord Elrond's knowledge of the healing arts far surpassed his own.

Orophin glanced up and seen that the sun was nearing the horizon. It would not be long before darkness settled over the valley. He was worried that Haldir and the other Guardians would not be able to hold the yrchs at the pass.

By the time he had slowly and carefully carried Arinalce up to the watch flet the warriors that Haldir had sent back to help guard her had arrived. He quickly dispatched them to various locations around the watch flet that he and Arinalce was on.

He understood Haldir's reasoning on sending the warriors here but he felt that they would have proven more useful at the pass. The leader of the small group of warriors had stayed behind after the others had dispersed to their positions.

He told him that the border guards must of been overwhelmed for the yrchs to have reached the valley. He was sure that Lord Elrond would send reinforcements to the borders. He would also have others track the yrchs that made it through. It would just be a matter of time before reinforcements arrived. He had then departed to take up position close by.

Orophin divided his time between keeping watch over Arinalce and watching the pass. He kept his hearing focused towards the pass for any advanced sounds of battle. He sighed heavily they were just to far away to hear anything coming from deeper inside the pass. He would have almost no forewarning until they reached this side of the pass.

He swiveled around quickly when he heard a small noise behind him. He quickly went to Arinalce's side when he saw her hands and head move. Orophin placed his fingers over her heart. Her heartbeat and her breathing had increased indicating she would soon awaken.

"Little light how are you feeling?" Orophin queried the small elfling. He knew that it would help her to awaken if she could focus on his voice. "Don't you think you have slept long enough pen tithen." He could see rapid eye movement underneath her closed eyelids. He watched as she slowly opened her eyes.

At first her eyes moved around in bewilderment until finally her eyes finally settled and focused on him. He laughed quietly "It's about time you awoke. You have slept away most of the afternoon little one." he quietly teased her.

"I'm sorry Phin." she said with guilty smile. "I did not mean to sleep so long." She moved to sit up. Quickly he slid his arm under her shoulders in order to help her sit up. "It's ok Little Light, I was just teasing you. How are you feeling?" He asked her worriedly. Arinalce looked about in confusion "I am fine Phin. Where are we?"

For the past hour the sounds of battle had steadly grown louder from when he had first noticed them. He had hoped that the enemy forces had been fewer than what the guard had anticipated. He had also hoped that reinforcements from Imaldris would arrive soon. Orophin glanced back at Arinalce in concern. She had been unusually quiet since he had told her what had taken place while she was unconscious. After he had finished telling her a look of sadness and pain had settle on her face.

His gaze sharpened and he tensed up as he saw the Archers that had accompanied them come out of the end of the pass and turn to cover the guardians as they retreated. He quickly and silently signaled to the guards to stand ready.

He quickly turned and went to Arinalce, "Little one I need you to go back into the shelter and stay there ok." At his words the little elleth grabbed his hand and looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Please be careful. I don't want any of you to get hurt." He could hear the distress in her whispered words.

He scooped the little one up in his arms and hugged her tightly. "Ari, pen tithen you are our joy and light. We all love you. We would do anything to make sure that you do not get hurt. Do you understand that?" Orophin asked as he looked at the elfling in his arms. She nodded silently.

The little elleth in his arms brought so much joy and love into their lives but especially to him. He had his brothers but with Arinalce it had been instantaneous and different. He had been overcome and awed when he first saw her. He would do anything to keep her happy and away from harm. She had no idea that everyone of the Guardians would lay down their lives for her.

He gave her one last hug and then carried her into the shelter. He pulled out the two chests that were filled with supplies and bedding until there was enough space for her between the tree and the chests. "I want you to stay here behind these Ari. When it is safe one of us will come for you. Now promise me no what happens you will stay in here. I will not be to far away I promise" Orophin beseeched her. "I will stay right here Phin." Arinalce said adamantly.

As she spoke one of the guards jumped down onto the flet startling both of them. "My Lord, the Eagles are here!" the guard said excitedly as he pointed toward the two eagles that were flying towards them. Orophin turned towards Arinalce and motioned her to join him "Come Ari the Eagles are here to help."

As she moved forward to join him she stopped. A look of agonizing pain flashed across her face and she screamed before collapsing. Orophin rushed over to her when he saw the pained look on her face. At the same time he felt a wave of dizziness pass over him. He enveloped her safely in his arms before his own legs gave out underneath him.

He glanced back at the pass and shouted in pain and despair "Haldir!"

Orophin quickly gathered Arinalce into his arms. He closed his eyes in anguish. He could feel that Haldir was hurt badly. Every instinct inside of him told him to make his way to his brother's side but he knew that his first priority was Arinalce's safety. He took a deep breath and pushed all his fear for Haldir to the back of his mind.

He looked to the guard that stood nearby. "I need you to get me a cloth and some cold water. I have some mint leaves in the bag that is next to the black chest. Take a few of those and place them into the water."

He then took Arinalce over to the sleeping area of the flet and placed her on the mat. The guard returned a few moments later and placed the minted water and the cloth near Orophin. "Lord Orophin, both eagles have landed and appear to be watching what is happening at the pass." The guard informed him.

Orophin looked at the guard "Thank you for your help. While I try to revive her I need you to keep watch on what is happening at the pass. If the enemy starts heading this way let me know. If I can revive her I am hoping that one of those Eagles may be able to take her to safety." The guard nodded and strode over to the edge of the flet so he could watch what was happening at the entrance to the valley.

Orophin took the cloth and dampened it. He bathed her face and arms. After awhile he began to see signs that she was beginning to waken. He watched as she opened her eyes. A look of weariness and pain passed over her face. After a couple of minutes her eyes cleared of confusion then she quickly scrambled to her feet. She looked at Orophin who had gently placed his arm around her in order to steady her. She then turned to look at the pass.

"Orophin we must go to them. Haldir, Annúnor and Sidhon have been wounded." Arinalce told him. "Yes I know pen neth I felt Haldir fall. But until the battle is over we must stay here for your safety." Orophin told her. "Fine! But as soon as it is over then we must make our way to them. Please! Orophin promise me that we will go as soon as the battle is over." Orophin looked down at the elfling standing next to him. He could see tears falling down her face. Orophin swallowed his own tears at the site of hers. He did the only thing he could do. He knelt down next to her and comforted her as much as he could. He thought briefly about leaving her here with the other guard. But realized that she felt the same pain that he did. He decided that they would make their way to the others together.

A short time later one of the eagles standing near them turned and approached them. Dipping his head in respect he started to speak, Lord Orophin, Lady Arinalce the battle has ended and your father is with the champion and he says you and Orophin are needed. Meneldor and I will take you to him. Orophin nodded then helped Arinalce down from the flet. Once they reached the ground they went to the where the Eagles waited.

Orophin turned back to the guard that had followed them. "The Morning Light and I are needed at the pass. I want you and the others to make your way to where we had our midday meal and collect the rest of our belongings then make your way to the pass." Orophin instructed. The guard bowed, "We will be there shortly my Lord." Without another word the guard rushed off summoning the others to do his bidding. Turning back to the eagle Landroval "For her safety I think it would be best if Lady Arinalce rode with me. She just regained consciousness a short time ago." The eagle dipped his head in acknowledgement of Orophin's request.