Disclaimer: As always, with the exception of original characters, I am only playing with the great J.R.R. Tolkien's toys. I promise to put them back where I found them.
Previously:
Surveying the party, Elrond saw all the anxiety written in each of their postures. The previous night had been rough on all. It weighed on their minds and would drive them on the trail. All would worry for Estel until they saw him with their own eyes.
Looking to Glorfindel, Elrond asked, "Are we ready?"
"Aye, milord" answered Glorfindel.
"Then let us ride swiftly," said the worried father.
Knowing the urgency, Glorfindel turned the horses and stormed from the dingle. If possible, they must save Estel…
Chapter 25—Haldir's Confession
This day turned out to be bright, sunny and warm, not a cloud could be seen in the sky. The trees seemed to stretch their green boughs skyward, reaching for the life sustaining rays. All manner of small creatures could be seen scampering across the trail, including a fox, possum, and two small woodchucks. A raccoon and her two small babies stood in the trail and stared at them with curiosity, until the horses came to close and they ran into the underbrush, chattering at them.
The sun shining overhead and beautiful day, did not reflect the mood of the large party of elves, who seemed to have a cloud of gloom hanging over their heads. For them, it had been long, hard, emotionally draining night, followed by a grueling day in the saddle, with little rest or food.
Cilinwë rode behind his lord, watching over him. The night before had been particularly stressful on the elf lord, who saw his youngest son, Estel, attacked in a vision, at one point believing the child dead and could do nothing to stop it. Only after talking with Lord Celeborn did Elrond come to realize his son was not truly dead.
His assignment now,
from Lord Celeborn, was to guarantee that Elrond did not, in his
grief, do something he would later lament. This was a duty that did
not trouble him in the least; he would do anything to shield his lord
and his lord's family from danger. As far as Cilinwë was
concerned it was his duty to get his hands dirty and if he prevented
his lord anguish all the better. He would see that the kidnappers
regretted the day they took
Estel.
Celeborn spent the morning watching over his son-in-law. After last night's vision he was concerned for the other elf. Watching as one's son was attacked and to believe the child died and not be able to do anything about it was, to say the least traumatic. He wanted to make sure Elrond was relatively unscathed. He knew the other elf lord would need his strength later.
"How fare you Elrond?" Celeborn asked Elrond.
"I am fine."
The older elf scowled at the word, "And who's definition of fine shall we use?" he retorted.
Smiling weakly Elrond replied, "I am not sure I understand what you are implying?"
"Shall we use your definition or that of your sons?"
Hearing Cilinwë attempt to cover his merriment, Celeborn added, "Or mayhap we should use that of your sword master?"
"His does seem to leave a lot to be desired," agreed Elrond.
Acting innocent, Cilinwë said, "I know not what you speak of my lords. I do not act rashly where my health is concerned."
Elrond turned in his saddle, raised an eyebrow and looked at his sword master, saying, "You know not what we speak of?"
"Baw, hir nín," (No, my lord.) replied Cilinwë, attempting to look innocent, though now he was squirming in his saddle, wishing not to be part of this conversation.
"To refresh your memory," explained Elrond, "Two words; arm, wolf."
Looking chagrined Cilinwë said, "Aye, my lord."
Satisfied Elrond turned back around in his saddle and answered his father-in-law, "I am as well as could be expected, do not worry I will be fine."
Looking at his son-in-law, Celeborn said, "It is my place to worry, you are family."
"Hannon le," replied Elrond softly.
The two elf lords rode on silently, each lost in their own thoughts, being guarded by the ever vigilant sword master. After a time, looking to the sky and finding it was midday, Celeborn called out, "We should take a short break."
"Aye," answered Glorfindel, "I shall watch for a spot."
It did not take the seneschal long to find the appropriate place to stop, a small glen, surrounded by trees and they could hear a small creek running nearby.
Dismounting, the group grabbed the saddlebags and waterskins leaving the saddles in place. The horses were then turned out to rest and graze wandering towards the nearby creek were they drank their fill before grazing.
Following the animals to the creek the elves filled their waterskins and washed the trail dust from their faces and hands. Sitting together near the banks of the creek the group reached into their bags and made a meal of venison, bannock, and nuts, which they washed down with water.
The discussion was quiet and they tried to stay away from topics that would cause pain.
Finally Celeborn said, "I think we should send out a scouting party."
"A scouting party?" asked Elrond.
"Aye," answered Celeborn, "We need to know the strength of the enemy we face."
Elrond seemed to be pondering the idea. He wished to know about the terrain they faced, how many enemies, and how well armed they were but he did not want to risk anyone. He had a feeling they would need the strength of the whole party to get Estel back. To be truthful with himself, he was not ready to risk any he loved. Trouble seemed to follow the twins and they took too many chances. He did not how he would handle it if he lost someone else.
"I do not know…" whispered the ancient healer.
Seeing the conflicted feelings flashing across his lord's face, Glorfindel softly said, "It sounds like a very good idea."
Cilinwë agreed with Glorfindel, "It is a good idea milord."
Erestor added, "They could also scout the terrain."
Legolas said nothing but nodded his agreement.
With a sigh, as he was feeling extremely pressured to do something he did not want to do Elrond said, "Well…?"
The twins glanced at their father, both thinking the same thing, though it was Elladan who gently said, "Ada, a scouting party may be able to find out about Estel."
"No, I do not want them to risk themselves," replied Elrond, his words inferring his consent to the idea, before adding, "I know my son still lives."
"They need not expose themselves, just observe," Elrohir quickly reassured his father, though he was already planning the mission. Glancing at his twin, Elrohir could see he too planned on joining the party.
'We shall go together,' thought the younger twin.
As if reading their thoughts, Elrond looked at Elrohir and said, "You will not go," and before Elladan could speak, he turned to him and said, "And neither shall you!"
"But Adar," the twins protested.
"No," answered Elrond, fire in his voice that died when he added, "I can not lose you too."
Trying to look in his father's eyes, Elladan tenderly said, "You shall not lose us Adar."
"You cannot guarantee that, you both have been recently injured," replied the ancient elf, tears starting to form in his eyes, "do not ask me to risk it."
"Stop!" commanded Celeborn, "You shall not put your Adar through this!"
"Daeradar," Elrohir started to say.
"Nay," he answered, "Do you not see what you are doing to your Adar?"
He added, "You shall not go and I shall hear no more about it!"
Both looked at the distress on their father's face and the anger on their grandfather's, but were unwilling to back down and Elladan said, "We have faced dangers, alone, many times in the last several hundred years."
"We know how to handle ourselves," added Elrohir.
"And your Adar remained in Imladris, awaiting news of your untimely deaths," replied their grandfather, "I will not allow you to cause him that worry, one missing son is enough."
"You will not go!" added Celeborn, in his lordly voice.
The twins were stunned into silence. Both knew they had caused their father stress but had never thought of it in those blunt terms. It was rare to hear their grandfather speak so and even rarer to hear his ire directed at them. Though unhappy with the situation they said nothing.
"Thank you," Elrond whispered to Celeborn.
His father-in-law just nodded his understanding to him, so the elf continued, "Now, who shall go?"
The dell erupted with noise as each elf volunteered to go with the scouting party. No one wished to be left behind.
"I shall lead the scouting party," said Glorfindel.
"Nay," answered Elrond, "I need you here."
"But…"
"You can not go," agreed Erestor, "Your duty is to protect our lord and the group."
"They are right mellon nín," added Cilinwë, "I shall go."
Looking sharply at his sword master, Elrond said, "You shall not."
"I am fine Brannon nín."
Elrond retorted, "Your arm is anything but fine and I will not let you to endanger yourself."
Turning to look at the sword master, Celeborn said, "I thought we had an agreement."
With a deep sigh, Cilinwë knew of his agreement with the elf lord and said, "Aye, milord."
Looking around, Elrohir asked, "Who is left," and asked everyone, "Who shall go?"
Immediately Legolas looked up and said, "I shall go."
"Hannon le Thranduilion," tenderly answered Elrond, "but I can not ask you to endanger yourself."
Looking directly at the elf lord, Legolas responded, "You need not ask Lord Elrond, I am volunteering."
"Hannon le mellon nín," said Elladan, while grasping Legolas' shoulder, as his twin did the same on the other side.
"Legolas is one member of the party," stated Glorfindel, "Who else shall go?"
"I shall join Legolas," said Haldir.
"I do not think that is a good idea," said Celeborn.
"Why my lord?"
"Lord Celeborn is right," added Elrond as he rubbed his temples, "You have never met Estel and do not know what he looks like."
Erestor looked up and said, "I shall go with Thranduilion."
Concern on his features, Glorfindel said, "You are no warrior."
Offended Erestor looked to his friend and said, "I was shedding blood during the Last Alliance, while you were still trying to be reborn."
Chagrined the famed golden warrior had no retort, as the others attempted to contain their mirth.
"We all heard his swords sing when we battled the trolls, once a warrior always a warrior," added Cilinwë, as he smiled at his friend.
Legolas and Elrohir stared at Elrond's chief adviser, impressed, surprised but immensely impressed. They did not know that Erestor still had it in him. The duo heard stories of the adviser's prowess with his dual swords but never saw it for themselves.
Seeing the doubt on his twin's face, Elladan confirmed, "Tis true brother, the troll stood no chance against Erestor's swords."
Impressed by the praise given to the unassuming adviser's hidden talent, Legolas, whose own specialty, was dual knives, said, "At a more convenient time we should spar together."
"I would enjoy that," replied Erestor.
"I still do not like it," said the balrog slayer, worry for his friend evident on his face.
"There is no one else," Erestor informed his friend and, "I will be careful," he reassured him.
"It is agreed then, Erestor and Legolas shall be our scouting party," stated the Lord of Lórien.
Nodding his head in agreement, Elrond added, "They shall leave as soon as we finish eating."
"Do not take any unnecessary chances my friend," said Cilinwë. The sword master was also concerned for his friend but he was assured that Erestor could handle himself.
"Scout the terrain and learn what you can about the kidnappers," said Elrond, concern clearly written in his posture, "but Cilinwë is right, do not take chances."
With a small smile, Elladan glanced at Legolas, saying, "That means you mellon nín."
Pulling himself up straight, crossing his arms across his chest, Legolas retorted, "I do not take chances."
Giving a small laugh, at his friend's indignance, Elrohir added, "You may not take chances, but you draw trouble like a bee to honey."
Narrowing his eyes at the twins Legolas said, "Tis only because I chose to travel with the likes of the two of you."
Everyone laughed at that, as the twins now looked indignant, because they knew what Legolas was saying was true. The twins had the ability to find trouble in the most peaceful situation and if they could not find trouble they created it.
As his laughter died down, Elrond said, "I only desire both of you to return unharmed."
"Aye milord," answered Erestor, as Legolas said, "Aye Lord Elrond.
They finished their meal, cleaned their plates and slipped them back into their packs. Standing they approached the pasture where the horses grazed and whistled to their mounts. The animals galloped to their respective masters, nuzzling their hands looking for treats. Legolas and Elrohir stroked the horses' noses as they threw their saddlebags back in place and checked their cinches.
"Do you have everything you will need?" asked Glorfindel as he quietly approached his friend.
"Aye."
"Do you have enough bandages?" asked Elrond, as he replaced his saddlebags.
"Aye," answered both Legolas and Erestor.
"Herbs?" asked Celeborn.
"Aye," answered both elves.
"Do you have food?" asked Elladan.
An exasperated tone to his voice, Legolas answered, "Aye!"
Before anyone could ask another question, Erestor loudly said, "Stop! We have everything we will need."
The scouting party swung into their saddles, turning their mounts they looked at the rest of the party, and seeing the concern written on each one's countenance, Legolas said, "We shall be careful, I promise."
"We will hold you to that," replied Glorfindel.
Nodding his head to the balrog slayer, Legolas called out, "Namárië." (farewell)
"Namárië," everyone answered, as the duo turned their horses and rode away.
"Eru go with them," Celeborn whispered.
OOOO
The group watched as the pair disappeared over the horizon, Legolas' blonde head was the last thing anyone could see. Each was concerned for their friends. They needed information on the dangers they faced but did not like letting anyone take chances.
Finally Elrond turned away, saying, "Come let us get ready to leave."
Moving away, the group followed the scouting party's example, cleaning and stowing their gear. After securing their saddlebags and checking their cinches, everyone mounted up and was ready to depart.
Glorfindel moved back to his spot riding point, Haldir into his spot riding side guard and Cilinwë took his place guarding both elf lords.
Looking to the twins, Celeborn asked, "Elladan you will ride opposite Haldir and Elrohir you will bring up the rear."
As their grandfather left no room for argument, the brothers said nothing, although they were not happy to be separated again and took up the requested places.
"Ready, Brannon nín?" asked Glorfindel.
"Aye," answered Elrond, "Let us go."
The group resumed their journey, chasing after the kidnappers, who had something they loved and desperately wanted back. They would not quit until they recovered what was taken from them. They vowed to help the abductors see the error of their ways.
They continued to ride into the afternoon, which was as warm as the beautiful morning had promised. The sun beamed down on them, bees moved among a wide variety of wild flowers dotting the edge of the trail, pollinating them and frogs could be heard croaking.
But Elrond neither heard the frogs nor saw the flowers. He was preoccupied with the vision that filled his mind the previous night. All of his thoughts and energy was focused on his missing child. No matter how he tried to banish the image, the picture of his child's bruised face and blue lips were burned into his mind. He could see the monster delighting in hurting Estel and it made his blood boil! If Estel was truly dead he would not be responsible for his actions.
Celeborn while watching over his son-in-law, noticed the far away look on the elf's face and knew his thoughts were with his missing son and not with them. He shook his head and sighed, he too was worried for Estel but he also feared for Elrond. He did not know if Elrond would survive, if the worst happened and he lost his youngest son.
They continued the rest of the afternoon, stopping neither for food or rest. During the afternoon, while surveying the group, Celeborn noticed Haldir was missing from his post or at least he could not see him. Knowing his marchwarden would not stray from his duty, Celeborn deliberated it little, instead promising himself to ask about it later and turned his attention back to the front of the assembly.
It was as the sun was sinking into the western horizon, and the bright sunny day turned to evening, the elves finally gave some thought to stopping, though they preferred not to.
"Glorfindel," called Celeborn.
"Yes, Lord Celeborn," asked the balrog slayer.
"It is time to stop."
"Aye, I will watch for a place," answered Glorfindel, as he watched the horizon, looking for a likely area to rest.
Shaking his head, clearing his thoughts, Elrond turned his head to gaze at his father-in-law and questioned, "Is it that late already?"
A small smile on his face, Celeborn met the other elf's eyes and answered, "Aye, it is. You have been distracted this day."
"You could say that."
"We will find him ion nín," said Celeborn attempting to reassure the worried father.
Looking at Celeborn, his eyes full of unexpressed emotion, Elrond asked, "But what condition will he be in when we finally find him?"
Taking a deep breath, Celeborn replied, "I hope he will relatively unharmed and will be waiting for his Adar and gwadors to find him and take him home."
"I pray you are correct," whispered Elrond, "but I am plagued by the fear that I will lose him."
Stopping his horse, Celeborn looked sternly at Elrond and said, "Until we discover his body, I refuse to believe we will not find him."
"You must have hope," added Celeborn, upon seeing the doubt on the other elf's face.
"When we find him," stressed Elrond, "I shall."
Small smirks played at the edges of their lips, both elf lords, urged their horses forward and continued to follow Glorfindel.
A moment later the balrog slayer called out, pointing to a nearby glen, split by a fast following creek, "This looks like a good location," as Asfaloth came to a stop.
"Indeed it does," replied Celeborn as his horse, Gwathren (Shadowy), came to a stop near Glorfindel. Gwathren was brother to his beloved, Galadriel's, mare, Ariësúra and was a match in color and temperament.
He dismounted his horse and uncinched the saddle as the twins and Haldir joined them. He pulled his saddle from the steed's back and allowed it to fall to the ground, as he continued to care for Gwathren.
The three younger elves followed the Lord of Lórien's example and stripped off their tack and cared for their horses before themselves. Soon all the horses were curried and cared for, before being set loose to graze in the emerald meadow that was close at hand.
Each carried his tack, saddlebags, and bedrolls into the center of the dell. After arranging their gear, they quickly unrolled the appropriate number of bedrolls and placed them around a central fire pit.
"I will scout the terrain," said Glorfindel, as he stood and stretched, before looking to Cilinwë, asking, "care to join me?"
"Aye," answered the sword master, as he too stood and joined the blonde elf.
They quickly made their way from camp, and out of view, talking softly as they went.
Elrond sat on a bedroll, dug out the supplies from his healing bag and cataloged the herbs he had left. They had already used a large portion of his cache! Looking about the meadow and surrounding area, he thought he saw some likely replacements.
Watching the healer inventory his supplies, Celeborn was surprised to see so few herbs. He knew Elrond always came prepared for anything and approaching the kneeling lord, asked, "Have we had such need of your herbs?"
A small smile playing at the corner of his lips, Elrond looked up and replied, "Aye, we have. It appears some of the young ones have been a bit reckless."
Grinning, Celeborn jibed, "Aye they have, pen neth." (Young one)
Shaking his head, and now frowning slightly, the elf answered, "I am careworn and tired, old friend, I am not young anymore."
Celeborn understood the burden that Elrond carried and knew he felt the weight of Middle Earth on his shoulders, the load now made heavier by the kidnapping of his son. The only way to relieve some of the pressure and lift the elf's spirits would be to find his child.
Attempting to lift Elrond's spirits, the silver-haired elf said, "We shall find him."
Nodding his head in acceptance of the support offered, Elrond said nothing and rose and stood next to the older elf.
Grabbing a shoulder, Celeborn said, "Come let us see if we can replace some of your herbs."
Turning to the twins and marchwarden, Celeborn added, "The three of you will see to the firewood and water," and turned away, to join Elrond as he walked away.
The answers of, "Aye, milord," and "Yes Grandfather," greeted his back.
Looking back over his shoulder, with a sly grin on his face, "I shall let the three of you decide who shall prepare the evening meal."
This time he heard unhappy replies and grumbling but none dared argue with the elf lord, instead they would just argue amongst themselves and decide who would cook.
It took time and effort but eventually they managed to replace a great many, though not all, of the herbs the healer had already used. As they finished, the duo walked back into camp and found the waterskins filled, firewood was stacked nearby and the aroma of cooking food wafted to his nose. It appeared Haldir had been persuaded by the twins to do the cooking, though they were assisting him.
The balrog slayer and sword master were sitting closely together near the fire, quietly discussing something. After setting his bags on a bedroll, the returning elf lords joined the pair next to the fire.
As they approached and sat down, they heard Glorfindel say, "I do not think our lord will yet allow you to stand watch this eve."
An eyebrow quirked at his sword master, Elrond replied, "Indeed I will not."
"I am fine Brannon nín."
"I shall be the judge of that," commented Elrond.
Cilinwë resigned himself to the fact he would not stand sentry duty, and muttered, "Aye, milord."
"What schedule have you arranged?" questioned Celeborn.
"Elrond and I shall stand first watch, the twins shall stand the second and Haldir and yourself the third," answered Glorfindel.
"It sounds like a good arrangement."
At that moment Haldir called out, "The food is ready."
As the group stood, Celeborn commented, "It smells good."
"Hannon le Brannon nín."
"Haldir did all the work," said Elrohir.
"They just watched," cracked Haldir, "and critiqued."
Laughing as he ladled the soup into their bowls and picked up a hunk of bread, before returning to his place, Elrond nodded and said, "They are good at that."
"Adar," Elladan moaned, "You shall give them the wrong impression of us."
Grinning as he ladled soup into his bowl and joined his lord; Glorfindel could not resist saying, "We all know you and that is your problem".
"We are insulted," said Elrohir, indignantly.
"Be that as it may, the statements are true," said Celeborn, as he too filled his bowl.
As Celeborn turned to join the others, Haldir touched his shoulder and softly said, "Milord a moment please."
Looking to his marchwarden, Celeborn asked, "Yes?"
"I have something to discuss later," answered Haldir, "After you have eaten of course."
"After the evening meal then," replied Celeborn, eyebrow heading for his hairline and his curiosity piqued. He wondered what Haldir had to tell him.
Suddenly remembering the marchwarden's earlier disappearance, the elf lord asked, "Where did you slip off to this afternoon?"
"Later, milord, after dinner."
Curious but trusting his marchwarden, Celeborn said, "As you wish, Haldir."
They filled their bowls and joined the rest of the group, enjoying the food and companionship. Everyone tried to keep the conversation light and away from topics that would cause pain.
Looking towards Haldir, Celeborn asked, "I noticed you slipped off this afternoon."
"Aye, milord."
"Where did you go?"
"Nowhere Brannon nín, I wandered a little further than I intended, though I did have some unexpected company," replied Haldir, as he ate the last bite of stew.
"Company?" questioned Elrond.
"Aye, a adan stumbled out of the woods," answered Haldir.
Suddenly the marchwarden realized he had the undivided attention of the whole group, he could feel the eight pair of eyes on him.
"A man?" questioned Elladan.
"Aye, a large man, injured and on foot."
The tension in the camp increased tenfold, Glorfindel asked harshly, "What did he look like?"
Suddenly understanding dawned on the Galadhel, and he hastily said, "He was traveling in the other direction."
Not satisfied, not looking away from the other elf, Glorfindel said, "I ask again, what did he look like?"
Staring straight at the famed balrog slayer, Haldir would not allow himself to be intimidated by the elf's tone of voice, "As I said, he was a large man, unkempt, dirty green shirt and brown trousers."
Anger flared in Elladan, and he jumped up, bowl tumbling to the ground, and rounded on Haldir, his twin was not far behind, saying, "You just described the man who attacked my gwador!"
Not wishing to be at a disadvantage, Haldir hurried to his feet, and stood toe to toe with the angry elf, glaring daggers at him, before grinding out, "The description fits many men. This one was alone and traveling in the other direction."
"Aye, but he fits the description of the man Adar saw in his vision," insisted Elrohir, standing directly behind his brother and just as livid as his twin.
Still meeting Elladan's glare, Haldir said, "No one told me what the man looked like."
Moving to stand between the twins and the marchwarden, stopping the three from doing anything they may regret, Cilinwë touched the young lords' shoulders, and said, "He had no way of knowing."
"He should have," Elrohir spit out, "He calls himself a marchwarden!"
"Fooled by a adan!" added Elladan.
Now just as angry as the twins, Haldir replied, "We do not know it was him, it could have been a different man!"
"Look around," Elladan answered and motioning with his arms, indicating the area around them, "Have we seen anyone else during our journey?"
"There are so many men out here," added Elrohir snidely
"No one told me what the man looked like," reiterated Haldir.
"He fooled you so completely, you were not the least bit suspicious?" asked Elrohir.
Still standing between the younger elves, Cilinwë said, "He already said he did not know."
Startled Haldir, looked to Elrohir, and sighed, some of his anger leaving him and admitted, "Aye, I was suspicious, something did not seem right with the man but I did not know what."
"I offered him our aid and he refused. I had no reason to suspect the man was one of kidnappers, if I had I would have captured him."
The twins continued to stand next to Haldir, anger radiating from them and said nothing. They could not believe the man who attacked their baby brother had been so close and got away.
Feeling embarrassed he let the man go, when he had his own suspicions, Haldir hung his head and mumbled, "Hiraetha im." (I am sorry.)
Elladan just snorted and both still did not answer. They were not ready to forgive yet.
The three other elves sat stunned through the whole exchange, saying nothing. They too could not believe the vile man had been so close. Elrond did not move, shocked, so Glorfindel seeing the stubborn set of the twins shoulders, rose and stood next to Cilinwë, saying, "Enough, Haldir did not know and he has apologized."
Trying to get their attention, Cilinwë said, "Let it go for now, we have enough problems without fighting amongst ourselves."
Agreeing with the sword master, Glorfindel added, "Save your anger for those who deserve it."
The twins looked to their mentors but had nothing to say, their jaws set in a hard angry line. Finally both turned on a heel and sat back down, without acknowledging the marchwarden.
Sighing at the young lords' rudeness, Glorfindel looked to the other blonde elf and said, "Pardon their discourtesy. We all know you would have stopped the man, had you known."
"Thank you Lord Glorfindel," replied Haldir, before turning to his own lord and Elrond adding, "Im dihenalin Brannon Celeborn, Brannon Elrond." (I ask your forgiveness Lord Celeborn, Lord Elrond.)
Snapping from his stupor, though still distraught, Elrond answered, "There is nothing to forgive marchwarden."
Celeborn nodded his agreement, stood and walked over to his marchwarden, saying, "Come we have many things to discuss." Together the two Lothlórien elves walked off a short distance, for a private conversation.
Taking the opportunity, Cilinwë looked at the twins, and said, "Let us clean up this mess, milords," while thinking it gave them the time to calm down and him the chance to talk with them.
Elladan and Elrohir, postures still speaking of the anger they felt stood and started picking up the dirty dishes and cleaning up. Cilinwë joined them.
Now left standing alone, Glorfindel turned, glanced at Elrond, and found he had not moved, though he held his head with both hands, rubbing his temples.
Concerned the blond elf, knelt down in front of the elf lord, gently touching one shoulder asked, "How are you Brannon nín?"
Not moving, Elrond answered, "I am fine, meldir."
Laughing to himself, for Glorfindel knew where the twins got their need to cover their pain, and chided, "Nay you are not fine."
"Am I that obvious?"
"Yes, to one that knows you."
Shaking his head, Elrond finally looked up at his friend and said, "This all could have been prevented if I had listened to you."
"We do not know that."
"Do we not?" questioned Elrond, "The men would not have captured Estel, and we would not be here."
Worried for the healer, Glorfindel replied, "How do you know? Things could have been worse."
Raising an eyebrow in question, Elrond said nothing and waited for Glorfindel to continue.
"The men may have felt the two of us were too dangerous, ambushed us and took Estel," said blonde elf, "Then what would happen to your son?"
Elrond seriously doubted that but appreciated his friend's attempt to make him feel better, so he said softly, "Hannon le."
"You are welcome."
Both elves quietly sat together, watched the flames dance and then listened to the creatures of the night sing their songs. As everyone rejoined them and started slipping into their bedrolls, Glorfindel stood and offered a hand to his lord, saying, "It is time for us to stand guard duty."
Elrond took the proffered hand and the balrog slayer pulled him to his feet. They walked quietly into the growing darkness and took up their sentry positions.
For the first two shifts the night passed quietly. The most exciting thing seen was an owl diving to the ground snatching a small field mouse with its talons before soaring back into the darkness. Finally it was Celeborn and Haldir's turn for guard duty. Elladan and Elrohir shook them awake, and saying nothing to Haldir but giving him a shy smile, slipped into the warm bedrolls.
The marchwarden climbed into a large oak tree and hid himself among its green leaves. He thought back over the events of the evening. He had been angry and embarrassed; he could not believe he allowed the adan to slip by him. Though he hated to admit it, Elrohir was right, he called himself a marchwarden. He silently vowed nothing would get past him in the future.
After a few hours, Haldir saw the leaves moving and felt a disturbance in the air. Listening he heard something in the bushes. Waiting he saw two figures leading their horses from the camp. As the figures moved under his tree, Haldir smiled to himself and noiselessly dropped down in front of them.
"Where do you think you are going?" asked the marchwarden.
Startled the twins stopped and nearly cried out. Finally Elladan's heart quit racing and he said, "Haldir! You nearly scared me to Mandos' Halls."
"You should not be sneaking around," criticized Haldir, pleased with himself for catching the twins.
"We were not sneaking," argued Elrohir.
"No," replied Haldir, "You were trying to leave."
"We wish to find our brother," said Elladan.
"And you thought you could get past me," added Haldir.
"Well…" stumbled Elrohir, not sure quite what to say.
"Well..." Haldir said sarcastically, "apparently there are some individuals that a mere Marchwarden can catch…and since as we all know your skills are so much more... advanced than that of we mere wardens, I have to believe that either the man who slipped past me had superior stealth capabilities, in which case no one would have been able to detect his lies, or that your skills are not as well developed as you think and any one would have been able to detect your surreptitious exit from camp…so which one is it? A man that no one could have caught, or inferior skills on your part?"
Chastised, Elrohir said, "We apologize Haldir, we were rude and should not have said those things earlier, we just need to find Estel."
"We all want to find the boy, but sneaking off will not help."
"We can take care of ourselves," replied Elladan.
"Aye you can, but what of your Adar and Daeradar?"
Curious, Elladan asked, "What of them? They know we are capable warriors."
Frustrated, Haldir shook his head. 'Could they not see beyond themselves?' thought the warrior. "Do you not think your Adar has enough to worry about, without you running off?"
Looking to Elrohir, he added, "And your grandfather? Is not one grandson missing enough?" Now looking at both elves, he continued, "What of their needs."
Shame hit the twins, for they had indeed only thought of their need to rescue Estel. They truly did not want to add to their father's distress. Finally looking to Haldir, Elrohir admitted, though he did not like it, "You are right, we shall return to camp."
A small grin played at Elladan's lips, and he asked, "Could we keep this to ourselves?"
"We do not wish to worry Adar and Daeradar,' added Elrohir.
Grinning, thinking of the potential of having something on the twins, Haldir answered, "It will cost you."
"What will it cost?" asked Elladan suspiciously.
"We will discuss payment later," said Haldir.
Not liking the situation, though Elladan realized they had little choice, and nodded his agreement, before saying, "We shall return to camp."
As the duo turned and walked away, Elrohir looked to the marchwarden and said, "Hannon le Haldir," before turning and following his twin.
After they disappeared back into the underbrush, Haldir resumed his position in the tree. Smiling, he thought of the beauty of having ammunition against those two. He thought of all the things he could do.
Lost in his thoughts, Haldir hardly registered the rising eastern sun, the red and purple hues decorating the sky. He barely heard the tweeting of the robins, as they awoke in their nests.
Finally he heard Lord Celeborn call to him, "Haldir, it is time to return to camp."
Stretching and yawning, Haldir dropped from the tree, to stand near his lord. "I am ready Lord Celeborn," replied the marchwarden.
"Good, was the night quiet?"
Wondering what his lord knew, Haldir hesitated before answering, "As quiet as can be expected," and waited for a reaction.
A look of surprise crossed, Celeborn face and he asked, "Is there anything you would like to tell me."
"No, milord."
Sighing and shaking his head, Celeborn said, "Keep your secret then, as long as it will not endanger us."
"Secret, Brannon nín?"
"Yes, your secret," answered the elf lord, but decided to let it go added, "Let us eat."
They slowly walked through the growth of oak and elm trees, green bushes, and into the camp. As they pushed through the last of the undergrowth, the pair was surprised to see the twins up and preparing a light breakfast of trout and berries. They even rolled up the two bedrolls they were not occupying.
'It seems they put the time to good use,' thought Haldir.
Smiling, Celeborn complimented his grandsons, "It smells delicious."
"Thank you, we caught the fish in the creek and there was a wild raspberry bush at the creek's edge," answered Elladan.
"Would you like a plate Haldir?" asked Elrohir.
Raising an eyebrow at the kindness, the twins were showing his marchwarden, Celeborn commented, "I thought you were displeased with Haldir?"
"All water under the bridge grandfather," reassured Elladan as he passed a plate to Haldir.
"Thank you my friend," said Haldir, as he sat down and began to eat his food.
"This is good," praised Haldir, between mouthfuls.
Now he knew something was afoot. Haldir was being kind to the twins and they had treated him poorly the night before. What were the three young ones up to? He just wanted to stay out of the line of fire. Alas, he knew that was wishful thinking.
With a sigh he took his plate of food and began eating. Soon everyone was awake and joined them, eating the delicious meal the twins prepared for them. After praising the cooks, everyone did their part, cleaned the dishes and packed up their bedrolls, readying to leave.
Shortly they were calling their horses to them, cinching the saddles up and loading their saddlebags. It did not take long and they were prepared to depart.
Cilinwë led his horse back to camp and walked up to his Celeborn and asked, "Shall I ride in the same place again, Lord Celeborn."
"Aye, I would appreciate the assistance."
Nodding his head, the sword master said nothing else and swung into the saddle, prepared to guard Elrond again.
As the rest mounted up, they joined Celeborn and Cilinwë, set to leave.
Elladan asked Glorfindel, "Same position as yesterday?"
"Aye," answered the balrog slayer, as he moved to ride point.
"Ready?" Celeborn asked Elrond.
He could see the lines stress had put on his son-in-law's ageless face. The effect of worry was reflected in his eyes. The only thing that would remove the marks was to find Estel, to find Hope.
"As ready as I will ever be," answered Elrond.
The elf lord watched as everyone took up their positions and once they were organized he called out to Glorfindel, "We are ready."
Nodding his head, the balrog slayer led the way back on the path, back to the chase. The chase that would either save or destroy all hope for his family and by extension Middle Earth…