A/N: Hi everyone! Happy New Year to you! I hope you are safe, healthy, and happy for the upcoming year. May your resolutions come true! Mine is to finish this story before December (JK, will be happy finishing it sooner if possible!), and starting a freelancing career of some kind. Still doing research on that, so if anyone as any advice, please let me know. Anyways, here is the next chapter, and I hope you like it. There are some sweet moments in this chapter that I hope everyone likes!

Please read, review, and enjoy! See you next time! :)

Eafled, Arahad, and Aragost had fallen asleep waiting for news, but the others were still awake and anxious. Arwen covered Eafled with a blanket and settled her on the couch with a pillow so she could stand for a little while. Her legs were stiff from sitting for so long.

Midnight had come and gone when elven hearing was able to hear murmuring from the other side of the bedchamber door. A few minutes later the door opened and Hadlathon and Mistaro stepped out. Lavaneth and Levenil immediately raced inside and disappeared, much too fast to be stopped in time by anyone.

"Lavaneth! Levenil! Come back!" Quildolorë called softly, but she still woke the two Dúnedain who stood up and joined everyone crowding around the two healers.

"It is fine, Quildolorë," Mistaro said with a small smile, "We are finished."

Everyone's attention was immediately on him, some fearing the worst. All breathed an inward sigh of relief when Hadlathon said, "He has survived the surgery, but it was a near thing. One more day, and it would not have mattered if he was found or not. As it is he will have a long recovery ahead of him, and at many points, it will be painful."

"How long?" Celeborn asked.

The two healers looked at each other before Mistaro said, "Maybe a year, maybe longer. It all depends."

"Depends on what?" Erestor asked, dreading the answer.

"It depends on whether he can survive the trauma and shock of the surgery," Hadlathon said bluntly, "We had to remove what remained of his appendix, as it had ruptured some time ago, as well as almost two feet of intestines, more than half his liver, and a kidney. All were dead or infected from the ruptured appendix. His stomach had ulcers, and he swallowed a rag at one point, likely when his gag reflex stopped working. It is a miracle he did not suffocate on it when he swallowed it."

Everyone was shocked at what Elrond had had to endure as his body slowly killed itself, but the healers were not finished yet.

"I will tell you all he suffered now just so you can be prepared when you go in," Hadlathon said gently, and everyone nodded, some hesitantly, others fearfully. Hadlathon continued, "He has been starved, and I do not think he has slept in a long time. He is very weak, and has been severely beaten and tortured. There are several burns on his body, in the shape of brands, that were infected. The one on his neck is by far the worst; Elrond may keep a scar from that one, I do not know. He has been beaten with a whip, his back is covered in lash marks. Those manacles you saw," nodding at the twins, "were embedded almost to the bone, and it will be months before he can grip anything or walk. A few of his fingers were broken on each hand. One leg and hip are broken, as well as an arm. A few ribs are broken. And finally, he has the worst case of pneumonia I have ever seen," Hadlathon took a deep breath before saying, "If he can survive the next few days without crashing or the surgery site getting infected, then he has a chance. It is in the hands of the Valar now."

His words were met with stunned silence before Arwen said, "May we see him now? Please?" her words were almost desperate.

Mistaro smiled at her, "Of course you may. That is why we are here; to come and get you. We just wanted to prepare you for what you will see."

Arwen nodded and everyone followed the two healers into the bedchamber; except for the two Dúnedain. They left to take Eafled to bed and let their men know to pray to the Valar that night.

The entire Valley was praying for its lord that night, as word had spread he had been found but was gravely ill.

Those entering the bedchamber did not care. Their focus was on the bed and the one occupying it. There was not much to see of Elrond; only his head, neck, and top of his shoulders were visible. Lavaneth was curled up on the pillow near his head, purring with her chin on his forehead, and Levenil was curled up on his left side and purring as well.

Elrond was shivering slightly, but he was sweating with fever and his face was flushed. Galadriel was wiping his face with a cool cloth, but it did not distract from the fact that Elrond's breathing was labored and congested, and he was unconscious. His sleep deprivation was so severe that he had almost slipped into a coma. His hair was thinner and had been braided back into a single plait.

But he was still alive, and that was all that mattered to his children. Galadriel smiled slightly and stood from her place on the bed where she had been sitting so that Arwen could take her place. Arwen did, reaching out numbly to rest her hand on her father's cheek. He gave no sign he knew she was there, and tears came to Arwen's eyes, "Ada?" she whispered slightly, and there was still no response. He only continued to shiver and shake with fever, and Arwen bowed her head.

A hand on her shoulder caused her to look at her brother, who smiled gently while Círdan said, "He is very tired, Arwen, and very weak. He needs to rest right now, and heal. I am certain he will be glad to see you when he wakes," smiling gently.

Arwen returned the smile with a shaky one of her own, and then some of those there left, wanting to give the family some privacy. Only Hadlathon, Maeassil, Thranduil, Legolas, and Merilinel stayed with Elrond's family. Glorfindel and Erestor may not be blood family, but they were still family and so they stayed as well.

And not even Sauron himself could have made Círdan leave.

Mithrandir stayed as well to give Elrond strength and power through Narya, as Galadriel did with Nenya. And there they stayed the rest of the night and well into the day, as the Valley held its breath and prayed their lord would survive. Hadlathon would not be convinced his friend would survive until he was certain Elrond could pass food and fluids without difficulty. Even now he was slightly hopeful as Elrond was able to drink a thin broth and some healing herbs to ease his coughing without much difficulty.

He had no way of knowing Vilya would facilitate that to give her Bearer the best chance. With Nenya sustaining and strengthening Elrond, Vilya had a chance to rest and take in power from the Valley around her. It would take time for her to have anything resembling strength back, but she would still do what she could to help her Bearer.

Outside Eärendil burned brightly the rest of the night, giving hope to all who saw it.

A day after Elrond had been found saw Tordag and Cendar nearly at the first guard post of Rivendell. Both men were sick with colds, but not pneumonia. If they did not find help soon it would become pneumonia though.

Neither cared. They were hurting from wounds and too exhausted. Cendar, in particular, was hoping he had not made a wrong turn. He had never been to Rivendell before and was not sure where to go. He was only guessing. Elrond might have told him at one point, but he certainly did not remember now. His sleep deprivation was too severe.

Tordag was not in as bad a shape as Cendar, and so actually was paying his surroundings some attention, but not enough to understand why the horses had suddenly stopped. He looked up blearily and saw some people ahead of him. He looked behind him and saw more people.

Or maybe he was seeing double. Either way, the fact they were surprised to see him and Cendar was clear, and Tordag almost smiled right before he passed out and fell from his horse, unable to go on.

Those people had been armed and aiming arrows at him and Cendar, and he had thought they were Elves for a moment.

'How could that be possible?' was Tordag's last thought as consciousness left him.

The elves of the guard post had been surprised to see the two humans coming down the trail towards them on horses that seemed half dead. They had been even more surprised when both humans fell from their horses at almost the exact same moment. The horses just stood there, too tired to go on.

The elves came forward warily, but relaxed when they saw the two were unarmed. They all thought it strange, considering how dangerous traveling was, but then stretchers were brought to get the two humans to Rivendell, along with horses.

They had no way of knowing they were being watched as a few began the journey to Rivendell while others stayed behind to man the guard post.

The woman was furious as she watched the two they had been hunting get taken away by the elves. Her client had already left to return home, knowing he would not get a chance now and not wanting to be found by elves that might learn he had been hunting one of their kind.

The woman was furious, but she still watched closely. After a few moments, she said, "Where is the elf? He should be there with them. And his horse is not there either."

Her new captain stiffened slightly, realizing he had just made a grave error.

He did not live long enough to rectify it, his death quick and silent. When the elves found his body days later they did not understand who had killed him, but they did send the message tube sticking out of his mouth directly to Glorfindel because of one specific reason:

Their lord's name was written on it in bold Tengwar.

Cendar and Tordag, when they were brought to Rivendell, were taken immediately to the healing wing and tended. Thankfully their wounds were rather minor, but Faneth noticed some disturbing similarities and decided to send for the lords and ladies when one or both showed signs of waking.

In the meantime, Laeron and the grooms in the stables were getting ready to start the evening feeding, as well as Urelais' medicine, when the two horses the guards from the guard post had found were brought to him. He sighed when he saw the condition they were in, while the two horses just stood there, exhausted.

"Alright, everyone begin feeding. Nortaro, you take care of Urelais," the groom in question nodded and left, walking to where they had isolated Urelais. The stallion had regained consciousness but was sedated to keep him quiet. He was eating everything they gave him after they had floated his teeth, which was a good sign. Granted, they were only giving him small amounts, frequently, but he still ate it all. And then he would sleep for hours and hours, his body too exhausted to do anything else.

Laeron still was not finished dividing up tasks and had a few of his more experienced grooms stay to help him with the new arrivals. Only then did they begin tending the new horses. Worn-out saddles and falling-apart bridles were removed and replaced with halters, and then both were led to the grooming racks and cross-tied. The grooms tried to use brushes, but after many long minutes of getting dust and mud in their faces, Laeron sighed and said, "Let us just bathe them. It will not take as long and will be more effective."

The grooms agreed and were soon washing years of dirt, mud, and sweat off. Manes and tails were combed out with the same concoction Galadriel had used on Elrond's matted hair and soon both horses were standing there clean and their actual colors.

"So...a buckskin gelding and a chestnut mare," Laeron said as he looked them over, taking in their rough coats and starved bodies. Both horses kept their heads down in the cross-ties, dozing and tired. They only woke up when they smelled warm mash, which both ate rigorously, not at all caring it was not even a third of what a normal-sized portion was. All there were saddened when the mare licked the bucket, not wanting to miss anything and looking for more, and one groom said, "They have been beaten, Laeron," gesturing at their haunches.

Laeron closed his eyes and sighed, "Of course they have. First Urelais, now these two. What is the world coming to?" going over to inspect the lash marks. None answered him, and they quickly tended the lash marks, stitching them closed and applying healing salves to them as well as a few open sores. A farrier came then and tended their hooves, trimming them down and putting shoes on to help them walk, as the gelding was limping before the shoes but not after.

Once he finished and left the horses were covered in warm blankets and led to stalls to rest. The gelding went willingly enough, too tired to do anything but comply, but the mare still had some energy. She touched noses with Veryafion and nickered, which Veryafion returned gently. The strange mare only bobbed her head, understanding that Veryafion was in charge and lead mare.

The chestnut went willingly after that, letting the groom lead her to a stall with thick bedding. Once the halter was removed she investigated the new stall, drank a few sips of water, then pawed the bedding to pile it the way she wanted. She circled like a dog for a moment and then laid down, sighing heavily as she did so. She was asleep in minutes, and looking to the gelding Laeron saw that he had lain down and fallen asleep as well. He turned to those that had helped him and said, "Well done, they should be fine in time, but let us watch them closely tonight, in case one or both colic. Who knows when they last ate anything?"

The grooms nodded and settled in for the night, a couple of grooms in each stall to keep an eye out for impending disaster. Neither horse stirred all night; comfortable, warm, fed, and safe for the first time in years.

Morning dawned bright and clear a few days later, and with it came the news that the Lord of the Valley was still alive and fighting. As the council led Rivendell, Elrond's family and friends were taking turns staying with him and helping the healers. He had not awoken yet and there was no way to know when he would, but his breathing was improving slightly. His cough had not eased yet and he was slightly delirious from the fever, but he was getting better bit by bit.

One of the healers not tending Elrond was Faneth, as she knew that master healers needed to be in the healing wing to keep things running smoothly. She was tending the two humans the border guards had found, and she had just sent word that one of them was waking to Lord Elrond's chambers. She had a feeling he had quite the tale to tell.

When Tordag started waking up he noticed he was warm and clean, and his wounds did not hurt as much as they had before. He was lying on something incredibly soft and was very comfortable. He opened his eyes and blinked a few times to clear them before looking around. He was in a bed in a long hall, and there were elves everywhere. Instead of panicking Tordag felt relief. He was in Rivendell, he had to be.

Which meant he was safe, for now.

'Eafled would love it here,' he thought sadly as he sat up, just as quite a few elves entered the hall and made their way towards him. He panicked a moment, looking around frantically and saw Cendar asleep in the bed next to him. The older man seemed fine and was resting comfortably.

Which did not help Tordag at all right now. What was he supposed to do?

Thankfully the question was answered by one of the elves that came over to him saying in Westron, "Peace, young one, you will not be harmed here. We are just wondering if you can answer some questions for us?" at the boy's hesitant nod the elf smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, we will try to be swift so that you can rest. I am Erestor, chief councilor of Rivendell. This Glorfindel, Seneschal of Rivendell," nodding at the golden-haired elf next to him. Glorfindel nodded at the boy and said, "I am also in charge of the realms defenses," taking a seat in a nearby chair.

"Hadlathon and Mistaro are healers," Erestor said as the two healers sat on the empty bed next to Tordag's, Faneth in Elrond's chamber tending him and keeping him company. Merilinel and Quildolorë were helping her as well. Both nodded at the boy and Erestor continued, "Maeassil is our chief cook," nodding at the she-elf who walked with a limp. She smiled and said, "I will have you well-fed in no time," laughing slightly at his blush, him knowing that every rib was visible.

Erestor smiled and continued, "Heledhon and Belegon help maintain the safety of Rivendell," nodding at the two captains as they sat next to Mistaro and Hadlathon. Both captains nodded at the boy, and Tordag nodded back, remembering their names from what Elrond had told him about his home over the last year or so.

"Lord Thranduil and his son Legolas are the King and Prince of Mirkwood," Erestor said next, nodding at the two blond elves that stood nearby, "And then there is Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn of the Golden Wood, Lord Círdan of the Gray Havens, and then the Lords Elladan and Elrohir of Rivendell and their sister Lady Arwen," each elf nodded as they were introduced before taking a seat or remaining standing. Erestor concluded with, "And I am certain you have at least heard of Gandalf the Gray," nodding at the gray wizard standing next to him. Gandalf only stared at the boy, trying to remember where he had seen the boy before...if he had seen the boy before.

If Tordag had not been told by Lord Elrond about Círdan's beard he likely would have stared at it as so many others do, but he only glanced at it before asking, "What do you want to know?" before another thought came to his mind and he asked almost desperately, "Did you find him?"

Erestor, indeed everyone, looked confused, and Círdan asked gently, "Who is 'him'?"

Tordag blushed slightly before saying, "Lord Elrond."

Everyone was shocked and then one of the twins was leaning forward and asked, "How do you know our father? Where did you meet?"

The boy grimaced slightly, "We have been traveling with him for almost two years," nodding at Cendar next to him.

"You mean hunted for almost two years," Glorfindel said bluntly.

The boy turned to him in surprise, "You know about that?"

"Some of it," Legolas said in answer, "We are hoping you can fill in the rest," here he smiled slightly, "And perhaps give us your name as well?" even though he already knew who the boy likely was, he wanted to confirm it.

Tordag blushed again before saying, "My name is Tordag, son of Eforhild of Rohan. This is Cendar of Gondor," nodding at the man next to him. Tordag asked again, sounding slightly more desperate, "Did you find Lord Elrond?" not seeing Gandalf quietly ask a passing healer's apprentice to go find Eafled, Edhelvain, and Faelher.

"Yes, we did, calm yourself," Galadriel said quietly, "He is resting and healing in his chambers."

Tordag relaxed immediately, "I am glad to hear that. He has not looked well since the Anduin."

"What happened?" Celeborn asked, even though he did not really want to know the answer.

Tordag grimaced, "It was winter and the river was mostly frozen, so we tried to cross. We made it most of the way and then...well...Lord Elrond fell through the ice. Thankfully he had a grip on Urelais' reins and Cendar was able to pull him out. Urelais never let go either."

Everyone was shocked to hear that, and then Gandalf asked, "Why did you attempt the river? That was the one thing I would not have expected from Elrond. He is usually the reasonable one in a complicated situation."

"Have you ever been hunted, master wizard?" Tordag asked rhetorically, "Those that hunted us did not intend to let a river stop us. If we had stopped they would have killed us sooner, and we would have never made it here. If the river had been flowing they would have forced us to swim across, and likely drown in the process."

There was silence for a moment and then Mistaro asked, "Is that when Lord Elrond's health started declining?" trying to understand the timeline of it all.

Tordag shook his head, "No, it was bad before I joined with him and Cendar. His stomach was already causing him problems and those manacles had rubbed his skin raw. He and Cendar had been in the East but had met up with me on the first day my hunt was started at the Falls of Rauros. That's where they always start. From there we went south through Ithilien and Gondor to Near Harad. We turned around at a giant herd of oliphaunts and then spent the last year making our way here. Lord Elrond felt it was worth the risk, and I think he was in so much pain that he knew he needed better aid than those awful healers that woman employs. All those healers care about is making money, they don't care whether their patients live or die when they are being hunted."

"What risk?" Heledhon asked.

Tordag scowled slightly, "The woman responsible for all this makes it clear that if we do not do as she wants she will kill whoever we care about. In my case, it was my sister, in Cendar's case, it is his men. In Lord Elrond's case, it was Avorneth, but also his daughter," he turned to the twins and Arwen, "She said she would have all of you killed if he did not do as she wanted."

The three young elves were shocked, then Círdan asked, "If that is the case, why did you take the risk?"

Tordag shrugged, "Lord Elrond said the hunt is that woman's obsession, that she is addicted to it and it must always continue. He thinks that she would wait outside your borders until another opportunity presented itself. And we all knew he needed aid; he could not sit upright on Urelais and was always tense and in pain. The rules for these hunts are clear: no sleeping, no eating, no drinking, no stopping until you literally fall off your horse. Anyone you come in contact with is automatically killed. Like those Rangers almost were."

Gandalf looked up sharply, "You know about that? You know about the Rangers surviving?"

Tordag nodded, tears coming to his eyes, "The woman was furious they had survived, and in the next breath said my sister was dead. And in the next instant, she killed her captain; she cut his throat because she said he had failed too much," Tordag stopped speaking, trembling in memory of what he had witnessed. It was clear he had never seen anyone murdered before, and the fact that it was his enemy did not matter to him. It was still a life, and that person should have been allowed to live to be judged fairly. And it was clear that he thought his sister was dead and that the woman had been telling the truth. In regards to the woman, she probably thought Eafled was dead, but that was not the case at all.

Everyone was shocked at his words, but Arwen had noticed that Eafled, Edhelvain, and Faelher had entered the room and were making their way over. She turned to Tordag, a smile barely visible on her face, "That woman is a liar, Tordag," the boy turned to her in confusion, "She abandoned your sister, but Eafled was found by two elves and they brought her to Lothlórien. She has been safe for a very long time."

Tordag stared at her in shock, then slowly turned his head in the direction Arwen was looking. Eafled was there, well-fed and trying to hear what was happening. Tordag smiled then, and it made him look so much younger. He called out in Rohirric to his sister, who froze a moment before racing to him, expertly dodging legs and chairs and beds as she did so. She leaped into his arms, excitedly talking in Rohirric. Tordag held her close and listened as much as he could. After a few minutes, she stopped to take a breath and Tordag was able to speak. The first few sentences were in Rohirric, but then he switched to Westron as he turned back to Arwen, "Thank you, for keeping her safe."

Arwen smiled, "Thank Faelher. He and his father found her while exploring the Nindalf," nodding at the elf in question.

Tordag turned to him, "Thank you for finding her."

Faelher smiled and nodded, "I am glad I could. She is a delight to be around."

Tordag nodded and then clearly remembered something, "You are Avorneth's fiance, right?"

"I am," Faelher said carefully, not sure why the boy was asking.

Tordag smiled slightly, "She said you would look for her no matter what, and to keep believing the nightmare would end. She said she would never give up being found."

Faelher looked down, trying to keep the tears out of his eyes, and that was when Thranduil decided to take the attention off him for a little while so that he could collect himself, "Do you know where this fortress is Tordag? Thanks to your sister we know it is near Mordor, but not much more than that."

Tordag was already shaking his head, "No, I do not. Lord Elrond does though, but he never said where. After we were forced away from the Rangers the hunters drove us relentlessly, and we had to focus on survival. And his health deteriorated so quickly staying alive became his main priority."

"He did not say anything recently, though? Anything in the last couple of months?" Thranduil asked.

Tordag hesitated a moment before saying to Eafled, "I think there is an herb garden out there, little one. Perhaps you could find some herbs, or maybe help a healer?"

"I want to stay," Eafled said stubbornly, refusing to move or leave after being apart from her brother for so long.

Tordag sighed and spoke quickly to her in Rohirric. She listened and then grumbled something unintelligible under her breath before heading outside. Tordag watched her go, and once certain she was out of earshot he said, "I am sorry, but I did not want her hearing this. There are some things she is too young to understand."

"You are a good brother to her," Belegon said softly, causing Tordag to blush. Belegon smiled, but it faded when he asked, "Lord Elrond told you nothing about where the fortress was?"

Tordag winced, "He stopped speaking to us over a year ago. He has said nothing in over a year," he looked into Belegon's startled eyes. Everyone else was similarly surprised, "He was not much for always talking but would usually answer questions and maybe tell a story every once and a while. One day he was talking to us and answering questions, and then two days later after what that woman did he was not. And it was not because of what that woman kept doing."

"And that was?" Galadriel asked.

"Every month she would brand him on the neck," Tordag said quietly, looking disgusted and sickened, "And it was not like she had to, his body could not heal anything recently and was just trying to stay alive; she just enjoyed the pain she caused him. Over the last few months, she has been trying to get him to scream, but he never did. The day she killed her captain was the worst. She had him beaten for hours, and only stopped when it was clear he was about to pass out. And that would have violated the rules."

"When was this? The lash marks are fresh and were badly infected," Glorfindel asked.

"About a month ago," Tordag said, "In their camp, it was the closest we have been to a friendly area in years," Glorfindel immediately looked at him closely, already regretting what the boy was about to say. Tordag turned to him then, "We were there, in their camp, when you came to retrieve that horse. We heard all of it. Lord Elrond groaned when you were speaking to that woman."

Glorfindel looked as though he had been punched in the stomach, and the twins did not look much better. They had been so close to their father, and they had not known it! They had literally missed him by a few feet!

Heledhon shaking his head brought everyone back to the present, "That explains Veryafion's behavior in that camp. She knew Elrond was there," he looked at Tordag, "So that woman, Arielle or whatever her name truly is, she is the one?" Tordag nodded, and Heledhon shook his head again before turning to Elladan, "You were right, my lord, she was hiding something she did not want anyone knowing about. She did not want anyone knowing your father was in that camp the entire time. I am sorry we did not trust your instincts, and we will be apologizing to Veryafion for a long time after this."

Elladan nodded, "It is fine, Heledhon, all that matters is that we finally found him and he will be well in time," his brother and sister nodding as well.

Gandalf then said, "This is more than disturbing, that she is such a good liar and we did not believe Veryafion completely, but I do not think it holds much merit now. Veryafion was out of sorts during that time and none of us believed that she was making any sense in her wanderings. None of us knew what she was doing or why she was doing it. And from what you said about the encounter a month ago, Glorfindel, that woman is an expert liar and more than capable of fooling people. But I would like to know, Tordag, when exactly Elrond stopped speaking to you?"

Tordag's brow furrowed in thought before he said, "It was towards the end of last summer, I think. The first winds of autumn were coming down from the north and in from the sea. He was being branded, and he was tense one moment from the pain, and in the next, it seemed like his strength just gave out. He always tried to fight, even though he was always held down by a giant of a man Cendar calls Goliath because he is so big. It is an inside joke among the hunted that Goliath is part troll because he never speaks and always grunts and groans. Cendar had to almost carry Elrond to Urelais to get him mounted."

"Around the time of the Ford attack," Glorfindel murmured softly in Elvish, and then said more loudly, "Elrond probably sensed what was happening, and perhaps missed what the outcome was if his strength gave out as Tordag said. He does not know you survived," turning to Heledhon, realizing that Elrond had been unnecessarily grieving for the last year.

Heledhon stared at him in surprise before nodding slowly and turning back to Tordag, who looked confused at the words he could not understand. Heledhon smiled at his confusion, "Do not worry, Tordag. We are just trying to understand some things of our own in regards to Lord Elrond. Do not mind us."

Tordag nodded hesitantly before saying something he had a feeling would not be received well, "These hunts usually end with the hunted being killed. But how it is done is that there is a one-on-one fight between the hunted and a chosen hunter. If the hunter wins the fight the hunted is killed and left for the scavengers. But if the hunted wins the hunter dies. The hunter is armed, the hunted is not. If the hunted survive, those healers the woman employs makes them well for another hunt, and the cycle continues until the hunted dies."

"That is disturbing to hear," Celeborn said, "but what does that have to do with anything?"

"Who decides to die that day matters quite a lot," a voice rough from sleep said, and they all turned to see that Cendar was awake. He sat up carefully, and in response to their confused looks, he elaborated, "That woman said that the only way the hunt would end for Lord Elrond was if he killed her. And since he said he could not, he was stuck in a situation he could not get out of."

"She wanted him to kill her?" Erestor said into the shocked silence.

"Yes," Cendar said with a tired nod, "And I think she will still want it to happen. She is likely waiting outside your borders even now, out of sight. Her men and she are very well trained in stealth," before turning to Tordag and looking him over. Tordag smiled slightly and said, "They found Lord Elrond."

Cendar visibly relaxed before saying, "Good, that is good to hear. I have become kind of fond of him, although there were times he was rather irritating. No disrespect to him," looking at the elves gathered around.

"I think he would agree with that assessment," Gandalf said with a slight chuckle, "And in answer to your next question, we are certain he will recover fully."

"I am glad to hear that," Cendar said again, "I have been worried about him for a long time."

"Because of his abdomen and chest?" Elrohir asked, "Both have been tended and should heal well."

Cendar shook his head, "No, but that was part of it. The continued silence from him was another part of it, and those manacles were a problem. But his eyes were what concerned me the most."

The two healers immediately started paying close attention, "What was wrong with them?" Mistaro asked.

"I think Lord Elrond called it exhaustion-induced blindness coupled with extreme malnutrition," Cendar said thoughtfully, trying to remember exactly what Elrond had told him, "I do not think he has been able to see anything at all since last winter," the twins and Arwen exchanging horrified glances at that. Everyone else was similarly dismayed; the only blind elf that they all knew of was Vailimo, who had left for Valinor after the War of Wrath. He had been part of the escort that was traveling with Lady Nemireth and her sons to her husband, Oropher, and had barely survived the attack where the Lady and her sons disappeared. His wounds had healed without difficulty, except for the wound to his head. It had been left untended for so long that he had been blinded, and he had left with his brother to find healing in the Undying Lands. For Elrond to be similarly blinded was disheartening, he needed his eyes as he needed his hands for all manner of things he did in his life, from reading to fighting.

Mistaro frowned, "That is not good, but thankfully reversible with rest and getting the right foods into him once he is strong enough to eat," Hadlathon nodded in agreement, and everyone relaxed slightly when they heard that. Perhaps the Fates would be kind to Elrond and spare him the pain of what Vailimo had gone through.

Maeassil said, "Tell me what to do and what to make, and it will be done," the two healers nodded and she turned to Cendar, "And I will have you well-fed in no time at all," she added with a smile.

Cendar smiled slightly as well, "I am willing to eat anything you serve, my lady. I honestly do not remember when my last meal was. It has been months most likely."

Maeassil shook her head at that, while Gandalf said, "I am guessing that asking you where the fortress is would yield no answers as well?"

Cendar nodded, "I am sorry, Gandalf, but all I know is that it is unbearably hot in the summer, down in the dungeons, and the winters can be cold. That does not narrow it down at all. And you are blindfolded and drugged when you are brought there, and blindfolded again when you are taken on a hunt."

"How long do these hunts last?" Legolas asked.

"Until somebody dies," Cendar said bluntly.

"And how many have you survived?" Thranduil asked.

Cendar grimaced, "This is my fourth hunt," he looked up to meet Thranduil's eyes, "This hunt won't end until somebody dies. That woman is too obsessed with it, and considering the amount of planning this would have taken to capture two elves and learn your defenses, she is very patient. She can wait until Lord Elrond decides to leave the valley and live his life again. And we all know he won't tolerate being forced to stay here. I was there when he was protecting Avorneth in that cell. My Quenyan is terrible, but I could piece enough of it together to understand that he promised he would come back for her. He will want to keep that promise."

There was silence for a moment, then Glorfindel said, "It will be his right to see this through to the end. None of us can stop him. His will has never been broken, and he is too powerful in mind and body to be cowed by any of us. We cannot stop him from holding true to his word."

Murmurs of agreement were heard all around, even though Elladan did not look particularly happy about it. Glorfindel turned to Tordag, but refrained from asking when he saw the boy had fallen asleep; exhausted from talking and needing to build up his strength. He turned to Cendar instead, who only said, "The past year or so has been exhausting. That woman drove us until we collapsed, let us rest a little, then kept driving us. And I do not think Lord Elrond has truly slept at all since this all began. That would be about two years almost."

Glorfindel shook his head, "I cannot begin to imagine what you all have been through. Mark my words, as soon as you are hail again we will make sure you get home safely. Your families have been waiting long enough."

Cendar smiled, "I appreciate that Master Elf, but I would like to stay until Lord Elrond is hail as well if I can? I am sure Tordag will want to stay as well; this entire experience has turned us into friends, and I want in on finding that fortress, and I want to end this, completely. That woman took six years of my life, and the lives of three of my friends, for money. I have a score to settle," his voice determined and firm.

Glorfindel stared at him a moment before nodding his head slowly and turning to Celeborn, who said, "We should leave, and let you rest. Thank you, you have given us much to think about."

Cendar shook his head, "There is one more thing, master elf," they all turned to him, and he frowned in thought a moment before saying, "Lord Elrond said that first day in the cell that he recognized the woman vaguely. He never said from where or how and he never brought it up again. I do not know if he was trying to unbalance the woman or if he was telling the truth, but I thought I should let you know. And him not speaking to us for a year, what was that about?" everyone tensed slightly, and Cendar said, "I know elves are more attuned to their surroundings, and traveling with Lord Elrond I got the impression his mind, and perhaps his spirit, was far away sometimes. Likely here, and he was doing something to help his people. Whatever was happening here last autumn contributed to his unexpected cold treatment of us. I would like to know what it was."

Gandalf smiled slightly, "You are very observant, not many others would notice he was sending his spirit and mind to other places in Middle-Earth," to which Cendar replied, "My life depends on me being observant."

Gandalf shook his head and said, "Around that time orcs attacked the valley. I am certain that you have heard the story of Lord Elrond being able to command the river to his will?" Cendar nodded and Gandalf continued, "That day, he could not raise the Ford-waters and could only sense what the outcomes would be. And even then he likely did not see what the ending was. But the one thing he likely saw was Captain Heledhon being mortally wounded in the attack," nodding at the elf captain. Cendar turned to him and Heledhon stared back unblinkingly. Gandalf continued, "You have heard of Nahar's mate, have you not?"

Cendar nodded, "Some Rangers consider seeing her a sign of good fortune, and some believe she will always bring rain and healing to drought-stricken lands."

Gandalf continued, "That mare, Gwaereneth, belonged to Lord Elrond's brother many Ages ago. She is very fond of him, and also fond of all those she knew from that time. Captain Heledhon was the first elf she met of Gil-galad's court, and she was always fond of him. She was able to heal him, but Elrond likely did not see that."

"So he thinks one of his oldest friends is dead, and it is because he could do nothing to help him," Cendar summarized, then said angrily, "That woman truly does not care whose lives she ruins, so long as she gets what she wants."

"And now we have to find her," Glorfindel said.

"If you need me as bait, master elf, just ask," Cendar said, "I want to help however I can."

"We would not ask that of you," Galadriel said softly, "You have already endured so much."

Cendar shook his head, "Two of my men died on these hunts. Another was killed by that woman herself to prove she had power over us, and the other two are still prisoners of hers. I will do what I have to to end this. I am tired of that woman having power over my life. Tordag will want to help too," nodding at the boy, "That woman stole him from his family, along with his sister, so that the woman's son could practice hunting someone his own age," he looked into Galadriel's startled eyes, "We want to help, and you would be hard-pressed to stop us."

"And the blood of the Men of the West proves itself once again," Gandalf murmured before saying, "We will leave now, to let you rest, and so that you can say hello to an old friend."

Cendar looked confused then turned to see that Eafled had come back from the garden and was walking over to him, trying to hear who it was next to her brother. Cendar smiled and said, "You look like an elf-princess, Eafled."

Eafled immediately started laughing and ran to him, hugging him tight and talking excitedly to him. The elves left then to give them some privacy, and Cendar listened closely to the many stories Eafled had to tell. At the back of his mind though, he knew that this time of peace and safety would not last for long.

Eventually, things would change, and then that woman would pay for everything that had happened to all of them.

He would make sure of it.

Later in the day, Glorfindel went to check on Elrond. The healers had more or less kicked everyone else out for the day, citing the fact that Elrond needed to rest and that they needed to change the bandages. Glorfindel knew those were not the only reasons: Elrond was so weak, and not aware enough, to control his faculties, and the sheets needed to be changed several times a day.

And Glorfindel knew the healers wanted to protect his dignity as best they could.

Being exiled from their father's chambers did not sit well with his children, so Glorfindel had offered to endure the healer's wrath for a little while if the twins and Arwen spent some time outside and let the Valley's residents know what was happening and what had happened to their father. Strange rumors were flying all over the valley about what had happened to Elrond, and the council had decided to let everyone know what he had endured, just not the entire truth about his health and how precarious it was. The twins and Arwen were spreading the truth of the matter, as well as what would happen next, and it would take some time.

When Glorfindel entered the bedchamber, he saw that the sheets were new and clean, and had just been warmed by the fire. Elrond was still propped up on pillows, and his fever was still very high. His face was flushed and he was coughing every once and a while. Hadlathon was there; Elrond too sick and injured to be left alone at all. He looked up when Glorfindel entered the room, but said nothing when Glorfindel murmured to Elrond, "Just what have you survived, my friend? What have you done these last years?"

Elrond gave no answer and continued to shiver and sweat. Glorfindel sighed and sat down next to Hadlathon, who was wiping Elrond's face with a cool cloth to try and cool him and ease his fever. Hadlathon was also giving Elrond teas made with garlic for his heart, eucalyptus to ease his lungs, yarrow to help with the fever, and peppermint to help him sweat out the fever. So far the results had been promising, and Hadlathon was pleased that Elrond's digestion had not been too badly traumatized or damaged from the surgery. Elrond not being able to control his faculties was actually a good thing for Hadlathon; it convinced him that the surgery had been a success.

Glorfindel knew none of this and did not care. He just cared about his friend, his brother – his shield brother – getting better. Nothing else mattered.

"He is improving, Glorfindel," Hadlathon said quietly, drawing him out of his depressing thoughts, "He is slowly improving and getting stronger."

"The 'slowly' part is what has me worried, Hadlathon," Glorfindel said, "I have never seen him so weak. It is terrifying. We nearly lost him. We still might lose him."

"He is still fighting, Glorfindel, and hanging on to life with very familiar single-minded stubbornness," Hadlathon replied.

Glorfindel smiled slightly, "Extremely familiar stubbornness. I see it in his children. I saw it in Turgon and Tuor. He is not giving up on life just yet."

"No, he is not," Hadlathon said, leaving the cloth on Elrond's forehead as he went into the storage room where the herbs and healing supplies were kept, knowing Glorfindel would call for him if there was a problem, or if Elrond woke up. He, Mistaro, and Faneth had decided that sedating Elrond would help him regain his strength and recover from the sleep deprivation. They only did it once a day, Elrond's exhausted body needing no other incentive or aid to shut down and rest.

Glorfindel watched as Lavaneth and Levenil came in from the balcony and hopped up on the bed to settle near Elrond's feet. They knew he was too warm and so did their best to not make him warmer. That was the role of the heated blankets and sheets to help him sweat out the fever and because he was often too cold, but the cats would not leave for any reason.

Elrond coughed and Glorfindel turned to him, and nearly fell into a panic when that one cough turned into a coughing fit. "Hadlathon!" Glorfindel called at the same time Lavaneth yowled an alarm.

Hadlathon came running, assessing the situation quickly. He said, "Sit him upright; it will help," turning back into the storage room to get what he needed. He returned seconds later, remembering that the medicine he needed was on the bedside table.

Glorfindel, in the meantime, had moved to the bed and was holding Elrond upright in a sitting position. It was made harder by the fact Elrond's torso was covered in wounds and bandages. It was impossible to hold him upright without hurting him. Glorfindel managed, but it was difficult and watched as Elrond struggled to breathe around the coughs. He watched in sick fascination as Elrond's lips began to turn blue and blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Hadlathon, he can't breathe!" he said, beginning to panic.

"I can see that!" Hadlathon snapped, only his training keeping him from panicking as well. He crushed some mint, rubbing it on Elrond's gum line and smiled slightly when the coughing subsided a little and Elrond was able to take a deep breath. He was still coughing a bit, and his eyes were open slightly, clearly awake and in pain.

As for Elrond, he could only feel what was happening. He was hot and cold at the same time, and it hurt to breathe. His lungs and throat felt like they were on fire, and he was hurting all over. Someone's strong forearm was keeping him upright, and he could hear movement from someone else nearby. He was lying on something soft and warm, and he could feel warmth from nearby. Someone held a cup to his lips, but Elrond refused. He did not know where he was, but he would not fall for that trick.

He would not let that woman win so easily.

There was a quiet murmuring, and then a voice he thought he knew said, "Elrond, drink this, please. It will ease your cough and help you sleep."

There was no response from Elrond, and looking close Hadlathon could see that he was losing the battle to stay awake. Already his eyelids were beginning to slide shut.

"Elrond! Drink this! Now!" Glorfindel commanded firmly, like a captain addressing an unwilling recruit, and Elrond jerked. He knew that voice, knew it in his soul. It was a voice he could not remember hearing in a long time.

His eyes opened and he tried to turn his head in the direction of that voice, only to be stopped by the pain in his neck. He still murmured dryly, "G'nel?" and Glorfindel smiled.

"Aye, mellon nín, it is I. You are home now and safe," trying to catch his lord's eye only to remember Elrond was blind. He still looked into Elrond's eyes; finding the glassy look and delirious light in them rather disturbing. His day was made though, when Elrond's lips twitched in a weak attempt of a smile. He smiled again before saying, "You need to drink this, Elrond, it will help your breathing."

Elrond gave no indication he understood or even heard what was said, and Glorfindel was about to repeat himself when Elrond rasped, "...m'ine?"

Glorfindel smiled slightly, "Yes, Elrond, medicine. I am sorry, but it probably tastes worse than anything you could ever make. I am sorry about that."

Elrond did not reply, his mind sliding back into delirium, but Hadlathon was still able to give him the medicine without any trouble. He seemed to know Glorfindel was not a hallucination of his exhausted and fevered mind, and so trusted that he was at least safe and to trust the person offering the medicine. Right after the last swallow, Elrond's head fell back against Glorfindel's forearm, eyelids falling shut; his body so exhausted it did not truly need the herbs to fall asleep. Once he was asleep Hadlathon checked the surgery site and was pleased to see no fresh bleeding. The last thing Elrond needed was to have to survive another surgery.

"The sutures are fine," was all he said to Glorfindel, feeling Elrond's forehead with the back of his hand, "And his fever is slightly better. The fact he recognized you is probably the best news of all," as they settled Elrond back onto the pillows.

"Should I tell the twins and Arwen he has awoken?" Glorfindel asked.

"You can. They will likely race here in all haste, but not telling them is not an option," Hadlathon said, placing a fresh damp cloth on Elrond's forehead. Glorfindel nodded and left, gaze lingering on his friend for a moment before he shut the door. Hadlathon turned back to Elrond, smiling as he shifted slightly to get more comfortable and settling into a deeper sleep. His smile widened, even more, when the cats settled down and relaxed on Elrond's left side, wanting to be closer to him and watch him carefully in case he started coughing again.

'Slowly but surely he is getting better,' Hadlathon thought, watching in amazement as Lavaneth gently nudged Elrond's hand on top of her and his fingers curled weakly around her, some part of him recognizing the warmth and comfort she was offering.

As this was happening Gwaereneth watched the goings-on of the valley closely. She had raced back to Middle-Earth as quickly as she could, and was glad that she was not needed. Elrond had been found and was safe, he was healing and with those he loved.

There was nothing for her to do. Once Eärendil told his wife Elrond was hail and the news reached her Gwaereneth would return to challenge him to a race with Veryafion. Looking to the stables Gwaereneth could see her sister being tended by the same she-elf as always and calmer then she had been in months, now that her rider was home and safe.

Gwaereneth nodded her head in satisfaction before she left Middle-Earth for Valinor, content in the knowledge she could do nothing more and knowing there was nothing more for her to do. Her mate and herd were waiting for her, and soon her mate would be in for a great surprise and gift from her.

Behind her Veryafion turned her head, watching and sensing her sister leave Middle-Earth before turning back to Edhelvain. She eagerly accepted the sugar cube she was being offered. She knew it was a reward for finding her rider, she had been getting all sorts of treats for several days, but the greatest reward would be seeing him again and knowing he was healing. Feeling it through the Song was not enough for her.

Next to her Edhelvain watched Veryafion closely, easily guessing her thoughts and wondering if the idea that had sprung into her head was too crazy, even for her.

She did not know if Veryafion could even climb stairs.

Glorfindel watched as the twins and Arwen fairly flew to their father's chambers, just as Hadlathon said they would. He smiled though, glad he had good news for them and glad Elrond was still fighting.

As long as he continued to fight the Valley would continue to hope and fight for him.

He was still smiling as he walked to his office to begin catching up on all of his reports. Elrond being found had caused everyone to stop working and fall behind, especially those first few days when they did not know if he would make it or not. Now that he was showing signs of improvement they could slowly begin their work again. When he arrived at his office he was surprised to see a guard from the guard post where Cendar and Tordag had been found waiting for him. Knowing that if there was a pending attack the guard would have found him immediately Glorfindel asked, "What do you have to report, lieutenant?"

The elf said, "We found the body of a dead human at our borders, my lord," Glorfindel frowned and the elf continued, "He was not one of the Dúnedain from what we could tell. His throat had been cut, and this was jammed in his mouth," handing Glorfindel the message tube, "His body will be held at the healing wing until you decide what should be done with it."

Glorfindel took it with alacrity, his eyes widening when he saw that Elrond's name was written on the side. He opened it, pulling out a letter and reading it quickly. His expression darkened in anger and then he said, "Gather Lords Círdan, Thranduil, Celeborn, Legolas, and the twins in my office. Get Lady Galadriel as well, and also Captains Heledhon and Belegon. Make sure Lord Erestor and Mithrandir come too."

"Yes, my lord, I will gather them as quickly as possible," the elf said, turning and sprinting away after a quick bow. Glorfindel watched him go before entering his office, the letter clenched in his hand so tightly he almost tore it. He had to physically take a deep breath in order to calm himself and his anger. He was only partially successful, but the letter was still in one piece when he finally let go.

The audacity, cruelty, and arrogance of that woman knew no bounds if she could write such a letter.

They would have to do something about her once they found her.

Translations:

Adar/ada – Father/daddy
mellon nín – my friend