Sorry for the late update; this weekend was very busy and I didn't want to post something without getting a chance to edit it first.

I've been spoiling you all with longer chapters, so this might seem short by comparison. However, I hope you still enjoy it!

Will Elrohir and Gwin be able to hold on while they search for Candaith and Elladan? Will they find the evidence they hope to find? Or will it result in tragedy? Read on to see what happens next!

Chapter 75

Several hours passed, and I was able to doze off a few times. However, I was too worried about Elrohir to truly get much rest. At one point, I found myself sliding sideways as my strength seemed to seep from me, but Saeradan sat down next to me, and I rested my head on his shoulder. After much convincing, I managed to get Elrohir to eat a few bites of lembas and take another small sip of miruvor, and I did the same. I sighed; unless we found Elladan soon, and very much alive, I was unsure how long Elrohir would survive. I had been debating whether or not to just ride north as fast as I could and bring him to Imladris. His father might be able to do something to help him, although I had no idea what. Elrond had experience losing his own twin, and perhaps he could help Elrohir deal with it and aid in his recovery.

However, it was at least a week's ride at a full gallop, and there had been much deterioration in the short time since we found out Elladan and Candaith were missing. Even getting him to Eregion might be too late, although they had talented healers in Echad Mirobel. Perhaps I will just need to help ease his passing. The thought of this was almost too painful to consider.

I myself would possibly be able to continue on, as long as I found no evidence of Candaith's death, but indefinitely? In my heart, I knew if Candaith remained absent from my soul for too long, I would probably fade, as frustrating as it was. It was mind-boggling how strong my love was for him, considering how short of a time we had known one another. The thought of fading because of Candaith's death scared me; I had survived so much. Maybe I would need to sail to heal. In fact, if Mithlond had been closer, I would have brought us both there and sent Elrohir off on the first ship. Perhaps he could find peace with his mother in Valinor.

We did not have that kind of time, unfortunately.

I shook myself into awareness as I realized Halbarad was speaking to me. "I am sorry, mellon nin. What were you saying?"

Halbarad gave me a sympathetic look. "The plan is for us to split up and canvas the immediate area. If Candaith and Elladan are injured, I doubt they could have gone far."

I nodded, "I agree. There is a rather large lake to the east, as well as dense tree cover. It would be a good place to go and clean wounds and drink fresh water. We must be cautious of going too far southwest; the haunted fortress of Ost Dunhoth is very dangerous, and I do not wish to run into enemies we can avoid." It truly was a perilous place; I had heard from the rangers in Harndirion that it was full of the undead, and rumors of at least one Gaunt Lord in residence. Who knew what else dwelled there? It was something we could not afford to deal with at the moment. Perhaps it could be cleansed in the future.

"I will send Radanir back to camp to let the others know what has happened," Halbarad said. He seemed to be hesitating in adding something else, but I waited patiently. "Perhaps Elrohir should go with him?"

While I knew in some ways that it could be safer for him to return to camp, I feared if we were separated, there would be no hope for him. I shook my head, "He is hanging on by a thread, Halbarad," I said sadly. "If there is anyone who can help him besides Elladan, it is me." What that help would entail, I did not know, but if there was anything I could do, I would do it.

"What if you went with him?" Halbarad asked. "Who will help you?

I was shaking my head before he finished his question, "I cannot leave the search to others. I must do everything I can to find them." I sounded more desperate than I had hoped, but knew Halbarad would not judge me for it. "Elrohir and I will need to help each other."

Halbarad nodded hesitantly, and I could tell he perhaps did not agree. "Then let us make a plan." He pulled out a map, and I noted it was Ergothorn's once more. Part of me wished he was here; since he had traveled so extensively in Enedwaith and Dunland, he might know of hidden places we were not aware of. We plotted out a few locations, and then he split us up into groups. Elrohir and I would go with Saeradan over to where the lake was located, while Lothrandir would join Halbarad searching to the west. After Radanir returned to camp, he would take Calenglad and search around it, in case Elladan and Candaith had attempted to make it to camp but came up short. Corunir volunteered to go off on his own, but not to a place we had expected. "I have heard tale of a powerful, healing spirit in the Mournshaws. Daervunn told me about it."

I looked at him doubtfully. "The Mournshaws? That is very far from here, and I doubt they could have made it that far if one or both were injured." They would have needed to cross a line of hills that was basically a small mountain range unless they swung further north, as well as navigate the dark, confusing paths under the trees.

"That may be, but perhaps this spirit could heal Candaith and Elladan. Who knows what kind of cursed wounds they might have? Maybe he or she would come with me and help, if I asked nicely," he looked resolute, and I knew he would not be dissuaded.

"Do you even know where in the region this spirit is supposed to be?" Halbarad asked.

"I believe it is near the river, on the western side of the area," Corunir answered, but he seemed a little unsure.

Halbarad sighed. "Very well, but stop by Daervunn's camp in the Mournshaws and bring him along with you. Perhaps he has a better idea of where to look." It would also help to have another person to back him up, should they face trouble. The Mournshaws was a dangerous place, and full of mystery. It was easy to get lost, and the river which ran through it was enchanted with some type of magic.

"Very well. Namarie, and good luck to the rest of you," Corunir said. With that, he swung into the saddle and galloped away. Radanir and Lothrandir wandered over to the rest of us, and Radanir gave me a lopsided smile. "Do not worry, little lady. We will find your knight in shining armor." I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me at his joking, and it lightened my heart a little.

Lothrandir also smiled, but it was gentler. "We will do all we can to return both of them into your keeping. Keep the faith, mellon nin." I don't know what it was in his words or tone that made me do it, but suddenly I had thrown myself into his arms and was weeping. I had not given myself the chance to cry, and apparently I could not hold the tears inside any longer. I sensed the others giving us some space, and I appreciated Lothrandir's comforting silence as he let me get his tunic wet. He had always been a good friend to me, even from the moment we met. I knew I could trust him not to judge me for my current breakdown.

After a time, my sobbing quieted, and eventually my tears slowed. I pulled away and took the offered handkerchief, and wiped my eyes. "I am sorry, Lothrandir. I do not make a habit of this type of behavior," I mumbled, a little embarrassed.

"There is nothing to apologize for, Gwin," he replied softly. "You need to let yourself grieve."

"Even if they might not be dead?" I whispered.

"Even then," he answered gently. "You still miss them and want them to return to you. There is no shame in crying about that."

I chuckled wetly, "I will make sure to return the favor next time you throw yourself into my arms crying over something."

He frowned, "Next time? When have I ever done such a thing?"

I raised an eyebrow, "Do you not remember that night in Suri Kyla, when we were at the Festival of the Bear? You set your eyes on a lovely lady, and perhaps had a bit too much to drink."

Lothrandir put his head in his hands, "Ah, I remember now," he moaned.

My lips quirked up into almost a smile, "You were devastated when she refused your offer for a dance, and told me you were sure she was the one you were destined to marry, as you cried on my shoulder. It took everything I had not to laugh at you."

He grinned ruefully. "You will never let me live it down, will you?"

"Not a chance," I replied with a chuckle.

He pulled me into another hug, and I squeezed him tightly. "You are stronger than you think, mellon nin," he whispered. "You have much to live for." I knew he must have a sense of what I might be feeling, and wanted me to keep living no matter what.

"I will try," I replied, just as softly, before pulling away and standing up with him. "Namarie, and be safe." I said the same to Halbarad, and they set off.

I wiped my eyes some more and tried to make myself look more presentable, but doubt I succeeded when I glanced at Saeradan's sympathetic face. A part of me found it hard to look at him, as he reminded me of our travels with Candaith, but he also brought me some comfort. It was confusing. My gaze moved back towards Elrohir, who was now sitting up and looking a little more awake and focused, despite still being quite pale and weak.

I kneeled down next to him and turned my face to his. "Elrohir, do you think you will be able to sit on a horse with me?" I asked quietly.

He nodded, "Yes, muinthel. I feel a little stronger this morning, although I know not why, as I still feel just as broken inside." His eyes filled with tears again, and he brushed them away in frustration.

"Perhaps it is because we now have a purpose and plan," I replied, hoping I sounded encouraging.

He sighed, "I hope we find them."

I squeezed his hands before pulling him to his feet. He struggled to find his balance for a moment, before straightening up and walking shakily over to my horse. He sagged against her initially, but was able to swing himself into the saddle. That's an improvement.

As I went to mount up behind him, I had an epiphany that hit me like a bolt of lightning. "The beryl!" I nearly shouted.

Elrohir looked down at me quizzically. "What?"

"The beryl! Remember, the one you put that little spell on?" I replied excitedly. "Does Elladan have the other one?"

I finally saw something spark in Elrohir's eyes, and they widened in comprehension. "Yes he does!" He grabbed his bag off the horse and started digging around in it, and smiled as he pulled out the other beryl.

"Will this tell us where he is?" I asked.

At this, Elrohir's excitement faded, and before I could ask, he said, "Nay…it will only tell Elladan where we are."

My elated feeling was extinguished, but I put on a brave face. "That will be helpful, right? Then Elladan will be able to locate us, since they are likely in need of our aid. We will need to use it occasionally so he can track our position." I was trying to sound optimistic and sure of myself, but I knew it was possible Elladan was not alive to get the message.

However, I could not afford to think like that, and I needed to keep Elrohir's hopes up. He nodded slowly, and I was pleased to see a sparkle of the familiar spirit in his eyes. "You are correct, Gwin. Let me try this out…" With that, he whispered 'Aiya' into the stone, and it glowed for a moment before returning to its muted emerald color. I prayed with as much fervor as I could manage that Elladan would 'hear' it.

After this, he tucked it away and I settled myself behind him in the saddle. His skin was colder than it should be, but his breathing was even, and there was a little color on his cheeks. I caught Saeradan's eye and gave him a smile, which he returned. "Let us be off, shall we?" I whispered, and we made our way to the east at an easy gallop.

The group is split up to search, and hopefully one of them will find Candaith and Elladan! The question is, will it be a rescue or recovery? Thanks for reading, and leave a review!