Chapter Eight

"It's been a whole day, Legolas" Belil said. Worry for her friend and beloved was written in the very lines of her face. "They should be here by now." Agitatedly she paces the dining hall.

"We will leave at first light." Aragorn said, glancing at his long time friend. Legolas nodded, knowing what Estel was thinking. They both wanted Belil to stay in Rivendell, safe. But knowing, also from experience, that keeping her here would be impossible. They would just have to keep her safe.

"I don't want to wait." She went up to Legolas and stared him in the eyes. The force of emotion emanating from the depths of eyes the color of snow almost made him flinch. "SHE is out there." Belil hissed. "Possibly hurt or even..." Belil broke then, placing her face in her hands. Legolas wrapped gentle arms around her, trying to comfort.

"They are alive." He whispered into her hair. "I know this in my heart."

"I only hope you are right." Belil wept into his chest. Her next words were muffled, indistinct, but Legolas thought he heard the word "die". He shot a worried glance in Estel's direction.

Dawn was still an hour away, but three riders were mounted and ready to leave.

"Let me send more warriors with you , my son." Elrond tried to impress upon the young ranger more elves to assist.

"No, ada. More elves would hinder us. As it is now, we can move quickly and silently." His gaze was soft as he looked down at the only father he really remembered. "You have taught me well, ada, do not worry." He smiled reassuringly.

"Very well, my child." Elrond sighed. He had not expected Estel to accept help, but he had to try. "Stay safe, Estel. Bring them back." At this, Aragorn, Legolas and with Belil at the lead, spun their horses and galloped out the gate. "And come back to me, son of my heart." Elrond whispered, watching as they disappeared into the dark of the forest.

As it turned out, the orcs "master" was a ranger that had went bad. Someone he worked for had found out that Aragorn, son of Arathorn was still alive, but he knew not where. He only knew that he lived with elves. This was the rangers' second attack on elves. It was too bad at the last battle that his orc army had left no survivors.

"Are you going to speak, elf?" Kordon said smugly. Admiring his whips handiwork on Haldir's back. He had heard of elves and their loyalty. But it surprised him that it had gone on this far. The elf's back was almost completely covered with welts and cuts from the steel studded lash. He had had to revive him from unconsciousness twice now. And still he would not reveal the whereabouts of whom he sought. "I shall speak, but not of what you wish me to." Haldir winced, but would not cry out, as the lash tore more of his fair skin. The small spikes chewing mercilessly.

"Very well, master elf." Kordon spat the name like a foul tasting drink. "For your loyalty, I have a gift for you." At his nod, an orc opened the door to a tiny cell and entered. Nilmandra was drug out, already red with blood from the lashes she had taken. Haldir had no strength left to cry out, but his heart brok for Belil and Legolas. Oh how his friends would mourn her passing. He could not bear to think of his beloved and what his passing would do to her. He was chained up to the wall of the cavern, his numb arms straining to hold up his weight. Nilmandra was thrown down at his feet. He noticed she wasn't bound anymore. Very foolish of them. Because she was female they believed her to be harmless. As she rolled on her side, Nilmandra flashed a look at Haldir. He saw unbelievable pain there, but also an icy determination which gave him hope. She was not as injured as she appeared.

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