Author's Note: Okay, I know that I said this was going to be the last chapter but in writing it I have decided that there will be one more and that will definitely be the final chapter. And yes, I promise that there will be a prequel to this story. Thanks again for all those spectacular reviews! I cannot tell how much they have encouraged me to write! I would also like to say a special thanks to my beta Dragonfly32 for her help with this chapter. Thank again! I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.

Chapter 25 Disappearance

Narrative POV

Rumil and Orophin made their way slowly to their brother's flet. A great sense of foreboding filled them as they journeyed onward; knowing that things were not right in the world and it would be their duty to inquire as to what caused the disturbance. Haldir had not shown up for duty that morn, an event in itself. This was something that rarely happened and if it did, the members of the guard had plenty of warning beforehand, but for their older brother to fail to even send a message of some sort frightened them deeply. Rumil and Orophin managed to excuse themselves for a short while and attend to his flet. Had something happened to Elenwen or their new niece? They had warned Haldir that it was best for him to take some time off for these first few months of parenthood. Their sister-in-law would no doubt need help and they imagined that he wished to spend every waking minute with her and new his baby. However Haldir had shown up for duty just a few days after the birth and served for almost a week, yet now he was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he had noticed his wife's exhausted appearance. The last time the brothers had dropped by to see the infant they noticed that Elenwen looked decidedly worn, more than any other female had after giving birth. Her face had been pale and drawn, an anxious air presiding over her being. They worried greatly about her, and in fact this very day they were going to again suggest that their brother remove himself from his post, this time with more force. But that never came about unfortunately, and now it was time to investigate the foul mood that lay over Haldir. Upon reaching the foot of the stairs that ran up to his flet, a shrill wailing could clearly be heard. Rumil and Orophin exchanged panicked glances as they recognized the cries as that of their niece. The brothers hurried up the flight and knocked loudly upon the door. Receiving no reply they entered cautiously, finding their eldest sibling, their Captain, sitting with his infant rocking her back and forth in a frantic attempt to calm her.

"Hush, hush," he murmured, barely audible over the baby's shrieks. He was still in his nightclothes which consisted of a light pair of breeches and a thin shirt. His eyes were rimmed with red, giving the appearance of an elf that had cried for hours. Never before had they seen him like this, a complete wreck.

"Haldir!" Orophin shouted over his niece. The March Warden's head snapped up.

"I don't know what she wants!" his voice cracked slightly. "She has been crying since her waking!"

"Where's Elenwen?" Rumil asked. Haldir's lip quivered at this.

"When I awoke this morning she was not here," he had dropped his head once more. "We argued last night and she threatened to leave, mayhap she has." Tears rolled down his cheeks and he hastily wiped them away. Orophin stepped forward and laid a hand upon his brother's shoulder.

"Now come, Elenwen would never do that. She loves Laeranor and you. Besides you have fought before like all married couples, why would this inspire her to take her leave?" he asked.

"We have never fought like that before, she…she," he stuttered. "She thought I was unfaithful to her!"

"With Lintelin?" Rumil asked arching one of his eyebrows.

"Yes," Haldir replied bewilderedly. "How did you know?"

"Why do you think we suggested that you shorten the hours you spent training with her?" Orophin pulled up a chair and seated himself besides the older elf. Haldir just shook his head slowly, rocking little Laeranor gently in his arms. The babe had quieted somewhat, though she was still uneasy from the tension that filled her father.

"I would never do such a thing to Elenwen," he replied firmly.

"We are aware of that brother," Rumil said softly. "But it seems that your wife was still greatly upset."

"Do you think she has abandoned me?" Haldir could barely mutter his question. Silence reigned over the room until it was finally broken by Laeranor's resumed cries.

Lintelin's POV

I stalked throughout Caras Galadhon in the early morn. Such a dreadful turn of events had taken place but a few minutes past. That horrid wife of Haldir's! That wretched Elenwen! My heart pounded loudly in my rage. How dare she confront me and attempt to frighten me?! I would not stand for it! Never should I be threatened by a weakling like her! But I did wonder what had given her such strength of mind now. How could she come from being a quiet, shy, feeble elf to an intimidating one? I shook my head and clutched at my temples. The whole situation was weighing down upon me, but I refused to admit defeat. Yet a troublesome thought lingered in my mind. Should I, when considering my own well being, heed her warning? No, no, this was ridiculous. I could not let her win. Good counsel was what I needed direly at the moment, but where to seek it? As if in answer to the query, I heard soft, familiar voice call to me.

"Lintelin, my dear, come hither," it said as I turned in place. Sitting on a stone bench shaded by the bows of a mallorn was Lady Galadriel herself.

"Hiril nin!" I was quite surprised to see her. "You startled me!"

"Forgive me child," a glint of mischief was in her eyes and she beckoned me closer. I drew nearer, suddenly feeling a slight degree of trepidation in my being. "Tell me, have you seen Elenwen, wife of your Captain, of late?" I was even more stunned by her question.

"Why yes," I managed to reply, that was all the answer I was willing to give though.

"She loves Haldir very dearly, I am sure you are aware of that," the Lady said, her calm voice slightly eerie in the morning air.

"Yes, I am," I shuffled my feet awkwardly.

"The March Warden also treasures her more than life itself," she continued. "And it would be quite a shame to see that love destroyed, Lintelin, such a terrible shame."

"That is true, hiril nin," my throat was dry. Then, while my eyes met the Lady's for the briefest second, I heard her voice whisper in my mind.

"Do not seek to separate them," her tone was forceful as it rang in my head. "I should be very disappointed if such was to take place." I staggered backwards and observed Galadriel smiling coolly as though nothing had happened. "There is a position for you at the Northern Fences," she spoke normally once more. "Your training is complete, and you are free to take it if you wish."

"Yes, hiril nin," I bowed deeply, knowing that I did not have a choice in the matter. "I shall leave when you wish me to."

Hiril nin: My lady