A/N: Thanks to Hawk and Alex for betaing this chapter.

A/N: Hey all. I will be away for a week, that means, I might not update next week till I get back, so you guys will have to hang in there. This chapter almost didn't make it. I'm going to Minnesota for a holiday. Anyhow, here is the chapter * phew *. Thank you so much for the wonderful reviews. Meldavane, you gave me the 100th mark. Thank you all. Can't believe that I am getting over 100 reviews. Enjoy the chapter and also would like to introduce another one great fic to you. Author's name is Aithilin (ID 170429) and she has a great series and the two story titles are Conquering Shadows and Eden Kuil read them and I promise you will enjoy it. (Warning: They are slash, meaning m/m relationship. So if you are against such fic, do not read them, as I do not want to cause you grief. Others, like B-Elanna, enjoy them.)

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Chapter 10

It was almost noon when Haldir decided it was time to go. Dunhirion stayed on to bid us goodbye. Before I mounted Andune, Dunhirion gave me a big hug. "Come back safely, Aurwen, you are my only best friend," he said, holding me in a tight embrace.

"I will come back, in one piece, this I promise you. I have the best with me," I whispered into his ear before glancing over to the rest of the group.

"Take good care of her, Andune," said Dunhirion as he stroked the stallion. "Bring her home in one piece." Andune neighed to his request.

"Aurwen, we are leaving," hollered Haldir from his horse.

I mounted Andune and urged him forward. Riding side by side with my father, we rode out of Lorien. My heart was racing, half filled with excitement, while the other half was filled with fear. I made a silent prayer to the Valar, for guidance and protection. Now, my years of training would be on trial on this very day.

The group split up when we reached the border; Rumil led one party, while Haldir led the other. I was in father's company with the Peredhil twins and Legolas. Fear was all over my face and I knew my father saw it. He cocked his head and smiled, letting me know that everything would be all right.

The woods were dense with lush green leaves and shaded the ground from the bright sunlight. The smell of morning dew still lingered in the air. Some two thousand yards away, a band of Orcs moved about, hunting for food. Being a wood elf, Legolas was extremely susceptible to his surroundings. The trees were whispering to him, alerting him of the danger ahead. He stopped at his tracks and signalled the group to do the same.

"What is it, Legolas?" questioned Haldir.

"The trees are warning us. There is danger ahead," answered the wood elf.

"Stay close, everyone," ordered Haldir. "Aurwen, stay close to me and stay alert."

Fear overcame me after hearing those words. Andune was also getting restless at this point. I tightened my grip on Andune's rein and at the same time, gently stroked his mane, to calm him.

I was patting him on his neck when an arrow flew in our direction, missing me by inches. My sudden movement caused Andune to panic. He was breathing hard and neighing away.

"Orcs! Take cover, everyone!" yelled Legolas as he dismounted from his horse. Everyone did the same.

I was about to dismount Andune, when an Orc came out from nowhere and jumped in front of him. In defence, he neighed and brought his hooves down on it, trampling the Orc to death. At the same time, I held on to his reins and mane tightly. The sudden attack added too much stress on Andune. He retaliated and took off, riding hard into the woods, further away from the group.

"Adar!" I called out, as Andune rode further away.

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"Aurwen!" Haldir called back. He then searched for Legolas, 'He is too far away. Too many Orcs surrounding him. Ah, Elladan.' Haldir called for his attention.

Hearing his name, Elladan turned to the source and saw Haldir, pointing to something. Following his direction, what he saw upset him. Nodding at Haldir, he fought his way through them and rode after Aurwen. Haldir and the rest of them helped cover his back. Elladan urged his horse to ride hard, hoping to catch up with Aurwen. 'Hold on, Aurwen.' He could see her trying hard to calm Andune and at the same time fighting stay on his back.

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Upon reaching a clearing, Andune slowed down. Turning back, I saw the band of Orcs chasing me. Fearing for both Andune and myself, I dismounted and took cover among the trees. With my bow readied, I lay low and waited. My only wish was for Andune to be quiet.

"Over there, behind those trees. Get the elf!" shouted the head Orc.

I crouched low and shot my arrows from behind the trees, bringing them down, one by one. In no time, I realised I was down to my last arrow and yet their numbers kept increasing with each passing second. Looking around, I found my only escape, Andune. As I mounted the stallion, an arrow got me on the shoulder. "Ai!" I grimaced in pain. Andune neighed as he felt the sudden changed of weight on his back, an indication that something was wrong with his rider.

I dismounted Andune and drew my sword to face what was in front of me. "Go, Andune, leave me and get my father. Go!" I commanded. As Andune galloped away, I saw Elladan, fighting his way through. 'Go back, Elladan. There are too many of them. Go back before you get yourself wounded.'

I swung my sword at the first Orc that came near me, slicing and gutting each and everyone of them after that. I do not know how many I have killed but tiredness took over and I grew weaker. The pain in my shoulder was unbearable. Sword and blades were dancing to a rhythm; every swing was met with a clash. However, I missed blocking a swing and it got me on my forearm. Hissing in pain, I swung back, twisting and turning, blocking every attempt that came from them. Soon, one got me across the stomach. I doubled over. Gathering my last ounce of strength, I raised my sword and fought back. At the same time, I saw Elladan, tears in his eyes.

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"Ai!"

'Aurwen'. "Noro lim, Hwesta," urged Elladan as he fought harder to get to her. 'Elbereth, protect her please, least till I get to her.' With his elven sight, he saw what made her cry. In anger, he dismounted his horse and unsheathed his sword. 'Elrohir, hear me now. I need you. There are too many of them and Aurwen is wounded.'

There were just two of us, not enough to defeat them. Elladan too was struck down; an arrow lodged in his back. "Argh!"

"Elladan!" I let out a cry as he fell. 'No. Elbereth, keep him alive, please. I begged of you.' "Elladan." I called to him. Wanting to get to him badly, I fought my way forward but they outnumbered me. Holding a silent prayer, I turned back and ran deeper into the dense wood. Unfamiliar to the surrounding, I kept on running, as fast as my feet could take me. I could hear one of them, chasing after me, gaining speed each second. As muscle fatigue took over, I fell forward. Breathing hard, I turned over and saw the ugly creature hovering over me.

I reached for my dagger as he lowered himself onto me. As he got nearer, I thrust the dagger into his neck. Blood gushed out from the open wound. He fell on top of me and died. With my last ounce of energy, I pushed the dead Orc off my body and crawled to a nearby bush, to take cover. Not knowing that it was a ravine behind it, I fell, tumbling hard until I reached the forest floor. Long after, darkness took over as I lay there, unconscious.

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Rumil's group came in to help. Seeing their chances of winning depleted, the Orcs retreated. "Where is Aurwen?" asked Rumil when he saw her missing.

"Audune got out of control and ran deep into the woods, heading south," answered Haldir. "Elladan went after her," continued Haldir.

Seeing worry in his brother's eyes, Rumil gave words of comfort. "She will be fine, and we will find them both," said Rumil as he gripped his brother firmly on the shoulder.

Reaching over, Haldir gave his brother's hand a squeeze. "We will find them," he repeated with much enthusiasm in his voice.

"Haldir!" exclaimed Elrohir. "Something is wrong. My brother needs me. I sense him and he is wounded," continued Elrohir.

"Lead the way, Elrohir. We will follow," answered Haldir. 'Where are you, my daughter? Be strong, I am coming to get you.'

The remaining company rode South, where Aurwen and Elladan were last seen. It was not a pleasant ride, many Orcs were slain and dead bodies were the only proof that the two of them passed this way. The company was greeted by Elladan's horse at the halfway mark.

"Hwesta! Take us to Elladan," Elrohir instructed. The stallion neighed, as a sign of acknowledgement.

What Haldir, Elrohir, Rumil and Legolas saw frightened them, more dead Orcs. The battle fought here was gruesome and there we saw Elladan, laying face down, arrows protruding on his back.

"Elladan!" exclaimed Elrohir as he dismounted from his horse and ran to his brother. "Wake, Elladan. It is I, Elrohir," begged the younger twin as he lifted his brother over, mindful of the arrows.

Fluttering his eyes, Elladan slowly regained consciousness. "Aurwen," he uttered weakly. "Where is Aurwen?"

"We are looking for her but first, we must get you back. You are seriously wounded," said Elrohir.

"Nay, you do not understand. She is wounded, Elrohir. I saw her. You must find her," said Elladan, at the same time, fighting a cough. Turning to Haldir, he continued, "I am sorry, my friend, for I have failed to protect her. She fought well, Haldir, you must know this."

"Save your strength, my friend. Rumil will take you back to Lorien. We will find Aurwen," answered Haldir as he helped lift Elladan onto Hwesta. Once seated, Rumil rode away, with Hwesta in tow. Looking around, Haldir noticed that Legolas was missing. He exchanged glances with Elrohir. No one knew where he had ridden off to.

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'Where are you, Aurwen?' The woods were getting dark by the time Legolas got himself deeper into the woods. By nightfall, this place would be swarming with Orcs and with most dead, it would be a feast for the remaining live ones. His only hope was to find Aurwen before it is too late. Nudging Arod, he followed the trials of the dead Orcs, hoping that one will lead him to Aurwen.

One dead Orc caught his attention. He got off Arod and inspected the corpse. He focused his attention to the dagger lodged in its neck. Pulling the dagger out, he read the elvish inscription, Aurwen. 'She has got to be here, somewhere.'

"Legolas," Haldir called out. "We must head back. It is getting dark," continued Haldir as he rode up to meet him.

Legolas showed the dagger to Haldir. "That belongs to Aurwen, I gave it to her last night as a hunting gift. You hold on to it for now and return it to her, when you see her," said Haldir as he pushed the dagger back into Legolas's hand. "Deep down, I want to continue to find her but it will not do us any good with just the three of us here. By dark, this place will be far too dangerous and you know that," continued Haldir sternly.

Reluctantly, Legolas agreed and began to mount Arod and head home. "You have said that this is her first, meaning she has never been out here alone. Moreover, she is wounded," said Legolas, angered and hurt. "What have I done to deserve this," he screamed.

"She will be fine, have faith in the Valar that she will return to us, safely. She is strong," comforted Haldir. "The Valar has plans for her and they will not let her go so easily. We will continue to find her, tomorrow."

"Legolas, what Haldir said is right. This is the best that we can do for now," added Elrohir. "Let us head back to Lorien, I worry for my brother too."

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At the bottom of the ravine, hidden by big trees, lay an unconscious elf, drifting further away from life itself. 'Where am I? Why do I not feel pain? This is a strange place, to begin with.'

"This is Mandos, Aurwen," answered a voice.

"Mandos? Am I dead?" I asked. "Who is this that I am talking to?"

A figure appeared in front of me, beautiful and I see much resemblance in her. That could only meant one thing. Puzzled, I did nothing but stare.

"It has been far too long, Aurwen. I have never thought that we will meet this way," she said smiling.

'Is this who I think she is? I do look a lot like her.' "Nana?" I asked in a soft whisper.

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"Get the healer ready," ordered Rumil as he rode past the gates. The guards sounded the horn.

Elrond and Erestor were near the arrival hall when they heard the familiar sound. Being a healer himself, Elrond rushed to the archway, followed closely by Erestor. Both waited patiently, and they let their eyes guide them, as they watched Rumil riding closer to the archway. A familiar brown stallion following behind.

"Hwesta," whispered Elrond, at the same time trying hard to hide his emotions.

Erestor recognised the stallion too. He could sense the emotions going through his lover's mind. He reached for Elrond's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, a simple gesture telling him that he would be there to help him through. For his effort, Elrond gave him a weak smile.

As Rumil approached the archway, Rumil recognised the two elf lords. Upon arrival, he took a deep breath and dismounted from his horse. Heading toward Hwesta, the guards help him lift the unconscious Elladan from horse.

Elrond stepped in, as they placed Elladan on the ground. In his unconscious state, he called out Aurwen's name. Elrond looked up at Rumil for answer but all he got was a solemn look. Seeing that his son needed healing attention, he ordered the guards to take him to the healer's room.

It was never easy tending to the wounded but it was harder this time, due to the fact that it was Elladan, his firstborn. It was a painstaking procedure to remove the arrowheads. They were embedded deep within his shoulder blade, while the other near his spine. Not wanting to add more injury, Elrond was careful as he removed the last arrow. He thanked Elbereth, for the arrows were not poisoned and had missed the vital points in his son's body. Elladan also sustained wounds on the chest area as well as his forearm. Doing what he knew best, Elrond stitched up the wounds before applying athelas salve on them. He later covered the wounds with clean white cloth. Satisfied with his work, Elrond lifted the blanket and covered Elladan, whom was actually laying face down. He then brushed away strands of hair which were covering his son's face. Deep in his sleep, Elladan kept on calling to Aurwen.

"Leave Aurwen to our care, my son," Elrond whispered. "You must rest, in order for your body to heal. The Valar will protect her." Elrond continued to stroke his son on the head. Feeling his father's presence, Elladan quieted down.

Elrond caught his lover's eyes as he peered into the room. Nodding his head, as a sign of approval, Erestor entered the room.

"How is he, my love?" asked Erestor as he placed his hands on his lover's shoulders.

"The arrows were not poison. He is in good spirits," answered Elrond as he placed his hand on Erestor's. "Any news on the rest of the company?" Elrond enquired, in a low subtle voice.

"Nay," answered Erestor solemnly. Just then a commotion in the hallway broke their silence. Seeing Elladan was sound asleep, the two elves stepped out from the room.

tbc……………

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A/N: There you go. Please be kind and review.

Aithilin: Thank you so much. Your reviews are always welcome. Glad you like the fic.

Rebecca: I have sent you an email. Again, thank you for the constructive review. I hope to do better, the next time.

Mornie Utilie: Aww, I don't mind you taking a long time, as long as you are happy reading it, I am happy too. I hope to keep it up and hold your attention.

Rachel: The dreams……..I guess, you've read it by now.

ola: I'm still surprised. I like your work, you have got to update soon. I hope to make Elladan feel better too, but don't know when.

silent wanderer: You are a mystery, no doubt about it. Glad you are liking it.

Lady of Legolas: Thanks for the congrats and no, I do not know why, Elladan has been given such treatment lately.

Elleth na Ilivren: Thank you for your kind words. I hope I can hold you attentions to the end.

Iluvenis: BBQ, I want the recipe for marinating those meat. Anyone out there has a great recipe? I hope the fic is still interesting to you.

Blue Eyes at Night: Dreams are bitches but some are wonderful too (mine that is)

* winks *. Hey love your new chapter, so sad about both Le and Legolas.

Nolaiel the Half-Elven: Here is the update. Hope you like it.

Meldavane: Hey girl, your review marked the 100th line. Thanks. I hope to see you fic up soon.

lex: Thanks for the lovely review. Glad you enjoy reading it as much as I'm writing them.

B-Elanna: I hope you will check out the fics mentioned above. I love them to pieces and it is very well written. That's slash. If you are interested in more slash, go check my favs. I love slash although I am not writing one, just yet. * wink *.

The Blind Guardian: Hmm….have not thought of Galadriel actually, but I guess she didn't mind, remember, she knew of it when Elladan and Elrohir first came to visit her.

Lizlego: Thank you for those reviews. Hmmmm, Elladan hurting or dying…..hmmmm…you have probably gotten that answer by now.