Zammy: Sorry for the delayed update. I will do another post soon to make up for it. :D

Lady of Light: blushes profusely Thank you very much! I thought each of these characters out really thoroughly before posting. The shirt is a hint to what MAY happen later on... depending on feedback and demand for continuation. :D Haldir said you cant have his.... I asked and he got defensive... go figure. Oh well... between me and a beta, if the words survive our purges, then they deserve to stay in, no matter their context. LOL I hope you like this one as well. There will be MORE suspense and a 'possible' hint to the future.

Naomie: So far, the count is Sequel: 3, Leave As Is:0. :D There may be some hope yet. :D Sorry to hear about your friend and your fight. I've had them aplenty myself and they are never fun, but they are a learning experience. Sometimes we get used to people and don't see their faults and don't think they can do any wrong. Familiarity breeds false sense of comfort. I've learned the hard way. I hope you like this chapter... its got some interesting things happening. ;)

Seeing-Spots: Elves? Corrupting? clutches chest Besides, Who said that Lorien wardens were corrupting? EG Things are gonna be a bit tense for the next couple of chapters.. be warned.

Just Me: I wanted to break the tension and flow a bit and my beta suggested that I give some background info on Eremae, so it doesn't look like he's just been thrown in just for the hell of it. snort Oh, a fellow blood shed lover eh? Nothing like a good gory story to keep one entertained. :D Haldir's brain is not functioning properly at this time. Senses have been on overload and he's conveniently ignoring some blaring signs. Not to worry, he will come to his senses. Notice how he likes Amarah one minute, then despises her the next? He's an emotional roller coaster.. and a fickle one at that! LOL There may be a sequel, depending on responses and demands and if the muse is accommodating. LOL

Hyperactive Forever: First and foremost, cool name! Sounds like me. LOL As to ya questions.. yes, something is wrong with Haldir. He's not acting right, but in a couple chapters, he's gonna get a wake up call and it wont be nice. Secondly, YES, you may attack Amarah all you like. Seems to be the main focus of many death threats of late. Beta got to her first and boy was there some damage done to her, but not to fear, all things shall come to pass. :D Eremae is one of my fav characters now. I like how he has developed and evolved over the course of the fic and I'm hoping that I can persuade him to join a couple other fics later. :D And lastly, yes, Haldir is pining for his brothers. horray for yoU! He's missing all their irritation, but not to fear, this chapter I think will surprise you. ;)

AN: First let me apologize for missing over a week for posting. My moms back went out again and I've had to take care of her. Then I have to study for phlebotomy class, which we are testing on here soon and I need to get a good grade, THEN come to find out we will be doing clinicals in a month and I didn't have any scrubs, so I have been making them. Sewing is rather time consuming and then tired and backaches from everything I've had to do, so the computer was the LAST thing on my mind. I will make it up to you all by posting again here in a couple days. AND, I plan on having my muse back and will demand that she blabbers until I'm happy with the fics that have been sitting here for an Age and collected dust. Two of them are gonna be rather angsty and rough... LOTS of heartache and pain and I may kill someone... who knows? Muse hasn't spoken in awhile, so its hard to tell where the story will lead me. Enjoy! :D

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Chapter Twenty-Six: Secrets

Dawn broke through the trees, illuminating the slumbering elves. Arms went up to protect the sensitive eyes from the sunlight and mumbling could be heard. Rúmil rose grumpily, cursing the bright light, the birds for their early morning chatter, and out of habit, Haldir, for bringing him on this adventure. The last curse brought sadness in his heart as Rúmil helped pack up for the day's journey. He grumbled when he went to dish out some stew but found the kettle gone.

Orophin stood, stretching and walking around to loosen his stiffened body. He left Lómetar in the care of Rúmil and ventured to the pond, stripping quickly and taking a plunge into the water. After a couple minutes, he emerged and redressed and started a fast meal. The others were in various states of dryness, having taken a quick dip as well as they ate and repacked. The horses ventured into the camp, swishing their tails and nickering at the elves. When Orophin went to mount his steed, it nipped him affectionately and nuzzled against Lómetar. Lómetar groaned but did not wake.

Orophin eased himself behind the downed elf and guided the horse into an easy walk with the others. Rúmil smothered the last of the hot coals with dirt and mounted his horse and set off after the others. Both brothers turned to look behind them, hoping to see a golden head flying towards them, but were only met by the normal greenery of the forest.

Sighing, both returned their attention to the path. Múrendil lead the way through the trees, picking the safest route and the least jostling to the ones who were still injured. Their progress was slow, but quicker than the day before.

Around midday, Rúmil leaned in his saddle and whispered to Orophin, "What troubles you, Brother?"

Orophin's brow was drawn in concern, his bottom lip under assault from his worry, "Lómetar's breathing has slowed."

"Shall we quicken our pace?" Rúmil asked uncertainly.

Orophin nodded, his arm tightening around Lómetar's waist and whistled for his horse to pick up speed. As he gained the others' side, he yelled, "Lómetar is fading. We need to quicken our pace or he will not make it home!"

The other elves nodded and spurned their horses harder, going into a gallop, the ground flying past in a blur. In silence, the two brothers felt their chests constrict, worry filling their hearts for their kin. As the day wore on, the looks over their shoulders became more frequent, hoping against hope to see a cantankerous black steed with a stubborn Elven rider.

Amarah awoke mid-morning. She yawned and quickly left her bed, wondering how she could have slept in. Still yawning, she ventured to the west wing to Haldir's room. After several knocks and no answer, she opened the door to find the bed made, the curtains and window open to allow in a fresh breeze, but no elf. Sighing, she left his room and continued down the hall, peering into open doors to see if she could find her prey.

Amarah was getting increasingly irritated at the elf's disappearance. Stalking down the hall, she ventured into the cobblestone courtyard and spotted a small servant, bent over the flowers and humming softly. When Amarah approached the servant, she found herself facing Avayae, who looked up at her with frightened eyes.

"Avayae, where is Haldir?" Amarah snapped impatiently.

Avayae cocked her head to the side and gave Amarah a blank expression.

"The elf? Have you seen the elf, you daft girl?" Amarah spat, her temper rising with the girl's silence.

Avayae nodded and pointed to the stable. Amarah turned on her heel without another word and strode purposefully towards the stables. When she entered, she searched the stalls for Haldir but didn't find him. She paced back and forth along the stalls and finally yelled out, "Haldir, where are you?"

"Here, my lady," came a soft voice from high above.

Amarah gasped as she looked up. Haldir was balancing on a beam barely wide enough for a foot, and he carried a large bundle of hay in his arms. Amarah wanted to scream for him to come down but feared he may fall at her outburst, so she remained quiet, her breath held as she watched the Elven feet lightly scamper across the beam and back again. Haldir hoisted another bale into his arms effortlessly and dashed back across the beam without even looking down to watch his footing.

Amarah watched as Haldir raced across the beam several times before stopping midway and stepping off. Amarah screamed as she saw the elf drop. Haldir landed lightly on the ground with a muffled thump and cringed as Amarah's shrill voice tortured his hearing.

"My lady, please stop!" Haldir called loudly, clasping his ears with his hands.

Amarah stopped screaming long enough to step to the elf, draw another breath and yell, "Haldir, do not EVER do that again! You could have been killed or seriously injured! Have you no sense about you?!"

Haldir pressed his hands over his ears as Amarah screeched at him. When she was done, he removed them to give her a calm look, "I know what I am doing. I do not need you to lecture me."

Amarah's face screwed up in anger as she glared at the elf, "I will lecture you if I see you endanger yourself like that again! I do not like being scared, nor worried over someone who endangers himself as such."

"I am touched by the thought," Haldir said, hiding his irritation behind an impassive face, "But I was in no danger. Your worry, though as thoughtful as it was, was not necessary. I had everything under control."

Amarah's face was beet-red, but she let her anger seep back and simmer in the back of her mind, "What were you doing up there anyway?"

Haldir looked up and wiped a stray piece of straw from his hair, "When I came down this morning the servants were moving the bales from one side to another. There is a leak on that side and they feared the hay would become moldy. I offered to move it for them. It would have taken them all day."

Amarah gave Haldir an incredulous look, "Haldir, that is what they do. They are servants, and it is their job to do such things."

Haldir felt himself take umbrage, but favored Amarah with a smile, "They insisted they could manage, but I would hear none of it. Besides, the reprieve gave them an opportunity to work at their other chores."

Amarah seemed to think on what he had said and nodded, "I suppose their routine would be interrupted with such an unexpected task."

Haldir nodded, knowing that Amarah had accepted his explanation. In reality, he had only been bored and wished to do something, and moving the hay seemed a good enough distraction. The stable hands had been generous enough, though their uneasiness was easily read by the elf, who noticed several stare openly at his pointed ears.

"It is almost time for lunch," Amarah said, interrupting Haldir of his thoughts. "Would you like to freshen up before we dine?"

Haldir bowed his head, "That would be nice." To emphasize the need, a piece of straw fell down between Haldir's eyes and landed on his shirt. Amarah laughed and linked arms with Haldir, steering him into the manor.

Haldir arrived at the dining table wearing the beautiful shirt that was presented to him. He smiled to himself at the feel and how the fit was a perfect match to his frame. Subconsciously smoothing out the fabric, he approached Amarah and bowed, taking her hand and placing a kiss on the back.

Amarah admired the elf appraisingly, her eyes wandering over the changing colors that molded to his form and changed with the slightest movement. She caressed the soft fibers, tracing up his arm and lingering on the embroidery that glinted around the collar and lacing. She smiled, "The color suits you. You should have worn it sooner."

Haldir bowed his head again, "Many thanks my lady. It is very comfortable and I find it most pleasing."

"I do as well," Amarah said with a smile, her eyes still lingering on the delicate threads, "Is there a chance I could get the seamstress to make one for myself?"

Haldir gave her a quizzical look, "You do not know from whence it came?"

Amarah gave Haldir a blank look and answered, "No. How would I know the elf that made it? Is it not of Elven design?"

Haldir gave a brief nod and pulled Amarah's seat out for her, "Aye, the leaves and ivy are a favorite symbol amongst the elves." It was the truth, just not the whole truth. Haldir pushed Amarah's chair to the table and seated himself beside her, favoring her with a warm smile, "It was a gift from a friend, I do not know if you could implore for one."

Amarah scoffed, "Money is no object. I will pay whatever is asked. The quality is the most luxurious I have ever seen." To emphasize the remark, she reached over and caressed the embroidered cuff.

Haldir smiled politely and poured wine into the crystal glasses that flanked their plates, "I will ask, but I can not promise."

"That would be most generous," Amarah said, taking a sip of wine and fluttering her lashes slightly.

Haldir took a tentative sip and waited for any effects. When none was forthcoming, he took a long drink, savoring the spices he detected.

"So what would you like to do today? Would you like to ride through the country?" Amarah asked.

"I have had my fill of riding these past few days."

"Yes, of course," Amarah played with the food on her plate and gave Haldir a sidelong glance, "Would you like to see the manor? I will guide you through the halls and rooms."

Haldir thought for a moment and smiled at his human host, "That would be most pleasing."

Amarah grinned and took a drink, emptying her glass and refilling it to the brim. The afternoon conversation lulled as the two ate, Amarah finishing off the decanter of wine by herself and listening raptly to Haldir's voice when he spoke. She noticed the slight melancholy that had settled in the elf and vowed to make him forget about his troubles, at least for a little while.

Amarah linked an arm around Haldir's and escorted him through the manor, taking him down corridors and explaining the function of each room. Haldir laughed at the thought of a 'play room,' his voice rich and melodious. He found it absurd that someone would have a room just to play in, child or no. On their tour, Amarah lead Haldir to the grand room he encountered when he followed her playing. Amarah explained it was a reception hall, for entertaining guests and having parties. She lead Haldir into the smaller room where the instruments were held, his eyes immediately falling onto the instrument he witnessed her playing.

Amarah picked each one out, giving its name and a sample of the music it produced. Haldir was amazed she knew how to play the majority of them, though she only knew a few notes. Haldir consciously kept away from the large instrument that had captured his attention and sent his body on a magical journey with its voice.

Amarah paused in front of the large instrument, inwardly wondering why the elf refused to ask about the largest, and grandest. She frowned, wondering if he knew its name and essence already, or feared it for some unknown reason.

With a seductive smile, Amarah slid onto the bench, spoke a name and placed her hands on the keys. Haldir immediately tensed and then relaxed when the first cord was strummed. He sat on a bench beside Amarah, closing his eyes and gently swaying to the music.

Amarah looked over at the elf and felt herself flush at his look. He seemed calmed and elated by the music, as if it was seducing his very soul. She smiled and played to the end of the instrument, scooting closer to the elf. With her hands still repeating their pattern, she leaned over and placed a kiss on his lips.

Haldir felt her presence, but seemed to not care about her proximity or the kiss. He sighed heavily, the music dropping his defenses and sending his rational mind into a state of sweet oblivion.

Amarah liked the defenseless manner of the elf, and while changing the tempo to only include one hand, snaked her other around his neck and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss.

Haldir found he couldn't resist, even if he wanted. The music from this foreign instrument was destroying any opposition he wanted to give to the now demanding female. Feeling the pattern register in his brain, he allowed his rational thought to resurface and pulled back from Amarah, his breath coming in short gasps from the intensity of the kiss and the fever of the human woman.

"Amarah, you must stop," Haldir pleaded softly.

"Why?" Amarah purred, her hands abandoning their playing and caressing the side of his face and up to his ears.

Haldir hissed as Amarah's fingers traced the points, her lips replacing her fingers as they trailed down to his chest. Feeling his heart pound in his chest, Haldir grabbed Amarah's wrists and pulled her away from him, "Please, stop. I do not wish this to go further."

Amarah growled and gave a wicked grin, then lunged forward, pressing her body dangerously close to the now trembling elf. "If you do not wish for such pleasures, then why did you stay?"

Haldir tried to ignore his body's reactions and immediately fell into the stony, resolute expression he wore while on duty, "There are some things that I am curious about, but this is not one of them."

Amarah pulled away, her eyes dark and a scowl on her face, "Do you not find me attractive?"

"Yes, Amarah," Haldir said, though keeping his cool tone, "I find you very attractive, but this is something that we can not pursue."

"Why not?" Amarah asked hotly, her face screwed up in anger, "Do elves not experience pleasure? Do they not enjoy the touch of another? Or is it because I am a human and not an elf?"

Haldir felt his face flush against his will as he opened his mouth to explain the sexual desires between elves, "Elves do enjoy the pleasure of another's company, but you must understand Amarah, we do not take such joining lightly. We court for many centuries and only when we wish to marry another is when we seek pleasure."

"You mean you do not engage in anything until you are married?" Amarah's tone was skeptical but her voice was awed.

"It is very complicated. There are guidelines that we must follow, or else cause another to fade from grief if their love is not returned," Haldir explained. "If one joins and does not feel affection for the partner, then when they decide to leave, they are left broken, in mind and spirit. They will fade and die from losing love."

"That is sad," Amarah said softly, "But it is also very silly."

Haldir gave the human a steely expression, "Silly to love only one and grieve for their passing?"

"Silly to think that you may only have one love in life," Amarah retorted with a tone that it was a common knowledge. "If elves truly live for so long, would it not be boring to have the same partner for eternity? What kind of love is that?"

Haldir felt his ire rise, finding Amarah not so attractive anymore, "If one finds their true love, then there is never a boring moment. They become one with one another, are each other's life and strength, joy and peace. To bond with another is no menial task. It is a true commitment."

Amarah gave Haldir a cynical look, "And since I am not of elf kind, you would never think to share my bed."

Haldir nearly fell off the bench at Amarah's bluntness but explained, "When one finds love, it does not matter their race. I have known of a few elves that has bonded with a human."

Amarah leaned closer and gave a sultry smile, "And is that so bad?"

Haldir felt himself tense and looked sadly at Amarah, "Every one of them has passed."

Amarah was taken aback and gave Haldir a blank stare.

Haldir sighed and stood, pulling Amarah into a standing position as well, "When their loves die from age, which is a curse to mortals, the elves can no longer live without their love. They fade from grief."

"That is tragic," Amarah said softly. "Such a waste of a life."

Haldir felt a surge of anger but chose to nod, not trusting his voice. He gestured to the door and allowed Amarah to loop her arm with his as they left the room with the intoxicating instrument behind. Amarah chatted easily about all things, switching topics with a whim and maintaining the one-way conversation. She seemed content to talk, relaying what she had learned and the things she had seen. Haldir remained quiet, nodding and offering a brief mumble when the time called for it, but inside, he was seething.

As dinner was served, Haldir smiled politely to Amarah and spoke, "I fear I must cut my visit short, my lady."

"Why?" Amarah asked roughly, her brow drawn, "What is wrong?"

"I feel I have tarried long enough. I need to return home, and make sure that the others have returned as well."

Amarah seemed to simmer with anger, her face flushing slightly and her teeth gnashing together in agitation. Her eyes quickly swept the table, though not looking upon the dishes or plates. After a minute of frustrated contemplation, she asked, "Will you return soon?"

Haldir knew this question was coming. Hoping to dispel Amarah's anger, he took her hand in his and placed delicate kisses across the back, "I do not know how soon I may return."

Amarah felt her heart flutter in her chest, "You mean, when you have permission to leave?"

Haldir nodded, his intense stare unwavering, "Aye."

Amarah leaned closer to the elf and brushed her lips against his, and whispered, "Will you reconsider? Can you not wait one more day?"

Haldir shook his head, "I fear I have taken enough time. But worry not, for I will return your horses to you as soon as I can."

Amarah withdrew from the elf's grasp and pouted, "You will only return out of duty? You will not return for other reasons?" Though Haldir had explained some of the sexual tendencies of elves, she did not completely believe him. She had noticed his looks and his body language, which all spoke clearly of his attraction. She could also easily read the conflict of honor and doubt in the blue eyes.

Haldir lowered his head, peering at Amarah with a mischievous twinkle, "And what does the lady think I return for?"

Amarah felt her heart do a flip in her chest. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw into Haldir's eyes, the candlelight making them seem feral and wild. She swallowed hard, wondering how her throat could have become so dry as she answered, "I hope you return for me."

"When I have my leave, I shall return," Haldir's voice was husky. He drew back, inwardly grinning at the way Amarah flushed and panted for breath. "I do not know how long I will stay, I am on my Lady's graces."

Amarah felt herself prickle at the mention of the lady that Haldir served so diligently. Her mind roared out with frustration, wanting such dedication to be shown to her, and that she be allowed the satisfaction of having such a being at her side. She longed to hear words of devotion, and the thought that the elf gave his loyalty to someone else and not her sent her thoughts into a frenzy.

She smiled seductively, vowing that she would garner such affections from the elf and said in honeyed tones, "Then until you return, you are on my graces, and we shall enjoy this evening together."

Orophin called the company to a halt as the late afternoon grew overcast. The horses were panting and trembling, their bodies worn from the exertion that had been called upon them. As everyone dismounted, they began to make a hasty camp. Orophin lay Lómetar on the ground carefully, his face contorted in worry over the fallen elf. All through the morning Lómetar had slept, his breathing shallow and uneven. His brow drew in dreams and an occasional moan would escape from pain and the memories of his captivity.

Láiraen quickly built a fire and took up residence in a nearby tree, his watchful gaze sweeping the terrain. Múrendil returned to his task of fletching more crude arrows by the fireside. Eremae, Aravitan, and Wethíar had pulled out the food rations and were making a meal, commandeering the small cooking pot from Rúmil's saddle and creating a rich stew. When the water was boiling well, the elves ventured out into the wood, collecting fronds and vines for constructing another shelter. As the others went about their chores, the shelter was quickly erected around the campfire, blocking out the dismal, pale gray light cast by the clouds that threatened to empty the heavens upon them.

Rúmil knelt by Orophin's side, his expression no longer jovial and playful. He watched as Orophin administered the last of the salve over Lómetar's still inflamed wounds. When Orophin was finished, he motioned for Rúmil to assist him and the two bound the wounds once again.

"I fear he will not make it," Orophin whispered when the last bandage was tied. "The injuries were far worse than I had first thought. He is no longer responding to the herbs I have."

Rúmil laid an arm around his brother's shoulders and felt him tremble, "You could not know. It is not your fault."

"We should have left immediately," Orophin's voice was breaking with grief. "We did not have the time to linger. If I had insisted we traveled immediately, Lómetar would be safe in Lorien right now and have a proper healer attend him."

Rúmil squeezed his brother's shoulder, not liking the trembling or the lost look in Orophin's eyes, "There was no way for you to know. Had we traveled, we would have endangered Wethíar and Aravitan. You have saved their lives with your knowledge and your healing skills."

Orophin seemed to not except the explanation and turned to Rúmil, his gaze a mixture of pain and loss, "There is naught you could say that would put my mind at ease, Brother. I fear my judgment is flawed, and that one of our own will pay the price for my folly."

Rúmil felt himself recoil at the look of desperation Orophin gave him. Never in all his millennia had he seen the look of total helplessness and grief in another's eyes. He tried to find the right words to say, but all thought escaped him as he stared at his older brother.

A groan broke the look between the two as Lómetar stirred.

Orophin held Lómetar's cool hand in his own and asked gently, "Lómetar? Can you hear me?"

Lómetar opened his eyes and stared blankly around, "I... hear... Orophin."

Orophin breathed a sigh of relief, but it was quickly squashed as he noted the pale tinge around Lómetar's face and the hazy look in the elf's eyes. He frowned and stroked the side of Lómetar's face, "Lómetar, can you see me?"

Lómetar gasped. His eyes were glazed and unfocused as he stared wildly around, "Orophin... it is... dark."

Orophin forced a smile and said, "That is because the sky darkens with rain. You have slept much, my friend."

Lómetar's eyes widened as his thoughts cleared, "Haldir... I need... talk... Haldir."

"Haldir is back at the manor," Rúmil said, settling himself on Lómetar's other side and placing the elf's cool hand in his. "He will follow us soon."

"No," Lómetar rasped, then winced as pain shot through him, "Must warn him."

"Warn him of what, Lómetar?" Orophin asked gently, rubbing the elf's hand between his own in hopes to warm it up. "What is it you want to tell him?"

Lómetar panted, and closed his eyes with a grimace, "There is... great evil... dark."

"Evil?" Rúmil asked in surprise. "Where? What is it you wish to tell Haldir?"

Lómetar wheezed painfully, wincing as he tried to speak. After several attempts, he was able to gasp, "Master...is evil... human."

Rúmil exchanged a dark look with Orophin.

"What is his name?" Rúmil asked softly, trying to coax the stricken elf into giving them an idea of who was behind the assault.

Lómetar clenched his eyes shut and moaned, memories of his torture haunting him, "Dark...skin... hair of midnight."

Lómetar shuttered violently. Orophin leaned over to check the elf's vitals, but Lómetar forcibly grabbed his tunic and drew him down so there faces were barely an inch apart. Lómetar's eyes were wild with panic and fear as he stuttered, "She...is...evil." With a gasp, Lómetar collapsed, his body limp and his energy spent. His breath rattled in his chest, short and shallow.

Rúmil glared at the limp elf for a moment before raising his eyes level with his brother's. Both stared, dumbstruck at each other, trying to comprehend what was said. After a moment of dawning enlightenment, two pairs of blue eyes widened and mouths hung slack.

Rúmil lazily slurred, "She?"

"Was there a female at the camp?" Orophin asked skeptically.

Rúmil shook his head slowly, "There was none that I saw."

Orophin stared hard at his brother as his voice rose, "Do you think the master the orcs were speaking of was a human woman?"

Rúmil felt a lump lodge itself in his throat. He swallowed hard, his voice breaking as fear began to seep through his veins and seize his heart, "I do believe he was. And if I am not mistaken, Brother," Rúmil reached out and clamped tightly onto Orophin's shoulders, "We have left our brother in her hands!"

"Surely, you jest," Orophin said, trying to grasp what Rúmil was trying to say. "You can not believe that it was Amarah?"

Rúmil glared hard at his older brother, "Are you suggesting that it was a servant that works at the manor?"

Orophin's brow knitted together in deep thought, "We have no proof that the woman Lómetar spoke of did indeed belong to the manor."

"Dark hair and skin?" Rúmil repeated, giving Orophin a searching look. "We searched for many leagues, and found no trace of another settlement near Amarah's estate."

Orophin's brow was drawn down in thought. He nodded, finding Rúmil's conclusion to be the only viable solution.

Rúmil stood up so fast he seemed a blur, "I do not believe this was a coincidence. I believe that Haldir is in more danger than what we first thought. I am going to get him!"

Orophin rose quickly and followed Rúmil to the edge of the shelter, where the first sprinkles of rain had began to dampen the foliage, "Rúmil, do not be hasty! You have no proof to back up your fears. If you return with such intent to rescue Haldir, you will cause the death of not only yourself, but of Haldir as well."

Rúmil threw his hands up in frustration and stalked out from under the protective roof, "I do not believe my ears! Are you telling me to NOT go after Haldir and rescue him from a murderous, evil creature that pretends to be female?"

"I am not saying that he does not need to be rescued," Orophin argued, following Rúmil out on the rain. He grabbed his brother and spun him around to face him, sternly holding his gaze, "If you do not have a plan, then you will both lose your lives. I can not and will not allow you to throw your life away so foolishly!"

Rúmil pushed Orophin's hand away from him and growled, "I do not need you to give me orders. If you forget, I am the Second in Command and it is you who will listen to my orders!"

Orophin swallowed hard, not believing what he was hearing. Never had Rúmil spoken to him in such a manner. He took several deep breaths to calm himself and gave Rúmil a pleading look, "Please, Rúmil, I do not wish to see either of you dead. You need to have a plan."

"I have one," Rúmil retorted, "Go in and get our dwarf of a brother from that evil woman's clutches!"

"I see you will not be swayed," Orophin sighed, noting the resolute look Rúmil had on his face. It was a common expression, but usually it was Haldir that wore it. Giving in to the inevitable, he took another deep breath and said, "Then I shall have to accompany you."

"What?" Rúmil snapped. "The others need you. Lómetar needs you! You can not abandon them!"

"That is precisely what you are doing," Orophin spat, his eyes darkening to a deep cobalt. "You will impulsively attack their manor, and get yourself and Haldir killed. I for one will not allow that to happen, whether you pull rank on me or not. I have just as much of Haldir's stubbornness as you do."

"I want you protected, as well as the others. They will need your care to ensure their survival. I do not want you to return in case there is foul play," Rúmil snapped back.

Orophin raised his brow in a skeptical manner and addressed Rúmil with a cool tone, "And yet you believe that you will be allowed to return and face this danger alone?"

Rúmil opened his mouth to affirm that statement when a voice interrupted their quibble, "He will not be alone."

Rúmil felt something shift his quiver, then felt it become heavier as Múrendil slid in over a dozen of the crude arrows he had spent the last two days fletching. Rúmil gave him a strange look, then his eyes swept behind the warrior to reveal both their horses, tacked and ready to go.

Múrendil didn't wait for the two to collect their thoughts as he tossed Rúmil his reigns and mounted on his own horse, "We ride light. The packs are already secured onto the other saddles. It will be wise to break camp quickly and make haste to Lorien."

Rúmil seemed to have come out of his daze and glared at Múrendil, "You are not going."

Múrendil gave Rúmil an un-amused look and directed his horse in the direction of the manor, "You are the brother of my Commander, going to save him from hostile terrain. I can not in good faith allow you to do such a thing alone. Come, we have a hard journey ahead."

Rúmil stared dumbstruck after the fleeing form of Múrendil. He swung his reigns round, and mounted quickly, then turned to Orophin, "Múrendil is right. Break camp soon and make haste to Lorien. We will be right behind you."

With a farewell gesture, Rúmil spurned his horse after Múrendil, disappearing through the forest. The horses' gallop echoed through the trees until it faded into silence.

Orophin stood still, his body numb. The commotion of the camp brought him back to awareness, and he then realized the others had tacked their horses and smothered the fire. They hurriedly ate their food and shoved the dirty dishes into the saddle bags and looked expectantly to Orophin.

Orophin nodded and went to Lómetar, wrapping him securely and with Wethíar's help, mounted his steed and directed the others home. With a last look over his shoulder to the place where Rúmil and Múrendil had disappeared, he whispered to the wind, "Vala protect my kin and bring them home safely."

The wind whipped through the trees and caused them to groan in response. Though if it was an assurance or a sign of mourning for what was to come, the wind offered no answer.