Disclaimer: As always, please see Chapter 1 for a full disclaimer on what's mine and what's not.

Diola lle, my friends!

Mercury Gray... I think your "Orc getting it" wish will eventually come true.

Evenstar/Elaine... I agree; I think the Orcs would be jealous. All of those things are reminders of what they used to be but will never have again

Utsuri... Yes, it is a dark chapter, but I need to go to some dark places at the end of this story in order for "Sword of 'Lorien" to happen.

Chapter 20: Quarry

Haldir came to a dead stop and pressed his hand to his eyes as Runevalas' voice split his thoughts.

"Haldir?"

The Marchwarden looked up at Orophin. "They've hurt her," he growled, and that was all he said before sprinting off again, Orophin, Rumil, and the remaining Archers straining to keep up with him. It took them another six hours to finally catch up with the Orcs. They had left a wide, obvious trail and it wasn't difficult to find them.

As he ran, Haldir's thoughts were as wild as the countryside they traversed. Runevalas wasn't his feahoon, but that didn't mean he didn't love her, and through the years they'd been together, his feelings had only deepend for the she-Elf who had pulled him out of his despair and lonliness.

I cannot lose you, too, Runevalas. I lost Maranwe. I cannot... will not... lose you as well. Valariel cannot lose you. She needs her atara (mother). As he tried to convince himself that they would reach Runevalas before the Orcs inflicted too much damage, Rumil watched him out of the corner of his eye.

All of Haldir's despairing thoughts vanished when they caught sight of the Orc camp. With a simple gesture, he stopped the Archers and they melted into the woods, awaiting his signal. The Marchwarden spent what seemed to be a long time watching the camp. There seemed to be about 20 Orcs, more than he expected. He only had six Archers with him, including his brothers. He couldn't see the two she-Elves but he knew they were there.

With a short wave of his hand, the Archers moved forward. They drew back their bows, aimed, and waited. A soft whistle from Haldir released the arrows as one and they few into the throng of Orcs. There were screams and grunts. Haldir drew his blade and with a savage cry charged forward, followed by the others. As they charged into the camp, most of the Orcs fled. Four arrows had found their marks; two other Orcs struggled to escape, badly injured by the first barrage.

Only the knowledge that Runevalas was in the camp kept Haldir from chasing the remaining Orcs immediately. The Elves spread out quickly, searching the area. It was Orophin who had the misfortune of finding Findariel and Runevalas. When he saw them, his stomach turned over. He shouted for Haldir.

For a moment, Haldir stood, staring through Runevalas. The only indication that he saw her was the methodical clenching of his fist. He gathered himself and knelt by her side.

"Runevalas? A'maelamin (my beloved) ?"

He felt sick to his stomach. His mate's dress was ruined, the skirt tattered and bodice torn, and there were cuts on her arms and shoulders. Some looked like knife wounds. Others could only be made by Orc teeth. He shuddered; there was nothing more horrifying to an Elf than the thought of being captured and tortured by Orcs. It was a nightmare few ever survived. Her face was bruised and as Haldir gently pushed her hair back he nearly choked when he saw her ears. The lobes of her slender, pointed ears were bloody and disfigured. The Orcs had torn the earrings out.

"Haldir?" Runevalas' voice was raw from screaming and he barely recognized it. "Haldir?"

"I'm here. Shhh. The Archers will take you home, and Lady Galadriel will heal you." He stroked her hair. Rumil and Orophin were the only others near him. The other Archers stayed at a respectful distance, their keen eyes scanning the surrounding area lest any vile Orcs try to return.

"Findariel," she whispered.

"Shhh," said Haldir. He glanced over towards Findariel. "You rest and save your own strength. She's hurt, but she's still alive." It was the truth; what he didn't tell Runevalas was that he did not expect Findariel to make it through the night, let alone back to Lothlorien.

Runevalas nodded and let her head sink gently back. "I knew you would come for me, A'maelamin (my beloved)." Her eyes closed and the only hint she was still alive was the shallow rise and fall of her chest.

"Rumil. Orophin. You both come with me. The rest of you will bring my Runevalas and Findariel back to Lothlorien with all haste and deliver them into the care of Lady Galadriel."

"As you command, Marchwarden," one said, and they hurried to prepare to leave.

"Come," Haldir said to his brothers. "We have quarry to hunt."

Well, we're just about done. What do you think? Please read/review!