Chapter XVI: Hunted

Twilight came quickly. The Company and Eryn ate a small dinner together then sat together around a fire, talking and laughing for many hours. Haldir joined them when he had completed his watch. He had initially come to take Eryn home, but became engaged in numerous conversations. It wasn't until nearly midnight that anyone noticed how quiet Eryn was being.

"I think you tuckered her out, Pip," Merry whispered, looking over at Eryn, who lay sleeping on Boromir's knee, leaning against his chest.

"She hasn't seen been this excited since…" Haldir though for a moment, "ever."

Boromir blinked fatigue away and said, "I'll take her up." He saw Aragorn take a breath to protest, but interrupted. "You're tired, Aragorn. Get some rest."

"I'll go with you," Haldir said, the only one that was not remotely tired. "I have to speak with Galadriel anyway."

Boromir picked up Eryn and waited for Haldir to stand up. The two walked silently and slowly to and up the stairs.

"Do you have children?" Haldir asked suddenly.

Boromir paused. "Sorry?"

"I was just curious if you had children. You seem to be a natural, especially with her."

Continuing again, the Man replied, "No. I suppose I just remember what I did when I had to watch my little brother. What about you?"

"I did, once."

"What happened?"

"She was killed."

Boromir stopped dead. "What?"

"The Orcs that had been invading Mirkwood were beginning to disperse to Lothlórien as well. We had no idea. My daughter, wife and I were outside with Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn, and my brothers, Rumíl and Orophin. There must have been twice as many Orcs as there were us. They only had three daggers among them, but that was more than we had. It was short, but bloody. I had taken a knife to the shoulder and was broken and bruised within minutes. Annia was stabbed in the chest. Aisling…" Haldir fell silent as to not reveal the emotion in his voice. "They snapped her neck."

"Haldir, I'm so sorry," Boromir said sincerely.

"She was only two years old…" Haldir whispered. He closed his eyes, swallowed the memory, and said, "I leave you here."

Boromir watched his for a moment then took Eryn into the house and to her room. He laid her down gently on the bed, drew the covers up to her shoulders, and kissed her forehead. "Good night, little princess."

No one woke until very late the next morning. Even then, it was only Boromir, awoken by disturbing dreams. He decided to not wake anyone else and silently crept away from the beneath-tree house and ascended the staircase to see Legolas. As he walked, he could not help but imagine how difficult it must have been for Haldir to lose his daughter like that. Without realizing it, he reached the infirmary. He saw Legolas sitting up and Êlanna sitting on the mattress beside him, holding his hand and staring out the window.

"Come in, mellon nîn."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," Boromir said, turning slightly red.

Êlanna turned and smiled a perfect smile. "Nonsense. I'll leave the two of you while I check on Haldir and Eryn." She kissed Legolas and left, glancing into Boromir's eyes as she passed him.

"Feeling any better today?" Boromir asked, sitting in the chair that was beside the bed.

Legolas breathed. "Not really. If anything, it seems to have gotten a little worse."

"Your back?"

"My shoulders, my spine." He quickly changed the subject of conversation. "What did you all do yesterday?"

"Talk, basically. Eryn mentioned something about Ithil being blind." It sounded more like a question.

"He is. He kept seeing Isilme's death wherever he looked and it drove him mad enough that he took a burning stick and pressed it into his eyes."

Boromir grimaced. "How horrible." Thinking quickly, he said, "Eryn looks so much like you."

"Thank you. Êlanna says that often. The only thing we cannot understand is her green eyes. She must've gotten them from the little bit of Calen that is in me somewhere. He loved Eryn so much." Legolas brought his hand to his mouth and closed his eyes.

"Are you alright, Legolas?"

"I never thought that remembering would hurt this much. It's unbelievable. For five years I tried to forget and now… it's all I can think about. I even dreamt about it last night. The dreams are almost worse than the nightmares," Legolas' voice was straining with suppressed tears. "I'm sorry. You do not want to hear this."

"But I think you need to say it."

Legolas regarded Boromir for a moment and said, "I cannot. Not now, not yet."

Boromir did not press him. Instead, he said, "Aragorn does not seem like himself here."

"He's never himself when he's without Arwen. I know he pines for her."

"What is their story? I never understood it there were so many pieces missing."

"Elrond—Lord Elrond—does not want Arwen to be with Aragorn because he does not want to lose her. He could never forgive himself for letting her go, even though he knows that without Aragorn, she'll die anyway. He loves Aragorn, he loves Arwen, but he does not like the thought of not having his daughter."

"He does not want them to be together, even if he knows it will kill them both?"

"It's been very difficult for him since Celebrian sailed to the West. A horrible story…" he said. Then, with a humourless laugh, he added, "They all seem to be."

Not for Men, Boromir thought to himself. What did they do to deserve lives of sorrow? What crime deserves this punishment?

"Immortality," Galadriel answered, standing behind the Steward's son as though materializing from the air. "I believe that Aragorn wants to see you, my lord Boromir. You should go to him." Only her piercing eyes moved to look at him.

With a hasty bow, Boromir left, looking at Legolas and trying to figure Galadriel. As he returned to the base of the stairs, he tried to shake the feeling of company in his thoughts. Aragorn met him there, his eyes heavy with distress and fatigue. Boromir asked, "What? Aragorn?"

The Ranger stared out and then collapsed.

"Seere yassene quenat-nîn ar' fea-nîn, Beleg Valar, Peace within my body and my spirit, Mighty Valar," Êlanna breathed, drawing her index finger down her forehead to her lips and then to her heart after dipping it in the basin in the narthex of the great Kardaina. The ceiling was very high and the pillars that held it were ornately carved. A throne was situated at the front of the sanctuary where a perpetual ray of light seemed to shine. It was a very old building. Vines intruded everywhere they could. There were deep voices echoing in the walls; voices of those who came here and sang laments or apocalyptic hymns. It was an unhappy place and few came here, but Êlanna had felt the need to be there. She had spent many nights there, none of which she happily recalled. Beautiful, yes, it was, but also horrible. There was the unnerving sense of higher power that had cursed her race faster than bless it. There were ropes that bound souls to promises made out of desperation. There was death there; the deaths of children, the dying, innocent, and guilty. It was awful, but she was there. She kneeled before the throne and bowed her head deeply.

Haldir felt exposed in this place as though all his faults were written plainly on him. He dipped his finger in the basin of icy water and led it from his forehead to his chest. "Seere yassene quenat-nîn ar' fea-nîn, Beleg Valar". Of all places, why must she come here? Making an effort to remain unheard, Haldir wandered through the large narthex and looked into the sanctuary at the solitary figure kneeling before the throne of Iluvatar. Trying to ignore the sense that he was being watched, he entered, bowing at the threshold, and sat on one of the remaining pews. "Why do you come here, Êlanna?" he asked.

It was a pregnant silence before she replied. "What else can I do to help him? I cannot heal his wounds nor make his memories disappear. This is all I can do to help him."

"You help him by being with him, not by begging others to," he said, choosing his words carefully. There were stories about this place that he did not wish to find true first hand. "Just go back."

"And sit by his side until he has taken so many beatings that he dies in my arms?"

"He will not because you are by his side. Êlanna, you cannot keep doing this. Do you really think that they will do anything for you?" Haldir asked, his worry over words gone and pure concern for her overtaking. "They have never done anything but cause sorrow. Virtues like love and innocence are not strengthened by begging them. They do not care; how could they if they are allowing the murder of two year olds and the shattering of love? Only you can do it, Êlanna. Go back to him."

She stood and approached him. "Do not carry such hatred, Haldir. It is naught but a plague."

"I do not care. Come," he said, holding out his hand to her. She took it and they walked in silence back to the infirmary.

"Aragorn," Boromir called, bending over him. "Aragorn."

Slowly, he opened his eyes. "I am sorry. I do not know what came over me."

"You're tired, you need rest. You're making yourself sick with worry."

Aragorn stood up, barely able to stand straight. "I need to—"

"You need to sleep," Boromir said, taking hold of his shoulders and guiding him back to where the others still rested. "Lie down and get some rest," he ordered. "We do not need both you and Legolas to suffer." He stayed a moment to make sure Aragorn fell asleep, which did not take long, and left to wander, finally feeling alone with his thoughts. But not for long.

"Boromir!" Eryn cried, running down the stairs in her bare feet, but in a blue dress, not her nightgown. She jumped into his arms and kissed his cheek. "Have you been to see Ada this morning?"

"I have," the Man replied.

"He promised to spend the whole day with me! He's better! Haldir said that wishing on stars doesn't work, but it does! I wished it and he's better!"

"Yes, but are you sure you are not making Boromir deaf by yelling so loudly," Legolas said as he came down the stairs. He was still very pale and there was a bruise on his cheek, but he managed a smile for his daughter. Eryn was quickly in his left arm. "Where's Naneth?"

Eryn looked in every which direction and shrugged. "I don't know. She wasn't there when I woke up. I picked out my dress, Ada. Do you like it?"

"You're the most gorgeous princess Lothlórien has ever seen," he said, kissing her.

"Naneth left this though," Eryn said, handing a piece of parchment to her father. "I didn't know all the words."

Legolas studied the letter carefully. Why would she go to the Kardaina? "It will be just the two of us, then," he said, tucking the parchment away. Eryn cheered.

"I suppose I will see you if or when I return," Legolas said to Boromir, trying to hold Eryn as she squirmed excitedly.

"Namarië, Boromir," Eryn said, blowing him a kiss.

"Namarië," Boromir replied, waving. Once again, Eryn hadn't ceased to amaze him. He did not see the pair return until rather late at night.

"Ada?" Eryn asked, lying next to Legolas on the grass, staring up at the stars. She cuddled closely to him, happier than ever to be with her ada. How she had missed him, but now she would get to be with him. This also gave her the chance to talk to him. Whenever she tried to ask her naneth about him, Êlanna would start to cry. When Eryn was with him, she felt that it was alright for her to laugh and to have fun, and so she had.

"Hm?"

"How old are you?"

"Two thousand nine hundred thirty-nine," Legolas replied, rather tired from spending an entire day chasing, hiding, swimming, climbing, falling, chasing, falling, and chasing and climbing.

"How old were you when you married Naneth?"

Legolas looked down at her and pulled her close. It gladdened him to see that Eryn was so curious about him. It made him feel like she did not resent him for leaving. "We were rather young compared to others."

"How much longer until I'm old, then?"

"Forever. You'll never be old. You'll get to see the world and have adventures. Never will you have to worry about growing old." Never will you have to worry about death or dying. I'll make sure you never see it, even if it is me.

"Then, how much longer until I can get married?"

This question took Legolas quite off guard. His six year old daughter was asking him about marriage. He repeated this in his head many times, trying to make it sound like a good thing. "A long time."

"Why?"

"Because… don't be thinking so far ahead, honey. Enjoy being young."

There was a long pause.

"How old is Aragorn?"

"Eighty seven." Legolas got an inkling that this was going to be a very memorable conversation that he would have to think in order to carry it on, which was not looking to be an easy task as Eryn had completely tired him out. However, he had never enjoyed a day so much. This day would make it harder to leave Eryn again.

"How old it Boromir?"

"Thirty five."

"But they look the same."

"Aragorn's different."

"Is thirty five old?"

"Not by Elf reasoning. I suppose he is the equivalent of a ten year old if Elves don't come of ago until fifty."

"So he's—" she took a moment to check her arithmetic— "four years older than me."

"I guess you could look at it that way," Legolas said, much unprepared for her next comment.

"Could I marry Boromir, then?"

Legolas' eyes widened, his jaw dropped and he completely ran out of breath. This was one of those conversations his father had warned him about… "Not today."

Legolas would regret that as Eryn could and did take that as meaning tomorrow. Thankfully, he had time to tell Boromir of this when the Man came upstairs the next morning. Legolas was appreciative of his company as Êlanna had spent the night home rather than in the infirmary to which Legolas was still bound.

"How was your day with Eryn?"

"I cannot recall ever being happier. I've never been so in love. But, I do have something to tell you," Legolas warned. "Eryn asked me last night if… if she could marry you."

Boromir stared for a moment then reacted in much the same way Legolas did. "What?"

"Last night was the first night I think I really felt like I was a parent. I think she was serious." He sat, watching Boromir carefully. "I don't know what you did, but…"

"Neither do I. What do I do?"

"If you hurt my baby I will hunt you down and geld you," Legolas mock-warned.

Boromir regarded him. "Despite the fact that I think your hair may have greyed slightly overnight, you are seem to be doing much better. Eryn is doing well for you."

"I know."

"How will you leave her?" Boromir asked, his admiration for the Elf growing.

Legolas was silent for a moment. "Maybe I won't."

"What?"

"When I first married Êlanna, I didn't know that I would be sent to Mordor. I didn't know that I would almost die and as soon make her a widow as I did my wife. When Eryn was born, a little less than a year before we left, I didn't know that I may not have ever seen her again. I didn't know that I would come dangerously close to losing the two most important things in the world to me. We were gone for nearly a year and I lost almost my whole family. My father, who had taken so much pride in his fourteen sons, lost twelve of them. He was damn near afraid of us. I think that seeing his sons being beaten allowed him to glimpse his mortality, maybe worse our mortality. When I got better, I spent a few months here, but the guilt became so great that I went back to Mirkwood to be with my father and Ithil. It was horrible. It didn't even feel normal or comfortable. After Ithil blinded himself, I began to get sick because of how… I tried to endure it, but it didn't seem worth it. Finally, I came back here. Eryn would've been three and knew Haldir better than she knew me. Êlanna and I rarely spoke until a few months went by. We were finally starting to be a family when I was called back to Mirkwood. Another few months went by and I had never felt as awful as I did then. I wanted to come back so badly. But then I was sent to Imladris to attend the council and tell Elrond what had been happening. And, here I am."

Boromir didn't know what to say to that. Thankfully, Êlanna entered carrying a tray of bread and a pitcher of water. "Good morning, Boromir," she said with a smile.

He nodded to her, still taken by Legolas' story. "I'm going to see how Aragorn's doing."

"Was he not feeling well?" Legolas asked.

"He's tired. I'm sure he's alright. Will you be up today Legolas? I'm sure the hobbits would love to see you."

Legolas nodded. "The feeling is mutual."

"How was your day with Eryn yesterday?" Êlanna asked after Boromir left. "Whatever you did, you exhausted her; she's still sleeping."

"It was great. She's certainly grown up."

"She certainly has," Êlanna said, handing a piece of bread to Legolas. "Here, you should have something to eat."

"Thank you," he said, accepting it. "You know, Eryn asked me if she could marry Boromir."

Êlanna nearly choked. "What?" She was on the border of hysterical laughter.

Legolas came rather close as well, but said, "I think she was serious. Stop laughing, it's not that funny."

"But it is," Êlanna said. "I'm sure it will blow over. She's only six years old."

"When did she grow up?"

"When no one was looking," Êlanna replied, smiling. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, much better."

"You've always been a remarkable healer," Galadriel said upon her entry. "We'll see how long it will take. Êlanna, could you…?"

"Of course, hiril nîn," she replied, bowing and exiting.

Legolas watched her leave then turned his attention to Galadriel. She had brought a basin of water with her and a vile of something he did not recognize. An odd thing, though, she was not wearing any tiara or sign of her stature. Her hands were icy and unsteady as she felt his arms and his ribs. "Does something trouble you, hiril nîn?"

Galadriel looked up as though she had just noticed him. "No, it's nothing. You are nothing short of a miracle, Legolas Greenleaf." She then took the vile and poured the mysterious liquid into the basin of water, dropping in a cloth and wringing it out several time. Walking around to the other side of the bed, she sat down. "Turn on your side. I will not allow you to hide this and put yourself through pain every time you move."

Stricken and unable to believe that she had noticed, Legolas turned onto his left side and pulled the blanket down to his waist. He heard Galadriel's breath catch in her throat. The cloth seemed to numb whatever it touched and then erupt in fire. Legolas grimaced and tensed.

"I promise this will ease the pain," she said, her voice reflecting sympathy.

After another streak of red pain circled his burn, Legolas said, "In how… long?"

"In an hour or so. How did this happen?"

"In Mordor. The – ah!—the Orcs pressed a hot shield…" Legolas bit his lip until he tasted blood. "Ah!"

Galadriel pressed the cloth a little harder. "I'm almost done."

Eryn hopped quietly out of bed. She was still experiencing the excitement from yesterday and had not forgotten what her father had said. She started up the stairs, but tripped on the hem of her nightgown and fell heavily on the stairs. Pain shot through her shin. Pulling up her dress a little, she looked down and saw a rather large cut. The amount of blood almost made her cry—even though it was not all that much. She was prodding it gently when she was swept onto someone's knee.

"What happened, Eryn?" Boromir asked, looking down at her injury. "Are you alright?"

"I fell," she replied timidly. "It hurts."

"I believe it. Let's see what we can do about that," he said. With his index finger, he touched around the cut, feeling Eryn's grip on his tunic tighten. Boromir took his sleeve and cleared some of the blood away and kissed where a bruise was beginning to appear. "That should last until we get to see Galadriel," he said, smiling.

Eryn smiled back, her eyes dazzling. Boromir lifted her up and carried her up the stairs.

Legolas cried out again, louder, the pain growing.

"I'm so sorry, Legolas, but it's the only way that I could cure the pain. It will burn for the next hour, at the most."

Legolas was unsure that he would be able to bear it that long, but he nodded nonetheless. "Êlanna," he said through his teeth.

"Of course," Galadriel said, leaving the basin on the table and quickly vanishing. It only took a moment for her to return with Êlanna. "I'll leave the two of you."

"Legolas, what's wrong?" Êlanna asked, leaning beside the bed. She took his hand and kissed his forehead. With her other hand, she brushed away a few strands of his hair and put it on his back.

"Ah!" He gripped her hand.

Êlanna quickly drew her hand away, fearful. "Legolas… what's the matter?"

Slowly so that he wouldn't put too much pressure on his now sensitive ribs, Legolas rolled onto his stomach. Of all things, he had wanted to protect Êlanna from, it was the scars and brand on his back. She knew that they were there, surely, but she had never seen them.

Êlanna put her hands over her mouth to keep from screaming. Beginnings of unfinished words stammered out of her quivering mouth. Legolas turned onto his back, biting his lip again and digging his fingers into the blankets. There was a long moment before Êlanna had regained enough composure to speak clearly. "This isn't fair. You shouldn't have to—" she choked on her tears for a moment— "you don't deserve this pain. You don't… you've only ever served your king… been faithful to your family… loved your daughter… Dammit!"

Legolas grabbed her hand. "Êlanna, I'll be alright—" sharp inhale— "but you need to calm down."

"Why are you being punished? You've already… endured so much…" she said, crying. She felt Legolas' hand pull hers and she lay down on the bed beside him. "You don't deserve this."

"No, I don't. But if enduring it means living for you, I'll gladly do it."

"But you shouldn't. Not for me. I'm not worth that—"

"Of course you are. You're worth more than anything this world holds."

"But you shouldn't have to do this for me."

"Well, people to crazy things when they're in love."

Êlanna kissed him passionately. As they laid there Legolas realized that he had made up his mind. He would not go.

After that horrible hour had passed Legolas pulled on a clean tunic and walked arm-in-arm with Êlanna down the stairs. She rested her head against his shoulder and admired the view around her. "Did you want to see the house? It's changed since you were gone."

"I'd love to."

Êlanna led him off the stairs onto their flet. She showed him the sitting room, which had changed the least, save for…

"I cannot believe you place those on display," Legolas said, regarding the sketches on the wall

"What do you mean? They're incredible, Legolas. Everyone who sees them compliments them."

"They're being too kind. The only beauty of them is their focus," he said, looking at his wife.

She blushed. "Eryn has been trying to take up after you." And she led him into their daughter's room. There were pictures everywhere—all over the walls, on the desk. "She missed you."

"I missed her. I missed you."

"Will you do it again?"

"No," Legolas answered immediately. "I've missed too much already."

"Really? You're going to stay?" Êlanna asked for confirmation, trying to contain her happiness until he replied.

"Really, I'm going to stay," he replied. But he hardly had a moment to smile as Êlanna grabbed him and kissed him. "Have there always been chickadees in Lothlórien?" he asked, distracted by the little bird on the windowsill.

"His name is Herald and he's your daughter's best friend. She thinks that he takes letters to you and your father. It made her hopeful, I think, so I never said anything."

Legolas knelt in front of the chickadee. It was breathing heavily and there was a piece of rolled up parchment around its leg. Untying the string, Legolas freed Herald from his burden and read it. "It would have made her hopeful if she was receiving replies."

"What?" Êlanna asked, joining her husband at the window. She tried to read the letter over his shoulder. "Who is it from?"

"My father," Legolas replied, suddenly distant, focused on the letter.

"There, it should be all better now," Galadriel said to Eryn, tying the bandage around the child's leg.

"Thank you, hiril nîn," Eryn answered. "It feels much better now. Can I play?"

"Of course," smiled Galadriel. "I suggest you get right to it."

Boromir lifted Eryn off the bed and carried her out and down the stairs. "How was your day yesterday, Eryn?"

"I liked it. I had a lot of fun."

"That's good. Your Ada tells me that you had quite the conversation last night. I'm flattered that you would like to marry me."

Eryn glowed. "Really?"

"Really, truly, honestly, and lovingly," he said, kissing her on the cheek.

Eryn blushed and then returned the gesture. "Would you marry me if I were older?"

Boromir thought for a moment. "Probably. And then your father would chase after me with Gimli's axe."

Eryn laughed. "When I'm older will you marry me?"

Boromir stopped. "Eryn, when you're old enough to get married, I probably won't be around any more."

"What do you mean?" she asked, sad.

"Eryn, I'm not an Elf like you. I…"

Her eyes began to fill with tears.

"I love you, Eryn. I really do. You're the most amazing person I think I may have ever met. Tell you what," he said, taking the signet ring off his small finger. "Keep this and remember me."

Eryn took it and put it on her thumb. Even then it was too big. "Okay," she said, hugging him. "I wish you were an Elf."

"Me too," Boromir said. He took her down the rest of the stairs and to the tree. The hobbits were sitting together with a makeshift chess board between Sam and Pippin. Boromir put Eryn down and took her shoulders. "Will you go and check on Aragorn for me?"

She nodded and ran off. "Aragorn?"

"Hm?" he answered sleepily, not opening his eyes.

Eryn sat down next to him. "Can I ask you something?"

His eyes opened slowly. "I don't see why not."

"What happens when we die?"

Aragorn sat up. "Why? Has something happened, honey?"

"Boromir said that he was going to die. Are you?"

"Eventually. But until then, you should enjoy the fact that we are still alive and you can still jump on us without causing too much harm," Aragorn replied, trying to change the subject so that he wouldn't feel so uncomfortable.

Eryn smiled. "I was just supposed to check on you. Ada said that he wanted to see you, but I don't know where he is."

"That's alright. He knows where to find me."

"Of course I do," Legolas replied, appearing. "How are you feeling, mellon-nîn?"

"Better," Aragorn replied. "I suppose I didn't realize how tired I was."

"We were all tired. Eryn, why don't you go and play?"

"Alright, Ada," she said, hugging his leg as she left.

"Aragorn, I'm sorry, but I cannot leave with you. Galadriel said that I could leave two days from now, providing I rested enough, but I don't want to. I cannot; not again. I cannot leave her," Legolas said apologetically, trying to find other words to explain.

"I would not expect otherwise. I understand completely. She is very precious," Aragorn said, glancing outside to see Eryn sitting with Boromir. "Do not regret it."

"Hannon lle, mellon nîn."

"Anything to report?" Haldir asked Orophin. The night had come too quickly and something in his heart told Haldir that something was going to happen. There were no stars, but there were noises, and they were making him uneasy.

"Galdor thought that he saw horses three or so leagues away about half an hour ago. He thinks that there is something else out there, though."

"I agree. There is something amiss here. Get word to the north battalion and get as many archers here as you can—"

"Captain!"

Haldir's heart leapt into his throat. He jumped across the gaps between the flets and came to where Galdor was. "What is it?"

"The horsemen are extremely close. Did you want me to go down there?"

"No, I will. Stay here." Haldir descended the ladder and jumped to the ground. It was beginning to rain-- and heavily. He hated that he was shaking. Drawing an arrow, he let out a shrill whistle. The least he could do was establish these people as friends or enemies. The waiting made his hands quiver worse. Finally, the whistle was returned and growing close very quickly. There was an echoing sound of galloping hooves closing in. Squinting, Haldir tried to see who it was through the darkness. In moments the horses were close enough that Haldir could greet the riders. "My lord, what brings you here?"

Dismounting, the Elf turned his horse around and commanded it to run. Only one of the other two horses was occupied. The now horseless rider pulled off his companion and sent the horses off with his.

It was pouring now and a fork of lightening gave Haldir a chance to see the condition of them. It also gave him the chance to see the mass of orcs that was a less than three leagues away and gaining ground fast. He helped the Elf carry the other up the ladder.

"Orophin, I must go now. Prepare yourself for an attack. I'll try to get back as soon as I can. Until then, you are in charge. Come, my lord, we must get him to Galadriel."

The Elf did not move. "He's already gone, Haldir."

"What?"

"He's dead."

This is not the time to let your emotions overcome. Haldir took the king's burden as his own. "Follow me, hir nîn. I hope you are well enough to run."

"Where did this weather come from?" Gimli asked, wringing the rain water from his beard.

They were all gathered in the sitting room of Legolas and Êlanna's flet. It had only taken a few minutes to get there, but they were still almost sodden with water. Êlanna had taken Eryn to her room to change into dry clothes and Legolas was fetching blankets for their evening guests.

"It never rained like this in the Shire," Sam observed, removing his heavy cloak.

"Let alone in winter," added Pippin, shaking his head to dry his hair.

Legolas returned with an armful of blankets. "These should warm you. As for sleeping arrangements, Êlanna and I can sleep in here—"

"Nonsense, lad," said Gimli. "We'll sleep out here. You should be comfortable."

"If Eryn sleeps with us, the hobbits can all fit in her bed," Legolas suggested. "I still do not want you to sleep on the floor, Aragorn. You still look tired."

"I'll live. You need a proper night's sleep more than I, mellon-nîn."

"Ada," Eryn said, coming out of her room in a warm nightgown. "I saw somebody outside." She ran to him and he picked her up.

"I'm sure it was just your imagination, honey."

"Legolas, I saw it, too. There's somebody coming up the stairs," Êlanna said, her voice quaking with fear.

After a moment: "Everybody stays here until I get back."

Aragorn and Boromir went with him. They went slowly down the stairs, careful not to fall. The darkness was bothering all of them and they were shivering within minutes—mostly, though, from the rain. None of them saw anything, barely even each other as the rain poured in heavy sheets. Suddenly, two dark figures appeared a little farther down, running up the stairs. It did not take long for the figures to reach the Men and Elf.

"Ada!" Legolas gasped.