"There is so much damage, my Lord." Cufain muttered as he studied the ground. "I can not tell if Glorfindel and Erestor have passed this way or not."
Elrond lips thinned in displeasure though it was not towards the tracker. His horse danced sideways feeling his impatience. "Keep looking. We will continue as planned towards the valley."
"The weather will have wiped any tracks from the ground." Lindir stated quietly as he moved his horse beside his Lord.
"Do not tell me what I already know." Elrond snapped.
Lindir arched a brow.
The Lord of Imladris rubbed his temples wearily. "I am sorry."
Lindir studied Elrond closely. "Did you find any rest last night?"
"No." Elrond sighed. "I know they are in trouble. I had a bad feeling about it to begin with and with these visions..."
"You did not know."
"I should have never let either of them leave."
"You had no foresight into it to begin with so do not blame yourself for what can not be changed, worry about the things that can."
Elrond smiled as he looked at the white haired elf. "How did I ever let you become chief minstrel and not one of my advisors?"
Lindir laughed. "Because I told you no."
Both elves turned their attention seeing two scouts racing towards them.
"My Lord!" The first spoke. "Orcs."
Elrond went grim. "Continue."
"There is orc sign all through the wood." The second scout reported. "Over several leagues or more."
"How many do you estimate?" Lindir questioned sharply.
"A hundred at least maybe more." The first replied. "There is something else."
Elrond didn't like the others hesitance. "What?"
"We found Glorfindel's mare."
"The orcs must have killed her." The second scout replied. "It looks like they had been eating her."
"Any sign of Glorfindel and Erestor?"
"None."
"We will not give up yet." Elrond replied. "Stay close from now on."
"There is orc activity ahead." Lindir called out to the regiment of elves that followed. "Stay close and be prepared." Elrond gave a cry as his keen eyes saw a large dark object bearing down on them. The elves drew their weapons but relaxed slightly hearing the strong sound of hoof beats. Orcs did not ride horses.
The dark stallion broke from the woody growth in front of them veering in fear. Elrond's breath caught at seeing only one rider. He called out using all the force and command he could muster. "Daro!"
The stallion stumbled to a stop looking at them through half glazed eyes. Elrond and Lindir had already dismounted reaching the horse's side. Glorfindel nearly collapsed into their arms.
"Erestor. You must go back for Erestor." Glorfindel panted. "Orcs."
(LOTRLOTR)
Glorfindel's eyes snapped open as Elrond finished tying off the last of the bandages. He was thankful to see more awareness in them. The Vanya was still feverish but the wound was now cleaned assuring a quick recovery. Elrond helped Glorfindel sit up giving him a drink that would help fight any infections and ease pain.
"Erestor?" Glorfindel croaked.
"Lindir and the scouts are searching for the encampment."
"I will go with you."
Elrond arched a brow. "I do not think so. I have an escort ready to take you home."
"I will not leave here without Erestor."
"Neither will I but at this point you will be more of a hindrance than a help."
Glorfindel grabbed Elrond's arm tightly. "You do not understand Elrond. He sacrificed himself for me. I will not leave here without him."
Elrond stared at the unwavering determination in the Vanya's eyes. "As you wish but on one condition."
"What?"
"You will leave the fighting to the others."
Glorfindel grimaced but knew Elrond would not budge on the matter. "I will."
"Elrond."
Both elves looked up as Lindir moved up beside them. The normally serene minstrel vibrated with anger his face white with fury. "We have found them my Lord."
(LOTRLOTR) Elrond, Lindir, and Glorfindel carefully and skillfully made their way to the rocky ledge overlooking the orc encampment. Glorfindel gave a soft cry at seeing Erestor hanging motionless in his bonds. Unthinkingly he started forward but Elrond quickly grabbed his arm holding him back.
"Stay!" Elrond commanded firmly. "He still breathes."
Elrond's sharp eyes scanned the clearing. "Our archers will take position there. The rest will split into two groups, I will lead one circling behind to drive them away from Erestor, Lindir will lead the others to take a front position to cut off their retreat."
"I will go with you." Glorfindel announced.
"Glorfindel-"
"I won't fight. I promised I wouldn't."
Elrond shot a despairing look at Lindir.
The white haired elf just shrugged. "He's your problem not mine."
Elrond turned deciding not to make another comment. The three elves headed back to the others and quickly relayed their plans. Lindir quickly lead his group into the woods. Elrond watched as Glorfindel mounted a horse in obvious pain. The Vanya panted lightly letting his head rest against the horse's neck before straightening. The blonde looked up then meeting his eyes. Elrond deigned making any comments instead swinging up upon his own mount.