This is my first ever LOTR fanfiction, I've been working on it pretty hard so I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think:). I will be updating pretty frequently, if not once a day every other day. There will be no slash, just tons of friendship and tender family moments.
The morning is peaceful and warm as the rising sun casts it's golden rays over Imladris. It is the beginning of a beautiful day, the kind that has Glorfindel waking with extra energy and spirit. He walks towards the stables with an eager smile, knowing the twins will already be waiting for him. They are setting out for Lothlorien where Arwen has been staying with Galadriel and Celeborn for the last year but has sent a letter stating she wishes to return home for a visit. While the journey itself is remarkably short, only taking two weeks at most, it is not one that should be traveled alone. As the twins have not seen their grandparents for sometime they insisted on riding to Lorien to escort her back. Knowing they have a gift for finding trouble Elrond allowed it with the condition that Glorfindel went with, which of course the golden haired elf easily agreed to.
He knows the twins will be eager to leave and likely already have their horses ready despite the fact it's still quite early in the morning. They have a seemingly endless amount of energy that can be both enduring but exhausting depending which elf you ask. Erestor would say they are worse than elflings considering he tends to be the center of their pranks. Glorfindel on the other hand finds it refreshing and has even been known to assist in their mischief from time to time. It is the reason he is sent with the twins on a majority of their journeys, he can easily handle their rambunctious behavior and is one of the few who can keep them in order when need be.
Sure enough as he nears the stables the twins are waiting for him with the horses already prepared to go. They sit lazily by a tree talking amongst themselves while they wait, obviously having been ready to leave for some time now. As he approaches they both quickly surge to their feet eagerly heading towards their horses.
"Glorfindel, we thought you had slept in!" Elrohir says with a smirk as he ensures the saddle is tight before climbing upon his chestnut mare.
"And suffer the wrath of you two? I'd much rather spend the day listening to Erestors ramblings," he returns giving Asfaloth a loving rub on his muzzle before mounting also. They depart immediately, as the twins do not have the patience to wait much longer, following a large road that cuts through the forest surrounding Rivendell. They will follow it for five days before it twists away to the North where they will take another path that winds up the Misty Mountains before descending back down to the other side. The longest stretch of the journey is the week long ride through forest and plains to reach Lothlorien, it is unremarkable and dangerous as there is much open land that must be traveled leaving ones back easily open to attack.
They talk about many different things as they ride from their excitement to see Lothlorien again to what strategies they should try on their next orc hunt. The day passes by quickly and before long the sun begins to dip beneath the trees turning the sky orange and red. They find a small clearing beside a bubbling stream to rest and allow the horses time to graze. A small fire is made and they share a quick meal before nestling down into the soft grass to stare at the stars above. They converse for some time before the warmth of the fire and peaceful night air lulls them to sleep.
The days remain pleasant until the dawn of the fifth when dark clouds roll over the sky promising rain further in the day. They pack up and start on their way much quicker then the previous days hoping to make it to the mountain pass before the downpour can begin. Although they find no such luck as the clouds break only a few hours later muddying the path and soaking their clothes. Despite Elladan's complaints they press on through the storm hoping to make it to the bottom of the mountain before night fall. A small cave sits near the path that will shield them from the rain and allow them to try their clothes beside a warm fire.
While Elladan is the only one voicing his annoyance, Glorfindel can't help but agree the thick rain is truly unpleasant. Perhaps if it was a light shower he would find it more enjoyable but the thick droplets are a hindrance as he is forced to wipe water from his face every few minutes. His hair clings to the side of his face heavy and straight absent of it's usual wave. The horses are the only ones who seem to enjoy the downpour, moving with more energy then would be expected after travelling with little rest the past few days.
They debate stopping under a pine tree it's thick branches forming a cover that is keeping the ground below fairly dry. If they do so they would still have half a days travel to the mountain pass but the thought of escaping the rain was tempting. They converse on their options for a few minutes having to nearly shout over the down pour to hear one another. As they agree it would be best to continue on and begin to move down the path once more an arrow comes flying through the trees nearly hitting Elrohir. They barely have time to react when another sails through the air this time reaching it's target as it embeds into the right shoulder of Elladan causing him to fall from his horse into the muddy ground. His brother instantly dismounts rushing over to the fallen elf while Glorfindel follows suit, drawing his sword and stepping in front of the twins.
Orcs pour from the trees in a much larger number then the golden haired elf had been expecting, causing slight panic to course through him. "Elrohir, get him on your horse and get out of here," he orders, glancing behind him to see Elladan sluggishly getting to his feet with his brothers help. His eyes snap back to the foul creatures rushing towards him with weapons raised ready to attack. The first meets his blade quickly falling dead in the mud followed by the second and third until Glorfindel is forced on the defense as they swarm around him.
He can hear one of the horses take off in the direction they came, back towards Imladris and finds himself relaxing slightly knowing the twins will be safe. Although it is short lived when Elrohir appears beside him sword gripped tightly in his hand as he jumps into the fray.
"I told you to leave!" Glorfindel growls angrily slashing his blade across the belly of an orc before shoving into the throat of another.
"I will not leave you to fight alone," he retorts dodging a swipe at his chest before cleanly slicing the offending orcs head off. While Glorfindel admires the younger elf's bravery and loyalty one glance at the sheer number of foul creatures has his heart sinking in dread. He knew he would not be able to hold them off alone and even with Elrohir at his side their odds are still very slim.
He cuts down a few more orcs when a blade is able to slip past his defense digging into the tender flesh of his side. The flare of sudden pain stuns him slightly and he's surprised when an armored covered fist connects with the side of his face. The blow causes him to stumble sideways darkness momentarily taking over as one of his knees buckles. Shaking his head he forces himself to his feet trying to focus his slightly blurred vision on the orcs still swarming around him.
He realizes Elrohir is no longer beside him and tries to find the dark haired elf amidst the foul creatures in a panic. Ice fills his veins when he finds the elf splayed in the mud with fresh blood flowing from a cut on his head. Aside from that he seems fairly uninjured which causes Glorfindel's heart to pound madly in his chest as he realizes the orcs are not trying to kill them but take them alive. A new resolve grows within him as he cuts out with his sword furiously desperate to keep them out of enemy hands lest Elrond lose a son just as he lost his wife.
He's able to kill a handful more but without someone to watch his back he quickly becomes overwhelmed as blades strike out slicing shallow cuts into his skin. They are nothing more then an annoyance but as they continue to add up they burn in a tangent that leaves his movements growing progressively slower. Exhaustion begins to take it's toll as his muscles ache fiercely from the continued exertion, his sword arm feels near numb from the blows reverberating through his blade. Despite the fatigue weighing him down he continues to fight relentlessly all the while attempting to move closer to Elrohir who has yet to stir.
He gains some ground and for a second believes he may be able to get them out of this when an arrow lodges itself into the bicep of his sword arm. He barely has time to react when another digs into his side causing his already unsteady legs to give out on him. He can barely feel his sword fall from his grasp as the world spins in a blur around him nearly making him sick. The last thing he's aware of is something hard colliding with the side of his head and then darkness.