Elrohir felt like floating in some thick substance. His senses were dull from the pain killing herbs he had drunk. His thoughts were messed and at first he could remember nothing. With the great effort young elf struggled back to fool awareness. Elrohir blinked several times looking around. He was laying on the back under the large tree. His body was covered with a blanket and half buried in the underbrush.

'What had happened?' Elrohir thought groggily trying to sort his torn chaotic memories. Then it came to him. A landslide! Well that explains why he was in so much pain. Elrohir was hurt not for the first time and he could recognize when he was drugged. But that meant someone tended to him. Off course! He remembered Legolas sitting by his side last time he was conscious. The prince told that Elladan went to get help. But where was Legolas now?

When the last piece of memory came to place, Elrohir paled. Orcs! Valars, let it be just a bad dream. He didn't want to believe that Legolas indeed made such a stupid suicidal thing.

But he could do nothing. Elrohir hated to be this weak and helpless. He just laid there, staring at the darkening sky and hoping that both his brother and friend were safe. Well, something was telling him they were not.

XXX

Elladan was exhausted both from the stress of the whole situation and from his wild run, but he stubbornly continued. The worry that was eating at his heart made it impossible for the young elf to find any rest. The night have already been close when Elladan came to Imladris. Now it was almost dawn. Elladan was riding near his father and lord Glorfindel ahead of the group of elven warriors. They were riding in complete silence which the young elf welcomed.

Suddenly Glorfindel raised his hand signaling the group to stop. He gracefully jumped to the ground and kneeled lightly examining something.

"Orc tracks." He announced standing up.

Elladan noticed his father frowning. Orcs were rarely coming to this forests. But what worried Elladan more, was the fact that this orcs were close to the place where Elrohir and Legolas were.

"How old are this tracks?" He asked.

"About one day I'd say."

Without any other word Elladan urged his horse forward. He didn't even wait for the rest of the group to follow him. For the need to see his twin and young friend overcame any other thought. Other elves saw no other option then to ride after. They reached the foot of a cliff in about ten minutes. Elladan dismounted his horse and ran toward the large tree.

The panic started to rise inside him when he saw nothing. Then the elf spotted his brother's still body in the underbrush and ran toward him. He kneeled down gently touching Elrohir's tears stained face. The elf was unconscious, his eyes half closed.

"Let me see to him." Elrond kneeled down next to his son. He put his arm on Elrohir's brow feeling the high fever. "Elrohir." He called softly, his voice gentle yet powerful. "Come back to us, child."

The elf stirred wincing in pain. He blinked few times moaning in distress.

"Ada?.. " He whispered focusing his gaze with obvious difficulty.

"Yes, I'm here. Lay still. I need to look over your injuries."

"Elladan..."

"I'm here, brother. All will be well." Elladan promised holding his twin's hand in his own.

"Legolas... He's in trouble."

Elrond froze for a moment and changed a worried gaze with his other son.

"What do you mean?" Elladan asked softly fearing the answer.

"Orcs came." Elrohir whispered hoarsely, his voice weak and unsteady. It was hard for him to remain conscious, not to mention talk. "He said he'd... distract them." Fresh tears appeared at his face. "I'm so sorry."

Elrond pressed a finger to his son's lips.

"Do not be sorry for things that were not your fault." He turned to Glorfindel who was standing behind him few steps away from the family.

The warrior understood silent request and turned around to give orders to other elves. Elladan started to move but Elrond firmly grabbed his hand stopping his son.

"You are exhausted, Elladan. And I'll need your help. We both will." He jested to Elrohir who was drifting into unconsciousness again.

Inadvertently younger elf returned to his place. He concentrated on his brother's state, helping his father when needed.

XXX

Glorfindel stealthily moved away from the orc camp. But only to give a signal for the rest of the warriors to attack. No foul creature would stroll through this woods. He pulled out his long sword and with a loud battle cry Rivendel elves broke into the clearing killing orcs that were caught unaware.

Glorfindel slashed the orc captain's throat easily dodging the attack. He turned searching for a new foe. That was the moment he saw limp body hanging from the branch by it's wrists. Leaving others to get rid of the remaining orcs Glorfindel rushed toward Legolas. It pained him to see such a young one, almost child, in such a grave state. Young prince's back was torn from the cruel lashings, white ribs could be seen in a few places through the raw flesh. His chest and stomach apart from being badly bruised were covered with ugly burn marks and cuts.

Glorfindel put two fingers to Legolas neck, his heart racing and his breathing labored.

… TBC

// Couldn't help yielding to the temptation of such an ending to this chapter.