A/N: Thanks for the review! To clear up I forgot(I just realized) Glorfindel's attacker is half-elven, and therefore half-human and much bulkier/heavy then a pureblooded elf would be and while in a fair fight Glorfindel would have won the idea I attempted to portray was that the first blow to the head was severe enough to keep him from putting up a proper defense. anyways, here's the last chapter, hope you like it and don't forget to review!

Chapter 3

Darkness. It surrounded him. Smothered him. He clawed at the darkness. He had to escape it. It wasn't right. Fear seeped through his being. He needed to run. Hide. Get away. Voices floated around him undistinguished. The world around him was blurry. Pain shot through his body. Everywhere. It was everywhere. Overwhelming him. Consuming him. Shooting through his chest and back. His head felt as if it were split in half. Surely he must be dying. He squirmed trying to escape the pain fire scouring through his body. In the distance he heard a pitiful whimper weak and feeble of strength. Voices surrounded him all of a sudden and panic surged through him. A vile face flashed through his mind causing a thrill of terror. He struggled to sit up barely getting his head off the pillow turning side to side in hope of escape.

Voices all around. A touch to his forehead the palm warm against him. He pulled away from them groaning at the pain from movement. He tried to lift an arm to swat away his attacker more blurred images of that…that elf he didn't know…but even as it shook to move someone pushed it back down. Calling him.

"Glorfindel, Glorfindel can you hear me?" they sounded so far away. He couldn't quite make out the words. He pulled away desperate to escape the onslaught but his body trembled and refused to respond to him. What little efforts he made ceased and all drifted around him for a time.

"Glorfindel? Are you awake? Can you hear me mellon-nin?" the voice was back. How long had he been drifting? Another voice joined the first. In some distant portion of his mind he knew these voices but his head hurt so bad. He couldn't think.

"Glorfindel friend open your eyes" he struggled to obey. He had to know what was going on around him. They were so heavy. He didn't think he could manage but finally the lids opened. The light hurt his head and he whimpered with pain crushing his eyes shut again. His whole body went slack and he began to drift again.

"No friend, do not sleep yet Glorfindel, open your eyes again" the voice was insistent and he couldn't defy it. Everything blurred around him in a miasma of colors. He felt sick.

"There we are friend. It is good to see you awake" Familiar. The voice was familiar. Trusted. He tried to sit up. The spinning he had to make it stop. He groaned and a spike of pain went through his skull making black spots dance before his vision.

"Drink this friend, it will ease the pain, Glorfindel? Drink" a cup was pressed to his lips and something cool and sweet with a strange after taste he didn't find pleasant. Twice he tried to turn away from the drink but it followed and so he finished it. The pain eased.

"Is that better Glorfindel?" with the fade of pain so did a layer of haze dissipate.

"E'r'stor?" he coughed and whimpered.

"I'm here Glorfindel. Is the pain better?" his gaze wavered glazed and wandering as if they were unable to fixate but there was a shaky nod. Again he was assailed with a fear and the feel of vulnerability lying here and fought to sit up.

"Have to…" he muttered.

"Glorfindel lie still" Erestor tried to push him down again but the struggles increased a taint of panic in his eyes again.

"Have to…s'comng…" he tossed his head and fought to sit up whimpering from the pain it caused him.

"Glorfindel lie still please! You are safe" he was beyond hearing now.

"Away…have…get'way" he tried to push Erestor away now breathing harsh and rapid tears of fear starting down his cheeks. It was to this that Elrond burst into the room having been fetched by Haldir as soon as the blonde showed signs of waking.

"What happened?" Elrond rushed forward fearing a dire turn of events.

"He's disoriented and scared" it was difficult to keep Glorfindel on his back for fear of aggravating the numerous injuries. A warm moist palm pressed to his forehead a mind connecting to his own and flooding him with a sense of calm. His gaze drifted sluggish above him and locked into place.

"Elrond…where….what…" he rasped overwhelmed with confusion.

"You're in Erestor's home" he could feel fear welling up in his stricken friend once more and tried to push it back with his own sense of calm.

"S'coming…he's…coming" his head lifted weakly as if to try and rise but fell back to the pillow eyes drifting shut exhaustion taking him again.

"Stay awake Glorfindel. Tell me, who's coming, Glorfindel who is coming?" with luckiest of luck he would say a name. Identify his attacker.

"Don't…Don't know…who..who" his head lolled to the side eyes barely open now.

"Sleep friend, sleep and heal" Elrond bade. A surge of panic welled up abruptly and he jerked from sleep mere seconds after attaining it.

"S'come..don't…don't' let him…t-touch me…don't let…" he could barely get in a breath for the pain it cause and the panic surging through him.

"Shhh, you are safe Glorfindel sleep in peace we will protect you" Sleep took him.

0o0o0o0

He paced impatient and enraged. This was wrong. It was all so wrong. He had planned it so well. He'd known Glorfindel was remaining late beyond all reasonable hour and that they would be alone. Being in Rivendell he'd anticipated that the elf would not keep up his guard and had been correct. He'd rushed in and struck a stunning blow before his presence had been known and won himself the upper hand. He'd known that Glorfindel was a formidable warrior and that he would not win in a fight if the elf were ever given a chance to truly fight and so had strove to incapacitate him immediately. He had been successful on all accounts. He'd gained entry undetected and delivered a blow that was nearly incapacitating. Enough so that Glorfindel had been unable to liberate himself and was subdued after a moderate struggle. Then his mind came to his one and only failure face flushing with shame and rage. When his moment of success had come. The moment when he would get all he'd ever longed for arrived he'd been unable to perform.

He was immortally humiliated yet he felt the desire even stronger than before now. It was agony. There had to be a way to fix this. The rumors were flying all about the attack. Some said that Glorfindel was mortally wounded while others said the wounds were not mortal but still severe. Some were even saying he'd woken and named his attacker. He didn't know what to belief and was racked with nervous fear. Either way he had no doubt Glorfindel was being closely guarded. He was greatly liked and had few if any enemies among his people. And then it came to him. An idea so brilliant and glorious he surged with arousal. He could still have his prize. He could slay his guardians and steal Glorfindel away to a cabin he knew of only two day's ride from here. None would suspect it and he could fulfill all his past and future desires at a moment's notice. Yes. That was just what to do and he entertained in his mind all that he would do with Glorfindel once he was recovered enough as he strapped on a dagger and half length sword. He would steal him tonight.

0o0o0o0

Erestor sighed heavily in the darkness. He'd extinguished the candles and lamps of the room long ago relying on moonlight hoping the darkness would aid Glorfindel's rest. He had only partially woken since his first and even then it was half conscious at best and always confused and disoriented. He was each time plagued with a fear that his attacker was coming for him again, or perhaps that he was still in the midst of the first attack, but could not identify who was attacking. He nibbled on some sharp cheese feeling a midnight hunger and observed his friend in the quiet. It pained him to see the warrior so fearful and so badly hurting. Haldir and Elrond had taken up sleep in the spare bedrooms deeming it best that one remain in the room with Glorfindel to monitor his condition and in case he woke while two remained as reinforcements in case of attack alternating who remained awake. They did not expect a second attack so soon after the first, only three days past, but they were unwilling to risk it. In attempt to distract himself from his friend's pain he contemplated some chores he could do in the morn for the house. He prided himself in his home's maintenance and kept the hinges regularly greased and repaired any flooring that creaked. This became his downfall. He did not hear as the intrude entered or crept toward him.

The attack was swift and silent the blade whipping at him powerfully striking him with the flat of it to the side of his head. He gave a faint shout of pain stars sparkling in his vision as he fell to the floor the chair overturning with a thud. Lights flared to life from other parts of the house and the intruder rushed to Glorfindel shaking his shoulders to rouse him. He moaned eyes fluttering open without being able to focus. He didn't know what was going on. Everything was dark and blurred but he could see the shadows of light too. There was someone by him pulling him upright not quite gently.

"Come we must go 'Findel" the voice whispered harshly. It was a familiar nickname that only his closest of friend yet he didn't trust it. Something was wrong.

"Tired….sleep…" he mumbled trying to lay back down. The speaker jerked him to his feet sharply and he cried out in pain legs buckling under him.

"Get up! You must come with me" the hiss was angry and hot against his ear as he felt himself hefted his arm over the other's shoulder. Light flared all about him strong now burning his eyes.

"Let him go!" through the haze Glorfindel could see the blurred and wavering forms of Haldir and Elrond their swords held ready. They had been unable to rest plagued with thought and so had remained awake and heard the thump of the overturning chair and Erestor's cry.

Before them was the culprit slender sharp face and blonde hair tied tightly braided with Glorfindel pressed against him an arm held over his shoulder, the only thing keeping Glorfindel on his feet. A groan drew their attention to a few feet in front of the attacker where Erestor was struggling to gain his knees but wavered and shook like a drunken human. His arms gave out and he fell back to the floor with a groan. Haldir gritted his teeth edging closer to his fallen comrade.

"Stay away! I'm taking Findel with me! He belongs with me!" he growled a blade flashing to rest over Glorfindel's throat. Haldir paused.

"You will not harm him" Elrond demanded. Glorfindel stared at them all confused eyes glazed unable to track what was going on around him. He was pulled backwards again his legs buckling from the effort being dragged towards the exit. His head lolled forward fading again.

"Don't worry Glorfindel, I will get you home and you can rest" the assailant reassured backing closer to the door. Elrond snarled a shiver crawling up his spine. This young elf intended to take Glorfindel for a second attempt rather than kill him.

"He's not going anywhere with you!" Elrond advanced only to stop as the stranger pressed the knife against Glorfindel's neck drawing a thin line of blood. Haldir and Elrond tensed angrily.

"Don't you touch him!" Elrond charged swinging his sword but the assailant darted away dragging a cry of pain from his captive. He was now closer to the door than before. Nearly there. He had two horses tied and waiting to make their escape. He would have to bind Glorfindel to it to keep him seated for he was too weak to even stay conscious for long. He felt a pang of regret for being so violent towards him but he would be redeemed soon. He could afford to be gentle and tender soon.

"We won't let you go" another groan. Erestor fought to his hands and knees trembling and tried to crawl. He had to warn the others. Everything spun around him his stomach twisting with nausea.

"Erestor" Haldir called afraid at how heavily the wound at his head bled.

"H'ldir?" he tried to move towards the familiar voice but found himself tumbling down again. Everything spun so fast. He shambled towards the voice or so he thought until the booted foot slammed into his gut sending him sprawling away. He rolled into someone's legs and felt himself being pushed behind them dark spots dancing before his eyes.

"Stay there Erestor!" the voice was Haldir's.

"I'm taking him with me and you won't stop me! He's my prize!" he knew that voice too even through the hazy pain in his head.

"Haldis?" he swallowed back the rise of bile. He wished this pain would fade so he could understand what was going on.

"You know him Erestor?" Elrond kept up defense but turning to glance at his fallen friend with Haldir guarding over him. There would be no further answer seeing Erestor insensible again.

"Haldis is it? You won't escape here with Glorfindel. Surrender!" Haldir snarled. They had to end this soon his friend was sagging heavier and he could see the stains of wounds reopened.

"He's mine! I will have what I want of him!" Haldis made for the door once more with Haldir capturing his attention. Haldir circled closer to Haldis whom gripped Glorfindel all the tighter forcing more wounds to reopen. He whimpered at the pain. Elrond took the distraction circling closer to flank him. He had to be careful. Glorfindel was in a terrible position easy to strike by accident.

He lunged finally his opportunity presented with a battle shout. Haldis whipped about in surprise through Glorfindel away from him barely able to parry the blow in time. Haldir lunged into the fray but again the blow was blocked. They kicked and slashed trying to get the upper hand but Haldis was agile and wriggled free of their attacks lurching for the door making a bolt for the horses. He would have to take his prize another day. He could hear hot pursuit behind him as he skidded around the corners. The horses were in sight now. The sound of pursuit was fading as he outdistanced them. He grinned victoriously as he neared the horses. He was free.

The twin shouts of rage startled him so that he tripped. He had never seen them coming as he ran. Not a sign until the moment they charged surrounding him. One with a staff the other bore twin knives. Despite their extreme young age the attack was swift and effective the bite of a blade stabbing deep into his back while the butt of a staff slammed against his temple and all went black.

0o0o0o0

Erestor sighed staring at his herbal tea he was being forced to drink. The danger was over. Haldis had failed to escape when Elladen and Elrohir defied their father and lay waiting to trap the attacker. It was they that had severely wounded and capture Haldis after he'd eluded Haldir and Elrond. He glanced to the bed once more seeing Glorfindel sleeping peacefully only slightly worse for wear. There were new bruises and the cut on his neck which wasn't dangerous though a few wounds had been reopened and required close watching. He sighed again.

"How's the head?" Elrond settled in the puffy chair across from him.

"It's fine" he continued to stare down at the cooling tea. It was a blatant lie. His head pounded so bad that he wanted to be sick and made everything spin around him. Staying in the chair, upright was agony.

"Drink your tea." Elrond ordered. He was not fooled. Erestor tried to obey but at the first sip his stomach lurched and he groaned slumping in the chair. He heard the healer chuckle. There was silence for a while. He sighed again.

"Talk to me Erestor. What ails you?" Erestor scowled.

"Nothing I'm fine"

"Something bothers you so tell me otherwise I'll to use more of my teas to loosen your lips" A look of panic. He knew Elrond would do it.

"The attack was my fault. Glorfindel would not be so hurt if it were not for me" he said.

"How do you come to that conclusion friend" his friend looked pale.

"Haldis knew of Glorfindel because of me. He was orphaned long ago and I was in a sort his sponsor while he searched for a true mentor. It took him a long while to find one and the subject of role models and I mentioned Glorfindel's honor and valor" Elrond smirked and shook his head.

"This is not your fault. You could not have know he would develop such a vile obsession with Glorfindel. What matters is all your efforts to protect him" Erestor sighed.

"My mind believes you but my heart does not despite wanting to it still feels the sting of guilt" he swirled the tea in his mug.

"Give it time, even if you never truly believe it the feeling will fade. Until then why not ease your feelings by watching over him for a while. I'm sure he would enjoy the company" Elrond spied a flash of hope cross his face before the headache took over and he leaned forward groaning.

"That's what I thought, drink the tea I will prepare your bed. You need rest" Erestor didn't have the energy to argue. Everything was spinning and sparkling.

0o0o0o0

He was drifting again. Floating and confused. He let it be for a long time before the layers of haze peeled away. His body ached terribly. There were strange fuzzy images drifting through his mind. Memories of someone attacking him and the sensation of fear before it all blurred again. The faces of friends floated across his mind now. He could feel something warm against his chest and his eyes drifted open. Everything was fuzzy still but he recognized his surroundings. Erestor's home. He could see Erestor at a game of chess with Elrond while Elladen appeared to be doing his study books. He frowned. Elrohir should be here. He winced and shifted as pain spiked through his back bumping against the warmth at his chest again. His gaze drifted downward and he smiled feebly. Elrohir was curled against his chest fast asleep. He wrapped an arm around him pulling him close and turned his gaze back to the others slipping into sleep again. He was wrong earlier. Just because his home was empty at night didn't mean he had no family.