This is the last one-shot for this story. Even though the subtitle has changed, it's still the same third one-shot.

I had to do some digging on Halbarad's age. His age isn't mentioned in the books, but I looked on the Lord of the Rings Wiki for more information. He's twenty-four in this one-shot.

~o~

One-Shot:

Halbarad's Plight

The wilds of Rhovanion were fraught with danger. In spite of this, Elladan and Elrohir traveled on swift feet. Elrohir always looked out for Elladan, whenever they made haste. Today was one such day. They ran with grace and valor, but this was not a time for idle chatter.

Eventually, they took rest by a grey boulder. Elrohir questioned his brother. "The orcs we already found in the wilds are many. Know that we served our house and our father well."

"It is not the end, brother." Elladan said, his words reassuring. "Eärendil will grant us strength, for when the time is ripe."

A twig snapped. Elrohir ducked, being careful to unsheathe his sword. The blade made a light ring against the leather. The sound of boots, crunching against the grassy earth and stone, drew nearer. The Enemy was close! Elrohir could feel his presence. He nodded to his brother, giving him the signal to nock his bow. Elladan cocked his head, informing his twin he was ready to fire.

"Now!" Elrohir whispered, moving away from the rock and holding his ground.

Elladan flew after his brother, halting when they stood side by side. His bow was drawn. Standing before the twin brothers was a cloaked figure. The deep browns and greens from his tunic, shirt, trousers and cloak told the elven twin brothers that this was a Ranger.

The Ranger cried out, his sword also drawn. "Stay your weapons! I am on your side, brothers-in-arms!"

"If you are on our side, why hide beneath a hood? Speak your name!" Elrohir said, alert.

Elladan added, unable to control himself, "We won't hurt you, but we will, if you work for the Enemy." He kept a firm grasp on the arrow. He was too skilled a bowman not to miss so easily.

A hand pulled the hood back, revealing a Dúnedain Ranger with dark hair, grey eyes and a face that had seen countless battles. Elladan and Elrohir knew this Ranger. Elladan lowered his bow in sheer relief, while Elrohir approached the Ranger.

"Halbarad!" Elrohir cried out, welcoming the Ranger. "We thought you were a ghost or something of that ilk."

"What brings you this far east?" Elladan asked, approaching their friend.

"Forgive me, my lords." Halbarad said, hastily. "We must go to safer ground, or risk drawing attention."

Elrohir nodded. "Yes. Lead the way."

Halbarad did. The three hunters moved silently, hoping no Orc would find them. They came to a small camp in a shady area, under a patch of trees. It was mid-day. The land was too still. The Orcs were hiding, or so Elladan guessed as he sat next to Elrohir and Halbarad by the fire.

Halbarad had been successful in his hunt, trapping a few lone coneys wandering close to the camp. He skinned the rabbits and placed them over the fire to cook. He was helped in this task by Elladan and Elrohir, who gladly enjoyed their fresh, hot meal afterwards.

"What news have you learned? How many orcs are in Rhovanion?" Elrohir asked with concern in his eyes.

Halbarad explained, shakily, "The orcs travel in packs. Some were seen wandering near Dol Guldur. Others have camps outside Mirkwood. The Shadow grows longer, its arm reaching the elven lands. The roads are becoming more dangerous by the day. It'll be a struggle returning to Eriador."

"Then we must make haste. How goes protecting the Shire's borders?" Elladan asked.

"It goes well." Halbarad nodded. "The hobbits are safe from this coming threat."

"Then we will return to Eriador." Elrohir said. "Our father who sent us here. Elladan and I chose to find you, to see how you were doing."

"I'm doing well. I sent word to Lord Elrond, hoping you and your brother would receive my summons. There's a battalion of orcs headed for Dol Guldur." Halbarad explained. "It is urgent that we prevent these orcs from reaching their destination on time."

"We will accompany you on this road. How many Dúnedain are in Rhovanion?" Elladan asked.

"We are scattered, stretching across Middle-earth like flies in the wind." Halbarad said. "I know we can face this evil." He added, "I must reach Eregion and see that my kin are safe."

"We took care of an orc camp that imprisoned your kin." Elrohir said. "They are safe."

"Thank you, my lords. I will return to the borders of the Shire, once we have finished these coneys." Halbarad said, sinking his teeth into the fresh meat.

Elladan chuckled. "They will not go to waste."

When the fire was almost spent, Halbarad stamped it out with his boot. Elrohir assisted him with this task. Once the fire had gone out, the three travelers set out, determined to reach their destination before the Shadow grew longer.

~o~

Halbarad, Elladan, and Elrohir found the battalion of orcs, discovering this battalion was much larger than they thought. There were fifty orcs heading to Dol Guldur. Elrohir slapped a hand on Halbarad's chest, stopping the Man before he could attack the orcs.

"We cannot fight them." Elrohir said, tensely, "There are too many."

"Even if we could fight, we wouldn't last. Their numbers are too great." Elladan said, watching the orcs make their way to Dol Guldur. Rage boiled inside him. Thoughts of his mother being killed by Orcs were hard to grasp. He had to hold out against his own impulse. This was not the time to be idiotic. "We would be dead long before we could slay them."

"This mission has been for naught!" Halbarad whispered, his heart filled with sorrow.

"All is not lost, Halbarad." Elrohir said, encouraging his ally and friend. "We'll get another chance. Come. Let's leave this place and go."

The three hunters left unscathed. While the orcs did not see them, a few suspected there were other pairs of eyes watching them. These orcs left the matter alone, returning to their march. The Ranger and the twin elven princes continued their journey west, keeping an eye out for further danger.

~o~

Halbarad, Elladan, and Elrohir parted at the road between Eregion and the Trollshaws. The Ranger knew now where his road would take him. The Shire must be protected at all costs.

"My brother and I could accompany you to the borders of the Shire!" Elladan insisted.

"No! From here, I must go on alone." Halbarad said, calmly.

Elrohir clasped a hand on Halbarad's arm. "Safe travels, my friend."

"May your days be filled with peace, Elrohir." Halbarad said, releasing his grip on Elrohir's arm. He turned to Elladan now, informing him, "Elladan, I hope Estel learns much from you and your brother."

"Indeed, if he does not get himself into trouble." Elladan said, a mischievous grin on his face. "Farewell!"

"We'll meet again!" Halbarad said, bowing his head.

Elladan and Elrohir also bowed their heads. They watched Halbarad until the Ranger was out of sight. The moment they were alone, Elrohir led his brother back to the Valley of Imladris. Their father was surprised to see them.

The End.

~o~

Thanks for reading. :)