Disclaimer: None of Tolkien's characters nor the world of Middle Earth are mine and I do not aim to make any money from this story. I merely borrow the toys and play in the sandbox.

Rating: PG-13 (T)

A/N: Many, many thanks to the wonderful people who left reviews and thanks to those of you who favourited or followed this story. It's nice to know that some of you are interested in seeing where the story goes :)
This new chapter hopefully gives a bit more explanations and a first glimpse of the rescue party. I hope you'll like it, and would love to hear from you!

-o0o-

Gravity

Chapter 1

The candles on the shelves by the wall burned brightly, bathing the room in a yellow light that supplemented the weak rays of daylight as they flittered in through the high window. The room was deep within the heart of the last Homely House, a room to assign patrols and discuss the valley's defences - for although Rivendell had been founded as a haven, it had been built during the war. And it could not hope to offer protection if it wasn't able to defend itself.

Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrond were standing around a map of the Hidden Valley, trying to monitor the advancement of the orc groups that the twins had spotted outside the borders of Rivendell a few hours ago. They would need to decide on the best deployment and dispersion of border patrols, making sure that their guards stayed safe even if faced with the enemy.

"I suggest we reinforce the patrol at the south-western border", Glorfindel was saying, his hand resting on the map where the patrol outpost would be.

"I agree" Elladan was saying "That is closest to where Elrohir and I –"

The older twin broke off abruptly as all colour drained from his face. He reached a hand up to his chest where an intense pain suddenly sparked to life. As soon as it had come it faded to a dull throb.

"Elladan?" his father looked at him in concern. "What it is, son?"

'Elladan', it was less than a whisper carried on the wind, but Elladan knew he'd heard it, could feel the pain and despair in the one word.

Elrohir was in danger!

The older twin straightened, and resolutely placed a finger on the map, pointing to an area not far from the banks of the Bruinen. The place he knew his brother and Legolas had been heading to when they left Rivendell earlier.

He looked up at Glorfindel, no sign of pain or hesitation in his gaze now. "We will need at least five guards, to ride out as soon as possible."

He then turned to his father. "Adar, I think it best if you came, too." His gaze was grim as he took a deep breath and said out loud what the two older elves already dreaded to hear.

"It is Elrohir. Something happened, something bad."

-o0o-

Earlier that day

The morning dawned bright and clear. After the heavy storms of the last few days it made for a welcome change and promised a sunny day.

Legolas stretched his tired arms and rose. It had been a long day in the infirmary yesterday and he dearly hoped that today would not be spend preparing as many poultices and potions.

His father had sent him to Rivendell to receive additional training in healing. The healers in Greenwood were good but nobody in Middle Earth could hope to compare to the Lord of Imladris, and Thranduil was glad for the chance to have Legolas learn the most essential healing skills in the Hidden Valley. The knowledge might one day mean the difference between life and death, especially once Legolas would start riding out on patrols in the ever darkening forest.

Legolas had arrived less than a fortnight ago and had spent most of his days in the infirmary, helping to prepare different salves and healing supplies. The knowledge, Elrond argued, would teach him both the correct plants used in healing as well as the use of the finished poultices.

Legolas knew that he was right, already he could name the ingredients in a fire balm or recite the uses and dangers of evergreen. But his arms ached with the force he needed to use to grind the plants, roots and leaves into a fine paste and his fingers itched for more practical lessons. Or maybe just the need for fresh air.

He missed the trees of his home that would greet him in the mornings with soft songs of sunlight and hope. Here the trees were carefree and welcoming as well, but they did not have the same feel to them as the ones from his home. These trees did not talk to him, or accept them as one of their own.

Not yet.

A small smile rushed over Legolas' face as he decided what he would do this morning. There was still time before the morning meal and he would not be spending it indoors preparing for his lessons.

With his mind made up he rushed to get into his leggings and tunic and was out of the door in the blink of an eye, blond hair streaming behind him as he bounded through the corridors. He rushed past one of the twins in the corridor, barely stopping for a greeting and not even slowing down enough to find out which of the two sons of Elrond it had been.

Elladan just looked after him, a smile on his lips. He knew exactly were the young wood elf was off to.

A few more leaps down the large stairs in the main hall of the Last Homely House and Legolas was out the door. He rushed over the lush green grass and straight towards the old stately oak that grew at the corner of the yard. It would make a good starting point.

Nimble as the woodelf he was, he climbed the tree and nestled into the gentle embrace of its branches. Singing softly to the oak he set out to make a new acquaintance.

From above at the window Elladan smiled at the display. He had returned to the comfortable study that joined his room to that of his twin and was now gazing out the window just as Elrohir entered the room as well.

He turned to Elrohir who was gazing at him questioningly. "I think we need to find the elfling something to do."

Elrohir joined his twin at the window, understanding dawning on his face as his gaze fell on Legolas, nestled in the trees. They had both noticed the increased tension in the younger elf, his building desperation to be outside of the confines of the healing wing. He nodded, "I think you are right. Though he would not thank you for calling him 'elfling'."

Elladan merely grinned. His twin was right of course, Legolas had officially already reached his majority and was no longer the small elfling who had charmed them when they had last visited the Greenwood. But old habits die hard and Elladan enjoyed riling the young ellon with his well-meaning banter.

The mood shifted as Elrohir turned his twin's attention away from the window. "We should talk to Adar."

Elladan nodded grimly. The sight of Legolas running outside with such obvious joy had distracted him from the report he and Elrohir had been supposed to deliver. But now was not the time to be distracted.

Danger approached Rivendell.

-o0o-

The night before

The ground was wet under their feet, drenched with the rain of the last days, turning stones dangerously slick and earth to mud.

It made their approach more difficult.

The ground squished softly under their light elven steps, not the squelching noise that the heavy metal-clad shoes of the orcs were making, but nevertheless it increased the risk of being discovered. The still falling rain would probably hide all sound, and if not, the noise caused by their quarry, the orcs themselves, certainly should, but it always paid to be careful.

They had been tracking this group of orcs for the better part of the night, coming across their trail early last evening. The overhung sky had clearly allowed the foul beasts to set forth on their journey well before sunset. In the softened ground the prints left behind were deep and raw, like small wounds in the earth that were filling with rainwater as if it were tears.

Now they were finally close enough to assess the real size of the band. The steps left behind, the wild disarray and the damage done to flora and fauna in the wake of the orcs had already told them it would be a big group. What they saw, however, was worse than they'd expected.

As Ithil sank closer toward the horizon, its silver rays glistened off the dirty, ragged edges of countless scimitars and crude spears. Elladan and Elrohir felt their hearts sink. There was easily three scores of the foul beasts on the fields. They were setting up camp, some scurrying off into the nearby undergrowth to collect firewood while others plopped down on the muddy ground, ignoring the cold soggy state of the campsite in favour of resting weary feet.

At least it meant they wouldn't be making any more progress this night, though if the weather remained in their favour they could well set out again in the early morning tomorrow. And their path would lead them straight towards Rivendell's borders.

Silent as wraiths the twins moved back from the glade that held the dark beings. It was too risky staying close, especially with orcs splitting up from the main group to establish a perimeter and collect game and firewood.

Elrohir winced at the thought of the destruction the orcs were sure to cause the land.

"We will have to report this to Glorfindel immediately." Elladan said and Elrohir found himself nodding. They would have no time to lose. While it was unlikely that the orcs could find an entrance to the Hidden Valley, a group this big would cause serious trouble to any border patrol, or any human settlement in their path.

They returned to their horses which they had left a safe distance away, hidden in the depth of the forest, and hastened back to Rivendell. By the time they reached the stone courtyard in front of the Last Homely House the night was almost spent. Thin fingers of light turned the horizon below the heavy layer of clouds a dusty pink and heralded the arrival of Arnor.

They left their horses in the capable care of the stable hands, who were surprised to see them back so early from their reconnaissance.

The twins continued towards the house, taking the front steps two at a time in their haste to relay their information. Behind the large double doors they came to a stop as they came face to face with Glorfindel. The seneschal of their father had always been an early riser, preferring to organize patrol assignments and training schedules before he started the training of the younger recruits.

Glorfindel looked at them. Despite the mud that clung to their rain-drenched clothes and the dimness of the early morning hours he had no trouble to see the urgency that underlay their sudden appearance. There was a reason the twins had ridden through the night to get here and had braved the horrid weather outside.

He looked at them expectantly, waiting for either to speak.

"Glorfindel", Elladan said, "we have discovered a band of orcs, heading straight for Imladris."

Glorfindel's face was grim at the news, "Orcs? How many?"

"At least sixty, possibly more."

Already running through the necessary precautions and arrangements they would have to make, Glorfindel asked one more question. "How far away?"

It was Elrohir who answered this time, seamlessly taking over from his brother. "At least a day's march. When we left them nigh three hours ago they were setting up camp. I do not think they have moved further this night."

Glorfindel nodded. He thought about it quickly, then, giving the twins and their appearance another glance he came to a decision. "Find yourselves some dry clothes and breakfast. I will awaken your father and we will meet you in the Hall of Maps." With that he dismissed the twin sons of Elrond and turned down the corridor.

The twins, too, turned and did as he had asked them to.

-o0o-

"Ion nin", Elrond reached out to place a hand on his first-born son's shoulder and halted him in his tracks. "Is there anything you can tell me? Anything specific?"

Elladan averted his gaze and shook his head slightly. "All I know is that he was in considerable pain. He tried to keep most of it from me but his control slipped. And now", he looked up then and Elrond's heart nearly broke at the look of utter despair in Elladan's eyes. "Now, I cannot feel him anymore." It was only a whisper, the words too dreadful to be spoken out loud, but they ripped through the tranquillity of the halls like a hurricane regardless.

Elrond's eyes hardened with determination. "Let us make haste."

Together father and son left the building, both now dressed in functional garb for a ride through the wild. Elladan clutching his sword, while Elrond held onto his healing supplies as if for dear life. He only hoped that he would get to use them - that they wouldn't arrive too late. The thought of Legolas, also out there and doubtlessly close to whatever danger Elrohir had found, flickered through his mind and he prayed to Illuvatar that the young woodelf would be alright.

At least, thanks to the bond the twins shared, they would be able to act quickly, hopefully quick enough to prevent any further harm to his son and the heir of Greenwood.

Glorfindel was already waiting for them. He had called six of the warriors guarding the Last Homely House and they had quickly and efficiently gotten ready to leave. Elladan's and Elrond's horses were already prepared, ready to ride out, and were prancing nervously next to Glorfindel's white steed. They were eager to leave, clearly sensing the restlessness in the air.

The two elves mounted quickly and with softly spoken words of encouragement to their steeds set out on their search.

-o0o-

tbc…