"The scouts report all seems well ahead." Haldir bowed.
"The scouts report all seems well ahead." Haldir bowed.
"They spotted no signs of orcs or wolves?" Celeborn probed further. Haldir paused.
"The wolves appeared to have veered off to the northwest. Perhaps they seek refuge in the Weatherhills. Given our numbers, it is wise for them to seek safer ground. You wish yet to ride in front?"
"Yes, that is indeed our wish." Galadriel glided forward to stand next to her husband. Haldir bowed.
"Then Rúmil and Orophin will provide your escort. I will organize and disperse the other guards evenly around our company."
"And you will take the rear guard," Celeborn predicted. Haldir nodded, then further asked. "Is there anything else, my Lady?"
"Please inform Mithrandir that we will soon depart. It may be wise to arrange an escort for him and Master Baggins."
"As you wish my Lady." Haldir bowed and walked towards where the wizard had last been seen.
"He was not pleased." Celeborn pulled her closer.
"He should have been more diplomatic last time. Mithrandir might deny himself, but he would never deny Master Baggins." Galadriel's tone did not betray her mirth, but her eyes twinkled. "The Bruinen Gorges are beautiful this time of year." Celeborn laughed and brushed her lips in a gentle kiss. The paths through the gorges had been breathtaking, painted as they were with summer foliage. But the trollshaws might still hold danger. Haldir, though, was fully capable of managing their company.
"Not as beautiful as you, Meleth."
As fast as the elves had set up for lunch, so quickly did the cleanup with many hands working in tandem to make short work of the chores. The fires had been kindled with a minimum number of sticks carefully gathered for their size. They had all burned to ash in the meantime. The smoldering ashes were doused with water to make sure the fire was completely out. Bilbo watched the scene discretely, where he and Gandalf enjoyed their pipes. He was sure that soon someone would disperse the ashes. There would be little signs left behind of the elves stopping here.
"Once they set their minds to things, elves are remarkably hasty." Gandalf smiled as he used a word the Ents favored to describe most other races. Only Pippin and Merry would fully appreciate his line of thought. Bilbo blew a perfect smoke ring, smiling brightly as it rose above Gandalf's head. Gandalf sent smaller ones up that mingled with Bilbo's, forming interlocking rings.
"They will hesitate to disturb or hurry us," Bilbo predicted amiably. "I have yet to meet an elf who does not frown at the sight of my pipe."
"It is a good method to procure a moment's peace and privacy. I will miss the habit in the West."
"Elrond had to intervene so I could pack a supply of pipeweed for the journey. The farmers took offense at having the dried leaves near their supplies."
"Did he indeed?" Gandalf smiled, then took a deep draught from his pipe and slowly exhaled.
"Erestor stored seeds to grow my own supply in the West." Bilbo openly admired the catenated ring, which the wizard conjured.
"That was no hardship. The seeds are the size of a pinprick."
"Mithrandir!" Haldir called, having stopped some fifteen feet from them.
"It is polite to come closer when you wish to speak to someone," Mithrandir instructed calmly while Bilbo valiantly tried not to laugh. They were both keenly aware of the March warden's disgust of their pipes.
"We are breaking camp now. Do you wish to have an escort remain for you?"
"I think we can find our way," Bilbo replied, recognizing the wicked gleam that surfaced momentarily in the wizard's eye. Haldir looked greatly relieved. "How far are we planning yet to travel today?"
"This fair weather makes for fine travel. If it would not tire you too much, little Master, we plan on riding for four hours more." Haldir waited. In truth, Bilbo had already traveled enough for one day, but he hardly felt he could say so.
"My companion and I will set a more leisurely pace," Gandalf stated as he took another puff of his pipe. "You may trust me to keep him safe." Haldir bowed and wished them well. For their part, Bilbo and Gandalf sat watching the elves pack and get ready. The Galadhrim departed first. Indeed, Galadriel and Celeborn both acknowledged the pair as they led their people forward.
"Take care, friends." Celeborn called. His wife held each of them in her gaze, gifting them blessings of goodwill in their minds. They watched as the rest of the Galadhrim passed. Behind them, the Imladhrim were already assembling. Gandalf observed the Lords of Imladris from a distance. Elrohir appeared to be walking towards them but then paused. Even from this distance, Gandalf could sense the foul work of the black breath.
"The Elrond and his sons will need watching over." He commented to himself as he leaned forward to stand up but halted as he spied a familiar figure approaching Elrohir.
Xxxxxxx Across the way xxxxxxxX
A bleak fog covered the field. The battle was over, yet the mist cloying. It clogged the lungs as if it were suffocating those who could still draw breath. Estel was kneeling over someone.
"Halbarad! Grievous are our losses today." Elrohir breathed.
"It should have been you, Peredhel." One of the Dúnedain stood and turned towards him. His sharp sword unsheathed. "You and your brother led us from our homes. So many dead, yet the foul spawn of Thunder remain unscathed." He felt blackness engulf him as the Dúnedain's blade pricked his chest. "I will remedy that."
Elrohir! Come back to me." His Adar's voice was firm and held a power not to be denied. Their songs mingled, dissipating the darkness, and his soul brightened. He stared into silver eyes that were darkened in concern as they both slid down to sit upon the ground. "Elrohir, you said that the black breath no longer plagued you."
"I am fine, Adar." Elrohir shook his head as if he could just as quickly shake away the trembling of his heart. "Just once in a while. The last few weeks have been too busy for meditation."
"Does Elladan also experience such episodes?" The silver eyes were far too perceptive.
"Nay, not as far as I am aware." Elrohir looked away as he admitted. "It would take more than a few battles to unsettle Elladan." Elrond gently stroked his son's cheek.
"Do not belittle yourself, ion-nin. No one remains unscathed or unchanged by such experiences. We must be watchful to protect our friends and loved ones from the aftermath of war. You gave more of yourself to heal others after these momentous battles. How many times did both you and Estel share of your own spirits?" Elrohir felt his jaw drop in surprise at the revelation. "Do not fear for Estel, for he has Arwen to care for him and help him heal. Your spirit is not meant to be cut off from others or to suffer alone."
"Adar?" Elrohir had not discussed the strange music he could recently perceive. Did his Adar suspect?
"Perhaps this awakening of your heritage is no coincidence. It will help you heal. Although I have met few in their true form, the Maiar are tied to each other through their songs. I will teach you to listen for it as much as possible." His voice trailed off wearily, and he amended. "Once we stop for the evening."
"You are far from well, Adar. Do not tax yourself." Elrohir protested. "It can wait for a few days.
"There are few days remaining for me to help." Elrond squeezed his hand in return. "Tonight, we can listen for the music together." Elrohir could feel the slightest tremors through his Adar, who appeared far too pale. As he was assessing his Adar's condition, Cirulian signaled the first of their party to depart.
"We are to be on our way now." Elrohir helped his father up. Glorfindel was leading their horses over.
"Do you carry Athelas in your saddle bag?" His Adar was ever vigilant of others' health and well-being, but his approach to his own health was much more cavalier. "Like Father like son." Elrohir smiled at the irony.
"Yes, Adar." Elrohir had an idea. "I will use it."
"Elrond, you are weary. Please ride with me." Glorfindel drew up, obviously prepared for an argument from the prickly Peredhel. He was surprised when Elrohir chimed in.
"Yes, ride with Glorfindel. Then you can rest and save your strength to guide me tonight." Elrohir reasoned quietly. Elrond gazed from his son to his Seneschal and begrudgingly acquiesced to their will.
"I admit, I am weary." His voice was low. Glorfindel smiled and pulled him up to sit behind him on Asfaloth.
"You are entitled to rest, Mellon-nin."
Xxxxxx Miles ahead xxxxxxxX
"Men will inhabit these lands again. The rivers will carry their goods far down the greyflood to trade." Celeborn saw glimpses of their future settlements as they journeyed through the trollshaws.
"What do you see, Meleth?" Galadriel turned to him in surprise. Since leaving Lothlorien, she could see little of the future. Although she rested much, with each day, what new strength she had seeped away like water flowing down the falls. But her rock, her ever-steady silver tree, was not diminished. He turned to her, and it seemed they were back in Doriath for a moment. His eyes glinted with purpose as her heart twisted with admiration, guilt, and not a little jealousy.
"You hear a call," she realized. Her spirit heard nothing but the relentless pounding of the sea.
"Different than yours. You are summoned West for healing, Meleth." His words were gentle, but still, they hurt. "I would not willingly leave your side, but my duty here is not yet finished. Of that, I have never been more sure." She felt his spirit surge towards her with a strength and love she had never needed more.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
When the path permitted, Cirulian rode alongside Glorfindel. Otherwise, he rode behind them, keeping ever-watchful eyes on their Lord. Elrond was seated behind the golden warrior, his arm wrapped around Glorfindel's waist; however, his head was bent, resting near the warrior's shoulder.
"Your charge is sleeping." Cirulian pulled aside them.
"Celeborn warned us that breaking his connection with the valley would be difficult. But my heart nearly froze during those last moments when he was crossing the Bruinen."
"Should we send word to prepare a tent and healing draughts for him?"
"They are well aware of what will be needed for the next week until his spirit regains some strength."
"What difficulty is Elrohir having?"
"He is coming into his heritage as a descendant of Melian." Glorfindel divulged. Cirulian knew how difficult that had been for Elrond and his brother.
"Now?" His voice rose in volume, betraying his worry. Elrond stirred, mumbling incoherently in his sleep.
"Rest Mellon-nin." Glorfindel soothed and then started to sing. Cirulian had the grace to look embarrassed before joining in the soothing song to Elbereth.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Marchwarden Haldir was in charge of security for this week. Cirulian and Glorfindel would alternate in these duties as their large party approached Bree, perhaps in a week's time. Thus, the Galadhrim traveled first before those from Imladris broke camp, and they chose the new campsite each afternoon. Haldir scanned the vicinity. Orophin was on the far side of the open meadow, currently guarding their Lord and Lady. The cooks were already unpacking near the river, and tents were being erected on the opposite side. Haldir turned to focus on his warriors, newly assembled, assigned the perimeter guards and divided up the night watch. Only once these tasks were complete and the others dismissed did he turn to his brother Rúmil, whom he had asked to remain.
"Please tell me you are not just staying only because of me," Haldir asked pointedly. His brother stood silent, obviously contemplating his next words.
"I have often overheard you and Orophin talking to others about their reasons for sailing. Forgive me, brother; I have promised to stay with Lord Celeborn, but I did not mean to speak for you."
"It is interesting to hear how others came to this decision. Everyone, except for our Lady, has been born in these lands. This is our home. So to give it up for something totally unknown," Rúmil paused before adding. "No matter what rumors and legends say, it is for us an unknown. To give up our home is far from easy."
"Yet our home is already gone, already fading. We will have to make a new home in any case." Haldir reasoned. "Change is unavoidable."
"There is no one waiting for us in the West. When we go, we would like to travel together on this new adventure. At least, I hope you will want to go someday. Orophin and I want to go when you are ready. You do mean to share that adventure with us?" Rúmil suddenly sounded far younger than his millennium. Haldir had cared for and helped raise his brothers after their parents had died at the hands of orcs. It was little wonder that the three brothers dedicated their lives to keeping people safe.
"Yes, we will go together when the time is right," Haldir promised.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Elrond, wake up mellon-nin. We draw close to our night's camp." Glorfindel gently jostled the Peredhel, who leaned sleepily against him. He was mindful that their Lord would not want others to know how weary he was. Cirulian helped steady him as he dismounted. Celthúl whinnied a greeting and moved to nuzzle his master. Elrond laughed and stroked his mane affectionately.
"How are you feeling, Adar?" Elrohir maneuvered his steed closer. Behind them, Erestor and Gwidian were catching up. About a third of the party from Imladris was still following.
"Still weary but much better than earlier." His Adar smiled wryly at Elrohir's obvious concern. "Riding Celthúl a few miles to our camp is no problem." The stallion swished his tail in agreement as Elrond mounted.
"Do not worry, Elrohir. I am sure that your Daernaneth will make sure they save you some dinner." Glorfindel teased. "I will not tell Cook you prefer the Galadhrim's cooking."
"Is that a threat? If so, I may order you to sail." Elrohir returned. "My meals in Imladris would quickly deteriorate should Carfaron take offense." Imladris' cook had decided to stay on, at least for the foreseeable future. The eccentric elf was convinced that no Edain could adequately care for the Elrond's sons.
"I am bound to serve." Glorfindel mocked as he urged Asfaloth forward. "Besides, I am yet too young to sail west, unlike your Adar."
"You are older than I am no matter how you count." Elrond shook his head as his son laughed. It was a standing joke among them. When they were small, the twins had been convinced that the spry, bright Vanya was much closer to their age versus their old responsibility-laden father's age. They traveled the last two miles, exchanging jests and jokes. The rich aroma of an evening stew beaconed them forward.
"I do believe Bilbo will be pleased," Elrohir commented as his own stomach growled greedily. Haldir waved their group to the far side of the meadow.
"Lady Galadriel has your tent already pitched, Lord Elrond." Elrond thanked him as he and Elrohir dismounted. Celthúl was already sniffing Elrond's tunic for a treat and happily accepted the offered carrot. Cirulian came forward to care for their steeds.
"Rest well, my Lord." He bowed and led the horses away. Haldir greeted the long line of travelers and directed each to appropriate spots around the meadow. Horses were led over to a grassy area, brushed down, and fed. The last to arrive this day was a small hobbit on a grey pony.
"Where is Gandalf?" Haldir approached the Hobbit. The scouts caused quite a stir when they reported seeing the hobbit traveling alone. Haldir set right out on his steed to escort him.
"He left," Bilbo frowned, then continued, "a half hour or so ago. But fear not. I am capable of defending myself." He motioned to his side, which held an elven short sword. He gifted his famous sword, 'Sting,' years ago to Frodo.
"Does he intend to return?" Haldir pressed him.
"A wizard arrives exactly when he means to," Bilbo responded automatically, obviously having heard the response many times from Gandalf himself. Haldir laughed.
"Far be it from us to delve into the mighty plans of wizards!" Haldir exclaimed. "Come, Master Hobbit, I do believe you will enjoy dinner. Our cook has grilled some succulent mushrooms just for you, and there is a fine stew as well."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Elrohir helped his Adar get settled in the tent. Silsi brought a healing draught, a mixture of milkweed and oleander extracts that effectively controlled the chest pains and heart arrhythmia that had plagued Elrond since Sauron's defeat.
"Are you sure you do not want to eat something, Adar?" Elrohir asked in concern.
"Do not worry, ion-nin. I ate a big meal at midday." Elrond yawned. "Enjoy the evening."
"I will." Elrohir laughed and strolled out to where others were gathering for dinner. Lindir had already collected a handful of musicians. Friends waved Elrohir over. Areder had turned from the life of a warrior to train as a healer. He was younger than Elrohir but was sailing West with sweetheart Liniel. They had recently plighted their troth.
"To new adventures!" Areder toasted. Those gathered raised their glass to cheer.
"I wonder what it will be like there?" Liniel swirled the wine in her cup.
"We will have to see for ourselves. Less than a handful of elves here have ever seen those shores." Erestor approached and sat down beside Elrohir, for he meant to ask after Elrond's health.
"Surely, you must have seen those lands!" Elrohir teased. His tone implied Erestor's great age.
"Nay, I was born in these lands as you well know. I hope we receive a warm welcome and see at least a few familiar faces."
"Who will you be looking for?" Elrohir asked with genuine interest.
"Many friends and loved ones have long since passed to Mandos' Hall. I hope that they are alive and well and are enjoying life on the western shores. But Niphredriel, my Naneth, sailed some time ago. I do not think you met her during your first visit to Mithlond." Elrohir shook his head. He had not had the pleasure of meeting the ancient councilor's Mother.
"Do you think that Adar's parents will be there to welcome him?"
"I hope so. It is a shame that Glorfindel is not traveling with us, for he could introduce them."
"Adar does not remember them?" Elrohir had fond memories of Elrond describing the stars for them and pointing out Earendil's bright light.
"Your Adar was very young when Sirion fell. I do not believe that he has clear memories of them. I have known him a long time, and never once have I heard him talk about them."
"He was ever vigilant about us and our safety. It is strange to imagine him as a young orphan." Elrohir said sincerely. "What do my long-lost grandparents look like?"
"Elwing was just a small child when I met her. So there is little chance that I would recognize her now." Erestor paused. His mind drew up the picture of the fay child with huge silver eyes on the beaches of Sirion. Her haunting words had scared him that day. So young had he been then. "She shares the same silver eyes as you and has hair as dark as Arwen's.
"Mistress Silsilalda," Areder turned to his mentor. "Are you also looking for family long departed?"
"Nay, she extended her hand to her children and their spouses. We are going to find a new purpose and new lives."
"Surely, there must be new lands to explore in peace and harmony." Her husband added.
"Will there be honey cakes? Maybe growing on trees?" Their granddaughter wished as she clamored up on her grandfather's lap. Elrohir laughed at the young Elleth.
"Now that sounds like a land worth visiting."
Xxxxxxx Dawn several days later xxxxxxxxX
Elrohir yawned and stretched. His head ached, making him momentarily regret having stayed up so late. But so many friends were sailing, and so little time was left to enjoy their company. Soon, his Adar would be sailing to healing and safety in the West. He sent a a silent prayer to Elbereth to keep his father safe and to help him through the long journey. Over the last few days, his Adar slowly regained some strength. Yesterday, he had ridden Celthúl for the entire trip, though he had needed to seek his rest early in the evening. Still, it was an improvement.
"Good morning, Adar." He called as he rubbed his eyes. The headache would dissipate quickly after a bit of willow bark tea. "Adar?" He sat up, looking over to where his father's bedroll lay disheveled on the opposite side of the small tent. He scanned the tent, noting that his Adar's sword was no longer propped by the entrance. "Curious," he thought as he rose and gathered his clothes. He pulled on his tunic and brushed his hair. Like many others, he had bathed in the Hoarwell yesterday, thoroughly enjoying the river's cool temperatures after a long ride in the summer heat. They were camped near the last bridge after traveling four days from Imladris. He packed his bedroll and other supplies and then went in search of food.
"Good morning Silsilalda. Have you seen Adar?" He approached the healer, who was finishing breakfast with her family. Her granddaughter was sitting next to her. The elfling rose to greet Elrohir, her head barely reaching his waist.
"Mae govannen," she greeted with outstretched arms. He bent and lifted her high in the air, rejoicing in her cries of delight. Then, he carefully placed her back beside her Grandmother.
"No, I have not yet seen him. I was going to brew the healing draught for him once I finished breakfast. Have you checked with Erestor or with your Grandparents?"
"I will go see Erestor next." Elrohir agreed, and he accepted a breakfast plate from the Galadhrim cook. "It looks delicious." He praised as his stomach rumbled at the smell of the omelet. He scanned the area but did not see his father. So he went over to where Erestor, Gwidian, Lindir, Cirulian, and Glorfindel sat with a group of Galadhrim.
"I enjoyed your playing yesterday. You outdid yourself, Lindir. You must be tired after playing so late." Elrohir praised as he sat down next to them.
"You jest. I went to sleep early yesterday. It always takes me a week to get used to riding all day."
"Elrohir, it is early for you after a very late night. Perhaps you are not fully awake," Glorfindel teased. Elrohir shook his head and took a bite of egg.
"No, I enjoyed the harp last night but did not see the player. I just assumed it was you." Elrohir had another bite and then added. "This morning has already proved very confusing. First, Adar appears to be missing. Then there is a phantom harpist."
"Your Adar has not been here." Erestor also scanned their surroundings. Cirulian abruptly rose and left to investigate.
"He did not decide to help with the watch, did he? Because he took his sword." Elrohir told them. Glorfindel and Erestor exchanged confused looks. Glorfindel closed his eyes to focus on his bond with Elrond. Their long friendship and great trust enable them to sometimes communicate across short distances. Until recently, Vilya had further enabled this ability.
"I can only tell that he is fine, but he is too engrossed in whatever he is doing to hear my call." Glorfindel turned to Elrohir. "Can you sense how far away he is?" As children, they finely tuned their ability to detect their parents' approach in an effort to further their mischief. As adults such abilities were quite useful. Elrohir first swallowed his bite and then closed his eyes to focus on his family bond. It was many long moments before he slowly announced. "He is not nearby – not in the camp, at least. Just how far away he is, I can not tell."
"Why would he leave the camp?" Erestor was on his feet instantly. Like Glorfindel, his thoughts were focused on finding Elrond. They had both sworn to stand by him until he sailed. Indeed, when they were very young, Erestor had searched unceasingly for Elrond in an orc-infested forest. Elrohir quickly finished his meal, and Lindir offered to take the plate. Celeborn and Cirulian were striding towards them.
"Celthúl is gone too," Cirulian reported.
"The watch did not see anyone come or go other than the scouts," Celeborn said. "He can not have gone far. Let us get our horses and go speak with Haldir."
"A wise course of action," agreed Glorfindel, who was already striding away. They quickly summoned their horses and converged on Haldir, who was on the far side of the camp coordinating the watch and security.
"Haldir, have the scouts reported anything unusual?" Glorfindel was leading Asfaloth forward. Erestor, Elrohir, Cirulian and Celeborn were just a little behind with their own steeds. Haldir blinked in surprise at the illustrious group.
"The guards reported seeing two strangers behind us. But they were heading back towards the gorges."
"Did they provide any description?" Glorfindel inquired.
"One was dressed in Mannish garb with short hair. The other was an elf." Glorfindel started at that information. He turned to Celeborn. "Do you think it is him?"
"It must be." Celeborn turned to Haldir.
"Who?" Haldir asked in confusion.
"Haldir, who was the scout?" Celeborn ignored his question.
"Who are you looking for?" Haldir repeated.
"Lord Elrond." Erestor supplied as he mounted his steed.
"But none saw him leave our camp." Haldir argued.
"Which scout?" Celeborn repeated.
"His horse is gone, too." Erestor clarified.
"Limon reported it. He and Tidurion were scouting behind us." Haldir called to the elves, who were currently enjoying breakfast. The Galadhrim warriors quickly came over to describe where he had seen the strangers.
"Could it have been Lord Elrond?" Haldir asked pointedly.
"Lord Elrond?" The elf stuttered in shock. "The elf had dark hair. Yes, it might be. I did not think anyone left our camp."
"We will find him." Glorfindel bade Asfaloth forward.