The boys meet the Huntsman, and get some more insight on their situation. Got some humor and some drama/angst for you; I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 82

We helped each other dress, which was a little awkward, but I was certainly not going to ask one of the women to help…although they helped put us into the healing clothes we now wore. I fought off a blush and focused on what we were doing. It was difficult to raise my arm to change shirts due to the ache in my chest, and Elrohir had trouble even twisting his torso due to the uncomfortable pulling of his stitches.

Once we were changed and made ourselves look a little more presentable with the aid of a brush through our somewhat tangled hair, Arrasiel floated into the room. My jaw almost dropped at her appearance, and I had to do a double take as the brush slipped out of my hands and hit the ground with a clatter. Could she read minds? There was no other explanation for what I was seeing. It was as if she had taken an image of Gwin from my brain and made herself look like it. Well, almost. Her green eyes were sparkling mischievously, clearly aware of her own antics. I thought her hair had been blonde when we first met, but wondered if I was mistaken. It was a dark mahogany now, which flowed down to the small of her back. She wore a forest green tunic with light brown leggings, and soft leather boots on her feet.

Elladan elbowed me, and I looked into his stern grey eyes. He was clearly annoyed at my staring. As he should be.

Arrasiel had offered her arm to me, and found I did not know how to politely decline, so I reluctantly took it. I prevented myself from rolling my eyes in exasperation at her lavender scent; how could she know even these finer details?

As we walked, we came across Lavaneth. She eyed her 'sister' and narrowed her eyes slightly before pursing her lips. Clearly, she could tell Arrasiel was trying to make me feel flustered, but I could see her smiling innocently out of the corner of my eye. Lavaneth was composed enough not to roll her eyes, but she did sigh softly before walking with us to our destination.

We did not come across Gwenaewen, but I could see another woman sitting gracefully on a bench, humming something while she sewed a cloak. I heard Elladan gasp a little, and I smirked. She was probably the most beautiful woman either of us had ever seen, but was too ethereal for my taste. Shining silver hair flowed in soft waves down her person, and her light blue dress with delicate silver embroidery hugged her willowy frame. I realized she shone with a bright light around herself, and almost seemed 'more' than the other three.

All of us paused in the middle of the glade and waited for this leader to arrive. Arrasiel released me with a wink, and went with Lavaneth to settle herself on a bench. I looked at Elladan, and noticed he had not taken his eyes off of the mystical women, and nudged him, "Stop ogling," I whispered, and he blinked a few times before blushing to the tips of his ears. It took much willpower not to laugh.

A hush fell over the glade, and I began to feel nervous. I saw the still unnamed woman rise and float across the grass to a spot in front of us, but up a little in elevation. The ground was almost like a dais, but it was subtle.

Suddenly I felt the almost physical presence of magic in the air around me, and a figure made its way through the trees and into the sunlight. My breath caught in my throat and I felt the need to kneel in deference; this person was more than just any leader. Elladan did the same, and we kept our gazes downwards.

The person settled next to the woman, and said "You may rise." His voice was like a rumble of thunder, but not unpleasant. It sounded powerful and wise, and both of us hastened to stand, although it was a little awkward with our injuries.

I took in his appearance and was in awe. He had a crown of branches and the antlers of a stag, and was clothes in various firs and hides. A shining sword hung from a belt on his waist, and he looped an arm through that of the woman by his side. I dimly wondered if Elladan was disappointed by this development.

"Welcome to my hall. I am known as the Huntsman," he rumbled, and although his eyes shone with a brilliant white light, he had a friendly smile on his face.

"You are one of the Maiar of Oromë?" Elladan asked, awe in his voice. I wondered how he knew such a thing.

The Huntsman's smile grew wider. "Indeed, penneth."

"We are honored, hir nin," Elladan breathed, his eyes full of wonder.

The Maia motioned to the woman by his side. "This is my wife, Munfaeril." The woman smiled gently, and it shone like stars.

"Mae Govannen, hiril nin," Elladan said quietly, and I mentally berated myself for my lack of manners. Hopefully they considered Elladan's words to represent both of us.

"Now," The Huntsman continued, sounding more business-like. "Your wounds were grave when Arrasiel found you in the forest. It was almost too late to save you from the cursed poison caused by the weapons by which you were injured."

My eyes widened; I knew it had been a close thing, but it sounded like if we had been discovered only a few minutes later, we would not have lived.

"Can you tell me more about where your injuries occurred, and how? It puzzles me." The Huntsman looked contemplative, as though he was searching his long memory to figure out what could have happened. I was confused; I had spoken of this to Lavaneth. She must have decided to keep it to herself, even from her leader.

I decided I should speak this time, "We traveled to the Forsaken Road, on a mission to aid our chieftain." I wondered how much I should say; he had saved our lives. Did we owe him a full explanation?

"The dwelling of those who are dead," he murmured thoughtfully. "What would bring you to such a place?"

"It was done out of dire need," I continued, and decided to tell all. "We needed to ascertain if we had their allegiance to aid the Heir of Isildur if he called for help in the battles to come, therefore fulfilling their oath."

The Huntsman's eyebrows rose in surprise. "The Heir of Isildur? He yet lives…how interesting."

"We were unsure if they would agree, but our interim leader decided we should at least try to get them to agree to fight for the Heir. There was no intent to battle them, only speak with them." I sighed. "I do not think they ever intended to agree." My eyes hardened in anger. "We went needlessly into their trap, and paid for it with many lives."

"I would not say needlessly," The Huntsman replied. "You did so because of your love for your chieftain. He would not begrudge you for trying, nor blame you for its failure. I believe he would commend you for your efforts. I have of course not met this man, but I sense he is honorable and wise, and someone others would follow to the end."

I nodded, feeling pride swell in my heart over his words. "He is indeed, hir nin," I said with quiet intensity. A wave of grief replaced it as I remembered the dead faces of my kinsmen, frozen in expressions of fear. "Elladan and I were lucky we survived."

Munfaeril narrowed her eyes slightly before walking towards me, her steps soundless on the grass. She placed a hand on my cheek, and it was cool and comforting. "Do not blame yourself for what has happened," she murmured, and her voice was light and airy, like the sound of the wind moving through the trees. "Your bravery is not something to be ashamed of." It was as if she knew what I had done without speaking of it. I was embarrassed to feel tears in my eyes as I recalled the crushing disappointment and fear when it became clear the leader was not fooled by my subterfuge. "She will be proud of you, Candaith."

I realized she spoke of Gwin, which made the tears actually run down my cheeks. "I miss her," I whispered brokenly.

"I know, penneth," Munfaeril replied softly. At this, she gently pulled me into her arms, and I let her embrace me as I quietly cried. I wondered at my lack of embarrassment over this display, but decided to just let myself feel for once.

After a time, she pulled away and kissed my forehead, before turning to Elladan, who looked very young and lost. She grasped his hands tightly in hers, and they had a quiet conversation which I chose to ignore. He deserved privacy to speak of his heart and troubles. She embraced him as well, but I was alarmed when they both sunk to the ground. Elladan was clinging to her like a child and sobbing, and she was rubbing his back soothingly and whispering what were likely words of comfort. I walked away, feeling a little uncomfortable being near such a vulnerable moment.

The Huntsman motioned for me to join him, and I made my way over to stand at his side. I felt a little undeserving to be so close, but he gave me a friendly smile and it put me more at ease.

"Once you have healed, I give you my word we will reunite you with your loved ones," he said firmly.

"When do you think this will be?" I asked hesitantly.

"Soon," was all he answered. "Try not to let your heart be troubled, as difficult as this may seem."

"It is strange; when we were injured, a strange barrier flew up between us and the ones who share our souls. I had assumed they would dissipate when we were healed, yet they are still present." I looked at him hopefully. "Could you remove them? So they know we are alive?"

The Huntsman stood in thought for a while, and I tried not to fidget. Finally, he murmured, "I have attempted to do so, but they remain steadfast, even against me. I wonder if it has something to do with the weapons which caused your injuries." He thought some more, before continuing, "I would know with more certainty if you had brought the weapons with you."

I sighed "We only brought what we could easily carry, and the weapons were ice cold to the touch, like our wounds." I shuddered. "Truly, I had no desire to remove them from that cursed place."

"I surmise that, once you are reunited with those whom you share the bonds with, the barrier will fall away," The Huntsman mused, tapping his chin in thought.

"I fear we may not see them again, in this life," I murmured sadly. It was not something I wanted to consider, but I knew how our possible deaths could cause their own. I tried not to fidget, but my shoulders were tense with anxiety. "How will they survive?"

"They will find their strength," he answered cryptically. "Trust to hope, child of the Dunedain. It is what we must cling to in these times of trial."

I fought the urge to argue and nodded in acceptance. He was a Maia, so perhaps he knew best.

I looked over at Elladan and noted he had quieted and was wiping his tears. He would not look at me as he stood and came closer to the Huntsman and I, clearly feeling embarrassed. I would make a point to reassure him later.

The Huntsman reached out and took Elladan's hand. "It seems like your powers are stronger than you know. If you were able to push back such evil on your own, I commend you and would suggest you further your teachings with someone who is also learned in such things."

Elladan furrowed his brow in thought. "I know of someone who may help." I was pleased at the small smile on his face. "My Adar taught me as a child, but there is much yet to glean from him, I think."

"Who is your father, if I may ask?" The Maia said.

"Elrond Peredhil, hir nin," Elladan answered, pride evident in his voice.

"Ah, I know that name," The Huntsman replied with a curious smile, but did not elaborate. After a beat of silence, he changed the subject. "I would suggest you rest awhile. You will need your strength before you can return to your fellows."

We did not protest; I at least felt fatigue creeping up. Lavaneth took both of our elbows and steered us towards the healing halls once more.

I fell asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow, with the scent of lavender emanating from it.

Well, as kind as the Huntsman was, there are still questions without answers. Hopefully Candaith and Elladan will heal quickly, and that their reunion comes swiftly!

Thanks for stopping by, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!