To Rescue An Elf 12

To Rescue An Elf

Part 12

Posted: January 18, 2008
Title: To Rescue an Elf
Author: Inwë Sáralondë

Summary: The twins arrive at Lothlórien to hear disturbing news.

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Elladan and Elrohir arrived at the borders of Lothlórien, only to be approached by a party of four elves on horseback, led by Haldir. Reining in their horses, they looked with some dismay at Haldir’s stern visage. There was both fury and fear in the Marchwarden’s eyes, and the twins sensed there was something seriously wrong.

“Mae govannen, Haldir o’Lórien,” Elladan said cautiously.

Haldir gave a ghost of a smile. “Mae govannen, Elladan Elrondion,” he said, though his voice was flat.

The twins looked at each other, and then turned back to Haldir. “What has happened?” Elrohir asked quietly.

Haldir stared silently at the twins, the stern mask falling away to reveal a face full of pain. “Lothvaen has…disappeared,” the Marchwarden whispered, and the twins stared at him askance.

“Disappeared? How?” the twins asked in unison.

“Lothvaen was with us when we visited the nearby human settlement to finalise a trade agreement.” It was Rúmil who spoke, and the twins turned their attention to him. “He slipped out from the inn while we were having our evening repast…” Here Rúmil stopped and glanced at his brother. “We believe Lothvaen has been taken by slave traders,” he finished quietly.

Both Elladan and Elrohir looked at him. “Are you certain?” Elrohir finally asked.

“We searched the settlement and asked everyone we could see, but there was no sign of him,” Rúmil responded.

“He may not necessarily have been taken,” Elladan said.

“As improbable as it may sound, it seems to be the only conclusion,” Rúmil replied. “The slavers have grown bolder of late. With Lothvaen being on his own, he would have been easy prey.”

“But surely someone would have seen *something* if he had been taken outside the inn,” Elladan argued.

“We think he had been in the stables to see his horse and was taken there. The stables were the first place we checked, and his horse seemed spooked by something,” Rúmil said.

“Would slavers actually dare to take an elf?” Elrohir asked.

“They would if the elf were unarmed and had no visible means of protecting themselves,” Elladan said grimly. “Do not forget that Lothvaen was a scribe, not a warrior. He would not have recognised danger for what it was. And if he had been on his own, away from the sight of others…” Elladan shook his head. “The slavers will take the risk, especially if they know it will give them a profitable outcome.”

“If only I had kept a closer watch on him…” Rúmil began.

“Enough,” Haldir cut in. “I have already told you I do not hold you to blame.” Rúmil flushed slightly.

The twins looked at each other once more. “We will join you in your search,” Elrohir said. “As you may be aware, for a time Lothvaen and I were…together,” he continued, sparing a glance at Haldir. “But, either way, it would be remiss on both Elladan’s and my part if we did not help you.”

“Hannon le,” Haldir said. “Your help would be more than appreciated, as we can spare few as it is.”

“You know where the slave traders will be headed,” Elrohir said. It was a statement rather than a question.

“Aye,” the Marchwarden said quietly. “To the lands of the Haradrim.”

“Then we must make all haste; the slavers will have the advantage of having nearly two days’ head start on us,” Rúmil argued. “We can not afford to linger.”

“Your brother speaks true,” Elladan said. “And our cause is not helped by the fact that we have no idea which route they will take, which means we will have a lot of territory to cover.”

Haldir’s gaze widened slightly at Elladan’s words, and his concern for Lothvaen increased. There was no knowing how many slavers there were; if they were a large enough group with possibly other unfortunates that had been captured, then the elves would stand more of a chance of finding them. But if they were only a small group, then luck would be on the slavers’ side, for they could cover their tracks more easily. Haldir closed his eyes for a brief moment and then reopened them.

“We must find him,” he said, steel in his voice. “There is one thing in our favour: my connection, slight as it is, to Lothvaen. I will be able to sense him if he is close.”

The twins nodded grimly. Woe betide the slavers should any harm come to Lothvaen.

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Elvish translations:

hannon le – thank you
Mae govannen – Well met

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