To Rescue An Elf 14

To Rescue An Elf

Part 14

Posted: January 25, 2008
Title: To Rescue an Elf
Author: Inwë Sáralondë

Summary: Haldir and the others have begun their search.

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The search party had long since passed the human settlement from which Lothvaen had been taken, but in the driving rain they were beginning to feel some of the futility in their exercise. Whatever tracks there may have been, however old, had been washed away with the rain, leaving the elves with virtually nothing to go on. But Haldir was determined to press on. He had every faith that the connection that had formed between himself and Lothvaen would be the key in finding his little scribe.

“We really can not continue in this, gwador,” Elladan said, riding up alongside Haldir. “We must find shelter of some sort, not to mention it is growing dark.”

“He is right, tôren,” Rúmil said, coming up the other side. “We do not do ourselves – or our mounts – any favours trying to continue in this. Nor do I believe that whoever has Lothvaen would be continuing either. And if you are not tired, our horses are.”

Haldir lowered his head, his hand gripping the rein a little tighter. He wanted nothing more than to just continue, without a break, until Lothvaen was found. But both Elladan and Rúmil were right, and he brought his horse to a halt. “Agreed,” he said tersely. “There is an abandoned shack not far from here, if memory serves me correctly. If we are lucky, the roof will still be whole and we can use it as our shelter for the night.”

Elladan nodded. “I know of which you speak. Elrohir and I were there only a few months ago, and all was hale. Hopefully there may still be some firewood which we can use to start a fire and dry ourselves out a little. And a hot meal would not go astray either.”

Rúmil stared at Elladan. “A hot meal? With what? Any animals would be wisely sheltering from this rain” he said.

The twins glanced at each other, smiling. “We have some dried meat with us and root vegetables which can be made into a stew,” Elrohir explained. “They are useful in situations such as these, and I am sure we have enough to feed us all.”

“I wonder what they are feeding Lothvaen,” Haldir whispered.

“If it is any consolation, tôren, Lothvaen will be treated well. If they are looking at selling him at the slave markets, they can not afford to have him ill or weak. They will want him looking his best.” Rúmil laid a hand on his brother’s arm. “You will know, will you not, if he was being treated badly?”

Haldir nodded thoughtfully. “I believe I would,” he said finally. “But it is not as if we were truly bonded. I think if we were, the connection would be stronger. As it is, I feel nothing. Perhaps if we come closer to him I may be able to feel something.”

“Do not lose heart, or hope,” Elrohir said quietly. “We *will* find Lothvaen, and we will make sure that those who took him will pay.”

The Marchwarden smiled briefly at Elrohir. “Indeed they will,” he concurred. “Now, let us find this shack to spend the night. We will resume at first light tomorrow.”

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Elvish translations:

gwador – sworn brother
tôren – my brother

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