To Rescue An Elf 15

To Rescue An Elf

Part 15

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

Summary: Imladris receives the news.

*****

Elrond sat up for most of the night, reflecting on the news that he had received from Galadriel. Even now he found it difficult to fathom what had happened. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. Elrond knew his sons were heading towards Lothlórien; perhaps they had met up and joined with the search party. He hoped they had. Judging from what Galadriel had told him, recent incursions had meant that there were a number of Geledhil injured, requiring every possible warrior to man the borders, leaving few to actually accompany Haldir in the search for Lothvaen.

Rising from his chair, the elf lord walked to the window and looked out. Anor was beginning its ascent, heralding the dawn of a new day. His mind elsewhere, Elrond was oblivious to the other elf entering the room until the elf spoke.

“Elrond, what is it?” Erestor asked.

The elf lord turned his saddened gaze towards his chief advisor. “Galadriel mind-spoke with me; it seems Lothvaen was captured by slave traders when on a visit to a human settlement. Haldir, along with a small party of warriors, are now searching for him.”

“What in all of Middle-earth was Lothvaen doing at a human settlement?” Erestor asked, surprised.

“Apparently he was with Celeborn’s senior advisor and two Geledhil, finalising a trade agreement. While I am not cognizant of all the details, I can only presume that Lothvaen had been separated from the others for him to have been taken.”

“Valar,” Erestor whispered, shocked. He sat down in a nearby chair, trying to absorb the information, his eyes staring vacantly at the floor.

It was at this moment that Glorfindel came into the room, and immediately his gaze sharpened when he saw Elrond and Erestor.

“What has happened?” he demanded.

“Lothvaen…” Erestor raised his head. “He was at a human settlement with a group of elves, finalising a trade agreement.”

“And?” Glorfindel asked, waiting for Erestor to continue.

“He has been taken by slavers, Glorfindel,” Elrond replied. “I received word from Galadriel.”

“It is certain that it was slavers?” Erestor asked.

“All the signs seemed to point towards it, yes,” Elrond said.

“I take it there is a search party out looking for him?” Glorfindel enquired.

Elrond nodded. “Haldir is leading a party of five other warriors. I am hoping that Elladan and Elrohir will have joined them, for they were heading to Lothlórien.”

“If you have no objection, I will join them,” Glorfindel said. “I can easily catch up with them on Asfaloth, for his stamina and strength is greater than most elven horses.”

“May I point out that you are supposed to be going on patrol as we speak?” Erestor cut in.

“And may I point out that there are a number of other warriors who are able to take my place?” Glorfindel countered, slightly annoyed that Erestor would even mention such a thing.

“Forgive me,” Erestor said contritely, rising from his chair and approaching Glorfindel. “I am not thinking clearly. I should have known that you would want to go and help search.”

Glorfindel sighed and took his mate into his arms and pressed a kiss onto the top of Erestor’s head. “My Erestor,” the warrior said soothingly. “’Tis your nature to always think of anything and everything.”

Elrond still stood beside the window, watching Erestor and Glorfindel as they embraced, feeling a little wistful. Many a time he had stood with Celebrían, embracing her, enjoying just having her in his arms. He shook his head slightly, rousing himself from his musings. “If you truly think you can catch up with Haldir and his party, then go, Glorfindel. I do not know how large the party of slavers may be, and if there are others they may have captured.”

“And please be careful, melethen,” Erestor whispered.

“Always,” Glorfindel responded with a gentle smile.

*****

Elvish translations:

Anor – sun
melethen – my love

*****

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