To Rescue An Elf 19

To Rescue An Elf

Part 19

Posted: February 15, 2008
Title: To Rescue an Elf
Author: Inwë Sáralondë

Summary: The search party is joined by one more.

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“Lothvaen…” Haldir’s voice was a pained whisper, and Rúmil was immediately at his brother’s side.

“What is it, tôren?” Rúmil’s voice was urgent as he saw how pale his brother’s face had become. “Do you sense something? Tell me!”

“I…I feel…” Haldir took a deep breath. “He is in pain,” he finally said.

Rúmil gazed at his brother steadily. “But you do not know what sort of pain,” he said carefully.

Haldir shook his head. “No,” he said quietly.

“At least your bond is strong enough for you to feel strong emotions,” Rúmil said. “I believe that we will find him sooner rather than later.”

“I hope so, Rúmil,” Haldir said heavily. “I can not bear the thought that he is hurting.” The Marchwarden leaned against a tree and stared up at the sky.

“Do not think the worst, Haldir. Slavers are too interested in making sure their ‘goods’ arrive at the markets in good condition. They do not make a habit of abusing those they plan to sell.”

“How can you be so sure?” Haldir asked quietly, gazing steadily at his brother. “We do not know who these people are. We presume them to be slavers, but could they not just be ones who saw having an elf too enticing a prospect? That Lothvaen would be…used for their own purposes?” Haldir’s voice broke slightly.

Just then Elladan and Elrohir rode up. “We have some news,” Elladan said as the two dismounted from their horses. “A farmer we spoke to mentioned having seen two men riding past a few days’ ago, except than one of the men had what appeared to be a female riding pillion. Said the pillion rider had long, dark coloured hair, but wasn’t wearing any footwear that he could see. Nor could he tell as to whether it was male, female, or an elf, for he could not glimpse the face.”

Haldir and Rúmil looked at each other. “It could be Lothvaen,” Rúmil said.

The Marchwarden’s face hardened. “Then we must continue. We can not afford to linger.”

“A rider approaches!” a Galadhel’s voice called out, and everyone turned to the direction where the sound of galloping hooves was coming from. As the horse and rider came closer, there was muttered disbelief as to who it was.

“Glorfindel!” Elrohir approached as the seneschal dismounted and patted Asfaloth. “How did you manage to find us so quickly?”

“Not to mention how did he manage to find us at all?” Elladan asked, shaking his head.

“I have come to join you in your search for Lothvaen,” Glorfindel said. “Elrond received word from Galadriel as to what had happened, and I set out immediately after I had been made aware. As to finding you, I left that to my friend here.” Glorfindel raised his arm and whistled, and soon afterwards a peregrine falcon alighted on his arm.

Elrohir smiled. “I do not suppose your friend happened to espy any fresh game in the vicinity?” he quipped, feeling extraordinarily glad that Glorfindel was now one of their party.

The falcon cocked his head slightly, his gaze unblinking as he stared at the younger Peredhel. Then, with nary a sound, he lifted off and flew into the sky, circling once before flying towards the south. Elrohir watched the bird fly off, bemused.

Meanwhile Haldir turned to the golden-haired warrior. “Your help is most welcome, Glorfindel,” he said.

Glorfindel smiled grimly. “Have you learnt anything more?” he asked.

Quickly Elladan told him what he and Elrohir had learnt.

“Good,” Glorfindel said. “At least that means you are on the same route as them. Let us hope that such luck continues, for it will mean we will be able to catch up with them more quickly.” He glanced over to Haldir, seeing the almost desperate expression on the Marchwarden’s face. “Lothvaen will be found,” Glorfindel continued, “and soon.”

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Elvish translations:

tôren – my brother

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