THE HUNTER

PART 7

Elrond tried to move his arms, hoping to alleviate the pain his position was giving him.  His back seemed on fire from the numerous whippings he had endured, but thankfully his legs had finally stopped aching.  He still wasn't sure what all had been done to him, as he had woken up with them in pain, but he had been awake when the orcs had broken his ankles. 

Taking a shallow breath, the half-elf was reminded that his lung had been punctured and he would probably not live out the night.  Elrond was careful to conceal that fact from his captors, willing himself to die before he broke.

He had arrived five days ago, though it seemed like a lifetime had passed.  Glancing up at his bound hands, Elrond wiggled his purpling fingers, letting the waning sun glint off his rings.  Neither of his wedding rings had been taken, though the half-elf almost wished they had.  The orcs let nothing distract them in their pursuit of the three elven rings. 

That they were so intent on the rings sent shivers through Elrond, who feared what they wanted them for.  Mercifully though, the orcs had no idea that Elrond was a ring bearer.  He assumed it was only because he was a lore master and kin to the High King that he was now a captive. 

Continuing to look at his wedding bands, Elrond thought of his husband. Was this the reason he had been given the necklace?  Had his husband foreseen this?  The half-elf tried not to think that had this happened just two weeks ago, Elrond would have been able to call for help.  Sighing, he sank back to the ground. 

He was situated in the center of a huge orc encampment, high in the mountains.  The area itself was a shallow valley that kept some of the coldest winds out, though not enough to keep ice from forming on Elrond's hair.  Elrond shuddered to see so many orcs in one place, reminded of the Last Alliance and the War of Wrath.  He tried to turn off his senses to stop the vile smell of orcs, their evil speech and the pain-filled cries of the animals penned up on the other side of the valley. 

Hanging his head, Elrond gave into despair.  Even if he could die before giving up the rings, there were far too many orcs for Glorfindel's men to handle. 

The sudden sound of a horn caused Elrond's head to snap up.  His breathing came rapidly as the memory of that sound assaulted him.  Around him orcs moved in confusion.  They barely had a minute before the area was flooded in pure white light. 

~~~

Orcs screamed in pain and fear as Oromë urged Nahar over the mountain walls.  He easily felled several dozen orcs before the light faded enough for the orcs to see him.  This only caused them to turn in fear, but to their horror, their own impenetrable fortress boxed them in.  Some were smart enough to attempt to get to Elrond and use him as a hostage, but they were not quick enough as Oromë cut them down. 

These orcs had neither Morgoth nor Sauron to command them and so were easy prey to the enraged Vala.  Oromë had instantly caught sight of his husband, hanging like a slab of beef, covered in wounds and blood.  Now that he was near his love, he could feel Elrond's pain.  That pain increased Oromë's rage and he vowed that none of these beasts would leave alive.

Despite the ease with which he could kill the orcs, their sheer number posed a problem.  The Vala left Nahar to guard his husband as he pulled out his horn.  Breathing in deeply, he let loose a blast so loud that the very earth trembled, cracking open in places and pulling the evil creatures into the abyss.  Before the day was out, every orc was dead.

Oromë dropped his sword and rushed to Elrond's side.  "Beloved," he said softly, gently cutting down his husband.  The Vala gently laid his elf down, taking in the wounds.  Elrond was covered in burns and lacerations, one eye swollen shut.  His hamstring muscles were cut and his ankles lay at odd angles.  One hand was crushed, and both were purple from poor blood circulation.  Very deep cuts circled Elrond's wrists and Oromë could hear his husband's labored breathing.  An arrow protruded from the half-elf's shoulder, but Oromë decided to leave it be for the moment.

Looking closely, Oromë saw a collar around Elrond's neck.  Carefully, Oromë snapped the collar in two, revealing another deep cut around the half-elf's neck.  Elrond moved one arm slightly, and Oromë pulled him to his chest, perceiving his beloved wished to be held. 

"Come, love.  Let's get you home," he whispered, tears in his eyes. 

"Wait," Elrond rasped, his voice barely a whisper.  Oromë leaned down to catch his husband's words.  "A . . .ni . . .mals."  Smiling at his husband's thoughtfulness, the Vala directed Nahar to tear down the pen holding the frightened animals.  The Hunter picked up his husband, following his mighty steed.  Speaking into their minds, he instructed them to flee, which they promptly did. 

The white horse returned to his master, dipping slightly to help the mighty Vala mount.  He needed no command to quickly race to Imladris.

~~~

Everything was eerily quiet in the Last Homely House.  The twins kept glancing toward the windows, which had a good view of the road leading to the house.  Elladan held his sister in an iron grip.  She did not mind, seeming to appreciate having her brothers close. 

Watching them were Erestor, Huandil, and Aewréd, head healer second only to Elrond.  The Vala had appeared only three hours ago, but it seemed much longer now that there was very real hope Elrond would be returned soon.

The elder elves knew not to interrupt the peredhil twins.  Nothing but the safe return of their father would appease them now.  There was great relief among the elves when they felt the earth quiver beneath their feet.  This was soon followed by the distant rumble of thunder. 

Elladan and Elrohir shot out of their seats, racing toward the courtyard.  They met Oromë as he reined in Nahar near the Healing Halls.  The three elder elves skidded to a halt just a few feet away.  Arwen slipped her slender hand into Erestor's and clutched it tightly.

All gasped in horror when they saw their lord.  Elrond lay limply in his husband's embrace, ghostly pale with splotches of sickening purple and red.  Oromë had wrapped his beloved in his cloak to hide the almost indecent state his tattered clothes had left him in.  The rich golden material was quickly staining red. 

Gracefully Oromë dismounted, keeping most of Elrond covered from curious eyes.  The twins were about to rush forward but Erestor's commanding voice stopped them.

"Don't crowd your father," he said, though he wanted nothing more than to rush up with the twins to see if Elrond was all right.  "Let Aewréd tend to him."  The slim elf moved forward, trying to mask his distress at seeing his mentor injured.

"Please follow me," he said quietly, trying to appear calm as his lord would do.  Elrond turned his head slightly, waking to the sounds of voices. 

"Father," his children called.  Managing a tired smile, he clutched weakly at his husband.

"I'm . . . all . . . right," he rasped quietly.  Oromë gave his half-elf a gentle squeeze before following the healer into the house. 

Erestor turned to Huandil.  "Captain, if you would be so kind as to find Glorfindel and bring him home.  Once Lord Elrond has been settled, I'm sure Tauron will tell us how he saved him and what kind of force we should expect." 

Huandil nodded, bowed, and left.  The advisor then turned toward Elrond's three children.  Smiling gently, he squeezed Arwen's hand encouragingly. 

"It is almost dinner time.  Aewréd will take his time tending to your father, so why don't we go find something to eat before sitting to wait."

"We are not hungry," Elladan said, crossing his arms over his chest stubbornly.  Elrohir nodded in agreement.  Arwen sighed.

"Father would not be pleased to learn you have been neglecting your needs, especially for worry of him.  He would hate to upset us so," she said.  The twins glanced at each other before conceding defeat.

"Don't worry," Erestor said as he led them inside.  "We'll take our dinner to the Healing Halls and eat it there while we wait."  This seemed to mollify the peredhil and they obediently follow the councilor into the house.

~~~

Blinking light out of his eyes, Elrond groaned softly.  Immediately, he felt a warm hand squeeze his.  Turning his head, he smiled faintly to see his husband sitting beside his bed. 

"You're . . . still here," he whispered.  Oromë smiled lovingly.  He gently caressed Elrond's cheek.

"Do not worry," Oromë said softly, sensing his beloved's thoughts.  "I will not leave until you are well again."  Elrond's smile grew.  He closed his eyes, leaning into the Vala's touch.  They were silent for several minutes, simply enjoying being near each other after so long apart. 

The Hunter was loath to break the comfortable silence, but certain things needed to be addressed. "Your healer has just left.  He was quite concerned and has ordered you to stay in bed.  By now, I'm sure he has finished telling your children the extent of your injuries.  They will wish to see you.  They have been very worried."  Elrond sighed.

"Are they safe?" he questioned mentally.  His throat was too sore to continue speaking.  Sensing this, Oromë handed his lover a glass of water. 

"It was they who called for me.  Which reminds me . . .," Oromë thought, taking out the pendant from his pocket.  Elrond blushed.

"Forgive me.  I did wear your gift until only recently."

"Then why did you take it off?" the Vala asked curiously.  Elrond's blush intensified.  With his free hand, he fumbled with his blanket.

"I missed you," he thought quietly, not looking at his husband.  Oromë's eyes softened.  He brushed a kiss to his half-elf's temple.

"That's what it's there for, my love.  If your need of me is so great, then you should call for me."  Elrond glanced shyly at the Hunter, still fiddling with the fabric in his hands.

"But . . . I didn't want to bother you.  What if you were doing something important?"  Oromë brushed his thumb over his lover's lips before gently kissing them.

"Nothing is more important than you, my love."  Seeing that Elrond was about to protest, Oromë held up the pendant.  It began to glow faintly while Oromë slipped it over his half-elf's head.  Feeling something different, Elrond picked up the pendant, now seeing it had two sides.  The pictures were identical on either side save that one had a horn and the other side did not.  Oromë smiled. 

"Now you can call me when in danger," he said, brushing the side with the horn, "and when you are lonely." He brushed the other side.  Elrond smiled lovingly, opening his arms.  Oromë held him gently, still mindful of his many injuries.

"I should leave for a moment.  Your sons are already angry with me for the amount of your time I have taken.  They need to see you." 

Elrond nodded slowly, though he clutched at his husband when Oromë started to draw away.  "I will return," the Vala reassured.  Reluctantly, the half-elf let him go.  The Hunter flashed him a smile before leaving.

Almost before Elrond could blink, the room was filled with people.  The twins sat on either side of the bed, drawing their father into an embrace.  Arwen sat in the chair Oromë had abandoned while Erestor hovered near the wall. 

Resting his head on Elladan's shoulder, Elrond sighed.  He could easily read the intense emotions swirling in their eyes, chief among them being worry, fear and guilt.  Calling on what strength he had, Elrond quietly let his power soothe his sons' souls, for he was not strong enough to battle their emotions verbally. 

"How are you feeling, father?" Arwen asked quietly.  Her voice was soothing and calm, though there were tears in her red-rimmed eyes.  Elrond smiled reassuringly.  He gently extended one of his hands.

"I'll . . . be well," he said softly.  Arwen managed to return his smile albeit a little shakily.  She took his hand gently, as it was heavily bandaged and splinted. 

"We were so worried about you," she said.

"We were indeed," Erestor murmured.  "I do not recommend leaving anytime soon, my lord."  Elrond managed an amused snort.

"Do . . . not . . . worry."  He struggled with his words.  The advisor smiled, though it was strained.  Erestor knew that he would have to wait to allay all of his concerns, and he thought it best not to crowd his lord.  He watched as Arwen continued to make awkward conversation while the twins remained silent, just looking at their father as though they could see through his bandages to see the extent of his wounds. 

Erestor shook his head in sorrow.  Shifting slightly, he managed to catch Elrond's eye.  He gestured with his head to tell his lord that he would leave.  Elrond nodded.  The younger elf quickly left. 

For a moment, he stood outside the door trying to calm himself.  Elrond was here and his eyes were clear, lacking the haunted look that had lurked in Celebrían's stare.  Catching movement out of the corner of his eye, Erestor moved into one of the herbal gardens. 

~~~

Oromë paced slowly near the back wall, which was shaded from the sun.  Sensing someone watching him, he stopped abruptly.  Erestor peered out from behind a thick pillar, looking very much like an elfling spying on his elders.  Amused by the thought, the Hunter gestured the younger elf forward.  Erestor happily came to him. 

"You are staying?" the councilor asked shyly. 

"At least until my husband's wounds have healed," Oromë replied, sitting on a nearby bench.  Erestor stood uncertainly before him.

"You don't have to leave at all," he proposed timidly.  After a moment's hesitation, he plunged forward.  "Elrond has married as you said he would, and now that Celebrían has gone, he has more need of you than before.  He would be so happy."  Erestor held his breath nervously as he waited for the Vala's answer.

Oromë looked sadly at the young elf, who was looking at him with wide, hopeful eyes.  "It cannot be," he said softly, letting his own frustration about this come out in a sigh. 

"But why?" Erestor persisted.

"Because the place of the Valar in Endor has ended.  I wish to stay with Elrond as much as you wish it for me, but should I stay, I would still hold my husband back.  Erestor," Oromë said, taking the disappointed advisor's hand in his.  "I know this seems unfair, but know that our separation will not last much longer.  Soon, Elrond will join me in Valinor, and I will never leave him again."

"That doesn't make it any easier for Elrond to bear," Erestor murmured sadly, but he did not press the issue farther.  Oromë gently squeezed the young elf's hand.

"Nor for me either."  Erestor sighed but nodded his head to show he accepted the inevitable.  Oromë smiled gently.  "So, tell me everything that has happened since I left."

The advisor's smile broadened and he happily obliged the Vala, telling him about Elrond's years with Gil-galad, the war against Sauron, and the founding of Imladris.  He went on to speak of the death of the High King and how grief stricken Elrond was.  Hesitantly, Erestor told Oromë about Celebrían, how Elrond met her, how he became engaged, their married years and her eventual torture.  Oromë's face gave no hint of what he was thinking.

"And my husband's children?  What are they like?" the Hunter prompted when the young elf stopped.  Erestor's smile, which had disappeared when he spoke of past sorrows, returned brilliantly. 

"Oh, you will like them.  I know the twins seem a bit . . . severe at the moment, but they have been under a great amount of stress.  When they were younger, they were so sweet and mischievous.  Elladan in particular was very good with pranks.  Once, he managed to paint all of the horses green and gold in honor of Lord Celeborn's visit.  The horses were quite upset with him for weeks afterwards." 

Erestor continued for some time telling Oromë many childhood stunts the twins used to play.  Yet, behind his words Oromë sensed a deep feeling of sorrow.  Looking into his soul, he saw the pain the advisor bore in sympathy of the twins' own hurt.

"What of Elrohir?" Oromë asked, having noticed that Erestor had only spoken of the younger twin with respect to his twin and not by himself.  To his amazement, the younger elf actually blushed. 

"Well, he's a little quieter than his brother, more thoughtful.  I don't think he initiated as many pranks as his brother, though he usually augmented Elladan's plans to something truly horrible.  But he also manages to calm his twin on occasion.  They are very close," Erestor said softly.  Oromë raised his eyebrow. 

When speaking of Elladan, Erestor had continued at length without prompting. Yet, with Elrohir, the advisor was curiously brief. 

"You love him," the Vala observed.  Erestor's blush intensified.

"Well, of course I love all of Elrond's children.  He has let me help raise them, and they are dear to me.  I have not yet told you about Arwen," he added quickly.

"Erestor," Oromë said sternly, interrupting the flustered elf.  "That is not what I meant and you know it."  Erestor's blush vanished to a ghostly pallor. 

"My lord, you cannot-," he began but was cut off.

"Lord Erestor!" a guard called from the entrance to the garden.  The elf hesitated a moment seeing the Vala.  Erestor quickly moved to him.

"What is it?" he asked impatiently, still a little unsettled by his conversation with the Hunter.

"Lord Glorfindel has been spotted by the border guards.  He should be here soon."  Erestor nodded and dismissed the guard.  He then turned to Oromë to take his leave, but found the Vala had moved to stand beside him. 

"I will come with you.  It has been awhile since I last saw the Lord of the Golden Flower and he will probably wish to know about the fate of my husband's captors." 

Erestor nodded again and led the Ainu to the courtyard.  It was not long before Glorfindel and his troop appeared.  All looked weary and Asfaloth's rate of breathing was alarmingly fast.  The blond elf quickly dismounted, rushing up to the waiting advisor.

"Is it true?  Has Elrond been found?  Where is he?  Is he alright?" he asked, quickly moving inside.

"He is fine," Oromë answered, causing Glorfindel to stop.  Surprise flickered in his eyes for a moment before he bowed gracefully.

"Lord Oromë, I did not see you.  To what purpose do we owe your presence?" he asked formally, though it was plain he wished to hurry to his lord.

"My husband's sons called for me.  I have brought Lord Elrond home."  A muscle twitched in Glorfindel's cheek before his eyes widened.

"Your husband?" he asked incredulously.  Oromë nodded solemnly. 

"I could not let him suffer," the Vala said simply.  "I know you wish to see him, but he is with his children at the moment and the healers tell me he is not strong enough for too many visitors.  There are other things you must attend to before seeing your lord."

"Such as?" Glorfindel challenged. 

"Do you not wish to call back our troops?" Erestor questioned, sensing Glorfindel's emotions were running too high for him to think rationally.  "Surely you wish to speak with Lord Tauron about the strength of our enemy."  Glorfindel gazed at Erestor as if he had never seen him before, then slowly nodded.

"Of course," he said.  Glancing at his troops, he took in their bedraggled appearance and sighed.  "I must look to my troops first.  If you would give me a moment."  Glorfindel returned to his troops, ordering them to the barracks and a good night's sleep.  The warriors happily obeyed. 

Whispering apologies, the captain gently smoothed Asfaloth's mane before letting a groom take him away.  Finally, he turned back to the Vala and Erestor. 

"Perhaps it is best if we discuss this in my office," he said.  Oromë nodded. 

"I do not think you will need my presence," Erestor said politely.  "I will speak with the healers and inform you when you may see Lord Elrond."  Glorfindel nodded his thanks and then led the Hunter away. 

Part 8