Title: CAPTURED

Authors: Fianna and Heather the Mage

Rating: R for violence

Disclaimer: Lórien and the world of Arda belong to JRR Tolkien and are written here only for personal pleasure and respect to the one who created them.

Chapter 13: The final chapter.

Orophin sprawled facedown on the ground, hands under his chest, his ear only inches from the soil, blue eyes intent on the small rabbit hopping nervously only a few feet from his head. He was so still the animal did not notice him, his scent part of the forest and not one to concern the small creature.

It would have taken only a slight movement to capture the rabbit, but Orophin hesitated, aware of his hunger, yet the animal was too amusing to watch, a pleasant respite from his fear that Haldir would never arrive.

The rabbit nibbled on a patch of grass, ears flickering back and forth rapidly, body flinching at the smallest sound or movement. Brown mottled fur shifted as the animal moved, its tiny black eyes sliding over the Elf as if he were nothing more than another tree, fallen perhaps in a wind.

Orophin fought the smile that threatened to curve his lips, knowing even that small gesture would alert the rabbit. Trees did not smile.

The vibration under his hands caught his attention much at the same time the rabbit felt it, its ears springing straight up over its head, twisting to catch the faintest sound. Orophin held his breath, eyes widening as he realized what it was.

The rabbit sprang off in a long leap as he shoved himself to his feet with a curse, running as fast as he could back through the sparse forest toward the edge of the wood where he had left the others. Long legs ate the distance, his feet hit perfectly on the uneven ground, hair flaring behind him as he ducked a low hanging branch, and leaped a fallen log a few steps farther. He ran, aware suddenly of another Elf running with him, and then yet another. He grinned, pulling the bow from his shoulder along with an arrow from his quiver.

Rumil appeared beside him, bow in one hand. "Haldir?"

Orophin nodded, veering around a tree that separated him from Rumil. "And more, Orcs I would say, from the feel of it."

"Quite a few, they stomp like an Oliphant in heat!"

Orophin laughed, shifting slightly so they nearly collided, shoving his brother off to the side so he could run past him. He reached the edge of the wood, and with a brief wave of his hand, stopped, bow drawn up and string pulled taut to his cheek. He didn't have to wait long.

xxx

If Haldir had any hope of fleeing before the marching goblin-kind saw them, the girl's screams did away with that chance. He grimaced, moving as fast as possible through the trees. Another arrow sliced through the leaves to his left, and his horse snorted rudely, ears flat against his head, while behind them the Orcs shrieked angrily.

He could not outrun them, the forest too thick and dangerous for him to ride, the Orcs too close to hide the girls. There was no time, and nothing to do but try to keep ahead of the creatures.

A low dip forced him to slow, allowing the horses to pick their way across a rocky streambed, and then he rushed up the other side of the hill, cursing the dizziness that made the trees double in his vision, the path he must take blurry to see.

Another arrow skipped off a tree beside him. He knew the Orcs did not intend to kill them, but capture them. There was no doubt at all that word had reached Mordor of his escape. The Orcs were close, weapons jangling in the fading twilight, booted feet thudding loudly as they ran, bows aimed not at the children, but at him, knowing an Elf was dangerous even unarmed.

Haldir did not dare to look back, and gritting his teeth, pulled the horses forward down another embankment.

Reaching the top slowed them down, leaving him exposed briefly at the top of the hill. Ahead the trees were sparse, too thin to offer any cover.

Haldir sprang forward, ignoring the wave of nausea that rose in his stomach, his eyes blurred so much that he could not see where he placed his feet, refusing to consider what could soon happen, refusing to acknowledge perhaps he had failed them finally.

An arrow whipped past him, not from behind, but from in front of him, past Selena's mount nearly grazing her knee.

Haldir stopped abruptly, allowing the horses to charge past him, aware of Selena's panic as she raced by, but he did not move, hair fluttering from another arrow arcing over his shoulder, impaling the Orc behind him.

xxx

Selena gripped the horse's mane, twisting with a terrified gasp to look behind her, unable to reach the reins Haldir had dropped. Horrified, she saw that Haldir had remained where he had stopped, alone, seeming unaware of the Orcs rushing up behind him, their bows drawn, swords free, faces twisted in snarls. He was doomed, visions of his death rushed into Selena's mind, yet he stood still, and it took a moment for Selena to become aware of the arrows that flew past the Elf, so close they ruffled the hair on his head.

Selena whirled back around, shocked to see another Elf standing much as Haldir was, but this one was armed with a bow and quiver. Even as she stared in shock, he pulled another arrow from the leather holder on his back, stretched the bowline taut to his cheek, releasing the arrow to fly between Selena and Sanaa. She didn't have to look back to know another Orc was dead.

Another Elf stood beside him, with the same silver hair, same eyes as the first, bow drawn up so swiftly and the arrow launched so quickly that she never saw him reach into his quiver.

The horses thundered past the two Elves, rushing into the haven of the thin trees. Selena gasped when yet another Elf appeared, catching the girl's horses while Haldir's mount simply came to a halt. The Elf looked up at Selena with a smile, seeming unaware of the rain of arrows just ahead of him. "You are safe now."

Selena was not so sure and screamed for Haldir.

xxx

The Orcs balked suddenly at the advent of the additional Elves, drawing back slightly from the onslaught of arrows. Haldir dropped to one knee in a ploy to draw the Orcs closer, but also because he simply could not stand further, bracing a hand on the ground at his side. Selena's screams made him grimace, but he knew she was safe, even if she did not.

Soft feet whispered past him, and then several more, the twang of their bows music to his ears, their point blank range deadly and true. He felt more than heard the crisp sound of swords drawn, the blows of each blade, and the weight of each Orc as it hit the ground. He knelt, chest curled over his knee, allowing his brothers to do what needed to be done. He had fought enough; it was good to let someone else deal with the Orcs.

The hand grasping his arm a short while later was familiar, the Elf's blue eyes were wide with concern. Haldir would have smiled but for Selena's continued screams and shrieks, and with a heavy sigh, he pushed Orophin aside.

He had hardly turned toward Selena before noting, with a faint flash of amusement, that Ferodir had his hands full. Selena was cursing between her shrieks, struggling to free her arm from the Elf's grasp, kicking and flailing as if he were an Orc instead of an Elf. Haldir staggered a step forward, aware of Orophin's arm as it caught him around the waist.

Ferodir glared at him, his fingers tight on the girl's wrist. "By the Valar, Haldir, tell her I mean her no harm!"

Selena did not seem to think so and bit his hand. Ferodir howled, jerking his fingers from her arm. Selena rushed for Haldir, throwing herself against him, nearly knocking him off his feet.

He could do no more than wrap his arms around her, while she pressed her face into his chest weeping. Sanaa appeared from somewhere, and she too flung arms around his waist, burying her face into his side.

He sighed deeply and laid a cheek onto Selena's head for a moment, closing his eyes to gather what energy he had left. Then he straightened and slid his hands to Selena's shoulders. "Stop, why do you weep, these are my friends." He swallowed at the sudden flood of relief, the love for the Elves around him. "My brothers," he said huskily. "They mean you no harm."

Selena only burrowed tighter into his chest, her tears running down his skin.

Haldir braced his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her away. "You are safe now, Selena."

Haldir looked up at a faint sound to find Lurien smiling at him. "Perhaps I can help," the sentinel murmured softly.

Haldir lifted a brow, but nodded slightly. Lurien reached out carefully, pulling Selena around to face him. The girl did not draw back, although she stared at the Elf apprehensively, while Lurien only blinked slowly, his blue eyes full of warmth.

xxx

"You have nothing to fear, child."

Selena was surprised to feel some of her fear melt away. The Elf was beautiful, his eyes the color of the sky at midsummer solstice, all blue and dreamy. His smile was dazzling, full of warmth and light, mesmerizing in a way she could not explain.

The Elf drew her to his side, his hand gentle, and pointed to the others standing near Haldir. "We are Haldir's friends, and his brothers. But that one," he pointed to the tall Elf who had appeared first, shooting the arrows. "And that one," the Elf continued, pointing to second Elf she had seen. "Are truly his brothers by blood. You have no idea our relief to see him alive, if not well."

Selena stared at the blue-eyed Elf feeling yet more of her fears dissipate. He seemed so nice, so warm. Perhaps she had been foolish to cling to Haldir, but the Elves, so cold and chilling when she had first seen them, had been nearly as frightening as the Orcs.

They did not seem that way now.

The Elf's smile made her feel safe, his eyes held only affection, with a faint twinkle that she realized after a moment was full of mischief, for his gaze slid from her back to Haldir.

"You smell like an Orc, Haldir. Have you no sense of respect for the lovely young ones you have brought?"

Selena turned to see Haldir arch a brow, leaning heavily on one of his brothers. He smiled wearily. "Aye, I do. This is Selena, and the young one, Sanaa."

"I am Lurien," the handsome blue-eyed elf declared as she looked at him again. She could not seem to keep her eyes from him, from his gaze. He smiled faintly and drew her closer beside him. "This is Orophin, and Rumil, the dark-haired one you bit is Ferodir."

Selena glanced sheepishly at the tall Elf, feeling terribly guilty.

Ferodir only grimaced and lifted a hand to his head. "All I know is that I have a blinding headache," he complained gruffly, but he smiled at Selena without any cruelty or malice, as she would have expected from the men she knew.

Selena stared at Haldir in surprise.

One of the other Elves moved beside Ferodir, pressing a hand to his brow. "The question is why the March Warden has brought such young ones along. Such a journey would have been hazardous for him, let alone younglings of such tender age."

Selena scowled at the dark-haired Elf, but he only grinned back.

"It matters not," Lurien replied firmly, still holding Selena's hand. "They are all safe now, with no harm done. But you are far too warm and I can see Haldir can barely stand."

Haldir took the teasing with another weary smile, sinking down beside Orophin on the ground. "It is true, Lurien, my energy is nearly done. The girls come, Indir, because they insisted. They are Arad's children and wished to be free of such a terrible place."

Indir's smile faded instantly. "He will never stop hunting you, Haldir."

Haldir shrugged. "No, nor will he forgive them for leaving with me, even should he be told it was not by choice. They must be taken far from Harad, as far as I can get them."

Indir nodded, sinking down beside Sanaa, who was still hovering close to Haldir, near his shoulder. "I am Indir, we are glad you are safe with us. We must move out of the open here, and into the forest, will you come?" He held out a hand to the small girl, palm up and waited patiently, until with a last look and nod from Haldir, she grasped it limply. He closed his fingers gently. "We will not harm you, but protect you. You have nothing, ever, to fear from us."

Sanaa nodded and Indir rose to his feet and began to walk toward the forest.

Selena followed, and had taken only a few steps, when she turned with a gasp to see Haldir collapse suddenly into Orophin's waiting arms.

xxx

"Is he going to die," Sanaa whispered to Selena, huddled together near Haldir, watching Rumil slide his hands over his brother's body, moving from Haldir's head down to his feet and then back again.

Selena wrapped her arm around Sanaa's shoulders, not quite sure what the Elf was doing.

Orophin knelt beside him, leaning on his bow, his face grim while Rumil worked. He glanced up, and noting the girl's worry, smiled faintly. "He delves, searching for Haldir's injuries and the cause of this fever. He will be well, he only sleeps now."

Selena nodded faintly, although she didn't understand. She knew Haldir had healed some of his injuries sustained back at the camp, but how he had done so was still a mystery to her; the magick was alien and a little bit frightening. If they could heal with magick, what else could they do?

Rumil shifted, and then placed his hands over Haldir's chest, covering the wounds on his ribs.

"Ribs, a spear wound to his side that seems infected, and this fever, of which I cannot determine the cause. I can ease the suffering and exhaustion, but we need Galadriel to look into his illness further." Rumil sighed, and then sat back. "He will sleep for a few hours, but knowing Haldir, he will be awake before he should."

"No doubt," Orophin agreed. He rose to his feet, sending his brother a smile. "I will explain more to the children."

Selena stiffened, watching the Elf walk toward them. "I'm not a child."

Orophin lifted a brow. "Indeed, are you not?"

"I'm nearly eighteen."

Although Orophin's expression was serious, his blue eyes were bright with mischief. "That is terribly old."

Sanaa giggled.

Selena heaved an irritated sigh. "No, it's not old, but I am not a child. If it hadn't been for me, Haldir would never have gotten free. They were going to kill him."

Orophin lifted a hand, beckoning several of the Elves closer. "Why would they do this? He has no value to the Haradrim dead."

"He nearly killed my father," Selena hissed.

"A shame not to have finished the man," Indir complained. "I have heard he is a cruel man." The Elf blanched slightly, with a frown at Selena.

"He was; I will not deny that." Selena agreed, curling her arm around Sanaa. "Our lives would have been forfeit as we helped Haldir. We had no choice but to flee."

Ferodir nodded from beside Orophin, his arms folded over his chest. "She speaks truly," he said ruefully. "But you are now free of him."

Selena could only hope that was true. She glanced at Lurien from under her lashes, and saw him smile faintly, his blue eyes twinkling. She shivered, pulling Sanaa closer. "What will you do with us?"

Orophin looked at her curiously. "Haldir, I am sure, has some idea. It is not for us to choose, however, but will be the Lady of the Wood's decision. She will determine your future."

Selena knew her eyes were wide; the woman sounded terrifying. "Haldir promised to take us with him until we were free from Harad."

Orophin nodded gravely. "And indeed, he has. You are not in Harad anymore, but his promise goes much further. Haldir does not take such things lightly. He will see you safe if it means he must take you to the farthest reaches of Arda. Have no fear; we will see you are well. But there was an artifact that he sought. . ." Orophin glanced at the others briefly.

Selena shifted uncomfortably. She had promised to give Haldir the vial once they were free of Harad, and certainly, they were now at that point, yet she was reluctant to let the others know she had it, afraid they would take it from her. She would give it only to Haldir. He had fought for it; it belonged to him. "The vial exists, but until Haldir wakes, I will say no more."

"A decision we will respect, young one." Orophin bowed his head, touching his brow. "We owe you a debt for aiding Haldir. You have only to speak and we will do what you ask."

Selena blinked suddenly, her face red as a thought came to mind, and heard Sanaa giggle beside her. She pinched her sister and then smiled stiffly. "I only want to be near Haldir, if that is all right with you?"

Orophin glanced at the others and they moved away. "You have earned that right, Selena. I will bring you something to eat, but first, you must allow Rumil to touch you. He will help heal your fever as well."

She stared at the Elf as he knelt in front of her. "Does it hurt?"

Rumil laughed softly with a shake of his head. "Nay, it does not hurt, but it does tickle somewhat."

Selena giggled as he placed a hand on her brow.

xxx

Galadriel rode the tall white mare as all Elves did, with a grace born of nature, her long silvery hair trailing on the horse's back, wrapped in a warden's camouflaging cloak, her blue eyes searching the wood. Celeborn rode beside her, reins held loosely in his hands, but his gaze rested on her.

"Ferodir says Haldir rests, but Rumil cannot determine the cause of the fever he has."

Celeborn nodded faintly. "And those he has brought with him?"

Galadriel's lips curved slightly and she sent her husband an amused glance. "Children, two of them."

Celeborn blinked and leaned over his knee to stare at her. "Children?"

"Two young girls."

Celeborn sat back, shaking his head. "Curious."

"Indeed," Galadriel agreed. She reached out to touch Celeborn's arm, drawing his attention back to her. "Perhaps the Valar have more at stake in this than just the return of a vial that holds nothing more than memories."

Celeborn pulled his horse to a halt, staring at her keenly. "What do you mean?"

Galadriel smiled briefly at the Elven sentinel standing beside her, waiting patiently for her to continue. "Perhaps the vial was only the means to an end, my husband. Perhaps it was a way to involve the Elves, who might otherwise have refused such a mission?"

Celeborn urged his horse to continue, his brows drawn together in thought. "So you believe that these children were meant to be rescued?"

Galadriel let out a deep sigh, one of relief and satisfaction, one that lifted the burden of sending Haldir into such dangers from her shoulders. "Aye, I think the vial, although still very important, was only a lure to bring us to Harad."

Celeborn smiled faintly. "Which we knew from the first," he agreed.

"But more so, it brought Haldir into Harad, directly in contact with someone who needed him more than we can know."

Celeborn glanced at her thoughtfully. "And your mirror?"

Galadriel sent him an impish glance. "My mirror suggested it may be true. Would you believe it to be so?"

Her husband grinned, capturing her hand to kiss it gently. "That we have saved two from such darkness brings me much pleasure."

Galadriel nodded, focusing her attention on their path ahead. "Indeed, my love."

xxx

Haldir stood waiting near the shore of the Anduin, aware of the flow of the river as it meandered quietly past him, aware of the birds that sang so near, and the whisper of the wind through the trees. He pushed aside the faint dizziness that still assailed him. The fever had dropped somewhat, his ribs and other wounds healed, the blow to his head no longer a throbbing ache in his mind.

Orophin stood a few steps away, with Rumil just behind him, both brothers attention on the others, yet he knew the slightest movement from him would have them snapping their gazes back to him.

He did not mind in the least.

Indir had taken Sanaa under his wing and had presented her with a tiny carved doll made of intricately woven sticks and fuzzy long grass for hair. She had laughed, but had not let it out of her sight since.

Selena stood beside him, her fingers caught in the crook of his arm, holding on to him tightly. She had lost her nervousness around the other Elves, and he had seen her watching many of them closely, but he had remained her anchor, coming near him anytime she felt threatened or uncomfortable.

He patted her hand absently; aware the decision she faced would not make her very happy.

The wood seemed to grow brighter and he heard Selena inhale sharply. It took a few moments for the Elves to appear, four walking ahead of the two horses, with four more following close behind. Lurien moved quickly to intercept their path, bowing deeply before them as they stopped.

"My Lady and Lord," Lurien said, touching his heart.

He moved forward toward Galadriel, helping her down from her mount, moving back to stand behind her as she glided toward Haldir.

"This is Galadriel," Haldir whispered, bowing deeply.

Selena sank to the ground in a curtsey, her hand still holding tight to his arm. She was trembling and he placed a hand over hers to calm her.

"Haldir, Ferodir says you are still ill." The Lady swept up to him, laying her hands on his shoulders, kissing his forehead. She frowned, moving back a step. "Indeed, your aura seems marred as yet." She turned slightly to look at Selena.

"And you are Selena. Ferodir says you are very brave, as is your sister."

Selena swallowed and nodded faintly. "We only wanted to be free, my lady."

"Indeed, child," Galadriel agreed with a soft smile. She looked past them to where Indir stood with Sanaa, smiling at the young girl. "You are very young to be so courageous. It speaks well of whom you will become."

Haldir did not miss the faint scowl that crossed Selena's face and tapped his fingers on her hand in warning.

Galadriel turned back toward him, her eyes sparkling with laughter, well aware of Selena's reaction. "I am very happy to see you returned safely, Haldir, although as we look upon this venture, both Celeborn and I feel that, perhaps, you were sent for more than just the vial."

Haldir smiled faintly. "Conceivably, the thought crossed my mind several times."

Galadriel chuckled softly, touching Selena's chin briefly. "Come let us sit."

They moved to an area where the Elves had set up a large white pavilion. Celeborn waited until they were seated, watching Haldir intently.

"We are curious to know who the children are. Ferodir has only said it should be your explanation."

Haldir bowed his head briefly. "The girls are Arad's, my lord. They aided me in my escape, and should they have been left behind, most likely would be dead or worse."

Celeborn lifted his chin sharply, his blue eyes glittering. "Dead or worse? They would do this to one of their own?"

Haldir dipped his head faintly with a scowl.

The Elven lord clamped his lips together, whatever thought that had come to his lips held back as he looked at Selena. "You knew this would be so?"

Selena nodded, cowed by the fury in the Elven lord's gaze.

Celeborn blinked rapidly, smoothing his expression. "It is well then that you have been brought out of such a terrible place. What are we to do, however, with such younglings?" He glanced at Galadriel and then at Haldir.

"Have you some suggestion, Haldir?" Galadriel asked softly, her voice a whisper as well in his mind.

"I know only that they cannot be left near Harad. Word would spread of the two children. It is best that few know from whence they came, only that they are orphans in need of a home." Haldir did not look at Selena, aware of the girl's tension.

Galadriel studied Selena curiously. "There are some who might treasure two fine children such as these. Their lives, as yet, unbridled by the terrors of the Southrons and their harsh treatment. But what of the vial, Haldir?"

He felt Selena flinch beneath his hand and squeezed her fingers. He had not asked for it. Instead, he looked down to find her biting her lip, as if giving him the vial would end their relationship. Haldir felt a voice brush his mind.

"It is best that she cuts any ties to you, Haldir," Galadriel said softly. "Her adoration will fade, and we cannot bring her or her sister into the Lórien. This you know."

Haldir lifted his gaze to the Lady and touched his brow.

"Selena?"

The girl blinked, and then with a trembling hand reached into her robe, pulling out the small elegant glass, staring at it for a long while until she held it out to Haldir. "I said I would give it to you when we were free from Harad." She let go of it with a faint reluctance.

He held the vial for a moment, aware of what had been lost for its gain, and then handed it to Galadriel.

The Lady of Light held the vial up into the air, her slim fingers gently holding it to the sunlight that arced through the branches above them. The light caught the glass in its brilliance, radiating off the prism in hundreds of brilliant sparkling bands of color. Then she brought it down out of the light and held it out before her.

"This vial was once a treasure of untold worth," she declared softly. She reached up to touch the tiny stopper at the top. "What it held may be no more, an essence that has no color, no smell or light, but one that might be released to find a fate it once sought?"

Haldir watched her study the glass, her blue eyes shifting over the tiny vial intently.

Celeborn stood silent behind her and then dropped a hand to her shoulder. "Perhaps it is not ours to open?"

Galadriel glanced behind her with a faint smile. "Indeed, should we hold it for safekeeping, to be sent to Valinor?" Galadriel stared at it, holding it up again with a faint sigh.

A sudden gust of wind shook the trees over their heads, swirling around the Elves in a fierce storm that lifted their hair. Galadriel lifted the vial higher, and then with a sudden sharp ping the vial shattered, and the wind died down instantly, to leave only pieces of the glass lying on her palm. Above them, the trees shivered, raining a wealth of golden leaves down around them.

Galadriel smiled in delight, lifting her eyes toward the trees above her. "I believe he has finally gone home."

Selena stared at the Elven woman, without any idea of what had just happened, only knew that the vial was no longer hers. Her journey had ended. What was going to happen now she wondered uneasily?"

Haldir moved back a step after Galadriel gave the remains of the vial to her husband. She turned to face Selena.

"I have spoken with Haldir and agree it is best to take you far from our borders and those of Mordor and Harad. There are ships that sail the fine river behind you, among others, to lands far from here, bordered by those of our kin, where we might find you a place to live. I have spoken to a King of great standing there, and he assures me that there are many in Lake-town that would find two children a welcome addition to their family."

"Lake-town?" Selena whispered. "Where is that?"

Galadriel waved her hand toward the north. "There, many many days journey by ship, horse, and yet ship again. I will send Haldir with you, but know this, child. He cannot stay with you, nor should he. Your place is with those of your kind, humans who will hold you dear to their hearts. We will find you a place that will keep you safe, where you will be happy and without fear." The Elven woman leaned closer to Selena, placing her hands on Selena's shoulders. "Have faith, my dear. You are free."

Epilogue:

Selena watched the ship grow smaller, sails furled to catch the wind to return the long journey through Long Lake, and beyond that, the Forest River and farther, a journey that would take the Elf far from her sight, perhaps never to see him again.

She blinked back tears, lips tight to keep from sobbing, clutching Sanaa's shoulders in front of her.

A large hand dropped onto her shoulder, and another on top of Sanaa's head. "The wife is calling, child. She says she has some cakes she thinks you would like."

Sanaa's eyes widened hungrily. "Cakes? I haven't had cakes in a very long time. Can I go, Selena?"

Selena smiled faintly. "It is not I you need to ask now, Sanaa. Ebron has taken us in; you must do what he says now."

Sanaa slid her gaze to the large man just behind Selena nervously.

Ebron made an irritated sound with his tongue and crouched down to look at the young girl intently. "I am not like your father. We do not hold with beatings or any such punishment. Not to say you won't be punished if you do something wrong," he said gently. "But such things usually go along the line of not having any supper."

Sanaa's lip trembled. "So I can go have some cakes?"

Ebron chuckled. "Indeed, my girl. The wife will be taking me to task if you don't show up soon. Your sister and I will be along shortly to share."

Sanaa grinned, and began to turn away, when Ebron caught her arm. "Ah, wait, I nearly forgot."

She turned around as Selena looked at him curiously.

"I was to give you this," he said, pulling a small rag doll from underneath his shirt.

Selena sucked in a surprised breath, and Sanaa stared at it with huge eyes. "Another doll, for me?" Ebron had smiled at the spindly elven doll Indir had made, one the girl obviously treasured.

Ebron held it out to her. "If you still like such things, but perhaps you are too old…"

Sanaa snatched the doll from his hand, and then with a grin, ran down the dock toward the houses.

Ebron chuckled, and then stood up, turning to face the lake again. The ship was now gone, with only the faint ripples on the water to show it had passed.

"He is a fine Elf."

Selena nodded faintly as the tears grew hot behind her eyes.

"I've a brother who sails the river. He has a good crew, but could use someone willing to learn a bit of Elvish. Good Elvish, mind you; that Thranduil is a sneaky one, and we like to know that what he's saying is true or not. It'd take some time, learning Elvish, of course. And, if you were really good, a bit of that Quenya too. They lapse into that just to irritate those of us that can understand the Elvish, what they call Sindarin."

Selena pulled her eyes from the lake to stare at the big man.

"Of course," Ebon continued wryly. "One needs a good grasp of the lands ye'd be traveling, knowing their customs and so on. You've got a lot to learn." He smiled down at her, amused.

"You would let me do this?"

"I'd put you on the boat myself, if-- you do it well. No half efforts here, it's all or nothing." The man held out his hand, spitting on his palm. "But the key, my girl, is this."

She looked at the huge hand, and then up at the bear of a man she would now call Father. "And what is that," she whispered.

"It would be the best opportunity you have to ever see that Elf again," Ebron said quietly, "You must travel the lands and the rivers. He is their emissary, and travel is what he does, when not guarding the borders of the Wood."

Selena turned her stare back to the lake and the river far beyond. "And if I learn Elvish and know the lands as well as he does. . ." Selena grinned and turned around, ignoring Ebron's hand, to wrap her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "I may just have a chance of gaining his interest. I promise you will be proud of me, Ebron. I will do whatever you ask."

He chuckled, and pulled her away, looking down with a warm smile. "So it's a bargain then, girl?"

She spat into her hand and held it out. "A bargain, Father. You'll not regret it."

Ebron grinned and clasped her hand tightly. "Well then, let's go have some of those cakes before your sister eats them all. She is a might skinny, that one, and you too. Mum's gonna have her hands full fattening up the two of you. Just what she needs too," he said, clamping a hand on Selena's shoulder. "Just what we all need."

xxx

The Elf standing at the bow of the slim vessel slicing its way down the river had a different sentiment, his grey eyes distant, his hair ruffled by the wind, hand clenched tightly on the hilt of the sword at his hip. He wondered faintly if he had made the right decision, wondered why the Valar had chosen him, wondered many things that would keep him awake for many many nights to come, until they would eventually fade, concerns and doubts put aside as he returned to his daily routine.

At times, however, the memory of the two children would return, most often at the darkest of hours, and he would lie staring at the ceiling, his heart beating rapidly as he remembered, feeling as if he had left something undone.

He had said good-bye, in the only way he could, with a brief, if very tight hug to the smallest, Sanaa, blinking away the sudden moisture in his eyes, knowing he would miss the child's brightness and vivacity.

He had drawn Selena into his embrace, aware she wanted more from him, but unable to give her such, and only kissed her briefly on the forehead. He had stepped back, hands on her shoulders as she struggled to contain her tears, with a faint smile.

"I have done as you asked, Selena. Ebron is a fine man, and his wife devoted to him, and soon to you as well. You are older, and she can use your help in their home, and I know without a doubt you will be happy here."

The girl had smiled, but her eyes were haunted, her despair tangible as he dropped his hands. There could be nothing between them, as Galadriel had said, the ties best severed completely. She was far too young to consider, and Sanaa only a reminder of the days of his youth and raising two brothers. Selena would do well, once he was away.

Therefore, he had boarded the ship again, refusing to look back, refusing to acknowledge that he had grown to care for both of them far more than he had thought, and that leaving them behind was one of the hardest things he had ever done.

The End