The Lost

The Lost

Chapter 4
Author: Frosty the Dairy Cow
Rated: Strong R
Codes: Elrond, Legolas, Aragorn, Haldir, Galadriel, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: After the defeat of Sauron, Elves and Men go to war. The reason, though, it sot so clear. Contains real plot.
Notes: Elvish translations are at the end of each chapter.
Disclaimer: LOTR is not mine. Bleh.

*

Anólindë rubbed her eyes in the bright morning sun as she stood outside her home, listening to Haldir as he spoke of the day's plans. "It is to be a surprise attack," he said, crossing his arms, "There are few in this group."

Kicking at the dirt, Anólindë raised her eyes to his and shook her head. "Why are we even bothering?" she asked, "What good will this do?"

Haldir pursed his lips and squinted into the sunlight. "Lord Elrond believes it will give us leverage." His eyes slid down to Anólind's as he raised an eyebrow. "Did you speak with him yet?"

She sighed. "I did. He will not listen." Glancing at the small window into her home, she bit her cheek and glanced up at Haldir. "Is Elrond going with you?"

"I do not think so," he said, shaking his head, "He wants to intgategate them when we come back, though."

She nodded her head softly. "I am sure he does. Haldir, this cannot possibly go well for us. Gondor will not take lightly to this assault."

He smiled and lowered his eyes. "No, they will not. I have spoken of this to Elrond, though, but he is resolute in his decision."

"What does Galadriel say to this?"

The marchwarden's expression turned pensive. "She will not speak to me of this. I know not what she thinks." His eyes flickered, rising to hers. "She fades quickly. Elrond has all but taken over."

Taking a deep breath, Anólindë crossed her arms and wondered what would happen next. She loved Elrond, but she worried. "When do you leave?" she asked, worrying also for her friend.

"Soon. We attack at nightfall." He touched her arm and squeezed, leaning forward. "We should be back late tomorrow night. See if you can talk to Elrond again. I fear he may have plans for our captives."

Anólindë nodded, but did not know if she could. Elrond had made it clear he would not listen to her. After she said her goodbyes to Haldir, she quietly opened the door to the cabin and stepped inside, careful not to wake its inhabitant.

As it was, he was already awake. "I'm sorry, did I wake you?" she asked, closing the door and approaching Legolas, who was leaning against the headboard of the bed.

He shook his head, watching her as she came to check on his bandages. "You were speaking to someone?" he asked. When she nodded, he continued, "Do you have news?"

Satisfied the bandages still held, she looked up into his clear eyes and sighed. "They are sending a procession to capture some men. There's a small group not far from here."

He set his jaw and nodded. "I should go with him," he said, trying to push himself up. When he winced, Anólindë pressed him back down to the bed. "Or perhaps not."

"Perhaps not is right," she said, getting up and retrieving his dry clothes. Handing it to him, she watched as he dressed. "They would not allow you to go, anyways. It is better if you stay."

As Legolas took a few dbreabreaths, he frowned and looked up. "Why are they capturing men?" he asked, "And who are they?"

"Men of Gondor, I know not who. And the why is a mystery to me as well." Anólindë took Legolas' hand, helping him stand from the bed. "Elrond believes they will give us leverage."

"Aragorn will not be pleased." Legolas's eyes took on a faraway, sad look, but Anólindë didn't press for information. He looked back at the bed, then lifted his gaze tos. \s. "Thank you for allowing me to stay. I had not meant to fall asleep."

"Your gratitude is not necessary. It was my pleasure to help." She opened the door and led the way outside. "It is not often I get to help someone. Life in Lorien has become...monotonous."

They walked along the path through the trees to a makeshift building not far from the cabins. As they entered it, they found several elves sitting at wooden tables eating breakfast. Anólindë settled Legolas into a seat and fetched them some food.

The meal was meager, but Legolas was hungry. "I thought I could perhaps speak with Galadriel today," he said, taking a long sip of water, "It has been long since I have seen her."

"She is under heavy protection, even from her own people. They are worried she will weaken too quickly if she has visitors." Anólindë frowned at his downcast expression. "It would mean a lot to you to see her?"

He nodded softly. "She was a sourc str strength to all of us during Sauron's attempted reign, even to me. The Lady of the Wood has wisdom beyond any of us. Even a short visit would mean much."

Clenching her jaw and looking around, Anólindë leaned closer and whispered, "Haldir, her guardian, has gone with the others to capture the men. I may be able to take on that guardianship for a short while. I could get you in to see her, if it means that much."

"It would," he replied, "You would do this for me?"

"If I can. The anger I would face if revealed, though, is not something I would care to experience."

Legolas knit his brows. "I have met Haldir before. I cannot see his anger as being something you should fear."

She raised her eyebrows. "Oh, not Haldir. Elrond."

Leaning back, Legolas cocked his head. "Elrond? I know he is a warrior at heart, but even he does not strike me as one who you should fear."

Anólindë shifted her eyes, averting them to the table. "He has changed," she said, fiddling with her glass, "The loss of his family has taken its toll. I fear our relationship is all that grounds him."

A light flashed in Legolas' eyes. "Your relationship. You and Elrond are lovers?"

Anólindë looked up, her eyes wide. "Yes, for a long while now. I know him, Legolas, and I know when he despairs. He does so now, but I see something else as well. He is lost. Never has he done anything to hurt me, but I fear he would hurt others."

"Like these men?" When she nodded, Legolas crossed his arms and sighed. "It takes incredible strength to keep from faltering during this difficult time. Is it possible that Elrond will recover from this?"

"Everyone has lost someone. You, me. Lady Galadriel host ost more than I care to think about. We may be troubled, but we keep strong. I worry about Elrond."

"If the leader of Lorien is ill, then Elrond is the only one who can take authority." Legolas frowned and seemed to consider something before looking up at Anólindë. "I will speak to him. I may not be my father, but I can represent the elves as well. Hopefully he will agree to share the responsibility, so that I may watch him."

Anólindë shoved the glass away from her and rubbed her eyes. "I feel so traitorous," she said quietly, "Talking about Elrond behind his back...what kind oiendiend would so such a thing?"

Reaching across the table, Legolas patted her on the hand. "One who cares."

She smiled faintly. "One who cares," she repeated, "I will try to remember that." Taking a deep breath, she rose from the table and looked down upon Legolas. "I will go see about taking guardianship of Galadriel. If I am able, I will send for you." He nodded, but Anólindë said one other thing before leaving. "Do not strain yourself. I will not be happy to see you have hurt yourself further."

Legolas smiled at her wink as she left the cabin.

*

TBC