Title: "All But My Life" Author: Anestel Author's Email: swordswornofrohan@yahoo.com Website: www.livejournal.com/users/anestel Beta: Orchyd Constyne Pairing(s): Haldir/Lurtz, Celeborn/Haldir, Orophin/Rumil Rating: NC-17 Summary: Haldir sacrifices life as he knows to save his brothers from orcs. Lurtz enslaves him... Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this except some of the orcs. Warning: Non-Con, Bondage, Violence, interspecies, angst, happy ending (either at end of this story or in a sequel) Authors Note: This is my first orc fic. And the first fic I've written with the three brothers. So feel free to give me advice. I live for feedback. Prologue: I would do anything for my brothers, Orophin and Rumil. They are my life, my all. One day, I did give everything but my life to save them. It changed my life, changed who I was. Took away my pride and my innocence. It left me broken and confused, until my brothers saved me in turn; this is the story of the sacrifice I made to save my brothers' lives. Chapter One The Exchange Where are they, thought Haldir worriedly. The Southern flets were dangerous right now, with bands of roaming Orcs. His brothers had wandered off hours ago. "Orophin... Rumil... Orophin?...Rumil?..." His voice was becoming strained and desperate as he kept calling for them. Haldir had been so intent on locating his brothers that he did not notice he was being followed. His worry grew when he sensed danger, and his calling became more frantic. Without warning, he felt a sharp pain on the back of his head before he fell to the ground, barely conscious. Forcing his eyes to focus, Haldir's pewter orbs took in the sight of an Orc. Behind the Orc were several more of the vile creatures and they held his brothers captive. "Let them go," demanded Haldir, swaying slightly as he rose to his feet. "Why should we?" asked the Orc. Lurtz found the ethereal creature beautiful beyond words, and he wanted him: wanted to touch him, hurt him, make him his slave. "I'll do anything if you let them go. Do whatever you wish to me. Let me bear their pain," whispered Haldir, staring at his brothers. "Very well," Lurtz agreed. Turning his head, he told the other Orcs something in a language Haldir didn't understand. "I love you, Rumil and Orophin," Haldir called, trying to keep his voice strong. Before the twins could reply, though, the Orcs holding them knocked them out. Haldir swallowed and forced himself to remain calm. At least they would be free and alive. "I am called Lurtz. Who are you, my new slave?" sneered Lurtz as he lifted a dirty, rough hand to cup Haldir's chiseled face. 'I will have fun with you,' he thought to himself. Haldir hesitated slightly, then tried to move away from the hand, only to feel it tighten. "I am Haldir," he murmured, desperately trying to control his fear. "Well, Haldir, you will serve me and do anything I say, understood? Good." Haldir caught the hidden meaning in what Lurtz was telling him. He would be a slave... a sex slave. 'I shall lose my innocence to an Orc,' thought Haldir with remorse, but then he remembered this was the cost of keeping his brothers safe. He could endure this... at least he hoped he could. ~~~ TBC Chapter Two/Realization Beta: Orchyd Constyne "Haldir..." the whispered voice fell on his ears like a gentle caress... Celeborn. "My lord," Haldir murmured as he turned to face Celeborn, their faces only inches apart. "My lord..." His sentence was stopped when Celeborn pressed their lips together. Haldir gasped in surprise, and Celeborn thrust his tongue into the sweet mouth. The older elf explored Haldir's mouth, creating new sensations within his young Captain's body... A sharp pain shot up his arm as he was pulled from his reverie and reality hit him hard. A whimper of pain fell from his lips as his arm was twisted further. "Lurtz calls for you," the voice sneered, dragging him to Lurtz's bedroll. "Ah, there you are, slave," said Lurtz as he dismissed the other Orc. "Take off your clothes," he demanded and watched Haldir undress. The pale lithe body lay exposed to Lurtz's lust-filled eyes. "Lay beside me," commanded Lurtz, undressing himself and looking at Haldir expectantly. Haldir trembled in dread and fear as he lay down beside Lurtz. His heart pounded in his chest. The proud arrogant side of Haldir fought to maintain some measure of control; he didn't want to give Lurtz any unnecessary satisfaction. Haldir gasped as he was pulled into a rough kiss. "Nay, please," he begged Lurtz as the Orc forced him onto his back. Lurtz then straddled Haldir's chest. The Orc pressed his long, thick member against Haldir's mouth, but the Elf refused to open his mouth to take it in. He had to try to fight this. "Open up, you bastard," growled Lurtz, grabbing Haldir's jaw and squeezing it roughly. He smiled as Haldir released a cry of pain, which allowed Lurtz to shove himself into the wet cave. "Aiya," he groaned as he pressed himself all the way in. He enjoyed the gagging and choking sounds that came from the writhing creature beneath him, and he hardened even more within the mouth. A sneer lit his face as he thrust deep into the other's throat, choking him further. Haldir's eyes were wide with shock. He struggled to breath, but Lurtz kept pushing his massive length down Haldir's throat. Tears fell down his face. The bitterness of Lurtz's seed filled his mouth at last. The scalding liquid tasted disgusting. "Swallow it!" He heard the gruff command and reluctantly obeyed. Haldir gagged a few times but was relieved that the hardness was gone. He struggled to stop the tears as the realization hit him: he was being used; he had truly become a slave. He turned his head to the side to hide tears that threatened to spill over. Lurtz rolled off the Elf, sated for the night. He pulled Haldir into his arms and held him possessively. "Mine..." he mumbled as he fell asleep. Haldir finally let the sobs fall from his lips. He missed Orophin and Rumil. Were they all right? Did they miss him as much as he missed them? Haldir fell into a restless sleep in the arms of an Orc, plagued by endless questions. Chapter Three/Helpless Beta: Orchyd Constyne Dark. There was no light; it was even darker than night. They had blindfolded him. Haldir trembled in fear at the loss of his sight, his most important sense. His hands were tied behind his back, a rope tied around his neck, and he was gagged. The Orcs were treating Haldir as they would an animal, not even allowing him clothes. Around him, he could hear the Orcs talking, mostly in the Black Speech, which hurt his Elven ears. Some of the Orcs, though, conversed in the language of Men which Haldir had learned years ago. "Do you think Lurtz would let us use him?" asked one of the Orcs. "No, Lurtz is too possessive; the Elf is his," another answered. Haldir's heart broke as he heard himself talked about as if he were no more than a possession. Tears soaked his blindfold, which caused him to flush with shame. He was scared... terrified, in fact. His feet were sore, but they did not let him rest. One of his captors would pull the rope around his neck if he fell behind. He hated that the first to know his body would be a filthy Orc. Haldir had been waiting; he had wanted to give himself to Celeborn. Haldir knew how to Farspeak, but he wasn't sure if he had the strength to do it. He let the Orcs lead him, focusing all his concentration on speaking to Lord Celeborn, on the faint silvery warmth of the Sinda Lord's mind. He honed his thought like a dagger and thrust it as best he could toward that warmth. /Celeborn!/ ~~~ Celeborn's face became pale as he listened to Orophin explain what had happened. "They took Haldir?" he asked in a choked voice. Tears pooled in his eyes before anger welled inside him. "Form four search parties and take them to where you were left. Send one in each direction. Find Haldir and bring..." He broke off suddenly, as a cry of fear cut through his mind. /Celeborn!/ The Elf-lord held up his hand to silence Orophin and Rumil. His attention focused on strengthening the connection. /I am here, Haldir,/ he answered. /Are you well?/ /For the moment,/ Haldir replied. The relief at being answered flooded his thoughts. /Can you tell me where you are?/ /I do not know. I am blindfolded./ /Are you injured?/ Celeborn asked as his fists clenched, straining to keep *his* anger and fear from flooding Haldir's mind. /Not badly. One of the Orcs has claimed me as his slave. I fear that he will force himself on me. Forgive me, my Lord./ Celeborn's fingernails dug into his palms, causing them to bleed. /I am sending out search parties after you, Haldir. We will find you, melethen./ /I fear it will be too late. Celeborn... he has already tainted me./ /No one could taint you, my love. Hold on to us. Do not let them destroy who you are. Remember that I love you and that your brothers love you. Let that comfort you. I swear, we will find you,/ Celeborn vowed to Haldir, feeling tears roll down his cheeks. /I love you, too, híren. Please tell Orophin and Rumil that I love them, and not to blame themselves, / came the faint answer before the connection was abruptly severed. Celeborn looked at the two brothers. "Haldir is alive, and he says he loves you. Go and form the search parties and bring him back," he commanded. Orophin and Rumil nodded and hurried to obey, but Celeborn called to them before they left the chamber. "He also says not to blame yourselves. He made his choice to save you. Do not let your hearts be troubled by his sacrifice. Just bring him home." The Lord of Lorien sat at his wooden desk and buried his face in his hand. Bitter tears soaked his face. Haldir did not deserve this fate. Celeborn put his faith in the Valar, because he was helpless to aid his love before he was defiled. Chapter Four/The Vow Beta: Orchyd Constyne Haldir stumbled weakly on. Every once in a while, an Orc would hit the back of his knees and cause him to fall. His face flushed with anger and shame, but there was nothing he could do. He would not cry. He would not let them break him. He would stay strong for Celeborn and his brothers. Finally, a halt was called. After several minutes, he was given some stale bread and a bit of water. He finished it quickly, afraid it would be taken away from him. Haldir knew that tonight he would be taken and his innocence stolen. Haldir mourned that he would not be able to give himself first to Celeborn, but his Lord's words repeated inside his mind. "We will find you, melethen. No one can taint you. Hold on to us. Do not let them destroy who you are. Remember that I love you and that your brothers love you. Let that comfort you. I swear, we will find you..." "Slave!" came the harsh voice of his 'master'. "Get on your hands and knees!" Haldir obeyed slowly and forced back sobs. He would not let Lurtz know how weak he was. He would not react, would not make a sound. The Sinda gasped softly when he felt Lurtz's grimy hands roughly grip his back. Something large and hard pressed against his entrance. His mind cried out desperately. Haldir tried to pull away, but the creature's hands grabbed his hips and gripped him cruelly. The Elf bit his lip as Lurtz forced him into position. His tortured scream rent the air when the hard member invaded his untouched body. He felt the skin tear and the blood begin to flow. Despite his resolve, pained cries and whimpered pleas for mercy fell from his lips. Lurtz groaned his pleasure and began to thrust brutally into Haldir. The Orc enjoyed the agonized screams that the silver-haired Elf released with each thrust. He felt his climax wash through him, and he gave one final vicious shove before pulling out. He stood up and kicked Haldir in the stomach, knocking him to the ground. Haldir could hear the mocking laughter recede as his tormentor walked away. When all was silent and he was blissfully alone, Haldir curled into a ball and sobbed, his will shattered. Pain radiated through him, a slow trickle of warmth sliding down his leg -- blood mixed with the Orc's noxious seed. "Oh, Celeborn," he whispered into the oppressive darkness, knowing that he would not have the strength to Farspeak again. Words spilled from his lips regardless, as though the hope alone could keep him alive. "I love you. I miss you. It hurts so much. I wish you were with me, my lord." With that final thought, Lorien seemed to pull the Elf into his merciful embrace, and Haldir fell into a deep, healing sleep. ~~~ 'He is a lovely slave,' thought Lurtz. 'I will have to think of new games to play with him. His screams are like music.' ~~~ Celeborn's head snapped up when the faint whisper of Haldir's mind brushed across his own. The touch faded almost immediately and quickly vanished. Celeborn began to sob. The Lord of the Golden Wood broke down for the first time in his long life. He felt so helpless, for there was nothing he could do but wait. ~~~ Orophin held Rumil tightly against his chest as the younger Elf cried. He rubbed his brother's back soothingly, murmuring nonsense in an attempt to calm him. Orophin swore that he would kill the beast that stole Haldir from them. He would take revenge for all the pain the creature had brought upon those he loved. The Sinda kissed Rumil's brow and released him. The two shared a look of encouragement as they mounted their horses and rode into the forest in search of their beloved brother. ~~~ Chapter Five/ Bhaile Beta: Orchyd Constyne A/N: Bhaile is a character from an rp I'm in. Though it is not mine; it's Bersca's (bad spelling, sorry pal :P) "Get up, Haldir," a gentle voice said. Haldir groaned and tried to sit up, but fell down again. He felt a gentle hand lift him up, and he was surprised to realize that his blindfold was gone. A strangled cry found its way to his throat and he looked up at the Orc in terror. "Shh... I have come to give you food and ease your pain if I can. You must be quiet, though," the Orc said softly. Haldir stared in shock and noticed that the Orc didn't smell as bad as most of them did. He nodded numbly and managed to stay upright. Haldir took the plate of food the Orc offered him and ate it slowly, fighting the unease in the pit of his stomach. "Th-thank you," he stuttered, his voice hoarse. "There is no need to thank me. What Lurtz has done is wrong. I only wish I could do more. My name is Bhaile," the Orc continued, watching to be sure Haldir ate well. He reached into a pocket pulling out some ointment. "I am sure he tore you badly. Will you let me try to make at least ease some of your pain?" Bhaile looked at the Elf, his concern evident in his dark eyes. Haldir nodded numbly. He would do anything to ease the throbbing in his lower regions. He set the plate down and looked at Bhaile. "Why are you helping me?" he asked. Bhaile sighed before he answered. "I'm not like most of my kind. I like to be clean and I find no satisfaction in hurting things. I just want to help you, make some amends for Lurtz's actions... You will have to lay on your stomach." Haldir moved onto his stomach, spreading his legs with a low groan of pain. Bhaile coated one of his fingers with the ointment. Gently, he pressed the oiled finger against Haldir's entrance. He reached up to rub Haldir's back soothingly when the Elf tightened his muscles against the painful invasion. "Relax, Haldir. You must relax," whispered Bhaile. Haldir felt the ointment begin to sooth his channel and mewled softly. The finger finally left him and Haldir sighed in relief. The pain continued to subsid and he fell quickly back into a fitful sleep before he could even thank the Orc. Bhaile cleaned his finger and took a damp towel to clean off the dry blood from Haldir's body. When he finished, he put the towel back and left. He was happy that he could help the Elf, even if it was just a little bit. ~~~ The next morning, Lurtz shook Haldir awake and pulled him up. "Stand up, bastard," he said gruffly. Haldir looked at him fearfully. Lurtz laughed and slapped him, grinning at the yelp of pain. He reached down and stroked Haldir lightly. Haldir scowled, looking away. He moaned softly as his member began to fill. "That's it, get hard for me." Haldir felt tears fall down his cheeks. It seemed to take forever for his sex to become completely hard. Finally, Lurtz let go of him and Haldir let out an unsteady sigh of relief. But, the relief was short lived as Lurtz took a strap of leather and tied it around Haldir's member, the pressure painfully tight. "Ai!" Haldir cried softly, wincing when Lurtz tightened it further. "Don't take that off. You won't find any release until I say so. Understand slave?" Lurtz asked viciously, giving the length a sharp squeeze. Haldir grimaced in discomfort and Lurtz squeezed harder. "Jacluk, tie him up again. Blindfold him... tightly. I don't know how the other one came off." Jacluk came and bound Haldir again. He purposely stroked Haldir's sensitive shaft, pulling a moan of agony from the Elf. Haldir's face flushed with shame while his body ached for release. He gathered his strength and worked on reaching Celeborn. /Celeborn? Can you hear me?/ ~~~ Celeborn had just fallen asleep when the touch of Haldir's mind awakened him. /Celeborn? Can you hear me?/ The Elf-lord couldn't help but smile at the familiar feel of Haldir's thoughts. /I am here, meleth. Are you all right?/ /I am alive. He took me last night. The pain was unbearable, melethen, and I lost a lot of blood. I feel worthless now. Later, another Orc came to me and gave me some healing ointment and food. Oh, I need you, Celeborn./ Celeborn thanked the Valar that Haldir was still alive after being raped by the vile creature. /I need you, too. I am glad someone took care of you./ 'Even if it wasn't me,' Celeborn finished to himself. /Yes, I think I may have found a friend in Bhaile. But, meleth, I must go before I lose all my strength. Valar knows I will need it tonight. Do not worry about me, melethen. My brothers will find me soon. Until then, Lurtz wants to keep me alive./ /All right. I love you. Keep your strength up. I hope you can Farspeak to me again soon,/ Celeborn replied before he closed the connection. Weariness overcame him then, and he fell asleep. ~~~ "It appears the Orcs are returning to Isengard!" exclaimed Rumil as he studied at the direction of the tracks. "They appear to be a week ahead of us." Orophin closed his eyes and sighed, knowing Rumil was right. "Let us continue," he commanded as he urged his horse on. The other guardians followed. They had to find Haldir, and soon. Chapter Six Title: "All But My Life" Author: Anestel Author's Email: swordswornofrohan@yahoo.com Beta: Orchyd Constyne Website: www.livejournal.com/users/anestel Pairing(s): Haldir/Lurtz, Celeborn/Haldir, Orophin/Rumil Rating: NC-17 Summary: Haldir sacrifices life as he knows to save his brothers from orcs. Lurtz enslaves him... Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this except some of the orcs. Warning: Non-Con, Bondage, Violence, interspecies, angst, happy ending (either at end of this story or in a sequel). A/N: I'm sorry this chapter is shorter than most of mine for this fic. I didn't feel up to torturing Haldir all that much so I gave you guys a break from the torture and focused on the other characters a little bit. Please Review Chapter Six Unexpected Visit Celeborn sighed softly as he paced the room. He had had found little sleep, and what he did find was filled with nightmares, which woken him. Flashes of Haldir's face filled with terror filled his vision, and he wearily closed his eyes. There was a soft knock at the door what caused Celeborn to jump slightly before he answered it. He swallowed hard when he saw that one of his dearest friends stood on the threshold, Elrond Peredhel. The Half-Elf pulled him into a comforting embrace and Celeborn rested his head on the Elf-lord's shoulder and silent tears fell from his eyes. "It is all right, Celeborn," Elrond murmured, holding his friend close. He had sensed his friend's distress in Imladris, urging him to venture to Lorien. "What has happened?" he asked. Celeborn took a deep, shaky breath and led Elrond into his room. Celeborn drew Elrond onto the large bed, encouraging the Half-Elf to sit across from him. He folded his legs under him, and Elrond did the same, his pewter gaze questioning Celeborn's sapphire one. Celeborn sighed, offering a sad, watery smile. "I am relieved you have come, Elrond," he said quietly. Elrond returned Celeborn's smile "I knew something was wrong and I had to come. Now, tell me meldir, what has happened?" Elrond asked as he reached out to take the Lorien Elf's hand in gesture of comfort. Celeborn nodded. "Haldir," he breathed. Swallowing his sorrow, he explained the situation to Elrond. "A band of Orcs have taken him from us. Their leader... he has taken Haldir. I... Orophin and Rumil think they are taking him to Isengard." He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment to control his raging emotions. "I am worried, Elrond; I know they have hurt him terribly." Elrond squeezed his father-in-law's hand, sensing the deep felt sorrow and wanting to ease it in any way he could. Haldir was the love of Celeborn's life. Elrond pulled Celeborn into his arms, pulling them both to the mattress. He closed his eyes and prayed to the Valar that Haldir would be found soon... and alive. He held the silver-haired Elf through the night, humming a soft tune that he had sung to Arwen as a babe. ~~~ Haldir struggled to stay upright; the pain he felt almost overpowered him. He let out a tortured gasp when an Orc grabbed his member. He nearly crumpled under the touch. Tears soaked the blindfold; he wanted to reach out to Celeborn, but it used too much of his strength. He had little enough to spare and there was so much pain. He hoped that Lurtz would leave him be this night. Allow him heal. He doubted it though as they stopped to make camp; Lurtz would never be so kind. ~~~ Orophin watched his brother stare into the glowing embers. Rumil looked awful, rings marred the fair skin below his eyes showing his lack of sleep. "Rumil," he said softly. "Come and lie beside me tonight," he offered, holding his arms open for his twin brother. Rumil smiled weakly at him and crawled into his arms, curling against him. For one moment, everything was all right. For a moment, he felt safe and content in Orophin's arms. "I love you, Orophin," he said quietly and nuzzled his brother's neck. Orophin smiled and tightened his arms. "I love you too, Rumil," he murmured. 'You'll never know how much,' he thought to himself. They may have been twins, but Orophin and Rumil were very different. Orophin was but a few minutes older, and he looked and behaved years older. Rumil was the baby; he was smaller and had such an innocence about him that caused him seem even younger. Orophin sighed. It was that innocence that drew him to Rumil. That open trust, a loving innocence... Orophin knew he felt more for his brother than he should, more than was permitted, but there it was naught he could do. Rumil soon fell into reverie, cuddled in his twin's warm embrace. Orophin smiled down at his sleeping angel and fell asleep himself, his secret desire held close. He knew he would have to wake in just a few hours to take a watch. If only they could remain like this forever, resting in each other's arms. ~~~ Please Review Chapter Seven Title: "All But My Life" Author: Anestel Author's Email: swordswornofrohan@yahoo.com Beta: Orchyd Constyne Website: www.livejournal.com/users/anestel Pairing(s): Haldir/Lurtz, Celeborn/Haldir, Orophin/Rumil Rating: R or NC-17 Summary: Haldir sacrifices life as he knows to save his brothers from orcs. Lurtz enslaves him... Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this except some of the orcs. Warning: Non-Con, Bondage, Violence, interspecies, angst, happy ending (either at end of this story or in a sequel) A/N: Sorry this chapter is short, next one will be longer at least I'm hoping. Chapter Seven A Friend It seemed that the Valar had taken pity on Haldir, for Lurtz did not come to him that night. He eagerly ate his meager stale ration of bread and water, and then he gingerly laid down on his side. His body ached for release still, but it wouldn't be granted. With that bitter thought, darkness overcame him, a dreamless reverie encompassing him. ~~~ 'That poor Elf' thought Bhaile as he watched Haldir, waiting for the others around him to fall asleep. He needed to tend to the magnificent creature. He hated how Lurtz was degrading the Elf; it made him angry and he wanted to help Haldir. Maybe they could escape, but they would have to have a good plan. They would only have the one chance. When all had settled down and silence blanketed the area, Bhaile knelt by Haldir and gently shook him. Fearful eyes stared up into his, but Bhaile murmured, "Shh... I'm here to help you; stay quiet." Haldir watched as Bhaile untied the leather rope that was around his member. The Orc covered Haldir's mouth with one hand and stroked Haldir's member with the other. It didn't take much to coax Haldir to orgasm, and Bhaile's hand muffled the sounds of pleasure. The Orc cleaned them both off and used the salve from the night before to carefully treat Haldir's abused channel. Haldir looked at the elf gratefully but didn't dare to speak for fear of waking another Orc. The ointment, combined with the orgasmic release, exhausted and relaxed him. He closed his eyes for a moment and felt oblivion tugging at him. "Haldir... I must tie you up as you were, otherwise Lurtz will find out someone has been helping you," Bhaile said. When Haldir nodded, Bhaile gently stroked the Elf's member back to arousal and retied it with the leather. "I am sorry," he whispered. "You have done as much as you can for me. I am grateful for that," Haldir whispered back, smiling weakly at the Orc. He wished for the thousandth time that night that Celeborn were here, but it was not to be. At least Haldir was no longer alone. He had an ally. Haldir would do everything he could to ensure that Bhaile was spared when his brothers rescued him. Bhaile placed the blindfold over his eyes. Haldir could no longer fight the black oblivion that beckoned to him, and he fell asleep. Please review Chapter Eight Title: "All But My Life" Author: Anestel Author's Email: swordswornofrohan@yahoo.com Beta: Orchyd Constyne Website: www.livejournal.com/users/anestel Pairing(s): Haldir/Lurtz, Orophin/Rumil, Celeborn/Haldir Rating: NC-17 Summary: Haldir sacrifices life as he knows to save his brothers from orcs. Lurtz enslaves him... Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in this except some of the orcs. Warning: Non-Con, Bondage, Violence, interspecies, angst, happy ending Chapter Eight Normal Again The next morning, Elrond woke up with the sleeping Celeborn still in his arms. He was worried, not only for Haldir, but also for Celeborn. This scenario was all too familiar… Celebrian. He was glad he hadn't told his sons what was wrong; otherwise, they might have gone into another mad rage. They had only just healed from their mother's parting; the wounds, still tender, easily opened again. Celeborn began to stir, and Elrond kissed his forehead. "Good Morning, mellonen. Sleep well?" Celeborn yawned and nodded sleepily. "Better than I have in a long, long time," he said huskily. "Thank you." He looked at his best friend and smiled slightly. "I'm glad to be here with you," Elrond said, holding the other close to him. His heart ached for his friend, and he tried to stay hopeful that Haldir would be all right. Even if Haldir survived, he would never be the same. It would take years for him to heal. "I'm glad you're here. I need your support," Celeborn said as he smiled again at Elrond. Elrond gave a comforting smile before releasing him. "Have you talked to Orophin and Rumil?" he asked as he stood up and stretched. Celeborn shook his head. "Not for a while. I think I will today," he said as he got up and began to change his clothes. Elrond nodded. "You should. I hope they find Haldir soon," he said softly, the last part almost to himself. ~~~ /Orophin?/ Orophin and the other guardians had stopped for lunch when he heard his Lord mindspeak to him. /Yes, Lord Celeborn?/ he replied as they began to eat. /How is your progress?/ /We're on their trail. Getting closer, I think,/ Orophin answered as he studied Rumil. He wished he had made Rumil stay behind. His twin looked terrible. As he briefed Celeborn, he went to his brother's side and pulled him into his arms. Rumil snuggled against his older twin, wondering again at how just Orophin's touch could make him feel so safe and happy. He sighed contently and tried to keep from worrying about Haldir. He clung to this moment of happiness and security. If only things were normal, maybe he could talk to Orophin about his feelings, but this wasn't the time. Haldir was most important. Orophin finally finished his conversation with Celeborn, and the link closed His thoughts turned to his twin and his feelings. Maybe when things were normal again, maybe then he would confess his feelings, but for now they had to find Haldir… and soon. ~~~ TBC