Safe in Your Arms

It was fairly clear Autumn day in Rivendell. The birds chirped seldom, but sat contently in the branches of the oaks and beech-woods. Sanarium looked out at the scenery from her window in the healing wing. She sighed as Linwe continued to sort through various remides, "It's really nice out today... The air is brisk and fresh...the smell of the trees is flowing in..." Sanarium closed her eyes and breathed in deeply with a smile. Linwe stood and looked in her direction and after a moment walked up next to her.

"But," She pointed out at the sky from the window. "Do you see those clouds in the distance? ...There will be a storm not to long from now. This is the slightly chilled weather before hand." Sanarium followed Linwe's long, thin hand and saw the clouds she spoke of. They were thick and puffy with rain and their dark grey color seemed very omonous in the short distance. Sanarium turned back to Linwe,

"But it's nice now at least." Linwe walked back over to her table of herbs and liquids. Sanarium gave a slight smile, one might think Linwe was rude, ignoring her that way. But truthfully Linwe was probably the best listener in all of Rivendell, it was just her way to show little emotion, just like Searyn. Sanarium looked at the clouds as she thought of her love. He seemed even more stowic when adding on his title of general, but she knew about his deeper side that he showed to no one. "Hmn... And I had to disifer him myself, he didn't tell me anything either." she mumbled. Linwe looked up.

"Did you say somthing?"

"Oh, it's nothing... Um, but since it seems to be such a slow day here (the group must be tired or something)... Can I go? ...You see, Searyn will be returning from that scouting misson soon and I wanted to meet him at the gate if I could." Linwe gave her old friend a slight smile.

"Of course... You many go." Sanarium smiled brightly,

"Hannon lle, Mellon!*" And she floated out of the healing wings.

(*Thank you, Friend!)

~~~~~~~~~~

Searyn marched his small group of troops on towards the gates of Rivendell. Yet again they had had sightings of Orcs and beasts near their forests, but yet again they seemed to be nothing more than rumors. They had followed tracks for a distance but if they belonged to any Orc then they had fled. Searyn shook his head slightly, he wished that more Elves knew how to track like the Rangers. He made himself a mental note to ask the twins about various tracks and such. As Searyn's mind wondered over the subject, a few troops began to speak of other things. "Oy, my shoulder keeps giving me a hard time!" The soldier rotated his shoulder blade attempting to loosen it some. The soldier next to him looked at him in jest.

"Just go to the healing wings when we return... I'm sure they can give you a rub or something to make it go away." The other soldier leaned in and spoke a little quieter.

"Heh, I'd go to the healing wing just to see the ladies Linwe and Sanarium..."

"Oh, the "Cold and Gentle Beauties"? Yes, they're quite popular for both their healing abilities and their treatment...." His eyebrows lowered, "But you better be careful, General Searyn and the Lady Sanarium are together, engaged even... You don't want to invoke his wrath by hitting on her do you?" The first soldier shuddered at the thought of their general's furousity.

"Well, it's not like I'm going to go up them and say, "I really think you're beautiful. Would you be my love?" ...I'm not that crazy about them... But, man is the General lucky to have a maiden like Lady Sanarium..." The soldiers marched through the gate and stopped to be dismissed. The two soldiers noticed Sanarium waiting on the steps.

"Speak of the beauty..." Searyn walked up the steps and greeted her.

"Mae govanen, Melleth*... How did you fare?" asked Sanarium happily. Searyn walked with her towards Elrond's study,

(*Welcome, Love)

"We found small traces of creatures... Orc or not they were not to be seen. We set a sentinal on watch in the forest just to be sure. But it is most likely another false report." Sanarium cocked her to the side,

"That's the tenth one this month..."

"Even so... I want you to stay inside the borders, don't go into the forests." Sanarium smiled,

"But what if I need herbs?" Searyn kept his eyes forward.

"When I will accompany you."

"And if you're busy or away again?"

"When I shall have a soldier accompany you." Sanarium giggled,

"You worry to much!" Searyn stopped and took Sanarium by the shoulders,

"Sanarium... Please, just promise me that you will not go into the woods." Sanarium sighed, she crossed her fingers behind her back and promised. "Alright. I have to give Lord Elrond a report on the scouting mission. I shall see you later." He opened the door to Elrond's study and entered leaving Sanarium in the hall.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Deep in a cave, past the forests of Rivendell, horrid hissing and shrieks could be heard. The foul enties cursed the sun and the Elves that had picked up a small part of their trail, but they were thankful that the Elves lost it later. A great clamour began to arise from them, but suddenly they were silented by a loud growl, much like the sound of a large cat with a raspy throat. They quieted and they bided their time.

~~~~~~~~~~~

They day was wearing on and the sun loomed lower behind a blanket of clouds. Sanarium scuffled through her small baskets and cabinets for various remides. She opened a cabinet with a weaved basket sitting in the middle, lid slipped off and empty. "It looks like I'm out of sage." She looked into her other cabinets, "...and thyme ...and athelas." She stared at the empty baskets and put her hands on her hips. She looked at her crossed fingers and shrugged. She grabbed the empty baskets and her cloak. Sanarium was soon standing on the edge of the forest. She turned back and looked at the buildings of Rivendell. "When I need herbs, I need herbs... Sorry, Melleth." she turned back and entered the forest.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Searyn watched the dark clouds in distance as they approached Rivendell. He had just finished telling Elrond of the tracks and their findings. Elrond seemed satisphied for the time being, but he was also wary, praising Searyn for sending the few soldiers to patrol and make rounds about the area on watch. A gust of wind blew and his dark hair was carried back. He didn't perticularly like Autumn, at least not until he met Sanarium. She loved the season, often spoke of it and the different colored leaves. Searyn's attention was caught when two elven soldiers burst through the gate and ran up to him, they were two that he had sent to patrol. "Sir!" they cried, "Orcs! We've seen Orcs!" Searyn was alarmed, but showed little sign of it,

"Where?" The soldiers gasped for breath,

"In the forests. There are quite a few... propably an entire sect! They must have hidden when we searched for them!"

"Did they see you? Where are the others?"

"They did not see us. There was to many for us to attack and the others stayed to keep an eye on them. But it seems as though they are looking or waiting for something." They breathed, their urgentcy evident. Searyn sat in silent thought for a moment.

"Go back and call the others to the gate to stand guard there along with those already present. It seems these Orcs know nothing of Rivendell's location. But we shall not confront them until an army of appropate size is ready. ...Do not let them see you!"

"Yes, Sir!" they said in unison and ran out through the gate again. Searyn stood, troubled by this new development, but it was going to be a simple matter to solve once troops were ready. Searyn turned entered the halls of the Last Homly House once more.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sanarium scearched the ground for the plants that she needed, but it seemed they were scarce. Her search took her a few leagues away from Rivendell, deep into the forest. Sanarium finally spotted a bit of Athelas and bent down to gather some. She broke the plant carfully, "Well... it looks like I'm finally making a little progress." She continued to gather herbs to refill her baskets. She did not however notice or sense a pair of eyes on her as she went. They watched her intently waiting for the oppertune moment.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The leaves of the trees swayed slightly, the wind was growing steadily and the sky was dim from clouds. Elenwe and Luna sat on a bed in the healing wing while Linwe badaged their arms. "And we thought it would be a quiet day...." Elenwe lowered her eye brows,

"Hey, how was I supposed to know that the rack of weapons would fall so easily?" Luna shut her eyes,

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have knocked it over and had the weapons fall on us!" Elenwe turned to Luna.

"You're the one who told me to practice throwing daggers!"

"Yeah, I told you to aim at the target, not to hit the edge of it so it ricoched and knocked over the rack!!" Luna retorted. They gave a small "Hmph!" and glared at each other. Linwe finished banaging them as Searyn walked in. The two seemed to forget their arguement and welcomed Searyn back home. Searyn looked around with his usual expressionless face.

"Where is Sanarium?" Linwe put her extra bandages away,

"The last time she was in the healing wings was before you arrived. I have not seen her since." Elenwe looked at Luna in curious confusion,

"That's funny... we havn't seen her all day." Luna looked at Searyn and saw that he suspected something.

"Perhaps we can help you look." She said as she and Elenwe stood up. Searyn nodded his head and they left to search.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Out in the forest Sanarium continued to collect herbs. She was on her knees gathering sage when a gust of wind startled her, "Brrr! I guess that storm is getting closer... it's good that I'm almost done." She giggled to herself, "I'm sure Searyn won't have even realized I left." A snap of a twig came from behind her. She turned around and looked at the swaying buses and trees. She saw nothing else. "Must have been my imagination." she thought. She took one last plant and covered the basket, again she heard strange noises. The air seemed to be breathing and the presense of many eyes upon her could be felt. A cold shiver ran up her spine as she looked at her surroundings again. The noises didn't cease this time and she was suddenly overcome with the need to return to Rivendell imediatly. She stood up and began to walk back quickly. Foot steps followed her, the breathing quickened. Sanarium walked faster as fear crept into her every lim. With a loud crack of a branch behind her, she began to run. The breaths grew faster and the foul hiss and growl of laughter haunted her thoughts. She ran harder and didn't look back, feeling her persuer right behind her.

Suddenly as she ran black, armored claws reached from behind and grabbed her. She screamed and dropped her baskets, spilling herbs to the ground. Sanarium closed her eyes tight and continued to shriek at the top of her lungs. Another pair of hands restrained her and a great, sharp, disgusting hand covered her mouth. Sanarium opened her eyes and was face to face with an Orc. A malisous grin of victory was on his face and his pale, yellow eyes gleamed as he stared at her. Tears streamed from Sanarium's eyes as she screamed under his grasp. He cackled and black spit driped around his foul, pointed teeth, "So you want to be difficult?!" He removed his hand and Sanarium stayed silent in shock. The armor riped into her as the two orcs behind let their grip grow tighter around her. Sanarium now screamed out of pain. The single Orc in front of her took his right hand and slapped Sanarium violently accross the head. The Orcs let go as she fell to the ground unconscious, the tears still resting on her cheeks. "Ash coi thrakatuluk ahg burzum-ishi durbapatul!*" he shouted in his cruel voice and coughed, "Krimsnaga!**" And with that they picked Sanarium up and retreated deeper into the woods.

(*One life to bring them all and in the darkness rule them! **Bind the slave!)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Searyn, Luna and Elenwe had scearched almost every possible place Sanarium could have been and were starting to get worried. Searyn began to unconsciously tighten his grasp while Elenwe and Luna discussed where let could still look. Kerowyn came around the corner humming a tune and saw them. "Hey, guys." Searyn turned to her quickly,

"Have you seen Sanarium? We've looked almost everywhere." Kerowyn thought to herself for a moment and then seemed to remember.

"Actually I saw her on her way to her room not too long ago..." Searyn had already left and was on his way when Kerowyn looked back to ask why. Elenwe and Luna thanked her and followed quickly. Searyn rapped on the door a few times but there was silence.

"Sanarium? Are you there? ...Sanarium?" Silence. "...I'm coming in." The girls tried to stop him, but he had already opened the door. They stepped into the vacant room and looked around. Elenwe noticed the open cabinets and herb baskets.

"It looks like she was looking for something..." Searyn kneeled down by the evidence, his eyes searched over the clues for meaning. A thought suddenly crossed his mind and he turned to the chair by the bed. Sanarium always kept her cloak there and it was gone.

"No... She wouldn't...." he mummbled.

"Wouldn't what?" Luna asked. Searyn ignored her question and bolted from the room. Elenwe and Luna looked at each other for a moment and then ran after. Searyn burst through the front doors and ran up to the guards at the gate. As Elenwe and Luna reached the doors, Searyn started running into the woods. They ran after quickly. Searyn pasted by the trees rapidly as he felt his heart pounding like it were the only sound in the world. His eye caught somehting on the ground in the distance as he kept running, he slowed and bent down to examine it. Luna and Elenwe ran up, out of breath.

"What is it?" asked Elenwe. Searyn held up a cloak and pointed to two small herbal baskets, spilt over.

"These belong to Sanarium." Elenwe looked up at the now darkening sky.

"But... the storm will be on top of us soon. Why are her things here?" Searyn looked at the surrounding ground in haste. His anxiety and panic were starting to show through his stowic nature. Luna stared at him.

"Searyn, What's going on? What's happening?" Searyn came to a mark in the soil.

"There are Orcs in the surrounding area... and this is the mark of an armor boot." Searyn stood up and bolted into the trees before they could follow.

"Searyn, wait!!" They shouted. Luna growled,

"We need to go get help...Searyn may be armed but he won't last long if it's a sect." They looked up at the forboding weather as they ran through the trees back towards Rivendell.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sanarium was begining to come too, barely. She felt herself moveing up and down, but not from the strides of an Orc. A horrid pain ran through her body and her wrists and ankles ached with an immeasurable hurt. The wretched growls and hisses surrounded her in her blackness. Slowly she opened her eyes. Through her dim vision she saw the ground directly in front of her, moving. Just to the left she saw the back hooves of a horse walking slowly. She was slung over and face down on the back of the horse. Sanarium looked at her arms, which dangled in front of her. Around her wrists were large, thick shackles, too tight and causing her to bleed. "I must be shackled at my ankles too...." she thought wearily. That explained the pain in her wrists and ankles, but the rest of her body hurt from the beating she was given while unconscious. Slowly she lifted up her head. The horse which she rode on was a dirty, scraggly and worn creature, captured and worked by the Orcs. It's head was down drearily and it followed every order without a secound thought. Sanarium's heart was sore, "Dim ro.... Ai, bando le na? Le nant beleg, le nant?*" she whispered. The horse lifted his head, roused from a nightmare by the soft, gentle cooing of the elven maiden. He gave a quiet neigh to comfort her and she smiled slightly.

(*Sad horse.... Alas, Of prison are you? You were mighty, you were?)

"AH!" came from in front of them, "So the prisoner is awake?" The small Orc from before approached her as the procession stopped. He stood in front of her with the same sick grin upon his face. Sanarium's consciousness began to waver again and her eyes rolled in their sockets. "What's this? Done already? Now that won't do! We havn't gotten any real sport yet!" He pulled out a leather canteen and ripped the cork off, shoving the flask into Sanarium's mouth. The hot liquid went running down her throat and it spilled down her chin, she coughed as she couldn't swallow fast enough. The Orc pulled the flask away and Sanarium struggled for air. The horse neighed angerly. Suddenly an immense heat filled Sanarium but it was most uncomfortable, it burned her stomach, throat and innerds. She groaned in pain, her consciousness seccured by the vile drink. The Orc cackled, "Don't like it? Oh, I forgot! Orc liquior doesn't work for little Elves!" The sect of Orcs burst in laughter and the leader called for the pase to double.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The wind was beginning to whip through the trees, tearing off leaves and thin branches. Searyn ran through the forest, unaware of the various twigs and thorns scratching and nawing at him as he went. A large cut across his left cheek began to bleed, but he took no notice. All he could think of was finding Sanarium. He stopped and scanned the ground every so often, looking for a sign, any sign that she had been brought this way. No noise existed, but his breath and the wind, he did not hear nor see anything that would help. The Orcs had not come East. There was bearly a twig out of place, save for those flying about. Searyn turned West and ran a few yards before he stopped. He came upon a path beaten into the ground by heavy metal and all about branches and bushes were smashed and chopped. He turned and followed the trail, thankful the Orcs wern't as carful with they're trail now as they were before.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Kerowyn, Lindir, Linwe and Glorfindel had gathered in a lounge for tea and conversation, but they were quite startled when Luna and Elenwe burst through the door, cold and out of breath. Elrond stood up, "What are you two doing?" he asked in his fatherly tone, expecting them to be up to mischeif. Elenwe coughed as Luna shouted, "Sanarium was taken by orcs! ...When she went to get herbs!" Everyone stood up in shock and worry. Elenwe stepped forward.

"We already told some soldiers to group and come help, but we're gonna need you guys too!" Luna took up Elenwe's position.

"Searyn rushed off by himself to find her, but even with his sword, he won't be much against an entire sect of orcs... " Glorfindel looked at them all,

"We must leave at once!" They all nodded and all but Linwe and Elrond ran out the door to go search for their missing commrades. Elrond turned to Linwe,

"Tell everyone in the healing wing to be ready for casualties... " Linwe nodded and left.

Outside everyone who was going to scearch was on horse back in front of the gate. Glorfindel spoke the orders in elvish. "There is one elf maiden captive and one elf out in the forest. The orcs may be scattered, but kill them when you find them! ...Alright. Lindir, Elladan you two lead this group. Elrohir and Kerowyn, you're with me. Elenwe and Luna you're leading the last group. Let's go!" The gates opened and like a flash of lighting the three parties bolted through and into the forest.

Luna and Elenwe rode in front of their group at a canter, looking about the dark woods. Elenwe turned to Luna, "What's the matter with Searyn? It would been better if he had just come with the search party! I mean he's a general!" she shouted through the wind. Luna kept searching the distance,

"With Sanarium captive all of his general type of thinking, his sense of reason... has been thrown out the window!" They rode on searching with their group right behind them.

Lindir and Elladan yelled the names of their friends through the forest, but no answer was heard. Little drops of rain plinked and plunked about slowly, but within minutes it was pouring. Elladan shook his head. The storm was beginning. Their spirit's fell as hope seemed to dwindle. The storm would wash away any tracks, blow away all torn branches, cover yells and cause Sanarium's situation to worsen. Elladan stopped their party and turned his horse from side to side, blinking in the rain and contumplating their next direction. A whistle ringed through the trees as an arrow sprang forth and shot a soldier through the neck, he fell from his horse and lay dead. Everyone turned as a group of Orcs appeared and ran at them snarling and weilding they're bent swords. Elladan unsheathed his sword, held it high and shouted, "Kirer ndu i yrch!*" All of the Elves unsheathed their swords and colided with the Orcs.

(*Cut down the Orcs!)

~~~~~~~~~~~

The large group of Orcs holding onto Sanarium emerged from the forest to a rocky side of the mountain. There they halted and set down their parsels. The cool rain soothed Sanarium, the effects of the drink were finally passing and she felt comforted by the presence of her new friend, the captive horse. He would whinny quietly to reasure her of future safty, but Sanarium kept little hope alive in her heart.

The general Orc stepped forth once again he attempted to pick Sanarium up, but as he drew near to her the horse shrieked and stomped in rage, "Hold the beast!" shouted the general. Three Orcs came and held the side of the horse as he continued to neigh in protest. Sanarium feared his shrieks would rouse their wrath,

"Seas no din, Mellon ... Yes na...*" she whispered. The horse quieted, obeying against his will. The general orc set Sanarium on her feet, but she imidiatly collapsed to the ground, unable to stand due to the pain shooting through her feet and legs. The orc picked her up and slung her over his shoulder and scoffed in annoyment. Sanarium lifted her head to survey the area. The rocks of the mountain side were ragade and within them the orcs had chizzeled out a lege, as tall as a man's upper chest. On top of it, a rectangular outline of wood was placed. A single piece of unsmoothed wood lay connected in the middle and at the edges were chains and shackles. A victum would be set on top of this wooden outline with a thin, but thick bord under their neck, middle back and middle calf. As if this uncomfortable state were not enough the shackles and chain would be heated and tied tightly around the victums already beaten body. Sanarium look at it in horror, all hope within her seeped out and into the wet ground. The orc set her on top but merely connected her already worn shackles to the broad, unheated. "I think we'll start out easy..." he sneered. He cackled and once again struck Sanarium accross the head, knocking her unconscious. A younger orc stepped up him,

"General... I don't understand why we beat her when she's unconscious... wouldn't it be more fun to listen to her scream?" The general smirked.

"Your years can be seen through your idiocy. The prisoner will feel even worse when she wakes up than if we beat her and she screamed.... It is better this way, minus a bit of sport." The younger orc stood and thought about it as others came forth. They grinned with anticipation,

"The lack of sport does not bother us... It's still an Elf to beat." They said as they popped ther knuckles.

(*Please be silent, Friend ... It is...)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Searyn stopped and knelt to the ground. He brushed his hand across the surface of the mud and brought his fingers to his noise. He smelled the dilooted liquid, it smelt of elven blood. Urgency nawed on him from within his body even harsher than before. He sat and looked, wondering where to turn next. He easily bacame frustrated at his lost sense of dierection. He decided to follow what little blood there was and ran in that general direction.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Elladan surveyed the ground. Dead orcs lay ascue everywhere among the single elf. Lindir sent two soldiers to take the body back to Rivendell and walked up next to Elladan. "The orcs are indeed separated... They must be trying to kill us all off." Elladan stared off into the distance and then mounted,

"Nevermind that right now. Daro a noro!*" he yelled, calling all the troops to remount. "There are still people to find... Lim!**" The soldiers mounted and followed Elladan and Lindir further into the forest.

(*Halt and ride! **On!)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Glorfindel's group trugded slowly about in the rain. Their spirits were low and they doubted success. Kerowyn noticed how low their heads hung. "Stop it! Stop it right now! We will find them... we just need to search some more." A soldier rode up beside Elrohir, "Yrch, Hir!* ...They are coming!" They turned and scanned the distance seeing the orcs making their way towards them. Kerowyn brought out her bow and arrows, "Fire on as many as you can from this distance!" she shouted. Various elves brought out their own bows and took aim. Kerowyn stared at the front orc and let go. The arrow struck the orc and it fell dead. "Narer!**" yelled Glofindel. All archers fired and dozens of orcs fell to the ground as the previous. Kerowyn would shoot and then with rapid speed retrive another arrow and shoot again. After a few moments Elrohir called them to stop. All orcs had either died or fled in the ontorage of arrows. Feeling a step closer, Elrohir turned them back to the trail with new hope.

(*Orcs, Lord! **Fire!)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Searyn trudged wearily through the forest as he heard the noise of beasts in the distance. He came upon the last tree and hid behind it, there he scouted the situation. Here was most of the sect, but a great percentage were gone. Where they were Searyn did not care. Quickly he searched for what he had spent all his energy looking for. And after a moment he noticed the tall lege. There he saw a pale hand dangling from the rock, it was shackled tightly and a mass of blood dripped from it in the cold rain. Searyn's heart stopped. He was filled with an immeasurable rage from his toes to his head. Without thinking he jumped from his station and drew his sword, "Gurth an ilye yrch!*" The orcs turned to him in surprise. They growled and charged at him, weapons drawn. Searyn's heavy strokes threw one orc down dead after another. His system and techinque was replaced by strong thrashing, and with this he mowed down his enemy. The general ordered two orcs to fall back and take out their bows and arrows. They pulled back the thick strings and let go, aiming for Searyn's heart. A few deflected off armor and swords. But a single, thick arrow pierced Searyn's shoulder and threw him against a tree. He grasped his bloody wound for a moment and then with a mighty battle cry continued to hack away at the orcs. He seemed to be unphased any longer, his sword striking all orcs with a deep malous and hatred. (*Death for all orcs!)

Searyn was hit and slashed, but as the orcs did not attack him from behind, he was steadily killing their forces. After a few moments, which seemed like a life time, Searyn had killed all but four orcs and their general. Scatches on his face bled, his body was bruised underneath his armor and two arrows stuck from him; one in his shoulder another in his stomach, missing his vitals. Water dripped from every surface as the rain still poured with might. The orcs continued to charge one at a time and Searyn cut two down. He staggered forward, practically limping. But suddenly from behind came a visious cry, and an orc lunged for Searyn, fangs ready. Searyn began to turn, but with a crash the orc was suddenly brought to the ground by two strong, dark brown legs. The captive horse continued to stomp and crush the orc til he lay motionless. "Hannon lle..." Searyn whispered. The last lower orc turned and stuck his knife in Searyn's leg before he could regan his speed. Searyn raised his sword and let the orc head roll. The general stood staring at Searyn and slowly a grin covered his face, then threw his sword away with confidence and growled with furosity. Searyn had no strength to stand and recieve him and his arm could not with stand the strength of the orc's entire body. His sword lay in his hand on the ground, lifeless as he grasped his side with his other hand.

Suddenly the orc charged with all his power. Searyn quickly shifted the sword so his hand held the blade above the hilt. He then raised it and with one last deep shout he threw the sword like a spear with everything he had. The sword pierced the orcs head dead center and nailed him to the mountain side, dead. Searyn sat a moment, breathing so hard one might think he had never breathed before. He forced himself to his feet and ran up to Sanarium. He jogged up beside the lege and stroked Sanarium's head. She was beaten, bloody and broken. Searyn disconnected her shackled from the broad and lifted her up bridal style in his arms. He then ran up to the once orc enslaved horse and thrust all of it's packs off it's back and mounted. "Nore, Mellon!! Nore lim an i vanawen!!!" he cried. The horse suddenly felt new strength arise within him and like an arrow from a freshly built bow he bolted into the forest matching the speed of the Mearas. (Ride, Friend!! Ride on for the fair maiden!!!)

Searyn clutched Sanarium with one arm as she lay across his lap. He stared straight ahead as if burning the trees, forcing them back so he could make it to Rivendell faster. Sanarium needed a healer and she needed one now.

Luna and Elenwe's party had met no qwarl in the forest, but continued to search mercillessly. Elenwe sqwinted at a dark, but fast moving object in the distance. Luna looked in the other direction and sighed. The rain steadily decreased and then altogether stopped. "Well... that's out of the way, I guess." she said. Elenwe finally brought focus to her vision, she saw Searyn riding for Rivendell with a body in his arms. Suddenly she shouted,

"Sanarium!!" and Cyali bolted off after them, scretching at the scent of blood. Luna whirled around and followed, shouting for the others to retrive the others and go to Rivendell on their own. They caught up and rode next to them. "Searyn!" shouted Elenwe. Luna tried to ask him some questions, but Searyn payed to attention.

"Nore! Nore ve cal! I wen na quelle!!*" he shouted. The orc horse beat his long legs upon the wet ground even harder than before and steadily gained more speed. In the distance the gates of Rivendell came into view. The guards looked at the two rapidly appraoching horses and Cyali in wonder. "Edr annon!**" shouted Luna. And with haste the guards quickly opened the gate for them.

(*Ride! Ride like light! The maiden is fading!! **Open the gate!)

Searyn lept from the saddle and dashed off for the healing wings with Elenwe and Luna hot on his heels. Linwe's head snaped up as they threw open the door. "Linwe!" Searyn said. He gently set Sanarium on the bed and stood back as Linwe examined her. She looked at the shackles still digging into her flesh.

"I require something to be rid of these." Elenwe nodded,

"I'll go get something from the forge!" and she ran off. Luna looked from Searyn to Sanarium,

"I will go inform Elrond of the situation... but what should I tell him of the orcs? How many live?" Luna observed his injuries some time ago and drew a logical conclusion that Searyn had foolishly charged to battle and had somehow made it. Searyn didn't take his eyes off of Sanarium's tortured body.

"None." he said quietly. Luna stood in shock,

"None?!" Searyn made no further movement. Luna ran out and turned to the left, heading for Elrond's study, thinking of the insane feat which cost Searyn more than was visable. Another healer entered and looked about, he picked up some herbs from the table just as Elenwe dashed back in out of breath with some metal contraption in her hand.

"Here! They showed me how to remove them with this!" Linwe moved aside for Elenwe to break the hinges of the shackles. Linwe took the twisted, blood stained pieces of metal from the flesh which they bound and set them on the table. Elenwe stood and backed away, giving Linwe enough room as she rapidly began to treat Sanarium. The male healer approached Searyn with a stern face,

"You need treatment... come with me..." Searyn made no movement. "You need to be treated for your injuries." the Elf persisted. Searyn stared at the ground.

"I will not."

"You have to. You could die if you don't!" Searyn expolded in a fragment of his inner rage, taking the Elf by the collar as he shouted at him.

"I don't care! Her life is more important! Her health is more valuable than my entire being!" A muffled thud echoed and Searyn's grip loosened. His eyes closed as he fell into Elenwe's arms and she let him slide gently to the floor. Luna and Elrond came running to the door. They stared at the metal device in Elenwe's hand and Searyn lying on the floor.

"What did you do?!" asked Luna. Elenwe shook her head and put her hands on her hips.

"I had to, he went mad. Plus he needs attention too." Luna walked up to them.

"Yeah, for orc injuries and not to mention the concusion you just gave him!"

"Just help me, will you!" Luna and Elenwe carried him to a bed. Elenwe wiped the sweat from her forehead as Luna removed a piece of hair from her vision.

"Sorry Searyn... but the only thing you can do at the moment is make sure that you're alive when she wakes up." Elenwe turned to the healer, "I didn't hit him to hard, but he'll be out long enough for you to mend him. I'd do that and leave..." Luna glared at Elenwe,

"He's gonna be pissed." Elenwe shrugged and they left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Searyn opened his eyes slowly and blinked, wondering where he was. He sat up rapidly, "Sanarium!" Suddenly a slender, pale took his shoudler and forced him back down. Searyn barly winched, but looked up at Linwe's also emotionless face.

"You need to rest." She walked over to the table and began to mix a drink. Searyn disobeyed Linwe and sat up again as he rubbed the back of his head,

"Who knocked me out?"

"Elenwe."

"Elenwe? ...Hmn, she'll be in the healing wings soon..." Linwe closed her eyes as she continued to add different liquids.

"You should be thanking her."

"Why?"

"You had gone mad. By knocking you out, she not only saved your life, but she also gave you a wake up call." Searyn listened in silence. "You were only in the way, worrying over her that way. I understand how you must feel, but... How would Sanarium have felt if she woke up from such a terrible ordeal... and you wern't here? ...Sanarium would have fallen apart. She may be meak and lack the skills of a warrior, but she has a tremendous heart capable of great kindness. ...She is serenity. She thinks of others before herself always, worrying about their happiness and then her own...." Linwe finished and walked up the Searyn with the medicne in her hand. "But even she needs someone to hold her up... to help her when she needs it most... That, Searyn, is you. With out you, she would become withdrawn and lifeless." Searyn grasp tightened around the sheets.

"But I wasn't there! ...She needed me and I couldn't help her! I failed her when she needed me most!" Linwe lifted up his chin and looked him in the eye.

"You're wrong. You did save her. Searyn... You could do nothing when the orcs captured her, but you did not give up. You searched and searched and you found her. There was a great amount of obsticales, but you did not run away. You battled through, killing every last orc. You sat dying, but you rushed her back to safty. You rode hard, letting your determination seep into and meld with that horse. ...Searyn, you saved her. She knows that you would go through death and doom for her..... Would you not?"

"I would." Linwe handed him the drink.

"Here. Drink this. You have fresh ropes there. When you've taken that you can go see Sanarium. You both have been out for about two days." With that Linwe left. Searyn stared at the dark blue liquid. Linwe's words comforted him greatly, but there was still the voice tormenting him.

"You could have ridden faster. You could have defeated the orcs faster. You should have been able to track them in the rain. You could have been able to prevent her capture in the first place!" The voice in his head nawed on his every action on that night two days ago. Searyn swallowed the drink and changed clothes. As he stood his body ached with weariness. "I didn't realize how hard I pushed myself." he thought aloud.

"You could have pushed harder!" said the voice harshly. Searyn's expression hardened.

"Shut up."

"Just admit it... You failed. Linwe was wrong... You let her suffer! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's all your fault!!!" Searyn grasped the sides of his head tightly.

"Shut up!" he yelled. He sat breathing hard for a moment, then ran out. He had to find Sanarium. She was his only salvation from this, she was the only thing that had ever helped. He ran into Sanarium's room. She lay motionless on the bed, eyes closed. She was slightly pale, aside from that she looked as she always did, like she did before this nightmare began. Searyn slowly walked over and kneeled beside her bed. He whispered her name softly. Sanarium's eye lids moved, then opened with difficulty.

"Searyn...." She whispered. She brought her hand from under the cover to touch him. As her hand stroked his face, Searyn saw a thick scar that twisted all the way around her wrist. He felt his heart shadder. He grabbed her hand and closed his eyes tightly.

"Forgive me.... He's right... I... I did fail you." Sanarium continued to smile at him. She sat up and brought out her other hand, scared as the first. She took his cheeks and embraced him. Searyn opened his eyes in surprise.

"How could you think such a thing? ...Searyn, I love you... You could never fail me. There is nothing to forgive. Melleth... Don't listen to the voice any longer. It plagues you. It speaks of false things. Drive your older brother's voice from your mind and be free of him." Searyn's eye's widened.

"How...?"

"I could tell... something always drove you to the thought that nothing was as good as it could be. That your every mistake reflected poorly on the family. When Lord Elrond told me a little about your brother I figured it out... I'm sorry I don't mean to pry, but....Melleth... Be free." Searyn sat silent and after a moment returned Sanarium's imbrace.

"Thank you....."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Searyn walked by the open railing of Rivendell, breathing in the fresh air of the season he loved so much. For once it was truely silent. The voice of his brother would not bother him always, but frequently it would surface. After his death it merly critized things that reflected on the family, but it had evovled, now preying on his every fault. But now it was gone. Sanarium had purged it completly. Searyn stopped and stared at the brilliantly colored leaves. He remembered back to the days of his brother's life. He was always the drive for respect, and he had nailed the family pride consept deep into Searyn. Searyn shook his head, he had a few fond memories of his brother and would focus on those alone .

He made his way for the stables and entered. He looked upon all the horses with an analysising gaze. An elf noticed him and spoke in elvish. "The one brought in two days ago is in the back, General." Searyn walked to the back stall and couldn't believe his eyes. Before him stood a muscular, young horse. The filth as well as the restriction upon him was washed away to relieve a lively stallion. There was a white blaze down his face, but the rest of him was a shining chesnut, unrivaled by any other. Searyn entered the stall and patted his mussle.

"Mae Govanen, Mellon... You saved us both... I am greatly indented to you." The stallion neighed and bobbed his head up and down. Searyn nodded, "Yes, that is a fine idea..... Ascagalad* I name you. My faithful companion..." Searyn stroked his neck, then left his horse to rest. He now walked the halls of Rivendell. Elenwe and Kerowyn were walking down the hall from the opposite direction. (*Rushing Radiance)

"For the last time Kerowyn! I'm not going to barrow one of your dresses!" Kerowyn pulled on her arm,

"But, but--"

"I mean no, Woman!" said Elenwe, trying to stress Kerowyn greater femininity. They stopped just in front of Searyn. Kerowyn smiled brightly,

"So you're up finally? I'm glad you're okay. We were really worried about the posion arrows..." Elenwe nodded.

"Yeah. Sorry I hit you with that metal thingy... but I think it would have been bad if you had killed that healer." Searyn took a step closer and Elenwe flinched half expecting him to hit her. Instead her put his hand on her head. Elenwe opened her eyes and looked up at him. There was a slight smile rippleing on his lips.

"Thank you." he said and continued on down the hall. Elenwe stood blinking and then turned to Kerowyn.

"What just happened here?" she asked with confusion maring her face. Kerowyn stood silently in shock, staring back, she could only manage a greater expression of confusion as she shook her head. Linwe walked out of a neighboring room,

"I gave him your message." she said, knowing exactly what they had been talking about like always. Elenwe cocked her head to the side, her concern growing,

"What message?"