The snow storm lashed along with howling wind on Caradhras, not making the search for Celebrian by any means easy. Celebrian, daughter of the Lord and Lady, wife of Elrond Halfelven had gone missing on her way to visit her parents in Lórien. Her escort had been killed at the way to the Redhorn Pass, and there was no trace of her. Celebrian's sons Elrohir and Elladan were searching for their mother, when a squadron from the Regiment of Starlight under the command of Gilith, arrived from Lothlorien to provide protection and support by order of the Lord and Lady.
That night, in the mist of a raging storm the latest scout failed to return. They found the body lying face down in snow near a rock face marked with the white imprint of an orchish hand. After thousands of years lying dormant, the Dark Lord Sauron has returned. His orcs had multiplied, and although he could not take physical form, his essence had lost none of its potency. He had returned in secret in his stronghold of Dol-Guldur, hidden deep within the ancient forests of the north.
His forces were spreading like a foul smell across Middle-earth, his spies ever watchful had revealed the identity of Celebrian - there cannot be more precious pray than one of the most important and noble Elves. The search for the Lady of Rivendell was unrelenting. None would rest until she was found. Elrohir and Elladan were leading the operation, while Gilith and her warriors were clearing out any orc filth they come across, leaving their carcasses to rot in the open, burning their camps, erasing any trace of their poison.
~
Deep in a freezing cavern, hidden in darkness, Celebrian was lying on the cold ground, trying desperately to keep warm. Slowly she opened her eyes but even the dim light was too painful. She looked around the cave. Everything was black except for a torch in a corner. Her violated body was covered in bruises and blood. She had been whipped recently and there was a dark red spot on the back of her tunic. Hiding her face a curtain of silver-blonde hair while she fights to cover her slender body with the remnants of her ripped and tattered gown.
~
The horn of the Regiment of Starlight sounded loud and clear above the wind as the Elven warriors made their way to an other orc camp. The swishing sound of arrows fighting and blades grinding orc flesh and bone filled the air, as the snow changed color from white, to red, to black. Elrohir and Elladan joined the fight until the last trace of the camp was destroyed. They were ready to move on when Gilith noticed something unusual. Among the filthy orchish possession and supply she found a elvish cloak and saddle just near the entrance of a cave.
Elrohir and Elladan took upon themselves to explore the cave while Gilith and the warriors were guarding the entrance. When they return they carried the ravaged body of their mother. Gilith and her squadron gave escort to Elrohir and Elladan, back to Rivendell. The news was devastating for Elrond and the Lord and Lady. Celebrian's wound was poisoned, and despite Elven healing, she would never fully recover, both mentally and physically.
Gilith returned to Lórien but would never forget this episode. She would never forget the love and devotion Elrohir and Elladan had for their mother. Gilith wished she could feel the same kind of love for her own mother but all she could feel was the huge void Nessithil had left behind. What Gilith learned was that there is nothing more powerful than the love of a mother for her children, and that there is nothing more painful than regret. As Gilith lingered on these thoughts she felt betrayed. A year later she received news from Rivendell; Celebrian had not recovered. She had left for the Grey Havens and passed over the Great Sea, leaving behind love and tears.
