TWENTY THREE The common’s eating area was packed almost to capacity when Haldir and Siddhir arrived with Orophin and Rumil. The long wooden tables were laden with platters of every feast worthy food imaginable; pheasant, quail, sweetbread, stew, vegetables, dried fruits and even venison along with many opened and flowing casks of wine. Haldir gazed around in awe at the display, for such excess was rarely seen, even at the tables of Kings. They found Fereveldir, Tinion and Galdor sitting at a table at which Orolonn and Aranel were also seated. They moved slowly through the throng to join them, with Orophin and Rumil in tow, greeting friends along the way. Haldir kept Rumil on his lap as he seated himself, while Siddhir and Orophin sat beside him. “My, Siddhir, you are looking *quite* stunning this afternoon,” Tinion remarked, eyeing him with large blue eyes. “Is he not, Galdor?” Galdor smiled. “That he is, *melamin.”* [my love] Siddhir grinned. “Why, Tinion, if Galdor were not beside you, I would say you were flirting with me outright.” “If Galdor were not here, I *would* be flirting with you outright. So shamelessly in fact, that your lover would doubtless see fit to skin me alive for my brazen lack of discretion.” Laughter rang out all around the table. Smiling widely, even Haldir could not resist Tinion’s crude remarks. “He is so wonderfully vocal, is he not?” he asked of no one in particular, and then he turned to Tinion. “Just be cautioned as to my brother’s green ears, *mellonamin.”* [my friend] “That is why I am being light in my observations,” Tinion murmured. “ Surely you realize that I can be *far* more explicit.” “Take my word for that,” Galdor laughed, squeezing Tinion’s shoulder. “It is a pity Lord Elrond is not around to witness this auspicious occasion,” Fereveldir commented with a grin. Siddhir threw up his hands. “Enjoy yourselves, one and all. Ogle me as much as you like now and remember it, for I will not keep this look forever!” Haldir raised his goblet that Fereveldir had filled. “Let us drink to the eye treat Siddhir has bestowed upon us this day, for long will it be long ere we see it again!” “Here, here,” Siddhir agreed, laughing as they all touched goblets. ********************************* “Surely you do not mean to ask them *all,* my love,” Galadriel questioned as they strolled casually towards the common. “I would if I could, but no- that would take far too much time. I will only ask the soldiers themselves.” Galadriel frowned slightly. *“A’maelamin,* [my beloved] even *that* would take quite some time.” Celeborn blinked, looked at her and then laughed. “Oh, dear heart, you are quite right! I meant only the captains.” Galadriel smiled. “That is much more sensible.” “Indeed,” Celeborn agreed, as they arrived at the mouth of the common. “I will do so forthwith, by calling them over one by one. I wish to be done of all ceremony quickly, so the spirits may flow freely upon its conclusion.” *************************** All gathered in the common grew quiet as the Lord and Lady entered. Celeborn held up his hand. “Please my brethren, as you were. It will soon be known the reason for this cheerful gathering. In the meantime, eat hearty and enjoy yourselves. Elviondel, come forth if you will.” The tall lanky sentinel rose, surprise crossing his features. He quickly made way to Celeborn. “I wonder what that is about,” Ferevelder whispered. “I know not. Look, he is writing something,” Tinion replied. “Nilfalath,” Celeborn called next. After him, Calaglin and Dinendal were also called. Haldir turned back to the others at the table. “It seems as if all the captains are being called.” “This is most confusing,” Fereveldir remarked, right before he was called. Siddhir watched him go. “I suppose we will be called as well.” “I think it is likely,” Haldir replied. Haldir and Tinion were called next, and finally it was Siddhir’s turn. He moved quickly to the table at which his Lord and Lady sat, and bowed. “Yes, my Lord?” “Ah, Siddhir. You look very… different today,” Celeborn commented. Galadriel smiled. “Yes, my Lord,” Siddhir answered. “Hmm, well- at any rate, I would like to pose to you a question.” “Yes, my Lord?” “If it were your task to appoint one of your brethren Marchwarden, whom would you choose? Take this parchment and write the name of your choice.” Siddhir wrote his choice down quickly and without hesitation, Celeborn noted, as they all had. He found that to be quite intriguing. Siddhir handed the parchment back to him. “Is that all, my Lord?” “Yes, Siddhir. *Hannon lle.* [thank you] You may return to your friends now, Celeborn answered. Siddhir bowed and turned to go. “Oh, Siddhir?” Galadriel called out. Siddhir turned back quickly. “Yes, my Lady?” Her sky blue eyes twinkled as she smiled at him. “Your new look becomes you, however short its duration.” Siddhir grinned and bowed. *“Hannon lle, Arwenamin.” *[thank you, my Lady] Smiling to himself, he made his way back to the others. Celeborn chuckled and turned to Galadriel. “Now, let us see what our captains think.” ****************************** Fereveldir watched Celeborn and Galadriel curiously. “Do you suppose he asked us all the same question?” “I would wager so,” Orolonn replied. “He called all captains. I would think it meant something. Our Lord usually entertains a very direct manner.” “I agree. So, is anyone here going to reveal what he was asked?” Fereveldir inquired with a wicked grin. “I think we will all find out soon enough, *mellonamin.*[my friend] So relax your overly curious nature. Orolonn is right, our Lord is always direct. The fact that we are having a celebration is a certain sign that they have already made up their minds. I think what he is doing now only serves to satisfy his curiosity,” Haldir explained. “Pooh! You are always so serious, Haldir. Here, have more wine. You need to lighten your mood,” Fereveldir returned. Siddhir winked. “His mood is light enough for me, *meldir.”* [friend] Everyone laughed. ****************************** “Is this not interesting? You were right, *A’maelamin,” *[my beloved] Celeborn whispered as he opened the last of the captain’s votes. Galadriel smiled. “It is good to know that we are on the same rapport as our charge.” “It is indeed. I wager you know as well as I who wrote this one,” Celeborn remarked, handing one of the pieces of parchment to her. Galadriel smiled and nodded. “Haldir, of course.” “Of course,” Celeborn replied with a chuckle. “Well, I think it is time to continue, for I am craving a hearty meal and good wine.” he stood and held out his arms. All fell silent. “Greetings, blessed kin of Lorien. I am sure you are wondering why you were all called upon, and why we are having a celebration this day.” Several nods and murmurs rose throughout the horde. Siddhir smiled and grasped Haldir’s hand, leaning into him to whisper in his ear. “Congratulations, *Cano Nya.”* [my commander] Haldir blinked and turned to him. “What say you? I am not- ” Siddhir’s smile broadened. “Yes… you are.” “Well, I will keep it from you no longer. Through much time and very careful consideration, we have chosen from amongst you the Elf that will hold the position of Marchwarden. I am also very happy to say that this Elf’s comrades seem to be in complete accordance with our choice,” Celeborn continued. Haldir’s eyes widened, and slowly his eyes left Siddhir’s and moved towards Celeborn. “Haldir, come forth,” Celeborn beckoned. Applause broke out throughout the crowd. “You won, brother!” Orophin exclaimed, hugging him. Sensing Orophin’s excitement, Rumil bounced up and down in his seat. “Da! Win!” Haldir grabbed both of his brothers and kissed them, gazed lovingly at Siddhir for a moment, and then rose and walked briskly through the standing and applauding group over to Celeborn. He bowed. “My Lord,” he responded breathlessly. Celeborn grinned. “You have done extremely well, *nin ion.* [my son] You have toiled long and hard and you have excelled, despite having other responsibilities that could have distracted you thus. It is our pleasure to bestow the position of Marchwarden upon you.” “Many thanks, my Lord and Lady. I will do my very best not to disappoint you,” Haldir vowed. “I am certain that you will,” Galadriel replied, passing a scarlet cloak to Celeborn, who rose and draped it across Haldir’s shoulders. Then he brought forth a gleaming sword of magnificent Elven craftsmanship from its sheath and presented that to Haldir as well. Haldir felt the weight of the steel in his hands as he admired it. “*Hannon lle.* [thank you] It feels wonderful.” “You are most welcome,” Celeborn replied, handing him the sheath. Haldir sheathed the sword. “I am honoured that you would choose me for the position.” “I would have you know that your comrades chose you as well. Not that we had not already made up our minds, but to know our choice was the same as that of your peers, makes us positive that it was the right one. There is a bow for you as well. You will find that in your quarters,” Celeborn informed him, with a proud smile. Haldir bowed. “Again, many thanks, my Lord and Lady.” “You are welcome, *nin ion,”* [my son] Celeborn replied. He turned and filled a goblet from a cask sitting on his table, passed it to Haldir, and then filled his own and lifted it while turning to the horde of jovial Elves before him. “My brethren, to Haldir- Marchwarden of Lorien.” Everyone in attendance lifted their goblets and toasted Haldir’s commission. Haldir touched goblets with Celeborn and Galadriel, then turned to the crowed raised his cup and bowed. The common exploded with more applause. “Now, good friends- enjoy yourselves! This is a celebration!” Celeborn boomed happily. The group cheered in kind, raising goblets and laughing merrily. Celeborn took Haldir’s hand and led him slightly away. “You are to choose your first and second in command. You may have some time to ponder it, and inform us when you have reached your decision,” Celeborn stated. “Begging your pardon my Lord, I need not ponder it. I know whom I would appoint,” Haldir replied. Celeborn raised an eyebrow. “Very well. Let it be known, then.” “I would appoint Siddhir as my first, and Tinion as my second.” Celeborn nodded. “Wise choices. I would advise you only of but one thing. Siddhir is a valiant warrior, this is true. My wife and I think so, and we know you do as well. But, we have not forgotten the attack on Siddhir and Elrond. What was done to them was specific, and although we know not for what reason *exactly*- we *are* sure it is because they can See. We are convinced that those who do not want peace are plotting. Their attack can come at any time, whether it be soon, or not for a hundred or more years… but, we are sure that the darkness is brewing, and that is why they tried to eliminate any possible insight we may have as to their plans. Siddhir is marked because of his gift, and my counsel is to make sure that either Tinion or yourself is with him at all times, regardless of his position.” Haldir nodded. “I understand completely my Lord.” Celeborn smiled. “Good. I will inform the Lady Galadriel of your choices and of my counsel. Now, go back to your friends and enjoy yourself this night.” Haldir smiled and they parted. Celeborn took his place again beside Galadriel, and Haldir returning to his table to accept the embraces and congratulatory greetings from everyone seated there, and those who had made their way over to them. After Haldir embraced his brothers again, Siddhir grasped his hand, smiling as he met Haldir’s dancing grey eyes. “*Amin mela lle,* [ I love you] and I care not who knows it.” “I think the wine has loosed his lips, Captain,” Tinion chuckled, holding up his goblet. Everyone laughed. Haldir grinned, looking deeply into his lover’s dark eyes. Those who surrounded him could not know of the *other* things Siddhir was saying to him that he heard only in his head. He winked at him with smiling eyes, and silently mouthed a reply. “Soon.” They continued enjoying the merriment of the occasion, laughing and sipping wine as they ate and conversed, listening to the songs of their kin that burst forth every now and then from their joy. Everyone seated with Haldir burst out in joyous laughter as they looked upon Rumil’s round face covered in blueberry juice as he demolished a slice of pie before him, humming like there was no tomorrow. Aranel giggled and cleaned the toddler up with a napkin while leaning in closer to Haldir. “I will look after them if you and Siddhir would like to be alone for a time,” she whispered. Haldir smiled, and kissed her on the forehead. “You are most kind.” The beautiful golden-haired elf maid smiled in return. “Orolonn is having a grand time. I am sure we will stay quite awhile longer. We can keep them overnight or drop them off when we leave if you wish.” “You may drop them off. I greatly appreciate this,” Haldir replied. “No matter. Now go; enjoy some quiet time with your love.” Haldir rose, said his farewells to the others, took Siddhir’s hand and they strolled happily away into the forest beyond. Celeborn winked at Galadriel as they watched them go. ****************************** Haldir kicked the door shut when he and Siddhir slipped into his talan and pulled him quickly into his embrace, covering the honey-haired sentinel’s mouth with his own. Siddhir smiled brightly when the kiss was over, his dark eyes darker still with desire as he gently let the tips of his fingers travel lightly across the contours of his beloved’s fair face. “I have kept my promise to Orophin, and for that I am content.” Haldir chuckled. “What did you promise him?” “I promised that I would see to it that you would smile much more often,” Siddhir answered with a gentle grin. Haldir could not help from smiling again. “Look,” Siddhir said, spotting the bow and quiver lying on the table beyond them. Haldir turned around and went over to it. He lifted and examined it thoroughly. “It is magnificent,” he whispered. “I agree,” Siddhir replied, taking it from him and placing it carefully back on the table. “And you will have time later to relish it, but *our* time is short. So now, *cano nya,* [my commander] I shall make both your heart and body content this night,” he took Haldir’s hand and lead him to the bedroom. They quickly rid each other of their clothing and fell onto the bed. Haldir pulled Siddhir close, pinning him underneath him with a leg casually thrown across the hips of his lithe body. He gazed deep into his ebony eyes and tenderly pushed aside stray tendrils of his golden hair with his fingertips. “Have you any idea how very much I love you? he whispered. Siddhir smiled, and softly touched his lips to Haldir’s while holding his gaze. “Yes, my love. You need not say the words, for I can feel your love running through me like the surging currents of the Nimrodel; in which I am perfectly willing to drown.” “A fine poet you would make *lirimaer,”* [lovely one] Haldir replied with a smile before caressing the hollow of Siddhir’s neck with soft kisses.