FORTY Several days later, Siddhir strolled lazily through the wood on his way to watch. As he moved past the common, a familiar voice called out to him. He smiled, turned around and waited. *“Quel amrun, lirimaer.* [good morning, lovely one] Where would you be off to this fine morning?” Tinion asked when he joined him. Siddhir chuckled. *“Quel amrun.* I have watch, which is more than I can say for you, *‘ksher.* [evil one] Is it not too early to be out scouting conquests?” Tinion laughed. “Ah, how I adore your sense of humour, *meldir.* [friend] I was merely having an early breakfast- but feel free to stop by my talan after duty if you would like. I am feeling most accommodating today.” “I think you are accommodating most *any* day,” Siddhir replied, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement. “True, true- but today is my begetting day and I am perfectly willing to accept any and all presents… or *other* offerings- just so that you are aware,” Tinion chortled, his large blue eyes moving over Siddhir’s body from head to toe. Siddhir grinned. “I would wager. Well, as I do have to get to my post, I suppose I should bestow my offering upon you now.” Tinion blinked and cocked his head to one side, eyeing Siddhir with interest. “And what would you offer me, *mellon?”* [friend] Siddhir smiled and crooked his finger, beckoning him to come closer. Intrigued, Tinion moved forward. Siddhir pulled him into an embrace and kissed him tenderly. When the kiss was over, Tinion’s eyes fluttered and his mouth dropped open in shock. “Happy begetting day, *mellonamin.* [my friend] That is part of what you have long wished for- and all you will get. Enjoy,” Siddhir whispered. Then he winked and slipped away, leaving a stunned Tinion staring after him. ******************************************** “Captain Siddhir is late and that is quite unlike him. I do hope nothing has happened,” Legandir remarked. Thrandronen smiled. “I am sure he is well. He most likely just had to tear himself away from our illustrious Marchwarden.” Legandir laughed. “You have a point. If I have ever seen two people who belong together, it is them.” “Worse luck that his brother prefers females. I find him quite comely.” Legandir raised an eyebrow as he considered the fair, fine-featured elf beside him. “Which brother do you speak of?” “Why, Orophin of course. Rumil is far too young for me,” Thrandronen answered with a chuckle, pulling a few loose strands of light brown hair behind his ears. Legandir smiled. “Well, you never know unless you inquire.” “Hmm, I might at that.” He looked around. “Here comes our Captain now. Have a good watch.” Legandir nodded as Thrandronen left his post. Soon after, Siddhir appeared and took his place beside him.” *“Quel amrun,* [good morning] sentinel. Please forgive my tardiness. I was delayed.” “Did Captain Haldir delay you?” Legandir asked with a sly grin. Siddhir chuckled. “Actually, I was delayed by Tinion. Today is his begetting day and I had a gift for him. Haldir is right- you *are* very much like Rumil, *mellon.* [friend] So, that is all the information you shall receive from me this day.” Legandir grinned and feigned surprise. “Why Captain, you think me a gossipmonger like my friend Rumil?” “Absolutely.” Siddhir could not help but join in when Legandir burst out in laughter. ******************************* “Brother, I think someone has eyes for you,” Rumil whispered. Orophin frowned. “Whatever are you babbling about, Ru?” “Thrandronen. He keeps looking over here at you,” Rumil replied. “Is that so?” Orophin questioned while popping a few grapes in his mouth. “What makes you assume it’s me and not *you* he’s interested in- if in fact he’s interested in anyone at all?” “Just turn around, Oro.” Orophin turned his head and immediately a bright smile appeared on the russet haired Elf’s face. Orophin smiled and nodded in return, and then turned back to continue eating. *“That* is why,” Rumil teased. “He didn’t smile at *me* like that.” “Be that as it may, I am currently involved with Lillael,” Orophin remarked. “You are not bound to her though,” Rumil reminded him. Orophin looked at him. “I think perhaps you should focus on your own private life and leave me to mine.” Rumil laughed. “I don’t have a private life. That is why I am interested in yours and Hal’s.” “Perhaps you should acquire one then,” Orophin suggested. Rumil bit into a large peach. “I was thinking of just that.” “Oh? Who are you interested in pray tell?” “More and more I am finding Tinion quite appealing. He is not hard on the eyes either,” Rumil replied. Orophin’s eyes widened. *“Tinion?* Surely you jest. Hal will kill you- and him.” “Who will I kill?” Haldir asked from behind them. “Rumil has grown infatuated with Tinion,” Orophin offered. Haldir raised an eyebrow as he considered his youngest brother. “Tinion is far too old and worldy for you, *pen-neth.* [young one] I suggest you find another to pine over.” “There is nothing wrong with Tinion. He has always been quite nice to me,” Rumil pouted. “I did not say that he was not nice. I said he was not for you and I will hear no more about it. Is that *clear?”* Haldir asked, his grey eyes boring into Rumil’s blue ones. “Yes, brother,” Rumil answered quietly. “Good,” Haldir replied with a smile. “Now, why aren’t you two on the practice fields?” “Rumil was hungry, so we decided to eat first,” Orophin explained. “Very well, but finish up and get there. I cannot have you slacking off. Your exercises are important.” “Yes, brother,” Orophin responded glumly. Haldir stood and touched his brothers on the shoulders. “I shall see you both later. I must continue my rounds.” They watched Haldir stroll away. When he was out of earshot, Rumil turned to Orophin with a frown. “Thank you for getting me into trouble.” “That was not my intention Ru, but you needed to understand that your choice was not a good one. Hal knows Tinion far better than either of us- and besides, I don’t think that even Tinion would entertain you as a lover. He knows better.” “What’s wrong with *me?* Am I not desirable?” Rumil asked, angry now. Orophin sensed his brother’s mood and immediately placed an arm across his shoulder to calm him. “Ru, there is nothing wrong with you. You are in fact *quite* comely. But you are simply too young for someone like Tinion. You should seek one closer to your own age.” Rumil’s frown softened into a smile. “You think me comely?” Orophin chuckled. “Of course I do. You are my brother are you not? We are *all* comely.” “You’re not attracted to males though. How would you know?” Rumil asked. “I do not have to be *attracted* to males to know that one *is* attractive,” Orophin reasoned. “Is that so? Then tell me, do you think *he* is comely?” Rumil questioned, while tilting his head towards Thrandronen. Orophin looked at the Elf, who again smiled pleasantly at him. “Yes. Remarkably, I do.” *************************************** Siddhir stood suddenly and peered out amongst the branches. Legandir quickly joined him and gazed out over the great divide. “What do you see, Captain?” “Nothing…yet,” Siddhir answered. “Do *you* see someone coming?” Legandir asked. “I don’t.” “Yes- well no, not exactly. I *feel* someone is coming,” Siddhir replied. “How many?” “Two, and they are men.” Legandir’s brow furrowed. *“Men?* Why would men come here?” “I know not. Perhaps they will pass us, but they are definitely coming our way.” “Mayhap they are going to Rivendell. Lord Elrond is quite used to men visiting Imladris,” Legandir suggested. Siddhir took his seat on the branch again. “Perhaps, but I think not. I am fairly certain they mean to come here.” Legandir joined him with a frown clouding his fair oval face. “We are not friendly with men. There is no reason for them to come to us. They must want something.” “I am certain they do,” Siddhir replied matter of factly. Deep inside, he knew his time was short indeed. He took a deep breath. He was ready. ************************************ “I am not sure if this is a good idea. Why would the Elves help us?” One man called out to the other as they rode fast, side by side, across the vast emerald plains that would lead them to Lothlorien and the famed Galadhrim. “We have no choice! We have to do *something!”* The man called back. “We cannot get to Rohan, Osgiliath *or* Minas Tirith! The Elves are the closest to us!” “They may well turn us away, Hamal- and the time it takes to get there and back could see our village overrun and our people slaughtered.” “That would happen anyway if we did nothing. With help, we could stand a chance.” He urged his horse to go faster. The second man followed. *********************************** A high pitched whistle from below brought Siddhir from his thoughts. He smiled as he looked down from his perch in the great Mallorn. *“Quel andune, Cano nya* [Good afternoon, my commander] Are you checking up on me?” Haldir smiled. “Yes, as much as I check up on anyone. Have you anything to report?” “Yes. There are two men headed this way. We cannot actually *see* them yet, but *I* see them,” Siddhir replied. Haldir frowned. *“Men?* Are you certain?” “Quite.” “How many?” “Two,” Siddhir responded. *“Two?* What could two men possibly want coming this way?” “I know not, but I am certain we will soon find out.” Haldir stood there for a moment looking up at him. “If they cross the divide, see that they go no further- and then summon me forthwith.” ******************************************* An hour later, both Siddhir and Legandir stood on alert. A pair of horses with riders was now clearly visible and they were nearing the great divide. The clouds of dust in their wake made it evident that they were travelling fast, as if they were being pursued; but nothing was to be seen behind them. Siddhir let out a series of sharp whistles which were immediately returned from the surrounding Mallorns, and he and Legandir swiftly dropped to the ground. “Fetch Haldir,” Siddhir ordered. “Yes, Captain,” Legandir replied, quickly turning and sprinting away.