FIFTY THREE “My Lord, Haldir of Lorien has arrived. He has been shown to the guest quarters in the north wing,” Erestor announced through the open library door. Elrond turned away from the window. “Thank you, Erestor. Please have him escorted here after he has settled in. Tell me, does Elladan know of his arrival?” Erestor smiled. “No, my Lord. He and Elrohir are off hunting with Glorfindel.” Elrond sighed heavily. “Good, for I am afraid he will not give Haldir a moment’s peace. He was quite taken with him the last time he visited.” “Surely El has matured some,” Erestor chuckled. “Yes, he has become even *more* insatiable- if that is at all possible. If Haldir is still as winsome as I remember, we will have to pry Elladan away from him with every tool we can get our hands on,” Elrond laughed. “Come; I was just about to sit down to some tea.” ********************************* Haldir stepped out onto the balcony of his rooms. The beautiful gardens of Imladris were in full bloom, and all the colours of the rainbow were represented in those flowers for as far as his eyes could see. Birds sang overhead as they passed swiftly across a brilliant blue sky, occasionally diving down to enjoy the fragrance of the blooms, before taking flight again. Haldir smiled. It had been some time since he had last been in Rivendell, but he still remembered how very much Elrond favoured the gardens, and all of the time he would devote to them just so they would look as wonderful as they did now. The smell of food cooking in the kitchens made his mouth water. He started to turn away, when movement caught his eyes from below. He watched as Arwen appeared, apparently taking a stroll with a man he did not know. She must have felt his gaze because she turned and looked up at him. He smiled, and waved at her. “Haldir? Is that you?” she called up to him. He nodded in return. “Elbereth! No one told me you were coming! Wait!” She grabbed the hand of the man with her and pulled him out of sight. Haldir chuckled and turned away from the window to meander casually to the door. Arwen and her friend appeared just as he pulled it open. She giggled and threw her arms around him. “I am so glad to see you,” she said. “And I you,” Haldir returned, gazing at the man who stood in his line of sight behind her. “How very beautiful you have grown up to be.” “Why thank you,” she said as she released him. “Forgive my manners. Haldir, this is Estel. Father adopted him, and he has been staying with us. Estel, this is Haldir, Marchwarden of Lorien.” “Pleased to meet you,” Estel said, offering his hand. Haldir nodded, and gazed at the man’s outstretched hand with austere grey eyes. Arwen looked at Haldir. “It is all right. It is a custom of men that indicates respect.” Haldir held out his hand. “Is that so?” Estel smiled, grasped Haldir’s hand briefly and then let it go. “Certainly, Marchwarden. I have heard much about you.” Haldir grinned at Arwen. “I trust you have been truthful.” Arwen giggled. “Of course I have.” Anarin slipped up behind them. “Begging your pardon my lady, but Erestor has sent me to fetch Haldir. Your father wishes to speak with him.” “Oh, all right. I will see you again soon, won’t I, Haldir?” Arwen asked. “Of course.” Arwen stood on her toes to kiss Haldir on the cheek, and then left with Estel. Anarin smiled at him. “It is good to see you again.” Haldir grasped his shoulder. “It is good to see you as well.” They walked together down several winding corridors until they reached Elrond’s library. When they entered, Erestor nodded pleasantly to Haldir, and then left with Anarin. Elrond smiled broadly and slipped over to him. “Haldir, I am so glad you decided to come.” Haldir accepted Elrond’s embrace. “I am glad as well. Imladris is wonderful this time of year.” Elrond smiled. “Are the gardens not glorious?” “Certainly.” “Would you like to stroll in the gardens or would you rather visit the kitchens first?” Elrond inquired. Haldir smiled sheepishly. “Begging your pardon, the kitchens sound lovely.” “Of course. You have travelled far. It’s no doubt you’d be famished. Come; we will enjoy something together. There is much we must catch up on.” *************************************** Back in Lothlorien, Rumil cast a long, careful gaze over Tinion as he took his place beside him on the branches of a Mallorn. “How I wish I were one who could go back on my word,” Rumil remarked, gazing into Tinion’s large blue eyes. Tinion smiled. “Ah, but you are *not.* Nor am I, lest ye forget.” Rumil grinned. “I know, I know- but admit it, you were tempted.” “It would be a falsehood to say otherwise,” Tinion replied, taking an abrupt interest in his bow. “Is that why it took this long for me to share a watch with you?” Tinion laughed. “I do not make the roster.” “You are second in command, and you have a hand in it- especially when my brother is away,” Rumil countered. Tinion sighed. “Very well, you have found me out. Are you happy now?” “Most definitely,” Rumil replied, laughing. “Come now, Tinion. Surely you know I was fooling with you. You are acting as if I make you nervous.” “You do,” Tinion admitted. Rumil smiled. “Worry not, for we have agreed and I will not test you again.” Tinion exhaled. “ Perhaps in another life…” “Perhaps,” Rumil interjected with a wink. “Now, tell me...have you *seen* the Mirkwood party?” ************************************ “You think the kitchen staff would be used to seeing fresh game by now,” Elladan smirked. “El, they are used to seeing it, they are just not used to having it hurled at them,” Elrohir answered carefully, gazing at Glorfindel, who just shook his head. “Honestly, you two are so *boring.* Father!” Elladan called out as they neared the dining area. Elrond put down his fork and looked at Haldir. “He is coming. Be prepared for anything.” Haldir raised an eyebrow and turned his attention in the direction of Elladan’s call. “In here, Elladan. And stop shouting,” Elrond responded loudly. “Everyone here is so stuffy,” Elladan replied as he entered the dining area. “I think you need to…” “What?” Elrond asked, turning to look at his son. “Nothing,” Elladan answered, pulling a chair out beside Haldir and taking a seat. Haldir smiled. *“Mae Govannen,* [well met] Elladan.” *“Vanimle sila tiri. Oio naa elealla alasse,”* [your beauty shines bright. Ever thy sight is a joy] Elladan responded staring blatantly into the Marchwarden’s eyes. “There is nothing subtle about him now is there? Hello, Haldir,” Elrohir commented with a sigh. Haldir flicked his eyes away from Elladan. “Hello, Elrohir. Hello, Glorfindel. You both are looking very well.” “As are *you,* *meldir,”* [friend] Elladan chimed in. Haldir turned to face Elladan again with a charming grin. “Many thanks, *pen-neth.”* [young one] “Bah, I am not that young, and you are not that old,” Elladan replied. Elrond frowned. “Elladan, the Marchwarden is here on leave to *relax.* I will not hear of you chasing him about and giving him no peace. Is that understood?” “My Lord, might I have a word?” Glorfindel inquired. Elrond nodded, stood, and turned again to his son. “Is that *understood,* Elladan?” Elladan shrugged innocently. “Of course, father.” Elrond placed a hand on Haldir’s shoulder before leaving with Glorfindel. Elrohir lingered, until Elladan turned to him with a disapproving look. “Do you not have something to do, Ro?” Elrohir sighed. “I suppose I will *find* something. Perhaps we can talk later, Haldir? *Namarie.”* [farewell] *“Namarie,”* Haldir replied with a nod. Elrohir turned on his heel and stalked away. Haldir returned his gaze to Elladan. “That wasn’t very nice. You shouldn’t treat your brother so, for I am certain he would not act that way towards you.” “Ro loves me and I love him. He will forgive me,” Elladan replied. “Mayhap you should check on him,” Haldir suggested. “Will I see you later?” Haldir smiled. “Perhaps. Now I wish to go to my rooms and rest.” Elladan stood. “Very well then, I shall do as you wish. Come; let us walk together.” ************************************ “Might you know how long we will be staying in Lorien, Sire?” Saelbeth inquired, as they strolled leisurely back to Caras Galadon. “I know not for certain, but I should think it will be for at least a couple of weeks. Is there a problem that I need to know about?” Thranduil replied. “No, Sire. I was just curious.” Thranduil smiled. “Are you not having a good holiday?” “Certainly, my Lord. Lorien is a wonderful place,” Saelbeth answered. Thranduil gazed at him curiously. “Would you tell me if you were not?” Saelbeth looked into the King’s deep set, sky blue eyes. He felt as if they were gazing into his soul. *********************************** Night fell on Rivendell. After an elaborate dinner and superb wine, Haldir drifted happily to his rooms, unaware of several amorous gazes that followed him as he slipped down the torch lit corridors. He entered his rooms and smiled, noticing the fresh flask of wine and glass on the bedside table. It seemed Elrond remembered a few things as well. He undressed and dashed into the bath, relishing the feel of the warm stream water as it enveloped his skin. When he was done, he dried off, slipped under the crisp white sheets and coverlet on the overstuffed bed and poured himself a glass of wine. He sipped it slowly, savouring the taste. A few hours later, his door opened ever so slightly. Lying down by this time but still awake, Haldir opened his eyes. “Come in, Elladan. I have been expecting you.”