SEVEN It was near dusk when Haldir entered the common and seated himself amongst a group of elves having dinner there. Several of them started to applaud when they saw him. He smiled and waved his hand, begging them to stop. Many praised him anyway for his skill with a bow. He endured their comments and questions with subtle grace and eventually they quieted down. He served himself a plate of food and quietly started to eat. It was not long before applause rang out yet again. Haldir turned to see Siddhir, Fereveldir and Dinendal enter the common. Fereveldir spotted him and led them over to the table where he sat. Haldir nodded politely at them. His longtime friend’s angular face broke out into a wide grin as he and the others filled the empty places beside him. “You were *incredible* today, *mellon.*[friend] I am *certain* now that you were only toying with me all these months.” Fereveldir chuckled. Haldir smiled demurely. “Mayhap the Valar was just with me today, *mellonamin* [my friend]” “In a pig’s eye!” Siddhir cut in. “What you did this day was neither by grace nor chance. You are a skilled warrior, Haldir. You should state yourself as nothing less.” “Never has a truer word been spoken.” Dinendal added, biting into a strawberry. Haldir raised an eyebrow and looked deep into Siddhir’s eyes. “You are quite the skilled warrior yourself, and a worthy opponent indeed.” “*Hannon lle*” [thank you]. Siddhir replied with a bright smile. “Where are Ru and Oro this eve?” Fereveldir asked. “They are with our Lord and Lady. I went to collect Ru after the match, but he was already asleep, so I did not disturb him. Oro was weary as well, so we decided that it would be best for them to spend the night there, although I miss them terribly. Our talan is far too quiet without them.” Haldir answered. Fereveldir smiled. “I am certain they are missing you too, *mellonamin*.”[my friend] They ate in silence for a few moments. Slowly the common began to empty, eventually leaving only the four of them seated at one of the many large tables. Dinendal groaned and pushed his plate aside, rubbing his stomach. “I think I may have overdone it. Everything was so good, but now I am miserable.” Fereveldir laughed. “You are not alone, *mellon* [friend]. I think I have eaten enough myself to last for several days.” Dinendal’s cerulean eyes sparkled as he glanced at Siddhir and Haldir. “You two did not eat much.” He turned then to Fereveldir. “Perhaps our gluttony is the reason we cannot surpass them on the practice fields, eh, Fereveldir?” Fereveldir laughed hard, and was joined by all. “Perhaps you are right.” Haldir shook his head. “Do not underestimate yourselves, my friends. You too are worthy archers. Were you not, you would not have earned your positions here.” Dinendal’s full lips curled into a smile. “Be that as it may, I think the next time I shoot against either of you, I will do so with an empty stomach.” “Here, here.” Fereveldir remarked, raising his goblet for all to touch. Dinendal finished his wine and stood. “It has been a lovely evening, but I must leave you now, for I have watch in the morning.” “As do I.” Fereveldir added, popping a last grape into his mouth and rising from the table. “I will walk with you, Dinendal. I would like to stop in and say hello to Calaglin before retiring. *Quel du * [good night], Haldir; Siddhir.” “*Quel du.*” Haldir and Siddhir chorused in return. They watched as their friends left the common, laughing together on their way. When they were out of sight, Siddhir turned to look at Haldir. “It seems we have been left completely alone.” Haldir grinned, and looked around. “So it does. Do not worry yourself; You need not stay just to keep me company. If you are weary, feel free to leave. I do not have Ru and Oro to attend to, nor do I have watch on the morrow- so I am free to enjoy the night. It is something I do not have the chance to do very often.” Siddhir gazed into Haldir’s grey eyes. “Do you wish me to leave?” Haldir blinked. “No, I did not say that.” Siddhir smirked. “Good, for I was hoping you would show me those other talents you spoke of.” Haldir’s brow furrowed, confused. “What say you?” “Oh, I see. ‘Twas not the truth, and you were boasting after all.” Siddhir chuckled. Haldir sat there a moment gazing at Siddhir as if he had gone mad. Then all at once, realization hit him. He smiled broadly. “I never boast unless I am jesting, but you surprise me.” “How so?” Siddhir questioned. “There are some who are ill at ease with the rumours that surround me, although I suppose I should be flattered. Until now, only Tinion seemed not to care or have an opinion. Have you not heard any the many tales spun of my decadent lifestyle?” Haldir asked. “I have, and I care not.” Siddhir retorted, staring straight into his eyes. Haldir held his gaze for some time before speaking. Siddhir suddenly smiled, confusing him all the more. “Siddhir, I think perhaps we should talk,” Haldir began. Siddhir reached out and held his hand. “I do not wish to *talk,* Haldir. What I *wish*- is for you to *do* what you were just thinking. I find that position intriguing, for I have never been in it before.” Haldir’s eyes widened at Siddhir’s remark. He had forgotten that he possessed the gift of foresight. Had he not been so aroused by this stunning elf’s want of him, he may have even blushed, for his thoughts had been seductive indeed. “Very well, but I warn you, fair one- you had best not be jesting when you come to me in this manner. To do so would not be wise.” Siddhir laughed, ignoring the warning and stood, pulling Haldir with him. “You have an empty talan this night. It would be best if we go there. I have not a talan yet, and my accommodations at the present do not offer solitude.” ******************** Elrond sat alone on the veranda, gazing out into the twilight. He felt, rather than heard Erestor come up quietly behind him. He smiled, and spoke without turning his head. “It is all right, Erestor. Come; sit with me so that we both might enjoy this lovely night together.” “Yes, my Lord.” Erestor’s soft voice replied, as he pulled out a chair and took a seat. “Could you not sleep either, friend?” Elrond asked. “Not very well, I am afraid.” Elrond sighed. “We have been stricken with the same affliction it seems.” Erestor looked at him. He looked worn. “Have you been thinking of Lady Celebrian, my Lord?” Elrond smiled as he considered him. “You know me well.” “My Lord, forgive me if I trespass, but you should try to open your heart again. Lady Celebrian would not want you to mourn her for an eternity in solitude. She would wish to see you happy once more. You know I speak the truth.” Erestor remarked. Elrond sighed. “I know.” “Could you not use help in raising your children as well? There are many fair maidens about that would love to have that chance. You would not have to be alone. Surely it is something you have pondered at one time or the other.” Elrond looked into the kind brown eyes of his good friend and councillor. “I will never marry again. But, I have thought of companionship; very recently in fact.” “Then you should seek it, my Lord.” Erestor advised. Elrond smiled. “Erestor, you are wise, and I am proud to have you as both my friend and councillor. But tell me, why do you offer me advice that you do not heed yourself?” “My Lord?” “You too are alone. Why do you not seek companionship?” Erestor smiled nervously. He could not tell Elrond that he did indeed fancy someone, but was afraid to voice his feelings. As well as he knew him, he did not know if he could broach this particular subject with him, for it was not conventional. The person he had developed feelings for was Glorfindel- not a maiden. “Ah, well, my duties do not leave me much time for that at the present.” Elrond laughed. “Then I must lessen your workload, my friend. You deserve happiness as well as I.” Erestor shifted in his chair. “ I think it best we concentrate on you, my Lord. A happy ruler makes for a happy house.” “There was one I considered; but alas, it was not meant to be.” “How so?” Erestor asked, interested. Elrond sighed heavily. “Many reasons; memories of Celebrian, my own fears of the irregular I suppose, but the most outstanding reason was that I foresaw this person’s happiness with another. Elbereth, there are times when I wished I did not possess the gift.” “Irregular? Whatever do you mean, my Lord?” Elrond smiled and looked at his companion. “I suppose I am old, set in my ways and somewhat fearful of being totally adventurous. The young seem to have the force of will to go about seeking what makes them happy, no matter the cost or what others may think. I expect I have not yet reached that point in my long life.” “My Lord, there was a time when I too would have agreed with you. But, I have to tell you- when one is alone at night without the benefit of someone to love, it makes you plead for the strength to throw all caution to the wind. Personally, I secretly envy those that do.” Elrond raised an eyebrow and considered his raven-haired friend for a time before speaking. “Can I tell you something, Erestor? I think I am inclined to agree.” ******************** “You must excuse the condition of my talan. Orophin and Rumil are quite disorganized.” Haldir apologized, as he quickly picked up things scattered about by his younger siblings. Siddhir smiled. “It matters not. I am a bit untidy myself as that goes.” “Is that why every time I have seen you your braids are in disarray?” Haldir questioned. Siddhir touched his misshapen braids and chuckled. “I care not about conformity. Whether my braids are neat or no has nothing to do with my skill as a warrior. Even Lord Amroth tired of reprimanding me for it. I am surprised *you* noticed, however. I thought you noticed naught about me at all, which was the true reason I challenged you.” Haldir smiled and moved closer to him. “Is that so? Well, as it happens, I noticed you some time ago, *gwador.*”[brother-not related] “Ah! So why are we still talking?” Haldir grinned, and kissed him softly on the lips. “Because I would not want you to be misled, impatient one.” “No one misleads *me* into anything, Haldir. Make no mistake about that. But, you surprise me as well. From the tales I *have* heard, never in a thousand years would I have thought that you were so inhibited.” Siddhir teased. Haldir raised an eyebrow and swiftly pulled Siddhir into a tight embrace. “*Inhibited?* We shall see about *that*, *lirimaer* [lovely one]. Come; for I too have grown weary of talk.”