TWENTY FIVE Haldir shifted and opened his eyes to find Siddhir staring thoughtfully at him. He smiled and pulled him in closer for a kiss. “How long have you been awake?” “Not long. Only about an hour, I believe,” Siddhir replied. Haldir yawned. “What time of day is it? I feel as if I have slept for an eternity.” “Nearly noon, I would think.” “No matter,” Haldir whispered, gently moving a finger across Siddhir’s collar bone. “We will have a late breakfast. You make an excellent sleeping companion, *melamin.* [my love]I think I may have to keep you.” Siddhir smiled. “Is that so?” “Absolutely,” Haldir chuckled. “When *you* sleep, you stay put. There is no kicking, nor elbowing me in the head. I could become quite used to that.” Siddhir chuckled. “I would wager.” Haldir stretched. “Yes, I think Elviondel will have to seek another to share that talan with,” he mused aloud, while positioning his body so that he was half on top of him. “After all, I *am* Marchwarden now, and I must have an ample amount of rest so that I might have the strength to be at my very best whilst performing my duties; and as I cannot see doing that *without* you sleeping beside me, I will have to insist that you concur with me on this matter.” Siddhir laughed and wrapped his arms around him, his hands slowly sliding up and down the length of his backside. “And how would you explain our new living arrangements to our Lord and Lady?” “If asked, I will simply tell them that having you with me is my desire,” Haldir answered matter of factly. Siddhir blinked, surprised. “You *would?* I thought you favoured being clandestine when it comes to these matters.” “Siddhir, I love you, and it is as you said to me; I really care not who knows it. Besides, as surreptitious as I *try* to be most times, someone always seems to have information concerning my affairs. It seems my trysts make for good conversation over the cooking fires, or so I have been told. So in light of that, I have decided not to go out of my way denying anything anymore.” Siddhir chuckled and squeezed his thigh. “To your credit, I might add. I think if you denied me now, I would simply have to go out of *my* way to make you live to regret it.” Haldir laughed, and kissed him. “That is no idle threat, I am sure.” Siddhir winked, and without warning, quickly rose and flipped Haldir down onto the bed, reversing their positions. “Never has a truer word been spoken, *mir nin.* [my treasure] You are *mine,* and mine alone. No other shall have you as long as I draw breath, and they will taste my wrath if they even *gaze* upon you any longer than is to my taste.” he raised Haldir’s arms and pinned them down with the weight of his own, emphasizing his words. “And now, *lirimaer,* [lovely one] you are *my* prisoner.” “There is no place I would rather be,” Haldir whispered, gazing deep into Siddhir’s ebony eyes. Siddhir winked. “Is that so? You would consent to laying dormant for my every whim?” Haldir smiled. “To a point.” A sparkle twinkled in Siddhir’s dark eyes, and he threw back his head in laughter. “Oh, worry not, *Aratoamin, * [my champion] I alone am the sheath in this union.” Haldir grinned sheepishly realizing that Siddhir had just read his thoughts. “Well, I have to admit that you *are* full of surprises, *mir nin.”* [my treasure] Siddhir slithered forward a bit and leaned in to kiss him. “There are no surprises as far as that goes. You caught my eye in the first place because I felt you to be the dominating sort.” “Truly? Tell me, would it surprise you to know that I am not totally chaste in that area?” “We all have to learn our preferences at some point, so no, I am not at all surprised. I am also quite content with the dynamics of our relationship, so far be it from me to deny you what you so obviously do best.” Haldir laughed and grabbed him, reversing their positions again so that Siddhir was underneath him. “You are quite correct, *mir nin.* [my treasure] I desire now to ride you to exhaustion. Will you comply?” Siddhir wrapped his legs around Haldir’s hips, pressing their bodies closer together and sighing deeply as Haldir began to nibble gently on the sensitive tip of his ear. “Far be it from me to refuse a direct order from the Marchwarden as well.” “Hmmm,” Haldir murmured, as he made a trail of soft kisses from Siddhir’s ear to the hollow of his neck. “For which you will be greatly rewarded, sentinel. This I promise you.” Their bodies warm and erect with unleashed passion, they made love uncovered and uninhibited on top of the crisp white sheets that lined Haldir’s bed, oblivious to anything everything but each other. Their stamina equally matched, time passed wonderfully slow in their battle for fulfillment. Finally, through slit eyes and a sweat drenched brow, Haldir brought Siddhir to completion and with great ardour, found his own eternity within him. ********************** Rumil turned back in shock as Orophin slammed the door closed, and hastily removed his weapons. “You are angry, brother. I thought you said we have to endure,” Rumil whispered. “Forget what I said! He has but once more to debase either one of us and I will see fit to knock him on his surreptitious *backside!* We have done *nothing* to deserve the treatment we are receiving from him, and I will not tolerate it another *minute!”* Orophin exclaimed, fuming as he sat down hard in a chair. Rumil’s eyes widened. “But you might get into trouble, Oro. I don’t think our Lord and Lady will be happy, and neither will Hal. I am not quite of age yet. Who will I have to look after me then?” Orophin’s expression softened immediately at the look on his youngest brother’s face. Rising, he moved quickly over to him and pulled him into a warm embrace. “Forgive me, *pen-neth.* [young one] I was not my intention to startle you. Worry not, I will always be here to look after you, and so will Hal. We would never leave you to the fate of others as long as either of us draws breath. Always remember that.” Rumil looked up at him with wary eyes. “Are you feeling better now?” Orophin thin lips stretched into a slightly forced grin. “I am much better now. Do not fret.” “Can we go and see him? I am hungry, and I wager he is cooking something,” Rumil queried. Orophin chuckled. “I think that is a very good idea. I have worked up quite the appetite, and I really do not feel the urge to try and cook. Come; let us be off.” ************************ Dressed now, Haldir playfully grabbed Siddhir from behind and pulled him back down to the bed on top of him, eliciting light laughter from the fair elf. “I have changed my mind and do not wish for you to leave. You are my prisoner remember? You must do as I say,” Haldir quipped. “You bade me to share your quarters, and if I do, I must retrieve my belongings from my former talan. Is that not correct?” Siddhir chuckled. *“Cormamin niuve tenna’ tae lea lle au,’”* [My heart shall weep until it sees thee again] Haldir whispered into his ear, squeezing him a final time before releasing him. Siddhir turned over to face him.* “Uuma dela, Amin khiluva lle a’ gurtha ar’ thar.” *[don’t worry, I will follow you to death and beyond] Haldir kissed him. “Elbereth! How very happy you make me.” Siddhir gazed long into Haldir’s serene grey eyes. “No more than you make*me,* *A’maelamin.* [my beloved] he pulled himself up from his body and the bed. “Now I must go. The sooner I leave, will be the sooner I return; for good.” Haldir sat up with a bright smile. “I cannot take exception with *that* reasoning, so off with you. I will have our breakfast ready when you return.” “All the better,” Siddhir replied with a wink, before slipping out the door. ***************************** “Do you think he has risen yet?” Rumil asked, as they strolled along the path towards Caras Galadon. “If he hasn’t, we will wake him just as we always have,” Orophin chucked in response. Rumil laughed. “I bet he misses us anyway. It must be awful quiet staying alone after you have always shared a talan with others.” “I am sure it is, but if I know our brother, I am certain he will find ample company.” As if on cue, Siddhir rounded the corner of the path, meeting them. Orophin turned to Rumil with a wide grin. “See what I mean?” *“Mae Govannen,* [well met] you two,” Siddhir greeted with a smile. *“Mae Govannen* Siddhir,” the brothers chorused in return. “I believe your brother is about to make breakfast. Were you on your way to visit with him?” “We are,” Rumil answered. “You were with him?” “Yes. I am going to my talan for a bit, but I will return,” Siddhir replied, gazing curiously at Orophin, suddenly sensing a struggle within him that belied the pleasant smile etched on his face. “Orophin, is there something amiss? You seem to be a little…upset.” “He was angry earlier, but we are going to see Hal so that he can cheer up,” Rumil replied. “What has upset you, Oro?” Siddhir asked. Orophin paused for a moment and then shrugged. “It is best forgotten, Siddhir. If I wish to become a member of the Galadhrim, I need to be able to deflect certain pressures and persevere regardless.” Siddhir raised an eyebrow. “Hmm, well- I would say that would be true in *most* cases, but sometimes there *are* valid reasons for one to *be* upset. I will hold you no longer. Go now to your brother, for I am certain he will be delighted to see you both. I will join you later.” Orophin watched Siddhir leave until Rumil tugged at him, and they continued their trek to Haldir’s talan. **************************** Siddhir could barely contain his anger as he veered off the path that would take him to his talan and instead took one that would lead him to the practice fields. He did not know whether his gift was strengthening or that Orophin’s dismay was so overwhelming that it was easier to read. If what Orophin felt was true, something had to be done about it. Lothraenil was in the midst of training four young elves, watching from the sidelines as they sparred with each other in pairs. Siddhir watched for a few moments before gathering his composure and walking briskly across the field to meet him. Lothraenil saw him before he reached his position, and urged the trainees to move a little further down the field so that he might speak privately. He did not appear to be amused; however Siddhir cared little what he felt. “Lothraenil, I have come about your treatment of Orophin and Rumil on these fields, and I believe the issue should be addressed straight away,” Siddhir stated blatantly. Lothraenil frowned. “Have either of them registered a complaint against me?” “No, they have not- but you know that already, I am sure.” “Then I fail to see why it is an issue at all.” Siddhir smirked. “I am *also* sure that you know I need no such admission from their lips. I am more than aware what has transpired, and I bid you to treat them fairly, or you will see me *again,* and the next time I will *not* be so courteous. Have I made myself clear?” Lothraenil nodded. “Good. I will go about my business then,” Siddhir replied, turning on his heel. Abruptly, he turned back to face the trainer again, his eyes growing darker, and his fair features twisting into a mask of barely restrained impatience as he moved forward quickly to stare him straight in the eyes. “Take heed, Lothraenil, because I will say this to you but only once. Whom I choose to share my bed with is none of your concern. What *should* concern you- because you forget yourself, is that I am *second* in command- and I was appointed that position because I *earned* it, just as Haldir has *earned* his position as Marchwarden. Whatever your trouble is with him, you should address it *to* him or to our Lord and Lady- and *not* his brothers. Reflect upon this as well; considering that you have never bested Haldir, myself or even *Tinion* on the practice fields, I find your consternation for Haldir’s position *severely* misplaced. In fact, I think you should consider yourself fortunate in the *extreme* that you have even retained your position as *trainer.* Good day.” Siddhir stormed off without looking back. ************************************ Rumil rubbed his belly. “I am quite full now. Thank you, brother.” Haldir chuckled. “You are quite welcome, Ru. How about you, Oro?” Orophin held up his hand. “I could not eat another thing.” “Very well,” Haldir replied, taking his seat again. “So, have you missed us, brother? Your new talan is very big,” Rumil questioned. Haldir smiled. “I missed you the very first night. So much so, I could not sleep. There was no one here to kick me.” Both brothers laughed at the comment. “You should ask Siddhir to stay with you. There is more than enough room here,” Orophin suggested, looking around. “I have,” Haldir replied. “Good for you, brother. I am glad you are not alone,” Orophin remarked. “We saw him. Where did he go? He said he would be back to join us,” Rumil questioned. “He left to retrieve his belongings. I am sure he will return shortly,” Haldir replied. “So, how has your training been going? Tell me everything.” Orophin kicked Rumil under the table. “Everything is going well, brother.” Haldir smiled. “Good. Are you working with sword or bow?” “Swords,” Rumil answered. “Good. Remember now, if you ever need any help- do not hesitate to ask, all right?” “Brother, we will be fine. You are busy now being Marchwarden,” Orophin commented. Haldir frowned. “Listen to me, the both of you. If it is at *all* possible, I will *make* myself available to you. I never want you to feel as if you cannot come to me for anything that you need. Do you understand me?” “Yes, brother,” Rumil answered. Orophin smiled and nodded. Shortly after, the talan door opened and Siddhir entered with Elviondel, who helped him carry in his belongings. Siddhir continued to the bedroom while Elviondel stayed behind with the others. *“Quel andune,”* [good afternoon] Elviondel greeted. *“Quel andune,* Elviondel. Would you care to join us? There is plenty to share,” Haldir asked. “Thank you, captain, but I have already eaten. I was just helping Siddhir. May I ask if you have yet named anyone to share my talan?” Eliviondel queried. “Why do you not ask *Calaglin?”* Rumil teased. Orophin kicked him under the table again, but everyone laughed, including Elviondel. “Your head is not very large, but you know much, *pen-neth,”* [young one] Elviondel chuckled, ruffling Rumil’s hair. Haldir smiled and shook his head. “Rumil is fast becoming quite the gossipmonger. Nay, sentinel. I think that would be a decision best left to you. Choose whoever you would like.” Elviondel bowed. “Thank you, Captain, and now that Siddhir is settled, I will take my leave. Good day, all.” “Thanks again, Elviondel,” Siddhir called out from the bedroom. “You’re most welcome,” he called back. Then he nodded to everyone else. *“Namarie.”* [farewell] Elviondel closed the door behind him, and Siddhir joined Haldir and his brothers at the table. Haldir made him a plate and handed it to him. Siddhir winked, and kissed him on the cheek. Rumil laughed. “You do not have to be so cautious, Siddhir. We know*everything.”* “Oh, you *do,* do you?” Siddhir replied, putting down his fork. “Well, in *that* case…” Siddhir reached out and pulled a stunned Haldir back in his chair and covered his mouth with his own. Haldir blinked rapidly, but was smiling broadly when the kiss was over. Orophin and Rumil burst out in joyous laughter. “Forgive me, for I could not restrain myself any longer. Your brother’s exquisiteness takes control of me beyond all reasoning- but since you know *everything,* I shant even bother to try to conceal my love and lust for him any more than is absolutely necessary,” Siddhir remarked with a wink. Orophin gazed at Rumil, whom he was certain felt the same joy as himself when he met his eyes. All they had ever wanted for their brother had finally come to fruition, and now Siddhir’s love completed it. It was evident in the rare but radiant smile spread wide across his fair face- and it made their hearts glad.