FIFTY TWO Haldir nodded to a couple of the guards, who quickly took charge of the horses. Then he stepped forward and bowed low to the approaching party. Tinion and Fereveldir stood behind him as the King of Mirkwood moved forward with a smile, his regality evident with every stride. His emerald green robes were trimmed with finely embroidered gold leaves about the collar and sleeves, and flowed out like fine silk from behind him, and his long flaxen hair was braided and meticulously neat, every strand in its proper place. His deep set cerulean eyes radiated the wisdom of an eternity as they met and held Haldir’s. He was flanked by two others of his realm. “Welcome to Lothlorien, Sire,” Haldir greeted respectfully. “Many thanks,” Thranduil replied. Haldir motioned to Fereveldir and then returned his attention to the Mirkwood King. “This is Fereveldir. He will escort you on to Caras Galadon.” “Very good,” Thranduil replied, nodding to the two who stood by his side. “My advisor Saelbeth, and Taldor here, will accompany me. Let us take the scenic route. Mirkwood is far too grey, and it is a pleasure to be in a land so golden and green. I wish to enjoy it.” “Of course, my Lord,” Haldir replied, breaking the gaze that Saelbeth had on him. He turned to Fereveldir. “See it done.” Fereveldir nodded. “Yes, Captain.” He extended his hand. “This way, Sire.” The Mirkwood party moved off into the wood, leaving Haldir and Tinion looking after them. Then they ascended the Mallorn again and took their posts. Haldir turned to Tinion with a smile. “Go on, say it.” Tinion chuckled. “Say what?” “Whatever is going through your mind, because I am certain there’s something. Never has there been an event that you have not had a very definite opinion about,” Haldir answered. Tinion flashed a brilliant smile, and his blue eyes sparkled. “I was just thinking that the people of Mirkwood are not as unappealing as I thought they would be given the dullness of their lands.” Haldir laughed. “Of course you were.” “I am who I am,” Tinion remarked with a wink. “But I only have my eye on two of them this time, though.” Haldir raised an eyebrow. “And why is that?” Tinion grinned. “Because one of them clearly has eyes for *you,* and as I have already been down that road, I intend to save myself the trouble.” Haldir shook his head. “You are quite mad. Do you know that?” “So it is said,” Tinion returned with a chuckle. Haldir smiled. “Well, I am going on leave so I suppose I will have to pass on your observance.” “Um, that doesn’t mean it will not happen. Care to wager?” “I think not,” Haldir replied, stretching out on the branch. “Spoilsport,” Tinion laughed. *************************************** “It is good to see you again, Thranduil. Please, make yourself comfortable. Perhaps Saelbeth and…” “Taldor,” Thranduil supplied. Celeborn smiled and nodded. “…Taldor would like to be shown their quarters now?” Thranduil looked at his kinsmen and nodded. “Very good, then. Fereveldir, you will see it done?” “Certainly, my Lord.” Fereveldir answered. Saelbeth and Taldor bowed before leaving the receiving room with Fereveldir. Thranduil smiled. “Might I ask about Galadriel?” “She is away for a very short time, but I assure you she is quite well. I trust you will still be here when she returns?” “Possibly.” “Good. Then you will stay here in Caras Galadon. That said, it is time we attend to some serious business.” “And what might that be?” Thranduil asked, interested. Celeborn reached over and retrieved a large flask of his favourite vintage, and held it up for Thranduil to see. The King of Mirkwood’s lips spread into a wide grin. “Serious business indeed.” ********************************** “Will we be shown separate accommodations?” Saelbeth asked. Fereveldir turned to him. “Is that what you wish?” “Um, no. Actually, it would be better for us to share one talan- if it is allowed, of course.” Fereveldir raised an eyebrow. “Why would it not? True, there are times when we have many visitors at once and we are sometimes forced to have them share for sheer lack of space, but generally one may stay where they like.” Saelbeth smiled. “That is refreshing. Rivendell has long hosted separate accommodations for travellers.” “Is that so? Intriguing. Well, this is Lorien. We have no such tradition here,” Fereveldir replied. Eventually they arrived at a very spacious talan with two beds located close to Caras Galadon. Fereveldir climbed the ladder and the two Mirkwood Elves followed. He held the door open, and let them walk in past him. “Is there anything you think you will need that you do not see?” Fereveldir inquired. “I will be happy to assist you.” Saelbeth looked around the talan. “No, I am certain we will be quite confortable, thank you.” Fereveldir nodded. “Very good, now before I leave you, please let me show you the way to the common. It is where our food is served.” Taldor smiled. “Lorien is most intriguing. Long have I heard tales about those who dwell in the trees. I had no idea how comfortable it could be.” Fereveldir smiled. “We like it. Come; you must both be famished by now.” *********************************** “When will you be leaving?” Tinion inquired, as he and Haldir strolled quietly away after being relieved. “I will eat first and check on my brothers. Then I suppose I will leave sometime thereafter,” Haldir answered. “That will take at least til dusk,” Tinion chuckled. Haldir smiled. “Possibly.” “Well, if you care for some exercise before you go, feel free to stop by.” Haldir laughed. “How did I know you would say that?” “Because you know *me,* *meldir.* [friend] Safe journey.” Haldir smiled and shook his head as they reached the common. “You are not eating?” “No, I think I will take some rest first. The Marchwarden had me up all night and I am quite weary,” Tinion replied. Haldir raised an eyebrow. “I had *you* up all night?” Tinion winked. “The eyes of Mirkwood are upon you. Do everything I would do.” He walked away then. A hand grasped his shoulder from behind. “Why is he leaving?” Fereveldir asked. Haldir turned to him. “He said he was weary.” “No doubt, it seems he has been *very* busy lately. So have you, I might add.” Haldir cast him a sideways glance as they entered the common. “If there is something you wish to say to me Fereveldir, just say it.” Fereveldir sighed, followed him to a table and sat down. “I was *jesting,* Haldir. Why are you always so defensive?” Haldir bit his lip. “Forgive me, *mellonamin.”*[my friend] Fereveldir smiled. “Forgive me as well. We have been friends so very long, and I should know better than to hurl innuendo at you. Truth is, I just miss my friend. I have not seen much of you lately and now you are going away on leave.” Haldir nodded when a servant placed two platters on the table in front of them. “You are right, and I will not argue your point. I am glad you are here, and we can take this time together. How have you been faring?” “I am quiet well. Truth be told, I am glad you are finally starting to live again. I was afraid for you after Siddhir was lost.” “Ah! So you *approve* of my liaisons with Tinion?” Haldir asked. “I approve that you are not still shrouding yourself from affection, be it from Tinion or anyone else,” Fereveldir answered. Haldir sighed and swallowed the strawberry he had just eaten. “It is what Siddhir wanted me to do. It admit it was hard for me for a time, and all the while I had this…unease… as if Siddhir was angry with me for not doing what he asked of me. Strangely, when I finally did, the feeling was gone in an instant.” Fereveldir smiled. “He is content now. I know you don’t believe much in the afterlife, but do you really think that he is not with you still just because his body is not? You may not have bonded traditionally, but you were bonded just the same. He is a part of you, and he will *always* be with you, Haldir. A light as blinding as his wouldn’t just fade to nothingness after physical death. He wanted you to be happy, and I am certain he will watch over you until you truly are.” Haldir smiled. “You really believe that, don’t you?” “I certainly do,” Fereveldir replied, taking a swallow from his cup. “And if Tinion or anyone else puts a smile on your face, I am certain Siddhir will leave you alone for a time. That is until you are *truly* happy.” Haldir laughed. “You’re as mad as Tinion. Tell me, why is it that you are here anyway? I thought that after you saw the Mirkwood party to Caras Galadon, you would be taking duty at the harbour.” “Lord Celeborn sent Orolonn instead. He had me escort them to their quarters, and I brought them here afterward. They are over there.” Fereveldir nodded. Haldir turned around, and met Saelbeth’s eyes. The flaxen haired Elf smiled at him as he continued his conversation with Taldor. Haldir nodded and faced Fereveldir again. “Hm, seems I was wrong about something,” Fereveldir mused, not lost on the interaction, and glancing over at Saelbeth. “What?” Haldir inquired. “Nevermind,” Fereveldir replied with a grin. “Time will tell.” ************************************* Later, Haldir packed and saddled his horse in the stable while Orophin, Rumil and Fereveldir looked on. When he was done, he turned to them with a smile. “I will miss you all.” “We will miss you too, brother,” Orophin replied. “Are you certain you should be travelling alone?” “I will be fine, Oro. Worry not,” Haldir answered. “But how do you know? It has been quiet for a while, yes- but that could change at any time without warning,” Rumil chimed in. Haldir smiled and glanced briefly at Fereveldir. “I know this might sound strange, but I believe if anything were wrong… Siddhir would warn me. Somehow, I *feel* that everything will be all right.” Orophin frowned. Rumil’s face lit up with a bright smile. “Oh? In *that* case, I will not worry. Siddhir would never see you harmed.” Orophin looked at him. “Ru…” Haldir smiled at Fereveldir. “It seems Orophin shares my general scepticism.” Fereveldir grinned. “He has grown to be more like you with each day that passes. Worry not, I will help him.” “Help me with what?” Orophin asked. Haldir pulled him into an embrace. “You will see.” He released him and took Rumil into his embrace then, and did the same with Fereveldir. Still smiling, he quickly mounted his horse. “Look after each other. I will see you again soon.” With that, Haldir urged his horse forward and galloped away. *************************************** Relaxing by one of Lothlorien’s many streams, Saelbeth and Taldor saw a lone rider as he crossed the divide and rode fast from sight leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. “Who might that be riding off alone like that?” Taldor wondered aloud. “I believe it’s the Marchwarden,” Saelbeth responded quietly. Taldor looked at him, noting the sadness in his eyes. “You like him, I can tell, and I suppose you have done nothing about it, as usual. Why do you not let your feelings be known?” Taldor asked. Saelbeth sighed. “I know not.” Taldor exhaled. “Saelbeth, how can you expect anything to happen when you have given him no indication? Honestly, do you wish to be alone for all eternity?” Saelbeth looked at him. “Of course not, but I am not like you, Taldor. I do not seek affection on a whim. No offence of course.” Taldor laughed heartily. “None taken, but you, my friend, need to loosen up, or you might never find happiness.” “Perhaps you are right,” Saelbeth sighed, looking out over the darkening horizon.