FIFTY EIGHT “Might I ask you a question?” Tinion whispered. “Ask,” Haldir replied, turning his head to face him. “Have you ever been taken?” Haldir smiled. “Why do you wish to know?” Tinion laughed. “Truly? Because I have an ongoing wager with Elviondel, and it’s far past time that it was settled.” Haldir chuckled. “Surely you both could find better things to do with your wages.” “True, but will you not tell me anyway?” Haldir smiled and shook his head. “Very well. Yes, but only once or twice, and very long ago. It was decided back then that I was infinitely better at doing the taking.” “Never has a truer word been spoken, *mellonamin,* [my friend] and now Elviondel will pay me my due,” Tinion answered laughing. Haldir raised an eyebrow. “How did you know?” Tinion threw the sheets aside, climbed out of bed and walked into the outer room. He returned immediately with a bowl mixed with grapes and strawberries that he handed to Haldir as he slipped back in beside him. “It is simple. We have all taken or have been taken at least once in our lives. I favour taking as well, but look where I am with you.” Haldir laughed. “Good point.” “It all depends upon the circumstance,” Tinion replied, biting into a strawberry. Haldir ate several grapes before replying. “Indeed.” ********************************************* “Enter,” Orophin called out. Saelbeth poked his head inside the door. “Forgive me for the intrusion, Orophin. I was wondering if Haldir was here, or if you have seen him.” “Not since last eve before watch,” Orophin answered. “I could wake Ru and Legandir and ask them.” Saelbeth held up his hand. “No, do not disturb them, for it is not important. You would think after so many months I would know his schedule by now. I am certain I will see him soon. Sorry to have bothered you.” “Would you care to stay for breakfast?” Orophin offered. Saelbeth smiled. “Perhaps another time. Enjoy.” Orophin nodded as Saelbeth closed the door behind him. ***************************************** The fruit bowl was now empty. Tinion placed it on the floor beside the bed, and moved close to engage Haldir in a long, passionate kiss. “As much as I adore your company *nin bain,* [my beauty] I really must be going.” He slipped out of the bed and began dressing. “You are welcome to stay as long as you like.” Haldir stretched. “I should be getting back to my own talan. Saelbeth may decide to come by.” Tinion grinned as he donned his weapons. “How is that going? Nevermind, I already know. You had best be careful, though. That one wants more. I am certain of it.” Haldir frowned, and left the bed to dress. “I was truthful with him from the very beginning.” “To that I have no doubt, but I am willing to wager that he doesn’t believe you.” Haldir sighed. “That would be most unfortunate.” “Unfortunate *and* foolish,” Tinion remarked, opening the door. “Wait, I will walk with you,” Haldir replied, quickly slipping into his boots and following him out of the door. Neither of them saw Saelbeth appear on the road behind them as they rounded the corner. ******************************************* After parting from Tinion, Haldir met a beaming Orolonn on guard at the base of Celeborn and Galadriel’s Mallorn. He smiled as he stepped up to him, not remembering when he had last seen the tall stocky sentinel so obviously happy. *“Mae Govannen,* [well met] Orolonn. You look unusually pleasant this day,” Haldir commented. “I have never been happier than I am this day,” Orolonn replied with a wide grin. “Have we received a raise in our wages?” Haldir asked, chuckling. “Better than that. I am going to be an *Ada.”* [father] Haldir’s grey eyes grew large. “Is that so?” “It is so. Aranel has seen the healer, and he has told her so,” Orolonn answered happily. “That is wonderful news, *mellonamin.* [my friend] There ought to be a celebration,” Haldir replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. Orolonn smiled. “Lord Celeborn is planning one as we speak.” “Good. We could all use a joyous occasion such as this to taste good wine,” Haldir chuckled. “I shall see you later.” Orolonn laughed as Haldir ascended the staircase. *************************************** Bright laughter caught Saelbeth’s attention as he strolled along on a path parallel to the common. He turned to see the top of a flaxen head, and thinking it was Haldir, changed direction and headed towards him. Upon reaching the entrance, he realized that the white blond hair he had seen belonged to Tinion and not Haldir as he had previously thought. He started to turn and walk away, but something inside him made him push forward instead. Tinion and the smiling Elf seated across from him at the table stopped laughing and regarded him with detached interest when he approached. Saelbeth nodded to both of them.*“Mae Govannen.* [well met] Tinion, might I have a word?” “Very well,” Tinion replied, rising and following Saelbeth back towards the entrance. He looked at the Mirkwood Elf expectantly when they stopped walking. Saelbeth sighed heavily as he looked into Tinion’s forceful gaze. “I am not quite certain how to communicate what it is that I wish to say.” “Just say it, then,” Tinion suggested, tilting his head slightly to the side. Saelbeth bit his lip. “Very well. It is my wish for you cease lying with Haldir.” Tinion raised an eyebrow and then started to laugh. Saelbeth waited quietly until he was done, feeling profoundly awkward, but refusing to let it show. When Tinion stopped laughing, his expression changed to something Saelbeth could not quite decipher. “I will stop lying with Haldir when Haldir stops lying with *me.*” “Why would you do this? You *know* he is with me. We have been together for several months now. Is your life so unfulfilled that you need to destroy the happiness of others to make yourself feel better?” Saelbeth questioned. Appalled, Tinion went for his sword, only to be thwarted by Elviondel, who charged fast to his side and grabbed his arm. The cheerful murmurs in the common suddenly fell silent. “How *dare* you make assumptions about my life? You know *nothing* of me, castle dweller, and you best take heed. You will *not* replace Siddhir, and the sooner you accept that fact, the better off you will be,” Tinion spat back vehemently. Stunned, Saelbeth stared back at him open mouthed. He did not even sense Haldir as he stepped up quietly behind him. Only the sound of Haldir’s voice alerted him of his presence. “Tinion…” Tinion broke his smouldering gaze away from Saelbeth and focused on Haldir. His friend bore a grave but understanding expression on his face, as he stood behind the Mirkwood Elf. He summoned his will and doused his anger. “Apparently, you were not as well understood as you thought, *meldir.* [friend] I apologize for my tone and my loss of control- but not for my words,” Tinion said flatly. With a last glowering glance at Saelbeth, he turned and walked away. Elviondel darted off after him. Haldir sighed heavily. “Come; let us leave this place.” *************************************** Legandir, who was in the common retrieving breakfast when the incident between Saelbeth and Tinion occurred, ran fast back to the talan and threw open the door. Orophin and Rumil looked up at him questionably as he placed the sack on the table and plopped down on a chair, out of breath. What’s the matter with you, *pen-neth?* [young one] Orophin asked. “There was an altercation in the common just now,” Legandir replied. “What happened?” Rumil inquired, interested. “Saelbeth and Tinion had a disagreement. I know not everything was said, because I was too far away and received only bits and pieces- but whatever it was, Tinion was so angry he went for his sword! Elviondel stopped him, and then your brother arrived.” “Truly?” Rumil questioned, his eyes wide. “Tinion went for his blade? Surely you jest,” Orophin remarked. Legandir raised his hand. “I swear on the spirits of the Valar and the breath of Illuvatar.” Orophin frowned. “Tinion and Saelbeth hardly know each other. What could they possibly have a disagreement about?” Legandir opened the sack and pulled out three carefully wrapped plates. “I know not, but I did hear Tinion shout something about him not being Siddhir, or something to that effect.” Orophin sighed and looked at Rumil. “Just as I feared, it is not going to last.” ***************************************** They entered the talan quietly. Saelbeth sat at the table in the outer room and Haldir joined him, considering him for several moments before speaking. “Would you kindly tell me what happened?” Saelbeth looked down at the floor. “There isn’t very much to tell.” “I would wish to hear it anyway,” Haldir prompted. “I confronted him,” Saelbeth began. “Not a very wise thing to do, and especially with Tinion of all people. He is very high strung.” “Apparently.” “What did you confront him about?” “You,” Saelbeth replied, softly. Haldir raised an eyebrow. “May I ask why?” Saelbeth lifted his eyes and looked at him. “Because I saw you leave his talan. I asked him not to lie with you.” Haldir sighed. “I see.” “Do you not wish to hear what he said to me?” “There is no need. I have a fairly good idea how he would respond,” Haldir answered. Saelbeth’s eyes grew cloudy. “He is right, isn’t he? I will never hold a place in your heart.” Haldir frowned. “That is not true. I care very much for you, Saelbeth.” “But you don’t love me.” Haldir looked into his eyes, but remained silent. “Can you not say it?” “Why would you want me to say something that would clearly hurt you? I do not wish to do that, Saelbeth. I never did. I was honest with you from the very beginning,” Haldir returned. Saelbeth wiped away a silver tear. “Yes, you were, and that I can no longer deny. It was hope that made me cast your words aside.” “I have not left you, Saelbeth. I just cannot be only for you,” Haldir explained. Saelbeth sighed. “I know, but I fear I must leave you. I can no longer ignore my desire for a love that is true only unto me. I want that for myself, Haldir. I need it- and I deserve to have it.” “Of course you do,” Haldir agreed. Saelbeth nodded and stood. “I will be going now. I must pack my things and ready myself to return to Mirkwood.” “You don’t have to leave, Saelbeth,” Haldir protested, rising. Saelbeth smiled thinly. “Oh yes, *melamin,* [my love] I do.” Haldir sighed and opened the door for him. “When will you go?” “Early morning would probably be best. I will speak with your Lord and Lady first of course,” Saelbeth replied. “Very well, I shall not hinder you from your decision. All I can say is if you change your mind- I will still be here.” Saelbeth looked into Haldir’s eyes. “I have changed my mind about one thing.” “Yes?” “I do not really wish to leave here right now. I can do everything in the morning.” Haldir nodded, closed the door and pulled Saelbeth into his arms.