SIXTY The common and the surrounding area was full of activity as several people milled about, enjoying the day and the celebration that would last long into the night. The many tables inside the main area bore decorative coverings and were laden with various platters that held fruits, breads, vegetables, and meats, along with several open flasks of wine. Many who were already gathered there nodded with respect to Haldir when he entered with Fereveldir. Almost immediately a servant slipped up to them with a tray that held several goblets of wine. They both took one from the tray and sipped from their cups while surveying the celebration around them. “Ah! This is wonderful,” Fereveldir commented, after sipping his wine. “As usual, Lord Celeborn’s vintage is the best to be had in all of Arda,” Haldir agreed. *“Quel re,* [good day] Marchwarden,” Dinendal said pleasantly from behind them, nodding to Fereveldir. Haldir turned to him with a smile.* “Quel re,* sentinel. I was quite pleased to find that you had taken extra time on the practice fields along with my brother and Legandir even though you didn’t have to. You were very kind to accompany them.” Dinendal laughed, and his smile brightened his already winsome face. “Thank you, but I *should* have accompanied them, for you overpowered me as well. Rest assured, it will *not* happen again.” Fereveldir smiled. “That sounds like a challenge to me.” Haldir did not reply. He simply nodded and smiled, amused by Dinendal’s candor. “Would you both care to join me? I have secured a table,” Dinendal offered. “Certainly,” Fereveldir replied, winking at Haldir as they followed Dinendal through the crowd. ********************************* In Mirkwood, Thranduil and Silinde were finishing up business when a soft knock came upon the door. Thranduil sighed. “Enter” Legolas poked his head into the room. *“Ada,* [father] I wish to speak with you.” Silinde smiled. “Hello, Legolas.” “Forgive me. Hello, Silinde,” Legolas replied, stepping inside. Thranduil smiled. “You look quite determined, *nin ion.* [my son] What is on your mind?” “I am bored. I wish to go to Rivendell and visit with Elrohir and Elladan.” Thranduil raised an eyebrow. *“Bored?* With all of the work that needs to be done around here?” Legolas frowned. “I have no desire to work.” “Apparently,” Thranduil muttered. “Well, as soon as I can see my way to spare you an escort- you may go.” “I do not need an escort. I can take care of myself,” Legolas complained. “Your skills are not in question, Legolas.” “Then why can I not go where I please?” “Because I will not have my only son riding off alone. There is no telling what could happen.” “But *Ada,* Taldor said your journey was uneventful both ways.” Thranduil gave him an icy glare. “Have you not heard me, Legolas? Taldor is *not* my son.” Legolas looked down at the floor, defeated. “Yes, *Ada.*” “Good. Now Silinde and I have a few more things to go over.” Legolas nodded, and then turned and left the room. Thranduil sighed. “He is becoming more and more like me with each day that passes.” “I am glad you said it first,” Silinde responded with a hearty chuckle. ************************************** Legandir emptied his goblet of wine and sat the cup down hard on the table. “That was the best wine I have ever tasted. I think I shall have some more.” Rumil laughed. “I think mayhap you have had too much already.” “You are mad. I am fine,” Legandir retorted. “You have had more than I.” “ I come from a line of wine drinkers and am better suited to it,” Rumil replied. “Look at Oro over there. He adores wine, and I am certain he has had more than the both of us put together.” Legandir turned to look at Orophin, who was laughing with Orolonn and Aranel. He looked much the same as he always did. “You have a point there. “So, can I tell you something?” “Certainly,” Rumil replied. “I may not return to our talan tonight. I am waiting for someone.” Rumil smiled. “And who might that be?” “Elviondel. We had quite an interesting conversation on watch today. I intend to pursue it further,” Legandir answered. Rumil’s eyes grew large. *“Elviondel?* Surely you jest!” “What’s wrong with Elviondel?” “Nothing. I like him. I am just surprised,” Rumil replied. “Why?” “Because you know how fickle he is. You said so yourself.” “He is no more fickle than Tinion,” Legandir remarked. Rumil smiled, understanding the remark. “But I *like* fickle. I have never known you to.” “Well, perhaps it’s time I simply enjoyed myself and stopped expecting so much. If losing Captain Siddhir taught me anything, it taught me that we should enjoy life whilst we have it.” Rumil considered his friend with an understanding grin and grasped the open flask of wine. “Well said, *meldir.* [friend] Let’s drink to that.” ************************************************* “I will return,” Fereveldir said, rising and strolling away from the table, leaving Haldir and Dinendal alone. “Care for more wine?” Dinendal asked, lifting the flask. *“Hannon lle,*” [thank you] Haldir replied, holding his goblet out as Dinendal poured. “There is something I wish to say to you, Captain.” Haldir smiled. “Then by all means, say it.” Dinendal gazed straight into Haldir’s shining grey eyes. “Our encounter at the watch that night has left me pondering about you ever since. I have tried repeatedly to dismiss the thoughts, but they will not cease.” Haldir raised an eyebrow. “And what thoughts might that be, sentinel?” “I desire you,” Dinendal stated simply. Haldir blinked. Dinendal laughed. “You heard me right, Captain.” “I know not what to say. You surprise me, Dinendal,” Haldir replied. Dinendal took a long sip of his wine. “Sometimes I surprise myself. At any rate, I have finally put a voice to my thoughts. Whether or not you will reciprocate, is up to you of course.” Haldir looked at him closely. “Dinendal, you are truly a beauty and one would be a fool not to want to accommodate you-” “But?” Dinendal interjected. Haldir sighed. “I have no desire to hurt another person that I care about. Saelbeth left Lorien today because I could not give him what he wanted. I would not want the same thing to happen to you.” “I am not Saelbeth,” Dinendal retorted. “That is true, but-” “Nor am I Siddhir, and I do not seek to overshadow your memories of him. Truth be told, I am closer to the likes of fair Tinion than I am to either of them, because I enjoy a vast array of pleasures. However, knowing that there are times when life surprises us all, I can tell you this; should I fall into that lovelorn trap, fear not for my ruin. I am quite resilient, I assure you.” Haldir’s eyes sparkled, impressed by the sentinel’s guilelessness. Dinendal chuckled. “Do you find me amusing, Captain?” “On the contrary, fair Dinendal. I find you quite refreshing.” ************************************** Tinion and Elviondel entered the common shortly after dusk, and were immediately called upon by Fereveldir, who had returned to the table along with Orophin, Rumil and Legandir. “My, this table certainly has an abundance of wine,” Elviondel noted, seating himself next to Legandir. Rumil grinned. “We were here first, but at another table. We brought our wine along with us.” Tinion sat next to Dinendal, who had moved and seated himself beside Haldir. “Anything to report, Tinion?” Haldir asked. “All quiet, as usual,” Tinion replied, taking a pheasant leg from a platter with one hand and pouring himself a goblet of wine with the other. “You seem ill at ease, Tinion. Is anything amiss?” Orophin asked, looking at him closely. Tinion offered a small smile. “I am just a tad weary. I wasn’t going to attend, but I found I was quite famished, so here I am.” Haldir reached out behind Dinendal to grasp Tinion’s shoulder. “I am glad you are here, *mellonamin.*” [my friend] Knowing instinctly that Haldir’s gesture meant he was not upset with him, Tinion smiled brightly. *“Hannon lle.”* [thank you] Orolonn and Aranel came over to the table and sat with them, and everyone happily engaged in light conversation. After a time, Dinendal turned to Tinion. “Tell me, *meldir,* [friend] would you perhaps be seeking our Captain’s company this night?” Tinion chuckled. “How bold you have become, *lirimaer.* [lovely one] I like that.” “I am glad you do,” Dinendal replied, laughing. “Ah, so for you to inquire says to me that perhaps you would like to seek his company. Am I correct?” “Quite.” “I see,” Tinion answered, laughing. Dinendal smiled. “After all, you will be quite busy, and I wouldn’t want our Captain to spend the night alone.” Tinion’s brow furrowed. “Busy? I have just left watch. The only thing I will be busy doing after filling my belly here is sleeping in my own warm bed.” “You won’t get much sleep,” Dinendal teased. “I will *this* night.” Chuckling softly, Dinendal grabbed Tinion’s chin and turned his head sharply to the left so that he could see Galdor enter the common with Celeborn and Galadriel and be seated. A servant quickly filled their goblets, and Celeborn stood, holding his goblet high. All in attendance joined him in toast to Orolonn and Aranel’s impending child. ***************************************** Shortly after midnight, the crowd in the common had thinned drastically. Haldir and Dinendal sat alone now, except for a few people scattered around them. Haldir emptied his goblet and placed it on the table next to a large, empty platter. Dinendal smiled as he considered him. “Have you had your fill, Captain?” “I certainly have, and I fear I am quite drunk,” Haldir answered slowly. Dinendal laughed, and stood. “Well then, I am obligated to see you home safely.” Haldir took Dinendal’s outstretched hand and pulled himself up. “And so you shall, but I must warn you *lirimaer.* [lovely one] If you come home with me now, I might not let you leave.” Dinendal grinned. “ That was well my intention.” ******************************************** “Prince Legolas! Where are you going?” Silinde asked nervously, shocked to see the young Elf up so late, fully dressed and armed. He quickly ran outside after him. “I am going to Rivendell,” Legolas replied. “Rivendell? But your father-” “My father worries for naught,” Legolas interjected. “I am not an elfling, Silinde. I will be fine. The only reason I am telling you is so that no one will think anything ill had befallen me. I will write my father a letter once I arrive.” “Legolas, I will have to tell him what I know and he will send riders out after you,” Silinde warned. Legolas stopped walking and turned to look at him. “Do what you must. But know this; if they come, I *will* elude them. It would be better if you just said nothing. I know my father. He will send no one if he thinks I have had too much of a head start.” Silinde sighed. “There is no changing your mind, is there?” Legolas smiled. “Not today. But worry not, *mellonamin.* [my friend] My father does not stay angry very long. *Namarie.”* [farewell] Silinde watched helplessly as Legolas mounted his horse and rode off swiftly into the night. And his destiny. THE END * The sequel to this story is entitled “The Hard Travelled Path To Destiny.” *