TELL ME AGAIN MELLON Author: Eamane Aldarion Beta: Ziantsha Page Design: Eamane Aldarion Muse: Findecano Elendil Rating: R Main Pairing: HALDIR/TINION Feedback: Sure! Eamane5@aol.com Warnings: Slash Note: This little story came to me after I finished my series of stories. Hope you like it. Disclaimer: Characters are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien. I am just having fun with them. No money made here. That’s for sure- because I am soooo broke! Summary: Haldir and Tinion comfort each other, as has been their habit over the centuries. Timeline: Somewhere in the midst of my stories “Swept Away” and “Hard Travelled.” Archives: The Library of Moria, SlashFiction.net,Lotrfanfiction, Mirrormere, Midnight Whispers Translations: [In brackets] ** used for Elvish language and for emphasis. ONE “It’s a wonderful morning, is it not?” Fereveldir hummed cheerfully as his eyes swept quickly over the common. Smiling, he took in some of the conversation buzzing all around them as the lushly green gathering area filled near to capacity. Tinion yawned from behind him. “It will be much improved once I have filled my belly and closed my eyes either in sleep or lust.” Laughter broke out amongst those seated at the table as he folded down on a bench and joined them. “Whichever comes first, eh Tinion? Elviondel chuckled. Tinion winked and offered him a bright smile. “Long watch?” Fereveldir inquired. “Long indeed,” Tinion replied as he hurriedly filled his plate. All in the common nodded with respect as the silver-haired Marchwarden of Lorien entered soon after, flanked by his brothers Orophin and Rumil. “Now there’s a sight for sore eyes,” Tinion murmured watching with interest as the brothers approached. Fereveldir blushed and shook his head. Elviondel sniggered. “What?” Tinion asked, turning to look at him. “I think Fereveldir finds your candor embarrassing *meldir, *” [friend] Elviondel answered. Tinion smiled and turned his attention then to Fereveldir. “Is that so? I fail to see why, *mellonamin.* [my friend] You know Haldir would well agree with me.” *“Mae Govannen.* [well met] Agree with what?” Haldir asked, taking a seat at the table along with his brothers. “The supreme pleasantness of coupling of course,” Tinion replied. “Is it not the most wondrous gift Illuvatar has ever bestowed upon us?” “Indeed,” Haldir answered, smiling broadly as laughter erupted again. “I did not say it was not pleasant, I am just taken aback by your boldness at times,” Fereveldir retorted with an impish grin. Tinion waved a hand. “It’s because you do not get enough yourself, *mellon,* [friend] and it’s of your own making, for I have told you countless times that I would be happy to accommodate you. I would even don a skirt if you would so prefer. I have been told my legs are quite fair,” Tinion continued. Laughter broke out all around them. Even Haldir could not resist smiling. Fereveldir coughed, and his cheeks flushed nearly as red as the bowl of cherries on the table. “I think perhaps I should be on my way.” Haldir gently caught his arm. “Stay. You know he likes to jest. He means you no harm.” The smile faded from Tinion’s face as he gazed closely at Fereveldir. “It is apparent that you are not quite in the mood for frivolity, *mellon.* [friend] Forgive me. I will taunt you no longer.” Haldir released his arm as Fereveldir sighed, relaxed and looked at Tinion. “Even in jest, your words ring true. Forgive *me,* *meldir.* [friend] I have been tense as of late.” “Perhaps you should see to it then,” Rumil suggested. Several degrees of surprise marked the features of all turned as they turned to look at Rumil. All except Tinion. A small smile formed at the corners of his lips. “What?” Rumil inquired, looking back at them. “I am not an elfling, you know.” Haldir raised an eyebrow. “Which is becoming more apparent with each day that passes.” Orophin cleared his throat. “Perhaps we can choose a *different* subject to discuss?” “I could relate to you the tales told amongst last eve’s cooking fires,” Elviondel suggested. Ferevledir smiled. “Do tell.” Haldir’s eyes met Tinion’s as Elviondel began to speak. After a time, Tinion pushed his plate aside and stood. “Forgive me, my friends. I was there, and I have heard the tales. I’ve had my fill, and I am going home. A good day to all.” He nodded and strolled away. Haldir watched him until he disappeared behind a wall of young Mallorns. Fereveldir glanced at Haldir nervously. “Do you think he’s annoyed with me?” Haldir smiled and grasped his shoulder. “Fear not, *meldir.* [friend] It is exactly as he says. Tinion has never been one to speak in riddles.” he turned to Elviondel. “You may continue.” ****************************************************************************** “Fair day is it not, sentinel?” Celeborn inquired as he came upon Tinion on the path that would lead to his talan. “It is indeed my Lord,” Tinion replied. “I have given my report to Lady Galadriel as you were not about.” Celeborn smiled and nodded. “That is all right. Who has relieved you?” “Nilfalath, my Lord.” “Very well. You must be weary. Carry on, I will not keep you.” “Is there something more you would require of me, my Lord?” Celeborn smiled again, and placed a hand on his shoulder. “No, sentinel. You serve Lorien well. Go now, get some rest.” Tinion bowed.* “Hannon lle.”* [thank you] Celeborn moved along. Tinion continued on his way, eventually reaching his talan. Once inside, he immediately removed his weapons and put them away. With a heavy sigh, he sank down on the bed, wondering whether to fall back on it right then or bathe first. As he shifted, his weary bones decided for him. Rising quickly, he gathered the things he would need and left, heading for the river. *************************************************************** The common had all but emptied. With the exception of but a few, only Haldir and Orophin remained seated at the table. After finishing his second helping, Orophin pushed his plate aside. “I am quite full.” Haldir raised an eyebrow. “I would think that would be so.” Orophin grinned playfully and patted his belly. “What can I say? I was hungry.” “Apparently,” Haldir answered. “I would hope that a belly as full as yours would not prove harmful and cause you to fall asleep on watch.” Orophin brow creased and his eyes narrowed. “That has never happened, and it never will.” Haldir suddenly laughed heartily. “How effortless it is to get a rise out of you, *penneth.”* [young one] The frown on Orophin’s face slowly faded, and a smile replaced it. “I never know when you are jesting.” “What would be the fun in that?” Haldir asked, with a wink. Orophin shook his head. “Indeed. Well, I must be going. I am to relieve Anyriand and you know I must keep an eye on Rumil. What will you do today?” Haldir shrugged. “I know not, but I am certain I will find something to occupy me.” Orophin gazed at him for a long moment before placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Or someone. Of that, I too am certain.” Haldir chuckled, then rose and left the common as Orophin dashed off into the brush. *************************************************************** Weary still, but somewhat refreshed after bathing, Tinion returned to his talan and swiftly rid himself of his clothing. He slipped into bed with a content sigh, relishing the feel of the cool sheets as he pulled them over his skin. Settled in, it was not long before he drifted off to sleep. ***************************************************************** Shortly after dusk, Haldir stood at the base of the Mallorn that held Tinion’s talan and waited. After several minutes of hearing nothing stir, he slowly began to walk away. Before he could reach the dimly lit path again, Tinion’s voice drifted down to him. “Why did you not just come inside?” Haldir turned back with a grin, gazing up at Tinion’s smiling face. “And have you slit my throat in the dark? I think not.” Tinion grinned. “I would have *thrown* the dagger first.” Haldir smiled. “I did not wish to disturb you.” Tinion waved a hand. “Come; you are not disturbing me. I was hoping I might enjoy the pleasure of your company tonight.” Haldir moved cautiously towards him. “Your watch was long and arduous. Surely you haven’t yet had enough rest.” Tinion smiled brightly. I can rest *after,* *mellonamin.* [my friend] And so can you. Now come.” ************************************************************** Rumil sighed and glanced over at Orophin as dusk fell over Lorien. “I cannot wait to be relieved. The watch is so boring.” Orophin grinned. “Only you would find that tiresome, *pen-tithen*. [little one] When you are older, you will understand that an uneventful watch is actually a very *good* thing.” Rumil frowned. “I fail to see how. We watch for Orcs. It would be good to actually *see* them every once in awhile… and with the Valar’s blessing- kill them all.” Orophin shook his head, chuckled and ruffled his younger brothers hair. “Spoken like a true warrior. Worry not, relief will soon come.” Rumil rose and stretched, then folded down again upon the branch. “We can stop by and see Hal when we go. Perhaps I can cajole him into cooking for us again.” “I don’t think he will be available. Besides, I am cooking tonight.” “Why?” “Because we have to eat,” Orophin chuckled. “Not that. Why is he not available?” “I believe he will be otherwise engaged. He has the day off after all. Come; our relief has arrived.” ***************************************************** “You are insatiable,” Haldir murmured through Tinion’s urgent kisses as they fell unclothed onto the bed. “I can never have enough of my most favourite past time,” Tinion answered, straddling him and lunging forward to quickly nibble on the tip of Haldir’s ear. Haldir shivered at the contact. He pulled him closer, caressing the small of his back as Tinion continued to move his tongue over the sensitive tip of his ear, and afterwards pressing soft kisses lightly down his neck. When he finally reached the flat, muscled plain of his stomach and then a bit beyond, Haldir could take no more. With surprising agility, Haldir moved so that Tinion was beneath him. Tinion’s eyes, dark now with lust, twinkled in the light of the lantern as he reached for the vial on the table by his bedside. “’Tis what I have always admired about you, *meldir.*[friend] You never keep me waiting long.” “Indeed,” Haldir muttered, quickly coating himself and Tinion’s opening before pushing his way inside him. Below the talan, a group of Elves passed by along the path. The tallest of the group grinned broadly as soft moans of pleasure drifted outward into the night. “Tinion’s at it again it seems,” he whispered. “I wonder who it is this time?” The group glanced at each other with knowing smiles, stifling their laughter as they continued on through the wood. ******************************************* Haldir fell back onto the bed with a heavy sigh. “Tell me again, *mellon.*[friend] Why is it that we are not together?” Tinion smiled with closed eyes. “’Tis because you prefer them younger.” Haldir frowned and turned his head to look at him. “That is not true.” Tinion laughed. “I was jesting. Relax. You have been far too sombre as of late.” Haldir closed his eyes. “Perhaps.” Tinion turned on his side to look at him. “You ask me that question nearly every time we are together. Are you aware of that?” “Perhaps it is because it puzzles me,” Haldir replied quietly. Tinion smiled. “The answer is simple, *mellonamin.* [my friend] “Tis because we do not love each other quite in that way.” Haldir opened his eyes. “But why? You have always been there for me as I have been for you; throughout any relationships we have had for far too many centuries to count. We understand each other.” “I always will be there for you too,” Tinion replied. “And yes, we do understand each other. We understand that we enjoy each other when we do… and nothing more. Though we are alike in many ways, we ultimately desire different things.” Haldir grinned. “I hate it when you are right.” Tinion smiled with satisfaction. “And right I am, *meldir.*[friend] Again.” Haldir chuckled, pulled him close, and kissed him deeply. *“Vanimle sila tiri, mir nin.*[your beauty shines bright, my treasure] Mayhap you best tell me yet *again;* lest I feel the need to abandon my principles and engage Galdor for your affection.” Tinion roared with laughter. The End.