NINE “Captain Haldir, there is a party heading this way. Look, there- to the east.” Calaglin announced, pointing in the direction of the approaching visitors. Haldir raised an eyebrow as his eyes followed Calaglin’s direction. “It looks to be Lord Elrond. Has his coming been announced?” “No, Captain.” Several low whistles sounded from the surrounding Mallorns around them. Haldir responded in kind, and settled back on the branch upon which he was perched. “It will be near an hour before they arrive. Please go and inform the Lord and Lady that they are coming.” “Yes, Captain,” Calaglin replied, swiftly rising. He turned and quickly descended the Mallorn, dropping to the ground without a sound. “Calaglin?” “Yes, Captain?” Calaglin responded, looking up. “It will soon be time for a shift change. After informing our Lord and Lady, you may retire.” “Are you certain, Captain?” “Quite. All is well. Enjoy your extra time.” “Thank you, Captain.” Haldir nodded as the elf began to walk away, and then called out; “Calaglin?” The elf turned to look back up at him. “Yes, Captain?” “Call me Haldir.” Calaglin smiled, nodded and disappeared from sight. ******************** In another Mallorn, Tinion and Siddhir sat alert at their posts. Tinion turned to Siddhir with a frown. “I cannot quite make out who it is from this distance.” “Lord Elrond is amongst them. Who else travels with him, I know not.” Siddhir answered. Tinion frowned again. “We were told not of Lord Elrond’s coming.” Siddhir smiled. “Perhaps that is because he told no one. Then again, perhaps Lady Galadriel already knows.” “Ah! How could I forget? By the Valar, there will be *three* with the gift here now! We must all take care our thoughts.” Siddhir laughed. “You worry for naught, *mellon.*” [friend] “If you say so.” Siddhir smiled. “When will we go to greet them?” “When Haldir gives word,” Tinion replied, matter of factly. “Tinion, may I ask you something?” Tinion turned to look in Siddhir’s eyes. “Certainly.” “Is Haldir committed to anyone?” “Why do you ask?” Tinion countered. Siddhir smiled. “There is no need to feel defensive, *mellon*, for I certainly mean him no harm. I am just curious.” Tinion relaxed and chuckled. “Do you really mean to ask *that* question, or do you mean to ask me if *I* have been with him?” Siddhir grinned. “I have been found out, it seems. Both.” “Yes, I have been with him. As far as I know, no- he is not committed to anyone.” “Does that not bother you?” “Nay. Why should it?” “No reason, I suppose,” Siddhir replied, quietly. Tinion looked at him more closely. “You too have been with him.” “What makes you think that?” Tinion laughed. “Because all that have want the same thing, *and* have the same look upon their faces afterward. They want him for their own.” “And you find that amusing?” Siddhir asked. “Nay, not amusing really. He is a superb lover and a good elf. I understand why is sought after by so many.” “But not you?” Tinion grinned. “’Tis not my nature to belong to only one. I like variety in coupling.” Siddhir laughed then. “Is that so? Well, I thought you looked right captivated by Galdor of the Grey Havens. The two of you were hardly apart since he arrived.” Tinion winked. “Ah! So you have been watching after me, fair one? ’Tis true; I find Galdor special, but he is in the Havens, and I am here. We have an understanding betwixt us.” “And that is?” Siddhir coaxed. “We will see whom we like while apart, but when he is here or I there-we will be with one another only.” Siddhir raised an eyebrow. “Funny, it seems to me to be the very same thing.” Tinion turned to face him completely. “You tell me something now, *lirimaer;*[lovely one] since you have been with Haldir, do you fancy any other?” “Nay. ‘Tis him alone I want,” Siddhir answered. Tinion grinned. “Then it is *not* the same thing at all, for even though I crave Galdor, I fancy *you* still. But at least I know now that I have no chance. A great pity indeed, I might add.” Siddhir chuckled. “Tinion, you have a one track mind.” “That is what I have been trying to tell you, *nin bain.* [my beauty] They were interrupted by a series of high-pitched whistles from the trees beyond. Quickly they descended their post high in the huge Mallorn and went to greet the incoming arrivals. ******************** “Haldir, how very good it is to see you again.” Elrond greeted, once he and his party had dismounted. Haldir bowed his head. “Many thanks, my Lord. It is good to see you as well.” “You know Erestor and Glorfindel,” Elrond announced. “Also Anarin and Melpomaen as well?” “I do.” Haldir responded. “*Mae Govannen.” *[well met] All there responded in kind. Elrond turned then and nodded to Melpomaen, who stepped forward. “I regret my disposition and treatment of you the last time we crossed paths, Haldir. I was quite unfair to you when you were only trying to be pleasant. Forgive me.” Haldir regarded him with unreadable eyes. “It is of no consequence. Worry not.” Siddhir and Tinion joined them then. Elrond chuckled and smiled broadly when he saw Siddhir, and stepped forward to embrace him. He released him and took a step back. “It has been long since I have seen you, Siddhir. *Lle maa quell. Vanimle sila tiri.”*[You look good. Your beauty shines bright] Siddhir flashed a brilliant smile. “*Hannon lle.* [thank you] You flatter me, cousin.” Elrond chuckled. “I speak naught but the truth, my kin. As you well know, I am not one prone to flattery, although you *could* tighten up your braids some. You are a warrior after all.” Siddhir laughed. “Now *that* is the Elrond I know.” All there chuckled, including Elrond. “My Lord, Tinion and Siddhir will escort you and your party through to Caras Galadon.” Haldir stated. He whistled then, and several other elves appeared and led away the horses. Elrond nodded. “Very well, but I would like to see you some time later, Haldir.” “Yes, my Lord.” Elrond turned to Siddhir and placed an arm across his shoulders as they slowly moved through the forest. “We must catch up. *Nae saian luume.”* [it has been too long] “*Manka lle merna.”* [If you wish] Siddhir replied, smiling brightly. ******************** An hour later, the replacements for the watch arrived, and Haldir descended from his post high in the branches of the great Mallorn and casually made his way home along a quiet path. When he entered, he immediately took off his weapons and relaxed upon his bed. He was weary, but he did not intend to sleep. There were only a few finishing touches left to Orophin’s gift, and he would see them done this evening. He frowned when he felt something hard underneath the sheets. He sat up and pulled the sheets aside to reveal several nuts and broken pieces on Lembas stored there. Rumil, he thought. He shook his head, smiling, and removed them. He rose and went to a large, locked trunk in the room. He opened it and retrieved the bow and took it back with him to the desk. He held it up and examined it thoroughly, and then smiled. Siddhir was right. It *did* look very good. Orophin will love it, he thought. He knew Orophin had long wanted a bow of his own. He could see it in his eyes every time he took him along for a match, and in the way he always wanted to polish his bow. It was about time he had his own, and what better time to present it to him than his upcoming begetting day. He smiled. He went right to work and nearly an hour later the meticulously carved design on the bow’s frame was finished. He sighed heavily and held it out again, painstakingly checking it from end to end, and all around. It was perfect. Everything was almost done; the quiver and arrows were made long ago. Now it was time to set forth stringing it. He sighed with relief when a knock came upon his door. He rose, placed the bow back in the trunk and went to the door and opened it. Elrond was grinning on the other side. “My Lord?” Haldir asked, puzzled as he looked around for others who might be with him. Elrond smiled. “I am alone, Haldir. I was on my way to the guest talans and I wanted to stop by and speak with you for a moment- if you do not mind. Lord Celeborn informed me of where you stayed.” “Of course.” Haldir replied, backing away from the door. Elrond stepped inside, and stood waiting while Haldir closed the door and quickly offered him a chair. “Would you care to sit down?” Elrond sat. “Thank you. I will only disturb you for a short time. How are you, Haldir?” “I am well, my Lord. Thank you for inquiring.” Haldir answered, sitting near him. “I trust you are happy to be back home?” Haldir smiled. “Although I like Rivendell immensely, I admit I missed Lorien. It is my home, after all.” “So it is. How have you adapted to the changes?” “Very well. The Lord and Lady are very kind.” “I am glad. Does most of Lorien feel the same?” Haldir frowned. “I cannot truly speak for anyone save myself, but I think all are content.” Elrond smiled. “It appears so. I hear you quite bested my cousin shooting not so long ago.” Haldir grinned. “He challenged me. He should not have done that.” “Apparently.” Elrond chuckled. “Siddhir is quite a skilled archer at any rate. It was not all that easy to beat him.” Haldir remarked. “I am sure it was not. I have seen him shoot. Even as a child, he was always quite accurate.” Haldir nodded. Elrond smiled. “Have you found your love yet?” “Pardon, my Lord?” “Your love, Haldir. He is here in Lorien. I have foreseen it.” Elrond replied, perplexed. “You are mistaken, my Lord. I am not in love- nor do I wish to be. That ship has long sailed.” Elrond frowned. “Haldir, to love someone is not an offence.” “I did not say that it was. I said only that I do not desire it.” “May I ask why?” Elrond queried. Haldir sighed. “Love brings naught but pain, and if pain is to be bestowed upon me, I wish for it to be only in battle.” Elrond looked at him for a long moment. “Haldir, do not close your heart. You cannot deceive me. I know you have a lot of love to give. Happiness is yours for the taking; you have only but to accept it.” Haldir looked at him. “*Coupling* makes me happy; *very* happy, in fact. Would you care to?” Elrond frowned. “Haldir, you *know* what I mean.” Haldir smirked. “Right. I have so much, but you *still* have no desire to be with me again. That is promising.” Elrond’s voice grew stern. “Hear me, Haldir. There are only *two* reasons that I cannot be with you again, and the first is that I would not be able to let you go. The second and most important reason is that I have foreseen your happiness with another, and I will not stand in the way of that. I *care* for you Haldir, and I want to see you *have* that happiness- even if it means that it is not with me. *Heniach nin?”* [do you understand] Haldir decided not to argue the point any further. Elrond could be quite stubborn, *and* long-winded. “Yes, my Lord.” Elrond smiled, and rose. Haldir rose as well. “Good. Well, I will not keep you any longer, as the hour grows late. *Quel du. Quel esta, mellonamin.”* [Good night. Rest well, my friend] “*Quel du, Heruamin.”* [Rest well, my Lord] Haldir replied, as he saw Elrond out. He stood watching as Elrond strolled away and out of sight, his long robes streaming out behind him. He sighed, and was about to turn away when a slight movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention. “Who is there?” he called out. “Forgive me.” Anarin answered, stepping out of the shadows and looking up at him. “I did not mean to disturb you, nor did I mean to eavesdrop. When I saw Lord Elrond, I figured it was best I stayed out of sight.” Haldir smiled down at him. “No matter. It is very good to see you again, fair Anarin. Will you not come in? *Creoso a’braramin.”* [welcome to my dwelling]