TWENTY SIX “Brother, will you tell us about our parents?” Rumil questioned, as they sat watching the sun set beneath the massive Mallorn that held Haldir and Siddhir’s talan. “I know not what else you would wish to hear. We were attacked by Orcs; I tried to help them, but they told me instead to run. I obeyed them, and ran as fast as I could dragging both of you with me. I was very young, Ru. Far younger than you even. I do not remember much else- as I have told you,” Haldir answered, solemnly. “I do not wish to hear about their deaths, brother. I wish to hear again what they looked like. You still remember, do you not? Do we look at all like them?” Haldir glanced at Siddhir, then back at Rumil with a smile. “Of course I remember that- and yes, from my recollection, we all favour them in different ways.” Orophin looked up then, curious. “How so, brother?” “Well, you and I have our mother’s hair colour whilst Ru has our father’s, but you and Ru have mother’s beautiful blue eyes. I alone have father’s grey ones.” “What else do you remember, brother?” Rumil asked. “Our Father was tall, strong and largely built. I would say I have taken after him in that respect. Oro, I think you will as well. But Ru, you remind me most of our mother. She was tall too, but small boned, as you appear to be- but be not fooled. Mother was quite strong. I remember her gathering logs for cooking fires whilst father was away sometimes, and she never made more than one trip- even when I was hanging on to her skirttails.” Everyone laughed at the remark. “Do we share personalities with them? Orophin inquired next. Haldir shifted position slightly, leaning in closer to Siddhir. “I really have no idea, I am afraid. I have heard our Lord say once that I reminded him of father, but that is all I know. He never said how. Perhaps you might ask him one day. Outside of Lord Amroth, he would be the only one who might remember them. They were close, it has been said.” “I might at that,” Orophin replied. “Might I venture a guess?” Siddhir asked. Haldir grinned. “Certainly.” “I too have heard tales when Lord Amroth dwelt here. Granted I was young as well, but from what I remember- I would say that you are a lot like your father, Haldir. I would also say that Rumil is much like your mother, and Oro- I think you are a cross betwixt them both.” Haldir smiled and squeezed Siddhir’s shoulder. “That is as good of a guess as any, I would think.” Orophin looked at them. “I do not possess the gift, but somehow I feel he is right.” “Me too,” Rumil added. “Can I ask something else of you, brother?” Orophin queried. “Has this been earmarked the night for questions?” Haldir chuckled. “I – I was just wondering…” “It is quite all right, Oro. Ask what you will,” Haldir encouraged him. “Have you ever been smitten with females? No offence, Siddhir.” Siddhir laughed heartily. “None taken.” Haldir smiled. “A few, very long ago.” “What happened?” “I found that I much prefer males,” Haldir replied simply. “Do you think that we will prefer males as well? We are brothers after all,” Rumil remarked. Haldir chuckled. “Preferences like that have nothing to do with blood relation, Ru. You and Oro may well prefer females, and of course that is up to you. What I do, and who I am with is naught a rulebook for you to abide by.” “Truly?” Haldir laughed aloud. “Of course! I would never tell you who to love or not love! Surely you do not believe me to be *that* much of a tyrant?” Orophin smiled. “No, brother.” “Well, I am glad we cleared *that* up,” Haldir answered. “Tell me, Oro. Do you have someone in mind? I think you have not asked me that question for naught.” Orophin blushed. “Perhaps, I know not for sure yet.” “Oro’s in *love!”* Rumil teased. Orophin face flushed red and he frowned. “I did not say that, Ru. Stop mocking me.” “You’re blushing! You *are* in love!” Rumil repeated, hurriedly rising to his feet when Orophin made a move towards him. He took off running with Orophin close behind. Haldir shook his head as he watched them. Siddhir laughed. “Who do you think it is?” “I have no idea, but I will not taunt him about it. Rumil is doing enough of that. He will tell us when he is ready,” Haldir replied. “Oh, to be young and carefree, *melamin,”* [my love] Siddhir murmured, positioning himself snugly under Haldir’s outstretched arm. Haldir smiled thoughtfully, absent-mindedly twirling a lock of Siddhir’s silky hair between his fingers as he watched Orophin playfully tackle a laughing Rumil down to the ground. “We’re not that old yet, *lirimaer.* [lovely one] Stamina wise, we could give either one of them a run any day.” “True,” Siddhir chuckled in response. Orophin and Rumil found their way back to them and plopped down on the grass. “Oro is quick, but I am quicker,” Rumil joked. “That is because you had a head start. Next time, we will start together to see who is best in a sprint,” Orophin interjected. “Do not bother, for *I* am the best,” Haldir quipped, winking at Siddhir and removing a burr from his hair. “Head start or no, I could catch all of you.” Siddhir sat up from Haldir’s embrace. “Have my ears deceived me, or did you say *all* of us?” Haldir grinned wolfishly. “I did.” Siddhir stood and looked down at Orophin and Rumil. “I know not about you two, but I do not intend to let him get away with that claim. He will have to prove it to me.” “Prove what?” Fereveldir asked, suddenly from behind them. “Haldir says that he could best us all in a sprint,” Siddhir replied. Fereveldir laughed. “And I suppose you intend to challenge him.” “I certainly do,” Siddhir answered. “Me too,” Rumil added, standing. Orophin looked from Fereveldir to Haldir with narrow eyes as he slowly rose to his feet. “He knows something we do not, doesn’t he, brother?” Haldir shrugged innocently. “I know not what you mean, Oro.” Fereveldir chuckled. “I will enjoy this from here. I am not quite up to sprinting today.” “All right, who shall be first? Or would you all like to run together?” Haldir chuckled. Siddhir raised an eyebrow. “In that case, I think we will go together.” “Very well, since that is your preference- all I must do is take you down one by one. Agreed?” Haldir inquired. “Agreed,” the three chimed in unison. Well then, off with you!” Siddhir, Orophin and Rumil took off like a shot and started running across the meadow. They did not see Haldir turn and wink at Fereveldir before he set out after them. ******************************** Galadriel stood alone on the railed platform of their large talan looking out into the peaceful night. Many a star twinkled brilliantly in the twilight, and a slight breeze caressed her as it blew almost playfully through her long golden tresses. She smiled as she gazed thoughtfully at the shimmering Mallorns of her land, casting their own light high above the dim lanterns that lit the pathways through the forest below. She sighed contentedly. Lorien was indeed a wonderful place. A few moments later she felt strong hands on her shoulders, and she leaned back into their embrace. “I thought I would find you out here,” Celeborn whispered against her neck, placing a soft kiss there. “Is it not a wonderful evening, *A’maelamin?”* [my beloved] “It is indeed, but are you troubled *melamin?”* [my love] Galadriel turned to face him with a cheerful smile. “I know I dwell here sometimes when I am disturbed, but that is not the case this night. I am simply enjoying the splendor of Lorien.” “Our lands are like no other; this is true,” Celeborn agreed. “Oh, how I wish that it could last forever,” Galadriel sighed. Celeborn looked at her, concerned. “Bad tidings from the mirror?” “No, but even so- as long as evil dwells, however dormant it may be at the present, there is always fear of its awakening.” Celeborn sighed deeply. “Of course you are right, but let us not lend *all* of our thoughts this lovely night upon such unpleasantness.” Galadriel smiled and hugged him. “As usual, you complete me *melamin.* [my love] Celeborn smiled and took her soft alabaster hand in his. “And you, *mir nin,* [my treasure] complete me. Come; I have prepared your favourite bedtime tea.” Galadriel kissed him, and together they went back inside their talan. ********************************* “Have I hurt you, *lirimaer?* [lovely one] Forgive me. It was not my intention,” Haldir apologized, breathing heavily after taking Siddhir down. Siddhir coughed. “Nay, you have just knocked the wind from me. You have surprised me yet again, *melamin.* [my love] I did not believe you would catch me. You are indeed the best sprinter.” Haldir chuckled, rose and helped to pull Siddhir up. “You were the hardest to catch, though. If I am not diligent, you will surely best me one day.” “I *intend* to best you one day, *nin bain,* [my beauty] so be on your guard.” Haldir smiled and kissed him. “I have been warned.” Together they strolled back to where Rumil and Orophin waited with a grinning Fereveldir. Orophin looked at Feleveldir. “Our brother is larger and older than all of us. How was he able to catch us? Tell me, Fereveldir. I know you know.” Fereveldir grinned and looked at Haldir, who nodded. “Oro, your brother was much like Siddhir when he was younger- still is, in a lot of respects, I might add.” He winked at Haldir. “He was always trying to be the best by constantly challenging the very best. If there were half league sprints, he would run *two* for practice, *and*… he would run *uphill*- which is by *far* much harder to do, for it takes a toll upon the muscles in your legs. When you can do *that* without becoming labored, a flat level run is child’s play.” Orophin and Rumil stared at their brother open-mouthed. Siddhir broke into laughter. “So *that* is why you indulge my constant challenges of you? You see yourself in me?” Haldir smiled, and pulled him close. “There are times that I do.” “We must remember that, Ru,” Orophin commented. “It will help us to become better warriors.” Rumil nodded. “We will best him one day, brother- but now I am quite weary.” Orophin smiled. “Truth be told, so am I. Being taken down from a fast run is quite strength robbing. I think we will be leaving now.” Haldir moved to embrace both brothers, one in each arm. *“Quel esta.”* [rest well] “We will see you for dinner tomorrow,” Orophin remarked. Haldir smiled. “Of course.” “I think I will walk with them, for the hour has grown late.” Fereveldir said, nodding to Haldir and Siddhir. *“Quel du, melloneamin.”* [good night, my friends] “*Quel du,”* Siddhir replied, taking Haldir’s hand and watching them depart. He winked at Haldir as they turned and slowly started to stroll back to their talan in the deepening night. “I hope you are not weary as well *melamin,* [my love] for I have yet one *more* challenge in store for you.”