TWENTY EIGHT Several weeks later, Siddhir smiled as he was awakened by Haldir’s tight embrace. Wincing a bit, he turned so that he could look upon his face. He was still sleeping, but it appeared as if he were dreaming. Curious, he carefully placed his fingertips on Haldir’s brow and closed his eyes. Concentrating deeply, he tried to see what was going on in his lover’s dreams. He had tried a few times before and it had not worked, but he knew his gift was temper mental. Perhaps today he might have better luck. At first there was nothing as usual, but just as he was about to pull away it happened. A flash, then several more came all at once in his own mind, appearing and disappearing so quickly he could barely make them out. He squeezed his eyes more tightly shut and willed the images to slow. He smiled absentmindedly as a young silver haired elf came into focus. As the vision widened he could see the elf holding tight to the hand of a lovely elf maid that held another flaxen haired elfling in her free arm. She smiled, brushing a few stray strands of likewise platinum hair away from her fair face as she sat the elfling in her arms down on the grass beside the older child who immediately hugged him. When she stood again he could see she was carrying an unborn child as well. She placed both of her hands on her large belly and began to sing the loveliest lullaby in the ancient tongue. The two children below her stropped what they were doing to listen. Another image came forth that was apparently sometime later, for the two pale haired children were somewhat older, and they were sitting beside a tall, good looking elf with honey blond hair. In his arms he cradled an infant who shared his colouring and the other two children were straining to see the child over the soft white cloth it was wrapped in. The elf maid joined them soon after wearing the biggest smile as she embraced them all. Siddhir grinned, realizing now that Haldir was dreaming about his family. Another vision came of them together, picnicking out in the meadow laughing merrily. Haldir’s mother held who he now knew to be Rumil while Haldir and Orophin rolled with their father in the grass. Then they both ran and their mother’s light laughter followed them as her husband set out after them. Then he saw himself, that first day in the common when Haldir had turned to look at him while he sat a few tables away with Orophin and Rumil. Haldir’s attraction to him then was apparent now even in his dreams. He had felt it too when their eyes met. Smiling, he removed his fingers from Haldir’s brow. “Are you finished?” Haldir whispered, opening his eyes. Siddhir frowned. “How long have you been awake?” “About thirty seconds,” Haldir replied with a yawn. “Tell me, what do you find so interesting about my forehead?” Siddhir grinned and hugged him. “I find every inch of you exquisite, *melamin.”* [my love] Haldir raised an eyebrow. “You are very strange at times, *nin bain.* [my beauty] Never have I heard foreheads to be particularly sensual.” Siddhir chuckled and kissed him. “That is because no other has a forehead like yours.” Haldir smiled, and pulled him close. “What ever you say *mir nin.”* [my treasure] *“Amin mela lle,”* [ I love you] Siddhir whispered into his chest. “I love you too,” Haldir returned. “Now, as much as I would like to completely devour you right now, I fear I should be getting ready. Soon my eager trainees will arrive. Do you not have watch as well?” Siddhir mocked a groan. “Yes, *cano nya.”* [my commander] Haldir laughed, released Siddhir and rose from the bed. Siddhir watched him as he gathered what he needed for a bath, absent mindedly licking his lips as he observed the muscles in Haldir’s strongly built body rippling in the most enchanting way. Suddenly he felt the familiar pool of warmth gathering in his groin. He rose quickly and gathered his things as well. “Wait, I am coming with you,” he chuckled wickedly. ********************************************** “I have to go now,” Orophin said. “I have to get back before my brother awakes. We are to train with Haldir today. I will visit you again soon.” The lovely she elf smiled. *“Cormamin niuve tenna’ ta elea lle au’” *[my heart shall weep until it sees thee again] Orophin blushed and kissed her on the cheek. “And mine as well, *lirimaer.* *Oio naa elealla alasse.”* [lovely one, ever thy sight is a joy] He smiled at her and set off into the forest. ********************************************* Siddhir sat at his post smiling contentedly, recalling his ambush of Haldir in the river and their vigorous lovemaking that ensued thereafter. He was so captivated by the vision, he did not hear Tinion approach and take his position beside him. “Hmm, I think would give a month’s stipends for the thoughts you are having right now,” Tinion remarked with a snigger. Siddhir blinked and focused on him. “Forgive me, my mind was elsewhere.” “Apparently,” Tinion returned. “How was your leave?” “Our Captain was right. I was tempted not to return,” Tinion admitted cheerfully. Siddhir flashed a brilliant smile. “Truth be told, so was I. Do not tell Haldir.” Tinion adjusted his position on the branch. “Worry not. I cannot give information to which I am also guilty.” “How is Galdor? Did he return with you?” “No, he did not, but he is quite well, thank you,” Tinion replied with a wink. Siddhir chuckled. “I would wager.” He gazed out over the great divide. “I think we have company coming. Have you heard of any expected guests?” “No,” Tinion replied, following Siddhir’s gaze. “Friends or foes?” Siddhir stood, still watching the approaching figures on horses. There were three of them, definitely Elven and definitely from Rivendell given their dark hair colour. After a time, he smiled and returned to his place on the branch. “They are friends.” “Do you know who? I cannot quite make them out yet,” Tinion asked. “Anarin, Melpomaen and Golradir,” Siddhir answered. “Hmm, they must be on leave. There is no business pending that I know of. Besides, if there were, Elrond would be amongst them.” “That is true. It will be good to see them again. I have missed them,” Siddhir returned. Tinion looked at him. “You still cannot return to Rivendell?” Siddhir lowered his eyes. “Nay, there are too many memories there.” “Perfectly understandable,” Tinion replied, standing. “Come; let us prepare to greet our guests.” ********************************* “Rumil! Up with you! Legandir is here and you are still loafing in your bed. You know Haldir does not like us to be tardy,” Orophin warned. Rumil groaned and pulled himself up into a sitting position. “How come you are so awake and cheerful Oro? You like to loaf as much as I. What were you up to?” Legandir laughed loudly in the other room. Orophin frowned. “Nevermind. Come on now, get dressed. We have not much time.” Rumil swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. “You know Oro, you are becoming more and more like Hal everyday.” Orophin laughed and slapped him on the rear. “Thank you. We are going outside. You had best join us in five minutes or we will be leaving you to face his wrath alone.” Legandir chuckled again as he and Oro left the talan. ************************************** Siddhir and Tinion amongst others stood waiting to greet the guests from Imladris when Haldir slipped up quietly behind them. Siddhir, suddenly alerted, whipped around to come face to face with his lover. “You surprised me,” Siddhir said to him. Haldir smirked. “One surprise deserves another, don’t you think?” then he laughed. Siddhir joined him. Tinion raised an eyebrow. “I am not even going to inquire as to what *that* is about.” The guests from Rivendell dismounted and walked up to them, Anarin leading the way. A few other Lorien elves on watch quickly led their horses into the forest. Anarin’s smile radiated kindness and genuine happiness as he gazed upon them. He embraced Siddhir warmly, and then turned to gaze at Haldir while the others were greeted by Siddhir. “Haldir, *please* tell me that your relationship with my dearest friend here has progressed past the point when I was last in these golden woods, and that I have not just idly thrown away attention from the fairest elf in all of Lorien,” Anarin remarked. Haldir looked at Siddhir and they both broke into light laughter. “As a matter of fact, *meldir,* [friend] our relationship has progressed greatly. We are to be bound sometime soon,” Haldir answered. “Ah! That is wonderful! I am so very happy for you,” Anarin replied, cheerfully. Tinion turned to Haldir and Siddhir with a furrowed brow, and then directed his question to Haldir. “Why would you two want to do that? Your relationship is strong, why the need for such tradition?” Haldir chuckled. “I am aware of your distaste for tradition, *meldir,* [friend] but I love him deeply, and it is what is best for us.” “Hmm, well, I think you are being led around by your short sword rather than your good sense,” Tinion quipped. Haldir, Siddhir *and* Anarin all raised eyebrows, but they were smiling. Tinion burst into laughter. “Right. That was most *definitely* a *poor* choice of words in his case.” Everyone laughed good naturedly at the remark. Haldir shook his head. “Come friends, let me show you to Caras Galadon. I am sure our Lord and Lady would love to see you and hear of all your news. I have an appointment I must attend to near there anyway.” He winked at Siddhir and left with the new arrivals. ************************************* That evening, Siddhir returned to the talan to find Haldir with their dinner already prepared and waiting. He smiled and seated himself at the table. He was famished. “So, how goes the training?” Siddhir asked, as he sampled a few grapes. “It is going very well. So well in fact that I am sure it will not be long before they are good enough to be part of the Galadhrim,” Haldir answered. *“Truly?* *All* of them?” “Yes, I am proud to say. It would be a great coming of age gift for Ru as well. I want to thank you for your help when I have been absent. I think our combined styles are of good use to them.” “I am glad to be able to help. I love your brothers, you know that,” Siddhir replied. Haldir smiled. “I do, and forgive me, but I fear I will have to ask it of you again for the morrow. I have a patrol I must lead and Fereveldir is going with me. You are not on duty, so Tinion must head the watch.” Siddhir nodded and finished chewing what he was eating. “No need to explain. I would be glad to. You have but only to ask.” Haldir smiled, and then stretched his limbs. “Truth be known, I am worn out. Those three are quite crafty. It takes everything I have to fend them off. One other thing; Whilst I am away, why do you not seek out our Lady and see when we are able to have our bonding ceremony? I did the asking, I think it only fair for you to see to the preparations.” he winked. Siddhir smiled. “That is fair, so I will see to it. Now tell me, is my intended too weary to address an issue I might have?” Haldir looked at him. “I am never too weary for you. What issue would you like to address?” Siddhir wiped his mouth, rose and sauntered over to Haldir’s side with a sly grin, his eyes growing slowly darker than normal with the passion rising in him. “Actually, *Aratoamin,* [my champion] *undressing* was more of what I had in mind.”