THIRTY ONE Haldir picked absentmindedly at his food, lost in thought. He had not felt much like himself the last few days, and although he did not know exactly why that was, something deep inside told him it had something to do with Siddhir. Although they were not yet bound together officially, there were many times when he could sense his lover’s moods. He did not believe it to be because he possessed any particular gift himself, but rather that he felt it quite possible if Siddhir’s emotions were strong enough, he could very well project them somehow perhaps without even noticing. There was no denying that Siddhir’s gift had been sharpening over the years. He recalled several instances when they had sat together, simply looking into each other’s eyes, neither of them uttering a word. Siddhir would speak to him in his mind- much like Lady Galadriel did at times, and then he himself would think of something witty and Siddhir’s lips would spread into a wide grin as if he had spoken the words aloud. It was not so far fetched that his love’s emotions could find their way to him, even at this distance. He sighed, realizing how very much he missed him, and he was almost certain that Siddhir was missing him just as much, if not more. He decided then and there that they would be leaving sometime after breakfast. He simply did not wish to be away from Siddhir any longer than he had to be. Elrond glanced surreptitiously at his children who sat alongside him at the breakfast table and followed their gaze. As he looked around at the other guests as well, he could see that all but the object of his children’s attention were aware of what was transpiring. Haldir sat quietly eating his breakfast, completely oblivious to the brazen amount of consideration he was attracting- most noticeably from Elladan, who had a spark in his eyes that he himself knew all too well. The Elf Lord smiled, deciding to have a little fun with them. “Children, it is not polite to stare. Surely you have seen visitors from Lorien countless times before.” The other elves seated beside Haldir chuckled at the suddenly flushed faces of Arwen and Elrohir, and Haldir suddenly looked up from his plate to gaze directly into the dark, deep-set eyes of Elladan, whose stare never faltered. “What say you, my Lord?” Haldir inquired absently, blinking as he broke away from Elladan’s gaze and looked at Elrond. Elrond laughed aloud, and was joined by the others. “Haldir, you are as I have always remembered you, steadfast and unwavering upon whatever it is you do. I was just noting that my children seem to have developed quite an infatuation with you- much to the point of being rude I might add.” Haldir raised an eyebrow, and turned his gaze again to Elrond’s three children. “But father, have you not taught us to *appreciate* beauty when we see it?” Elladan smirked, blatantly casting his eyes over every inch of Haldir that was visible above the tabletop. Haldir smiled, and winked at Elrond. “There is one in every brood- is there not, my Lord?” “Indeed,” Elrond replied, casting a warning glance at Elladan who frowned and pushed his plate away. “Well, since I am denied my visual delight this morn, I suppose I will go about my business. Ro, come with me,” Elladan stated matter of factly as he rose from the table. “Can I come too?” Arwen asked, as Elrohir stood obediently. Elladan frowned, but seeing his sister begin to pout, he relented. “All right, come on- but you better keep up.” Arwen smiled happily and nodded to all at the table before quickly running off with her brothers. Fereveldir watched them go. “Something tells me you had better keep a close eye on *that* one, my Lord.” “Myself and Haldir *both,”* Elrond agreed, breaking out into cheerful laughter. ********************************** Siddhir nodded as Tinion joined him high in the branches and took his post, settling in with a heavy sigh. “Please forgive my tardiness. It is not my habit, and it will not happen again,” Tinion whispered. Siddhir smiled. “Long night?” “Indeed,” Tinion replied, flashes of his night with Anarin running quickly through his mind. “I see,” Siddhir answered quietly, deep in thought as he considered him. Tinion frowned. “Is something wrong?” “No, all is well. I wish to ask something of you, *meldir.”* [friend] “Ask.” “You are close to Haldir, are you not?” Tinion grinned. “Not as close as *you,* *lirimaer.”* [lovely one] Siddhir laughed. “Your thoughts never falter do they, Tinion? I meant as a *friend.”* Tinion stretched out on the branch. “Ah! Well, I’d like to think we are friends. I mean, I have not known him quite as long as Fereveldir, but I would say that we were close enough.” “You would look after him and help him in any way needed if he were ever hurting, would you not?” Tinion blinked and stared at him. “Of course I would, but why would you ask something like that?” “No reason. It just makes me happy to know that he has people who care about him in so many different ways,” Siddhir replied. Tinion frowned. “You are acting quite strange this morning, my friend. If I didn’t know better, I would think you were very slyly asking me to sleep with him. Are you all right?” Siddhir’s eyes twinkled. “Now why in Arda would you think that?” “Because you know full *well* how single minded I am, that is why.” Tinion murmured, his brow furrowing and his normally wide blue eyes narrowing slightly with suspicion. Siddhir laughed. “Do not concern yourself, *meldir.* You know me, the wheels are always turning.” He made circular motions beside his head with his finger. “I think perhaps you think too much, *nin bain.* [my beauty] You should loosen up and let your spirit be as free as mine.” Siddhir considered him with a smile. “That is what I am doing.” Tinion’s suddenly relaxed- his eyes widened again and he sat upright on the branch. “Ah! So I have misunderstood! You have finally decided to share your magnificence and couple with *me?”* Siddhir punched him on the arm. *“Auta miqula Orqu, ‘Ksher.”* [go kiss an Orc, evil one] *“Tanya owra!”* [that hurt] Tinion mumbled, clutching his arm. “By the Valar, I know not how Haldir puts up with you. You are far too inconstant for me.” Siddhir winked. “Have you not yet learned, *mellon?* [friend] *That* is part of my charm.” **************************************** “Must you leave so soon? I thought you would visit for a time,” Elrond questioned, as he watched Haldir and the others prepare their horses. Haldir turned to him. “We stopped to rest, and rest we have. I must get back to Lorien and report to my Lord and lady. You will see me again; perhaps on my next holiday.” Elrond smiled. “Very well then, I look forward to your visit. I am sure my children will as well.” Haldir grinned. “And I am just as sure that they have *far* better things to do, *mellon.”* [friend] “Shall we wager on it?” Haldir considered him and chuckled. “Nay; I have not forgotten to whom I speak. *Namarie, Heruamin.”* [farewell, my Lord] *“Namarie,”* Elrond replied, holding up his hand to the others as Haldir mounted his horse. “A safe journey to you all.” Haldir nodded and trotted to the head of his party with Fereveldir by his side. Elrond stood at the gate, watching them depart until he felt a presence at his side. He turned to look upon Glorfindel, who seemed more than a bit perturbed. Several worry lines were etched across the tall, muscular blond’s forehead. His already slight lips were drawn into a tight, thin line. “What is it, old friend?” Elrond asked. “Elladan of course, my Lord,” Glorfindel sighed, his features relaxing. “Elbereth! What has he done *this* time? By the Valar, I am so thankful Elrohir and Arwen are calm in comparison, for if they were not- I would be at my wits’ end for all *eternity!* Come; walk with me and tell me everything.” ***************************************** Tinion looked down through the branches as the sound of a familiar whistle reached his ears. He nudged Siddhir, who was lost in thought. “Come; we are done, *mellon.* [friend] Our replacements have arrived,” Tinion announced, as he stood and started to descend the large Mallorn. Siddhir followed quietly and they dropped together to the ground to find Peldor and Taurnil waiting. The two sentinels looked very much alike, despite the fact that they were not related. Both were blond and of slight build, and both were somewhat shorter than many of the elves in Lorien. The only clear way to tell one from the other was by their noses. Peldor’s was clearly the superior of the two, both in size and in length. “All is quiet, captain?” Taurnil asked, looking up at Siddhir. Siddhir did not reply. Tinion shot him a quick look, and then turned his attention to the waiting sentinels. “All is quiet and well. Safe watch, *mellonamin.”* [my friends] The sentinels nodded after curiously glancing at Siddhir again, then swiftly scaled the Mallorn to take their posts. Tinion turned to Siddhir. “I fear for you *meldir,* for you have not been quite yourself this day. Is there something you would have me do to help? You are welcome to my ear. In fact, to both of them.” Siddhir smiled thinly and placed a reassuring hand on the flaxen haired elf’s shoulder. “Worry not. I am just weary. After a good night’s rest, I am sure I will be fine. Shall we go?” Tinion nodded and they started walking leisurely away. As they neared the road that passed along the common, where they would split off and take separate paths to their dwellings, Tinion hesitated. “I think I shall see you to your talan. Haldir would skin me alive if any harm should come to you on my watch. Better yet, mayhap you should stay with me tonight instead.” Siddhir laughed. “You never stop trying, do you?” Tinion laughed with him. “Did I not just get you to smile?” “That you did, and I thank you for it. Seriously, worry not. I assure you that I really am quite well. I will go straight to my talan and get some much needed rest. To that you have my word.” Tinion considered him, and looked around. Dusk was just beginning to set in, and Lothlorien was its usual, peaceful quiet. “I suppose it is all right then.” Siddhir chuckled, and tapped him lightly on the arm. “Of course it is. Now off with you. Go home and get some rest yourself. I will see you tomorrow.” “Very well, captain,” Tinion teased with a bow before turning and sprinting off quickly in the opposite direction. “You are fortunate that I am weary,” Siddhir called out after him, smiling and shaking his head as he strolled on through the wood towards home. When he reached the talan he shared with Haldir, he undressed quickly and climbed into bed. He sighed heavily as he ran a hand over the empty space beside him, missing Haldir’s strong and comforting presence. He lay awake for quite some time before sliding himself over to Haldir’s side of the bed. He closed his eyes and slowly inhaled his lover’s scent from the pillow, and soon after succumbed to a dreamless slumber.