A/N: Greetings all and Happy Holidays! Just a little note to say not to expect the next chapters on any of my stories until after the first of the year. I am gonna be really busy. I have a chapter nearly finished for each story, so if any of you are reading those, look out for them. Sorry to leave this chapter on a depressing note as well. The next one will have some fluffy moments, and perhaps a bit more mischief from our favorite elves! I had hoped to be further along on this tale, I have an amazing Yule chapter I wanted to post on Christmas Eve. Perhaps I'll settle for a fluffy one-shot. Much love to my readers! SpiritChild

Chapter Twenty-one

Some hours later Azalea roused from the drug-induced sleep. After allowing her violet eyes to adjust, she scanned the healing talan. Cirdan had set up his hammock between two supports and was deep in reverie. She smiled faintly. It was apparently some unspoken agreement for her to continually cause him distress. He practically moved into her healing talan the last time, too.

Her eyes continued their trek about the room. Spotting Legolas and Rumil curled up on a pile of blankets, she smiled. They were about the same age, and of the five troublemakers were the closest, other than the twins, of course. Elrond was asleep in a chair several feet from them. She barely supressed a shudder at seeing Elrond sleep with his eyes closed. She had heard he did that, but it was still unnerving for any elf to witnesss.

The next sight made her heart contract, then melt. Erestor sat on a low sofa, threading his fingers through a sleeping Glorfindel's golden locks. The blond warrior seemed utterly exhausted, and she knew she had been the reason for his distress. Sensing her gaze, Erestor looked up. He arched an eyebrow at her in silent question.

She nodded her consent and he gently slipped Glrofindel's head from his lap nad moved over to the bed. He knelt down next to the head of the bed, and placing his arm on the bed, rested his chin on his arm. "How are you feeling, Azalea?"

She grimaced. "My shoulder is still horribly painful, and I have a lingering grogginess from whatever concoction Elrond slipped me." Her shoulder wasn't searingly painful as it had been before, but it still burned from within. "How long have I been asleep?"

"Almost seven hours. Ithil is in her descent." Erestor frowned. "Haldir was here earlier. He said he would return whenever you awoke. Should I have someone fetch him?"

"Yes. I noticed Rumil's uniform. I should speak with him before the others awake and smother me with overprotectiveness." Her voice came out dull. Unlike the vibrant tones she had used in their previous meeting. Erestor gave a curt nod and slipped across the talan softly. Outside, he gave the guard a command to bring the Marchwarden.

Azalea sighed. She already knew part of why Haldir needed to speak with her. It was likely some of her patrol had fallen to the orcs. The mourning ceremonies and burnings would be today. As their commander she would have to light their pyres.

Erestor returned and knelt back down, resuming his original posture. "He will arrive shortly."

"I owe you a debt of gratitude Master Erestor. I would have never come out of those memories on my own. I thought I had dealt with my past ages ago, but it seems some things are as yet unresolved."

Erestor merely gave a nod. He glanced over at Cirdan's hammock where the archer slumbered on. "Are you twins?"

"No. He is three full years my senior. I understand the resemblance is quite strong, yet we are not twins." She chuckled softly. "Actually I am quite amazed he is sleeping in the same room as Rumil." Erestor lifted an eyebrow at this and she grinned. "Rumil and I were lovers once, though we ended the relationship a couple centuries ago. Cirdan came for a visit during that time. I was still making my rounds so I told him to go on up to my talan and set up his things. Orophin and I arrived several moments later to hear horrible rantings coming from within. Come to find out, Rumil had thought he, was me. The love bite lasted over a week."

Erestor barely supressed a snort. "I might want to warn you then, that your dear brother was already asleep when the young warden made himself comfortable on the floor."

"Should be interesting."

"Indeed." They both glanced to the door as it opened slightly to allow Haldir entrance. They took in the grim sight of the black-clad Marchwarden. Even the normal forest green, leaf sigil broach holding his cloak together had been turned to an onxy leaf. Erestor rose to allow for him to take the spot near Azalea. He gripped her forearm gently and retreated back to his position on the sofa with Glorfindel. Haldir knelt down and locked stares with her.

"You likely know part of why I am here." She gave a curt nod. "It is comforting to see you coherent, Azalea. I am afraid I must inform you that eight wardens have fallen. One called to the Halls mere hours ago from poison. Six of the fallen are from your own patrol."

Azalea swallowed hard. "Who has fallen?"

Haldir took a deep steadying breath. "Findecáno, Calafalas, Nolofinwë, Ancalimë, Elensar, and also your second-in-command, Golradir."

She suddenly felt as though she could not breathe. It was as though her blood had suddenly turned to ice. "By the Valar.." Tears began to course down her cheeks. Golradir had been her father's best friend, and much like an uncle to her. She had always been able to rely on his trusted advice on battle tactics. Elensar had grown up with her. Much of the mischeif caused during that period had it's roots in the two girls. The remaining four ellon she had not known as well, they had only been in her patrol for three decades, having transferred in from the Eastern March.

"Lothlorien mourns their loss greatly. The pyres will be lit shortly before Arien sets." Haldir's voice was suprisingly gentle. He reached up and gently swiped the tears from her cheeks. "I apologize for having to bring you such news when you are injured, but you have the right to know. As their commander, you know what is expected of you today."

She nodded. "Aye I know. I never thought I would light their pyres. I assumed they would be the ones to light my own."

"Do you think you will be able to attend the services?"

"I should be able to. It will mostly be decided by Elrond when he wakes. If the threat of the poison has gone, I will only have the pain to handle."

Haldir nodded. "Aye. Pain has never prevented you from doing anything." His lips twisted into a dry smile. "Get some rest. I will return later to speak with Elrond." Giving her forearm a gentle squeeze, he stood up. His eyes caught sight of Rumil's form curled up with Legolas, mere meters away from where Cirdan lay in his hammock. He turned back to Azalea, and motioned with a glance.

Azalea smirked at him. She knew what was coming as soon as Cirdan woke. Haldir merely shook his head and left the talan, shoulders shaking in silent laughter. She still had several hours before dawn, so she settled back into the soft mattress and fell into a deep sleep again.

Glorfindel woke as sunlight warmed his face. As his eyes refocused, he looked up into the face of Erestor. The dark-haired elf had fallen asleep with Glorfindel's head still in his lap. He chuckled and sat up, stretching languidly. He looked at his surroundings for a moment, oddly confused. This wasn't Imladris. Where was...?

With a start it all came rushing back to him as he spotted Azalea's prone form curled up on the bed. Panic swelled up in him before he recalled that Erestor had been successful in his efforts. Elrond was awake and sipping a steaming mug of tea. He gave Glorfindel a slight smile. The Elda nodded to him and stood. He padded over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it.

"She will recover quite well, mellon-nin. Erestor deserves our thanks." Elrond stood and approached his longtime friend. "Today will be tough on her. I have spoken to Haldir and will allow her to perform the duties required of her as a commander."

Glorfindel nodded mutely. He knew all too well what that meant. Turning back he sighed in relief as a pair of very alert violet eyes glittered up at him. "Lirimaer. You had me very worried." She opened her mouth to speak, but he placed a gentle finger on her lips. "Don't. I need no apology from you. I merely offer thanks to Mandos that he spared your fea, in allowing Erestor to arrive as swiftly as he did. Im mela lle, Azalea of Lorien." He bent down and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

When he pulled back they were both smiling. "Oh, maethor-nin. You should know it takes more than a sneaky orc archer to dispatch me. How little faith you have in my abilities." Azalea chided gently. "After all, I did kill the creature. No one shoots me in the back and lives to tell the tale."

Elrond handed her a cup of slightly steaming tea. "Drink this. It contains athelas and will help drive the last vestiges of the poison from your body. Only then will your shoulder be able to heal properly."

She nodded and sipped at the bitter liquid. "Nothing you can do for the taste I take it?" Elrond merely smiled blankly and returned to his chair. Glorfindel watched with a snort.

"I think it's his own form of retribution upon all warriors for being 'hot-headed and impetuous'. Erestor agrees with me." He whispered conspiritorially.

"I would prefer it if you did not drag me into such nonsense, Glorfindel."

The blond turned to grin at Erestor. "Nonsense indeed, Erestor. Why I believe it was only just before we left you were telling me a particularly interesting tale about.."

Erestor glared at him. "Don't tempt me Glorfindel.. I know many of your own secrets as well..."

Glorfindel blanched and turned a nervous smile back to Azalea, who was downing the last of her tea. "How are you feeling, lirimaer?" He traced a gentle hand across her face.

"I just wish this day were over..." She whispered forlornly as she nuzzeld into the caress.

"So do we all." They all started at Rumil's voice. He gave a weak smile. "I wasn't trying to eavesdrop. I have a pyre to light today as well. It's the only part of being a commander that I truly dislike."

Legolas, awake as well, gave a small nod. "Living in Mirkwood has it's dangers, and I have lit my share as well."

A growl from Cirdan's hammock brought them all from the depressing mood quickly. The Mirkwood elf was glaring at Rumil. Glorfindel bit his cheek in an attempt not to laugh. Rumil grinned cheerily. "Why good morning, dear Cirdan!"

Cirdan recoiled back, slipping out of his hammock. The soft blanket covering him slid off his bare chest, revealing his tattoos. "Rumil..." Glorfindel looked to the side at Erestor. The advisor had made a barely discernible sound in his throat, he frowned and glanced down at Azalea. She had also heard it and turned to stare at Erestor. Making eye-contact with her, she answered his unspoken question with a lifted eyebrow.

"Cirdan, be at ease." Azalea spoke softly. "Come here, gwanur."

Cirdan glanced at his sister, gave Rumil another wary look, and knelt by her bed. "Miunthel, must you always scare me as you do. I cannot loose you. You're the only family I have left." He grasped her hand and kissed the back of it gently. "Please be more careful in the future."

Glorfindel smiled gently. A soft cough drew his attention to the door. Haldir nodded to him. The Marchwarden looked especially somber in his mourning uniform. Glorfindel stood and approached him. "How are you this morning, mellon?"

Haldir grimaced slightly. "It has been almost two centuries since we had losses such as these. Days like today are not something I look forward to." Glorfindel merely nodded his assent. "Rumil?" The younger warden turned to his brother. "You are needed in the Garden of the Fallen. Lord Celeborn wishes to speak with you as well."

Rumil sighed softly and stood up. Glorfindel watched in mild amusement as he grasped Azalera's forearm, 'accidentally' brushing Cirdan in the process. The Mirkwood elf jumped back and glared at him. "I will see you soon, Zal. Be strong for them." He winked at Cirdan, who growled softly at him.

Glorfindel gripped his shoulder in a show of compassion as he passed. Rumil managed a weak smile. Elrond stood as well. "Azalea, I will be back to change your bandages soon, as I have a few other patients to see to. Some breakfast is in order as well. Shall I have something brought up?"

"That would be fine, thank you Lord Elrond." She frowned slightly. "I know this is your vacation..."

He shushed her. "Nonsense. A healer is never on vacation when someone is in need." With that the Lord of Imladris swept out of the room.

Glorfindel and Erestor shared a knowing laugh. "You cannot win with him, melme. Even if you had said no to breakfast, he would have forced you to eat."

"Oh I know. He has tended to me before. He was called in after the Dwarves..." She trailed off no needing to elaborate further.

Realization dawned on Glorfindel and Erestor. The advisor spoke softly. "That would explain the urgent summons he received after we heard word of Moria's fall." Glorfindel caught Azalea's glance again. Only this time she was staring fixatedly at her brother.

Azalea frowned in wonder at Cirdan. What was going on? She knew of her brother's tastes, but was the stoic advisor of the same persuasion? She had heard him make a small noise when her brother had stood from his hammock. Apparently Glorfindel had as well, since he too had turned to look at Erestor. This was definately something she would have to discuss with all parties involved, preferrably one-on-one. This plot would take her mind off her current state as a cripple. Even the mere thought of that word filled her with disgust. She hated being helpless.

Haldir stepped closer to her and placed a bundle on the bed. She sighed deeply, knowing exactly what that bundle contained. "I cannot stay long. Do you need someone to help tend you?"

She shook her head. "I'll be fine, as I am sure Glorfindel will insist upon helping me whether I want said help or not." She softened the remark with a dry chuckle. "I will see you at the ceremony, Marchwarden."

"Aye, Lieutenant." With a watery smile, he gave a curt nod and strode from the room. Legolas clapped Cirdan on the shoulder and left as well, promising to meet with him for the services at dusk.

Glorfindel sat on the edge of the bed and pulled the bundle into his lap. "Is this..?"

"Aye. It is the mourning dress of the Galadhrim. All dignity aside, I am afraid I will need some help dressing in it. They are slightly more ceremonial than the regular uniforms." She grimaced at having to ask for help. Glorfindel merely nodded at her and began unrolling the bundle and placing the pieces out onto the table.

"Zale?" She turned curiously to her brother. "I should take a look at your back to see how well you are healing."

"Ah." She nodded and proceeded to inch herself into a sitting position. It turned out to be a little harder than she had expected. The fever had sapped much of her strength and halfway through Cirdan and Erestor had to each brace her and pull her the rest of the way up. Erestor picked up a sling Elrond had made and eased her injured arm into it so she didn't strain her healing shoulder.

Glorfindel sat down, taking Cirdan's place. "Lean against me for support until you get your bearings, lirimaer." She barely bit back a retort that she wasn't completely an invalid, settling for merely growling at him. Settling against his strong chest, she sighed contentedly. His scent washed over her, sandalwood and pine, and she nuzzled into the crook of his neck, as if trying to burrow away from the outside world. If only she could stay in that comforting moment forever.

She felt Cirdan lifting the loose tunic and his warm fingers ghosting over her back. "You're almost fully healed. Another day and the raised look will be gone. Is there any discomfort?"

"No."

Erestor looked at the markings in awe. He reached out a hand, but stopped, turning to Cirdan. "Is this your work?"

"Aye. King Thranduil and myself hope it will help with my sister's ongoing nightmares. It's not quite finished, but it will have to wait until Lord Elrond releases her from her shoulder injury." They both looked up as Azalea began purring. They shared a knowing smirk as they saw the tender expression in Glorfindel's eyes as he gently stroked the bare skin of her throat and uninjured arm. Cirdan smiled. "We'll leave and let you both get ready. I'll send someone up with water so you can clean up.

As they were almost to the door, he heard a softly whispered. "Im mela lle, gwanur."

"Aye. Im mela lle, miunthel." Cirdan responded just as softly, closing the door behind him.

Tranlations:

Im mela lle - I love you

Melme - love

Miunthel - sister

Gwanur - brother

A/N: There ya go. I'm still considering the one-shot. I have a couple ideas for it. I was thinking either Azalea's first Yule with the Dwarves in Khazad-dum, a childhood Yule involving Elensar, Azalea, and Cirdan causing mischief, or one spent on the Fences with Haldir and his brothers. Let me know what you think. You all decide, and I will write whicever one gets the most votes! To be posted on Christmas Eve of course. Yuletide Blessings to all! SpiritChild