I hope you're all keeping healthy and safe.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, there are many more events to come.

As always, I love your comments and suggestions. It is so meaningful to know that someone, somewhere, is reading

-Edith

Haldir's footsteps were brisk and intentioned. He scaled the stairs to the Lord and Lady's private study quietly, and knocked. The

"Come in Marchwarden" Lady Galadriel's voice floated from the other side of the door. The Lady was prescient. Haldir entered the chamber to find the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien and their son in law. Lord Elrond was pacing the room in troubled thought as Haldir stepped inside.

"My Lords and Lady" Haldir greeted with a bow.

"Haldir, I understand our alliance with the realms of men remain strong. I thank you for your efforts" Celeborn greeted in response. "We were just discussing some new developments. Lady Galadriel has foreseen-"

"It seems you already know, Marchwarden. King Eldred is indeed an ally, he has warned you of the threat to Luthien" Galadriel interjected.

Haldir nodded. "The King reports increased orc activity. They seem to be energized since Luthien's return. He believes they hunt for her" he reported.

"The King is wise and correct. The orcs are not as dim as most believe them. They now know, as we have always known, Luthien's lineages are powerful. This makes her blood highly desirable. They are certainly looking for any opportunity to have her" Galadriel said matter-of-factly.

At this, Elrond stopped pacing. He looked up, terrified. "When Luthien was conceived, we never imagined –" he abruptly stopped. He suddenly realized he was in the presence of his wife's parents.

"Haldir, we look to you to protect that which is precious to all of us." Celeborn said, turning to his loyal soldier.

"I don't want her to suffer any hurt, any sadness, any loss. There has been enough of that in her life" Elrond added.

"I will double the border patrols, increase our surveillance of the border regions. No orc has ever crossed into these lands, I intend to see that continue" Haldir said in response. He understood the gravity of his responsibility.

"Thank you Marchwarden, we have the utmost faith in your abilities" Celeborn praised. He turned to his son-in-law, "Elrond, join me for a drink before dinner." With that, the two ellons left the study.

The move was intentional. "Haldir, I desire a word with you" Galadriel stated, before Haldir could move to leave the room also.

"My Lady?" Haldir waited.

"Your trip to the Kingdom of men brought you close to Luthien." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes, my Lady. I have always cared for Luthien. She has shown me that she returns my feelings" Haldir said, it was awkward for him to be discussing this with Luthien's grandmother.

"You need not be nervous in front of me Haldir. I have always known of your love for Luthien, even though you have expended much energy trying to hide it. You are a worthy elf, Haldir. I have no doubt you will protect and love her." It was a ringing endorsement from Galadriel.

A small smile appeared on Haldir's face. "It may not always be easy to love her Haldir, but I sense you have determination to persevere. True love always does. As for Lord Elrond, I think you will find him more receptive this time around" Galadriel added.

Haldir had been nervous about Elrond's reaction to his budding relationship with Lauren. Lady Galadriel's words comforted him. The Lady made for the door and indicated that Haldir was to walk her to dinner with the rest of the family.

Lauren bit her lip uncertainly as she headed towards the flet where she was due to meet her family for dinner. She'd been in uncertainty since leaving the stables. She had caved, unwillingly so, to her emotions. She didn't want to call it love. She preferred to think it was affection for Haldir. Thinking about affections for Haldir was already a concession – she had started out denying she had any feelings for the marchwarden at all. It was clear he cared about her happiness, was protective of her. She couldn't deny she was attracted to him, but how could a relationship be feasible?

The princess put away her thoughts as she entered the dining room. "Ada!" she greeted Elrond happily, giving him a tight hug. The Lord of Rivendell savored the affection from his youngest daughter. It was not lost on any present that a smile or touch from his youngest child could change his demeanor immediately.

"How was your trip my love?" Elrond asked with a smile, his eyes twinkling for the first time in years.

"Wonderful, I had a great time" Lauren answered. As she moved onto her grandfather, she gave him an affectionate hug and peck on the cheeks. "Thank you for letting me go" she said to Celeborn. The Lord of Lorien in turn also offered a warm smile. His wife amused at the way the youngest of the family could melt both Lords so easily.

When Lauren came to stand in front of Lady Galadriel, the Lady said "you discovered much about yourself on this trip". It didn't faze Lauren that her grandmother already knew about the budding feelings with Haldir. Lauren cast her eyes downward, and then looked at her grandmother uncertainly. "You must follow your heart, Luthien" was the Lady's wise counsel. The problem was Lauren knew that sometimes what the heart wanted was not practical. Lauren's brothers gave her hugs and a ruffle of her hair, and Arwen offered kisses on each cheek. Haldir greeted Lauren with the customary bow, to which she responded with a quick nod. The Marchwarden wanted to respect her need for some space.

As the main course was served, Lady Galadriel casually mentioned "your family from the other world, I sense they will be arriving in the coming weeks." At that, a silence settled over the table.

Lauren looked up from her plate. There was no doubt the Johnson men would be following Lauren to Middle Earth. "Yes, I'm sure. My father and brother, they will come looking for me. Hopefully, Michael has explained to them what happened. But I'm sure my father will not be happy."

Elrond felt the stab of jealousy as Lauren called another man her father. He took a deep breath. The reminder that another family had raised her hurt. His mother-in-law sensed this and was tactful enough to tell Lauren "we will always be grateful to them for raising you Luthien. They are a part of you, and we honor that."

Lauren smiled. She wasn't sure how to deal with having two families in her life. It was such a unique situation. Soon, the dinner was over and the party was dissolving. Lauren walked up to Haldir, who was in conversation with Elrond.

"Walk me home Haldir?" she asked.

Elrond put his hand on the marchwarden's shoulder. "I'm sure it would be his pleasure to" Elrond said, before giving Haldir a meaningful glance. A silent approval of the marchwarden's presence in his daughter's life. A huge relief to the soldier. A confirmation that any strife between them was long forgotten.

"Of course, Luthien" Haldir replied. She took his offered arm and they began a leisurely stroll in the woods, in the direction of her flet. After a while, she slid her hands into his. He smiled, not missing a step. His heart was bursting with happiness that she returned his affections. She was surprised when she realized what she'd done, it was an unconscious move. It had just felt right.

When they reached a secluded clearing, he stopped and took her free hand into his. He brought their foreheads together.

"I have loved you your whole life" Haldir whispered. When she looked at him, she saw the honesty of his words.

"Then you have been very patient, marchwarden" she said with a smile. A small laugh was his response. Her arms circled his neck as she stepped closer to him. This time, he leaned in and kissed her. He kissed her confidently and passionately. Her breath was taken away by the love he expressed in that kiss. And when he slid his hands on her back, gently and smoothly, she gave a little moan.

When they finally broke apart to take a breath, a stronger bond had formed between them. She buried herself in his chest and his strong arms circled her, a protective shell. Haldir felt as though he never wanted to let her go. But at last, he whispered "we should get you home." He planted a kiss on the top of her head before he let her go.

"OK" she said reluctantly. He did not let go of her hand, and they walked with to her flet with their fingers interlaced.

At her door, he gave her a chaste kiss on the lips. "Tomorrow is baby Hamir's celebration, would you come?" he asked tentatively.

"I'd love to" Lauren answered. Haldir's heart soared. He told her the time and place before bidding her goodnight.

After she entered her flet and closed the door, she leaned against it with her back and slid to the floor. Get a hold of yourself, you're acting like a teenager, Lauren thought. She had never felt this way about a man before. The love was powerful and overwhelming. The elation didn't last, quickly, a flood of doubt rushed into her.