Author's Notes: Elvish is in ' '. Only the unknown characters belong to me! This fic contains eventual Haldir/Glorfindel slash, and verbal and physical abuse! The focus is on Glorfindel and Haldir, not Aragorn and Legolas, though both will have be mentioned in this fic. This fic takes place sometime between the Prologue and the first chapter of 'Reasons'.

Part 3. Pride

'What happened to you?' Glorfindel asked, narrowing his dark blue eyes slightly.

Haldir carefully avoided looking at the Elven lord. 'Nothing; I had an accident.' He stepped around Glorfindel, and began sprinting off again, before Rissan could catch up with him. Haldir didn't want to speak to his lover right now, but he was surprised when Glorfindel overtook him easily, before blocking the path in front of him.

Glorfindel crossed his arms and frowned. 'Why are you in such a hurry?' He was shocked to see a glimmer of what looked like tears in the younger Elf's eyes

'No reason… I… Sorry I ran into you,' Haldir murmured, using his left hand to keep his right wrist immobilized. 'Excuse me, please.'

'Let me see your wrist,' Glorfindel sternly said, not moving aside. He knew that something was obviously upsetting Haldir. Part of him was concerned, because even though he had only met the young Elf earlier in the day, Glorfindel had a feeling that Haldir was not usually so troubled. Though the Elven lord didn't want to think about why he was concerned over such a young, sometimes irritating Elf, who enjoyed taunting him.

Haldir warily judged Glorfindel's words, and determined that from the firm look that he was being given, that the Elven lord was not going to let him leave, not until he did as he wanted. Haldir sighed and slowly released his right wrist, so that Glorfindel could see it. The throbbing pain was even worse now.

Glorfindel carefully inspected the wrist, and a flash of anger shone in his eyes when he saw the finger-marks on the small, thin wrist. This was no accident. The stoic Elven lord studied the bruises that were slowly, finally beginning to fade, but the rest of the wrist was swollen and, from the flinch on Haldir's face, hurt.

'Who did this?' Glorfindel asked, in a neutral tone of voice, because he was not one to show his emotions as freely as Haldir did. But he was angry at the thought of someone hurting one as young as Haldir seemed to be. Yes, Haldir was a little annoying, but he also had a strange naïvety and innocence to him.

Haldir opened his mouth, before he closed it again. He knew that if he said that it was Rissan, then Rissan would get in trouble, and Haldir didn't want that. But he was also certain that Glorfindel would see directly through a lie, if he told one. Haldir hated lying, and did his best to not tell lies, but he couldn't get Rissan in trouble.

Both turned when Rissan stepped into view, a frown marring his face. Glorfindel was suspicious the instant that he saw Haldir stiffen and turn his face away from Rissan. The Elven lord looked straight at the dark-haired Elf, who ignored him and focused on Haldir.

'I'm sorry, Haldir. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings,' Rissan murmured. 'I let my anger out on you. Please forgive me.'

Haldir was not certain if he should believe Rissan, but the older Elf had never hurt him before now and he seemed to be sincere. He was surprised at the icy glare that Glorfindel gave Rissan.

The Elven lord sharply asked, 'Did you do this?' He gestured to the badly swollen wrist that he still held.

Rissan narrowed his eyes and stated flatly, 'No, I did not.'

'I told you; I had an accident,' Haldir protested, looking at Glorfindel. He felt sick in his heart for lying so, and therefore was reluctant to look him directly in the eyes.

Glorfindel knew it for the lie it was, at least on Haldir's part. The imprint of the fingers on the thin wrist proved that whatever had happened was no accident. However, he had no proof or anything to back up his doubts, so he finally said, 'I see. You should have Lady Galadriel treat this, lest it be broken and heal wrong, without being set.'

Haldir reverted to his teasing side, to hide his inner wince at that suggestion. 'The Lady of Lothlorien surely has far more important things to do than tend to an Elf who was careless in what he was doing.'

'I will take care of his wrist,' Rissan angrily muttered.

'Do you know how?' Glorfindel countered.

Haldir didn't like the way the conversation was going at all. 'Come then, Rissan, if you are going to…' His voice trailed off when he saw the glare that Rissan and Glorfindel were exchanging

Another Elf approached, searching out the visiting Lord Glorfindel.

'My lord,' he said in greeting, bowing slightly to Glorfindel. 'Lord Celeborn wishes to see you sometime this evening. He also summons you, Haldir, to appear before him.'

Rissan gritted his teeth. How annoying, he thought. He had plans for this night with Haldir, and it looked like even Lord Celeborn was interfering with them. Not to mention this Elf from Rivendell. Elven lord or not, Rissan had plans, and not even Glorfindel was going to interfere with them. He'd waited too long already.

'Very well,' Glorfindel said. He started walking towards where the servant was leading, before he turned back to the young Elf, whose wrist he still held. 'Are you coming?'

A silent nod was the answer, for Haldir would not be so bold as to refuse to show up to a summons from Lord Celeborn. He walked next to Glorfindel, strangely quiet. The strong fingers wrapped around his wrist were firm- but not so much that they hurt. Haldir could think of other uses for such strong fingers, until he scolded himself for the turn his thoughts had just taken. Currently, at least, Glorfindel didn't even like him.

Glorfindel glanced at Haldir, surprised by the complex emotions in his eyes. It appeared that Haldir was thinking about something, and the older Elf briefly wondered what it was. Then he mentally shrugged and reminded himself that he didn't like the outspoken younger Elf. Glorfindel hid his tiny, very slight regret that Haldir was not teasing him again, for though it was humiliating to him, it was a little amusing, as well. But he would not admit that to anyone.

The two Elves rapidly walked after the one who led them, each lost in their own thoughts, until they reached the platform where the Lady and Lord of the Wood waited for them.

Glorfindel released the wrist he gently held, realizing how it might look to others, and turned his gaze to Galadriel and Celeborn. 'You wished to see me?' he inquired passively.

'Indeed,' Celeborn said, as he leaned forward slightly in his white, carved chair. 'I know that you were sent here to have time away from your duties at Imladris, but… I have a request of you.'

A nod was Glorfindel's only answer; an eloquent movement that said he would do the request, whatever it might be.

Galadriel spoke gravelly, when she stated, 'There is something plaguing the forest. Two of the Galadhrim were found nearly dead near our borders a few hours ago, while you slept. This is not the first time it has happened, for other Elven patrols have been mysteriously attacked. Since you are one of the most experienced Elves in tracking down prey, we feel that you would be best to find it, along with Haldir.'

Haldir gaped wordlessly. Him? Why was he to go? It wasn't as if he was the best at tracking or anything, at least not yet. But he would be one day, Haldir had silently vowed, when he had been taunted slightly for his inferior skills.

'Isn't he a bit young?' Glorfindel asked, a slightly disapproving note in his voice.

'What better chance to gain experience, especially with an older Elf of your admirable skills?' Celeborn answered calmly. 'Haldir is young, yes, but he learns quickly.'

Galadriel added, 'It should not take more than a handful of days to find out what attacked the patrols. Three days of traveling throughout all of Lothlorien should reveal who or what it is that plagues on Elves.'

Glorfindel inwardly groaned. He was going to be out patrolling Lothlorien for three days- which he did not mind- with an Elven youth? Not to mention an appealing one, who was apparently having some sort of disagreement with Rissan over something. Though whatever it was appeared serious, and Glorfindel still wondered who had hurt Haldir, if it was not Rissan.

Haldir saw the look on Glorfindel's face and felt hurt and resentful. Yes, he was young, but did the Elven lord have to act like he was nothing more than a nuisance? Haldir stiffened, bitterness building in him. The day had started out so nice, and now it was just getting worse, with this being the worst. Glorfindel saw him as nothing more than a child.

The Elven lord finally agreed, biting back a deep sigh, before he turned to walk away. He paused when he heard Lord Celeborn speaking again.

'Would you mind going with him, Haldir?' Celeborn asked politely.

Haldir deliberately stated, 'It would be my pleasure, Lord Celeborn. I have heard tales of Lord Glorfindel's many abilities and I believe that I could learn something from this experience.'

Glorfindel bit back a sharp reply to that statement, knowing that it was purposefully meant to be offensive.

Celeborn narrowed his eyes at Haldir but said nothing, as he simply nodded. Whatever problem existed between the youngest of the Galadhrim and Lord Glorfindel should be worked out by them, instead of by himself and Galadriel. Besides, they had not been asked to interfere.

Haldir waited until after Glorfindel was leaving, before he left as well. Triumph was in him, for he knew full well that he had upset the Elven lord with his words. He'd meant to, for the humiliation the older Elf had given him by implying that he was not worthy of aiding him merely because he was young.

As soon as they were alone, Glorfindel turned on the younger Elf, who had a satisfied look on his face.

'Do you enjoy embarrassing your Kin?' Glorfindel sharply asked.

Haldir smirked, 'What would I know of embarrassment? I'm only a youth, and incapable of knowing how much actions affect others.'

Glorfindel retorted, 'You're not that young. You know better.'

'Think of how you feel now, and how I felt when you mortified me by stating that I should not go with you because I am young,' Haldir said pointedly. 'I was merely teaching you the same lesson you are now trying to teach me.'

Annoyance flashed in Glorfindel's blue eyes, until Haldir winced, when he touched his swollen wrist. The entire time they had been speaking with the Lord and Lady, Haldir had kept his right hand out of sight, to keep from drawing attention to it.

Haldir sighed and muttered, 'When do you plan on leaving to find out whatever it is that is attacking the other Elves?' His gaze was fixed on his wrist, and pain flickered in his eyes.

'Tomorrow morning, at dawn,' Glorfindel crisply informed the younger Elf. 'I expect you to be ready by then.'

'And if I'm not?' Haldir teasingly asked.

Glorfindel replied, 'Then I'll be forced to wake you.'

Haldir nodded, before yawning against his will. He shook his head, and told the older Elf, 'Then I'll see you tomorrow. I'm going to get this taken care of and go to bed.' He held up his right hand sleepily, his long day finally catching up with him.

'Who is going to wrap it?' Glorfindel inquired casually, hiding the concern he felt.

'Rissan… I guess,' Haldir said, sounding uncertain. He still was not certain of what to do about Rissan, for while the one he loved had apologized, no words had been spoken by him. Maybe some time away from the dark-haired Elf would do him some good.

Glorfindel sighed. 'Follow me,' he muttered, before he walked towards his talen. Haldir noiselessly followed, curiosity in his eyes, as they made their way through the multiple trees and shrubs.

The two reached the talen, and Glorfindel climbed up long enough to grab some herbs and some slightly stiff cloth. He then returned to the ground and applied the pain-relieving herbs to the swollen wrist, before he almost tenderly began wrapping it, making it tight and firm, so that it could not be bent at all or moved.

'Thank you, for a third time,' Haldir whispered. A slight flush was on his face, before he bid the Elven lord a good evening and said he'd be waiting in the morning. Then Haldir left for his talen, still brooding over the strange feeling in his heart.

Glorfindel watched Haldir go once more, feeling something inside of him, which he had not felt in a long time. The golden-haired Elven lord shook his head, telling himself that it was just because he was lonely; he had been alone most of his life, after all. His lovers came and went, but none were serious about a commitment. Elves lived forever, so there was no rush.

Inside of his talen, Haldir packed up what he would need as best as he could one-handed, and then he collapsed into sleep on his bed. Not too far away, Glorfindel went to sleep as well, but both of their dreams were troubled.

To be continued