Author's Notes: Elvish is in ' '. Only the unknown characters belong to me! There is now G/H slash in this fic! This fic takes place sometime between the Prologue and the first chapter of 'Reasons'. The story is now going very dark; implied torture, rape, etc… Nothing very graphic, though. Takes place when Haldir and Glorfindel arrive back in the heart of Lothlorien. Sorry so short- better next chapter.

Part 10. Return

Haldir blatantly ignored Glorfindel, feeling only hurt and anger. After all that they had been through together, Glorfindel saw him still as just a child? The anger that thought sparked within him was mixed with sorrow, for Haldir knew that regardless of everything, he still had not come to a decision about Rissan. Had he not argued with Glorfindel the night before, Haldir would have asked his advice, because he honestly didn't know what to do. But there was no way that he was going to ask him now, Haldir bitterly thought. Not after what Glorfindel had said…

Glorfindel watched the young 'Lorien Elf, as Haldir headed towards his own talen, no doubt wanting to get away from him. The Elven lord bowed his head slightly, before telling himself that it was what he deserved for taking advantage of such a young one. At least, that's how he tried to rationalize his behaviour to himself. But Glorfindel knew better- he knew that his initial irritation at Haldir was giving way to something else, something that he did not dare to name yet.

The golden-haired Elven lord went to where Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn usually sat, on their white chairs, in the heart of Lothlorien, so that he could tell them that the mission had been successfully completed and the danger was gone. Though a somewhat nagging doubt remained inside of him, but he did not know what it was.

'Well done, Glorfindel,' Celeborn impassively said. 'Was Haldir helpful to you in your task?'

'Indeed,' Glorfindel replied, schooling his thoughts so that even the enigmatic Galadriel would not know exactly what had happened between himself and the young one. 'He is young, but he is brave, and I perceive that he will be a good fighter within a few centuries time, given battles to train in.'

Galadriel stated neutrally, 'There are very few battles fought within Lothlorien, Glorfindel, whether they be external or internal battles.'

Glorfindel was startled; he thought he'd hidden it well, but the Lady of the Wood had bested even his disciplined mind. 'Haldir needs practice with both,' he finally said, and felt nothing but relief when they dismissed him to go and get rest.

So the Elven lord bowed and left, heading for the talen that Haldir had led him to. At  least he wouldn't be around Haldir to hurt him anymore, Glorfindel mused, feeling sorrow over that. He did not know why Elrond had suddenly decided that he needed time  away from Rivendell, but he was surprised to find himself feeling grateful for it.

As he climbed up the ladder to enter his talen, Glorfindel continued his thinking. Yes, he was very old and very wise, but that was not surprising. Coming back from the Halls of Mandos was not an easy or swift feat, but it had been accomplished eventually, and it was around that time that Glorfindel had begun isolating himself from others; he knew that he was perceived as different and unique, which he did not mind, though it cost him dearly.

His old friends, for the most part, had not understood the change within him, but his new ones had taught him the value of oneself, reinstating in him humility and strength, the determination to protect those he cared about. But more… they taught him to feel again, even after everything had happened. And now the balance within himself was threatened by a handsome youth with a sly tongue and teasing demeanor.

It was troubling, to say the least, for Glorfindel prided himself on not needing anyone, so that if he lost everything that was precious to him in the world, he would still survive. There were very few chinks within him, the few people that Glorfindel did depend on to be there for him, as a friend.

Lord Elrond Peredhil was his closest friend, and knew him almost as well as Glorfindel knew himself. They had fought together side-by-side for many years, and trusted each other completely with their lives. When Celebrian had left for the West, Glorfindel had supported Elrond through the traumatic time, by simply reminding his friend that life could be sweet within the waiting, even in times of loss. Because all of his Kin were dead, Elrond had known that Glorfindel had spoken from personal experience. It was no secret that they were like brothers in all but blood.

Glorfindel entered his talen and proceeded to directly fall onto his bed groaning, trying to figure out what to do about Haldir. The young one had a way of piercing directly through his defenses and affecting him, which was why Glorfindel was torn between what to do. His defenses were not meant to be broken, yet Haldir had done so, with a simple jest, a sly grin, and twinkling eyes.

If truth be told, it frightened Glorfindel, for he insisted on being in control of himself. The realization that another could penetrate his control was unnerving, especially since no one had affected him like this for centuries now. The Elven lord finally gave up on trying to figure out what to do, so that he could get some rest. He needed to speak with Haldir again, and he knew it, but a good rest was what they both needed before they spoke again.

Haldir had carelessly gone directly to his talen, wanting time away from Glorfindel. Part of him was in despair, for he believed that Rissan had been right; Glorfindel had just used him to get what he wanted, and that was all. Haldir didn't know what was worse; to be hurt, intentionally or not, by a lover, or to have one, who did anything but hurt you, just be using you.

A stabbing pain was in his heart, mixed with sadness, loneliness, and shame. He had not been free to give himself to Glorfindel, but he had done so and had thus betrayed Rissan, regardless of whether or not they stayed together. It hadn't been done on purpose; Haldir hadn't planned on sleeping with another, but it had happened and he could do nothing about it now.

Even more frightening was the fact that he did not feel guilty over what he had done. In all honesty, Glorfindel had treated him with more kindness and consideration than Rissan had ever done, and that was not something that could easily be forgotten. What, then, did this mean about his current relationship?

Haldir was torn- if he truly loved Rissan, he never would have slept with Glorfindel. But how could he tell the dark-haired Elf of the truth he was only just beginning to realize without hurting him? Grief was deadly for Elves, as Rissan kept reminding him.

The young 'Lorien Elf climbed up the tree to his talen silently, hoping he would get a chance to rest and clean up before he was summoned to talk to his Lord and Lady. After entering the doorway, Haldir yawned and let his weapons drop to the floor, stretching his arms and legs, before walking towards his bed.

A shadowy figure, who had been out of sight, standing in the shadows cast around the talen, crossed the room silently and closed the door, before turning to Haldir. The younger Elf had only just realized he wasn't alone when he was tackled to the ground hard from behind.

Struggling desperately to fend off this unknown attacker, who wore a black hood over his face, Haldir reached for his sword, but it was drawn by his foe. So instead, the young Elf twisted and jerked, managing to pin the attacker down. He knocked the sword out of reach, only vaguely hearing the clattering sound it made when it landed on the floor, under the bed.

Haldir was flung backwards by a pair of strong feet kicking him hard in the ribs, and the attacker straddled him, quickly grabbing a tight grip around his throat. Haldir gasped slightly, but kicked out anyway, trying to dislodge the person, who merely made the grip tighter, until Haldir felt himself growing weaker from the lack of air.

His eyes spun weakly, until the grip was released slightly, allowing him to breathe a little. Though he was very weak, and Haldir knew he was in serious trouble. None of his attacks were working and this person was even stronger than he was, amazingly enough. Haldir wondered why he was being attacked and gasped breathlessly as he asked, 'Why?' Shock prevented him from moving, at this unexpected act.

'Why, indeed, Haldir?' Rissan coldly answered, keeping his grip on the slender throat hard, to prevent his toy from being able to fight back. 'What could you possibly have done to upset me?'

'R-Rissan, I…' Haldir began, not understanding, before his airway was cut off again. He pulled as hard as he could on the hand tightening his throat, but he felt himself fast approaching unconsciousness. His last coherent thought was, why?

Once Haldir passed out, Rissan released his throat, smiling evilly. First he would have his revenge, and then… then he would bind Haldir to him. So he slowly began unlacing the tunic that Haldir wore, keeping a close eye out in case either the annoying Elven lord from Rivendell came or in case Haldir recovered quickly.

Shortly after, muffled cries came from within the talen, but were quickly silenced, and no one who heard them knew what it meant or where the cries were coming from.

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Sometime Later

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Glorfindel could not sleep, because something nagged at him, but he didn't know what. He knew to trust his feelings, and right now they were telling him that something was very wrong, though he could not figure out what it was.

The Elven lord was surprised at where he found himself heading towards; the trees were Haldir's talen was located. Glorfindel decided that now would be as good a time as any to speak to Haldir.

Pausing beneath the tree, Glorfindel called up, 'Haldir? I need to talk to you.' No answer came, but the Elven lord didn't think anything of it; he knew that Haldir was still upset with him. 'Haldir, I'm serious,' Glorfindel stated.

A choked voice answered, sounding hoarse and weak. 'G-Glorfindel? Can I talk to you later, please?'

'What's wrong?' Glorfindel questioned, a worried frown appearing on his face. It sounded like Haldir had been crying, which made him believe that it was his fault. 'Haldir, please talk to me,' he said gently, when the 'Lorien Elf didn't respond.

'I want to be alone!' Haldir choked out, staying exactly where he was, pressed up against the darkest corner of his talen. A pale, white sheet was all that covered him, and tears ran down his face. 'Please…'

Glorfindel questioned, 'Do you really want to be alone, Haldir?'

Haldir took a shaky breath. 'Yes,' he lied, hating himself for it. Bruises were forming on his neck, and he knew that Glorfindel would instantly know what had happened to him the moment he saw him. Anguished sobs ran through Haldir, along with tremendous shame and fear.

'Are you certain?' Glorfindel pressed, knowing that something was very wrong. But if Haldir refused to speak to him about it, there was very little he could do, except to try to convince him at another time to reveal what was wrong with him.

'Please… Leave… me… alone!' Haldir half shouted, wanting to be alone in his shame and grief.

Glorfindel sighed, took a deep breath, and walked away reluctantly, because he didn't want to press Haldir too far. He couldn't force the Elf to confide in him. Considering what was to come, it was the worst mistake the Elven lord made in his entire life.

To be continued