Part 6 - The Welcome

By Jaya and Blue



Nothing was said as they made their way through the city towards the center of it. Elrohir did not know what to say, and it seemed to him that Haldir's thoughts grew darker as they went. It made him wonder of what he might be missing or have missed, but now was no longer the time to ask the questions that plagued his mind. So he kept silent, looking forward more and more to the evening that was to come, when it came. Though it was not as easy as he would have liked to put the thoughts of Shadow from his mind and what had happened, not when Haldir was not as near. There was something about the other elf that brought a bit of light into his life, that made it seem somehow easier.

Before he knew it the steps were raising before him up to the talan above. He glanced over at Haldir but said nothing, giving him a little smile instead, as they left the horses in the care of one of the younger lads there.

Haldir's heart had indeed grown heavier as they approached the large talan. He could think of nothing but how he would react seeing Celeborn again. His mouth was dry and his throat felt hoarse, and his whole body tense - one hand deeply buried in Nim's mane, the other tightly clenched by his side, to control the trembling. //Perhaps he is not there. Perhaps only the Lady is present...// The encouraging thought immediately drowned by a darker one: //What if his lover is there? Must I see them together?// His stomach heavy as a block of ice as he lifted his head looking up the winding stairway, unable to see who would be present in the reception hall.

Looking over to Elrohir as they left their horses, Haldir's heart lifted for a brief moment by the little smile from him. He brushed his fingers casually against Elrohir's, giving them a little squeeze - it felt comforting knowing he was there. And later they would meet in his talan - he clung to this thought like a lifeline as they ascended the long stairs. Ashen pale, eyes wide with fear, he cast a last quick glance at Elrohir before turning his eyes to the ground as they entered the platform.

Elrohir was not sure what thoughts were going through his own, or Haldir's mind right then, instead he turned his hand to catch Haldir's back giving it a comforting squeeze - at least he hoped that was what he gave him. Glancing up as they climbed, there were two figures just visible above them, their backs turned towards the two ascending the staircase. Elrohir recognized Celeborn but he could not tell who the other elf was, there was something familiar about him, yet at the same time... Pushing thoughts to the side, he would much rather simply have had Haldir show him to his talan instead of coming here, something in the air was not right. A quick glancing over at Haldir showed that it was not just himself having that thought, so did the other elf, perhaps even more so. Running a hand through his dark hair, taking a deep breath, he continued.

Entering the platform, Haldir was relieved to find that the two elves had their backs turned to them, busily studying a large document laid out on a desk in the innermost corner. At the same time, his stomach heavy as stone seeing the same tall, dark-haired elf standing there with Celeborn, as he had seen that fateful morning. Taking on his most formal guardian stance, and staring stiffly into thin air, face void of expression, he took his position beside the entrance. With a flat voice, he announced: "My Lord, I present Lord Elrohir of Imladris."

Celeborn stiffened for a moment as he heard Haldir's voice ring out clear and emotionless behind him announcing the arrival of Elrohir. He had not been expecting the youngest son of Elrond but neither had he quite been himself these last few days. While he had both longed and loathed to see Haldir again, he had not wanted it to be like this, under these circumstances, knowing that while at least Elrohir was here nothing could be said between them. When what he wanted to do most was pulling the Guardian into his arms, bring his lips to his and kiss him in a way he had never kissed anyone--well save maybe Tinendel, but that was something different all together.

Tinendel had been eagerly studying the map Celeborn had spread over the desk, as he was pointing out areas of interest in Lothlorien and explaining changes and improvements done during his absence, when he heard Elrohir being announced. He turned to see the two elves by the door; pleased to recognize the young dark-haired elf as the son of Elrond, whom he had not seen since he was a young elfling running around with his twin brother, now fully grown and stunningly beautiful. Beside him stood the very guardian Celeborn had been pining over the last couple of days since that disastrous morning, equally handsome, tall and well build with silken light blond hair, midnight blue eyes and a strong chest. Oh yes, he could definitely understand what Celeborn saw in this one.

Taking a moment to calm himself, pretending to still be looking at something on the map before slowly turning around, Celeborn smiled at Elrohir. Though it was more so that his gaze strayed to Haldir then it stayed on his young grandson. Not to say that it was not good to see him for it was, Celeborn walked over to put his hands on Elrohir's shoulders and smiled: "Welcome Elrohir, it has been too long since you were last in Lothlorien." Glancing past him. "I take it that Elladan did not accompany you this time?"

Celeborn's gaze drifted to Haldir once more - he did not let it linger as long as he would have liked. Less so for Elrohir was speaking, he forced his attention back to his words. "... came on my own. Thank you for your hospitality, I do not know how long I will be staying, but I will be willing to help out should it be needed."

Elrohir seemed to catch something he was missing but pushed it from his mind as his imagination, as he gave his grandfather a quick hug. Knowing that the not normally displayed affection would be over looked in this situation with only Haldir and the other elf present. Stepping back, Elrohir bowed slightly.

Haldir kept his gaze firmly straight forward, not looking at anybody in the room, but could not help noticing from the corner of his eyes, that Celeborn cast him several glances. //Why is he doing that? Does it amuse him to see my pain?// His stomach twisted, even more so as he could also feel the eyes of the unknown elf on him. Haldir involuntarily clenched his wrists, already hating the other, not even knowing his name. All he wanted was to get out of there, he felt like suffocating. //Where is the Lady? Why is his lover here with him? Is it official?// The pain pierced him like an arrow, and he fought to stay in control, though he felt he was starting to tremble from the effort. Forcing himself to breathe normally, he concentrated on not moving a muscle, clenching his jaws tight shut.

Elrohir did not notice Haldir's discomfort, his back slightly turned to the other elf, though he could feel the tension in the room between the three. He knew not the cause of it but it was there none the less, and he was glad when Celeborn spoke once more breaking the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them.

"Ah, forgive me my manners, Elrohir, this is an old friend of mine, Tinendel, my grandson Elrohir, Elrohir, Tinendel. And of course I believe Tinendel you know of Haldir, though I do not think the two of you have met yet."

Tinendel gave Elrohir a wide smile, and shook his hand friendly, taking it in both his own. "It is a pleasure to meet you again, Elrohir. The last time I saw you, you only reached to my chin, and now you are almost taller than me."

He then turned to Haldir, and still smiling took his hand and shook it. "I am pleased to meet you too, Haldir. I have heard much praise of you, the guardian of the wood." He noticed that Haldir did not return neither his look nor his handshake, only nodding formally with a void face and empty eyes. Tinendel sighed silently - obviously the guard was still very upset with what he had witnessed that morning. This would need to be dealt with quickly, for both Celeborn's and Haldir's sake.

Celeborn's words stung in Haldir's chest. //So an old friend, is he? How long have they been lovers?//

Haldir's whole body stiffened when Tinendel grasped his hand. He loathed the feel of his fingers on his skin. Although the other appeared friendly and gave him a wide smile, he hated him. Avoiding his eyes, he nodded most formally, "Thank you, my lord", inwardly gritting his teeth, aching to give him a fist between the eyes. //Get away from me!//

Celeborn forced a smile on his face trying to keep his gaze from staying on Haldir too long. The guardian was uncomfortable, he did not want to be here, that much Celeborn could read, and it hurt even if he knew he deserved it. Turning his back on Elrohir and Haldir, for a moment eyes sliding closed he opened them to find Tinendel looking at him. Giving his friend a slight not before turning back. "Of course you must stay for dinner, undoubtedly it has been a long trip and you wish to rest, but perhaps a small repose?"

Elrohir hesitated for a moment, glancing at Haldir, smiling slightly at him. "Forgive me, I would but I have already agreed to be entertained by Haldir's company this evening. Besides, it would seem that you have your own..."

Celeborn glanced quickly between the two of them, his heart skipping a couple of beats as he wondered if there was something between the two of them. They were indeed both beautiful, though he could never see Elrohir in any other light than the little spindly boy who had once run through the golden wood with his brother. Shaking off the thought slightly, Celeborn pushed erotic thoughts of Elrohir and Haldir together from his mind. Had it been possible that he had indeed read Haldir totally wrong or... //Enough.//

"I see, well then perhaps the following night then? What say you the four of us dine together?" Celeborn turned to Haldir with a slight smile. "I do hope that you will still be with us, or had you planned on returning to the borders once more?" Celeborn asked unable to keep the slight hopefulness from his voice. Not that he looked forward to the talk that he knew must come between them, but the thought of getting it over and done with, without having to dwell upon it for too much longer...

Haldir started when Celeborn suddenly spoke to him, he had shut his mind out so effectively that he was almost not present mentally anymore. //What does he mean? Is he inviting me for dinner? To see him happy with his lover?!// Uncomprehending, his eyes involuntarily slid to Celeborn's for the briefest of moments - the second he met his gaze he fell drowning into those sky blue eyes that were piercing his heart; almost making him fall apart - then he tore his eyes away and his face returned to a stone mask, answering with a flat, metallic voice; "Yes, my Lord. If you say so my Lord, but I do believe I am on the roster for the watch tomorrow, my Lord."

Elrohir sighed, but bit his tongue against saying what he wanted to say. He had hoped that Haldir planned on getting his schedule changed so that they could spend more time together.

Celeborn's smile died on his lips at the cold tone in Haldir's voice, finally he just nodded turning away. "Then perhaps the three of us will, if you are so inclined as to join us Elrohir." His outlook had dimmed noticeably as he turned to them again picking up the glass of wine that sat on the table next to the map.

Another glance at Haldir, Elrohir simply nodded, knowing that he would need to have dinner with his grandfather one of these days, tomorrow would do just as well as any other. At least at this point in time anyway. "I would like that." He replied quietly.

Haldir returned Elrohir's glance swiftly, not wanting Celeborn to notice. He had answered as he did because he could not endure the torture of having a meal in the presence of these two lovers. But not wanting Elrohir to think he would not try to change watches, he gave him a tiny wink and a twitch at the corner of his mouth, before returning to stare blankly ahead as before.

Elrohir saw it, but made no response - there was something here he was missing. He did not doubt that he would probably hit himself over the head for not noticing whatever it was when he found out -and he would find out eventually. Nor did he miss the fact that Celeborn's outlook seemed to dim even more as he looked away from Haldir to find the Lord of Lorien watching them with a quiet gaze. There was something deeper in his eyes, but before Elrohir had a chance to figure out what it might be, it was gone.

Indeed Celeborn had caught the look and it only seemed to clarify everything he had thought before. Forcing it back he knew he had to remain in control. "Thank you for escorting my grandson here. You may leave now." He said quietly, addressing Haldir in an almost, but not completely neutral voice. "You are still invited to join us for the meal tomorrow, however - if you can not make it... it is understood." The words were out and said. Celeborn was not sure he could stand to have Haldir there as he was for much longer without loosing his control all together. He knew it was perhaps the coward's way to simply dismiss him, yet Haldir seemed to wish to be there no more than Celeborn wanted him to be.. Ne that was not the case... Celeborn wished him to be there, yet he could not seem to say anything right, especially not with the misunderstanding that still lay between them, nor could he escape from the images of his grandson and the one person he truly desired above all others together...

Haldir quickly turned and headed for the stairs. Out of sight from the hall above, he could finally breathe again - the very relief of escaping that room almost made him collapse. He had intended to be stone cold - but the look into Celeborn' eyes had almost killed him, and the added agony of his lover standing there, staring intensely at him, taking in everything... Haldir had to support himself with both hands on the railing, his shaking legs would almost not carry him - his throat burning, breath hitching, eyes brimming with tears unshed ....

Before reaching the forest floor, however, he had regained his control, and walked swiftly away towards the guardroom to find his brothers.

Tinendel had said nothing, just stayed in the background observing everything, every glance, every movement. He had always had a keen eye for details, facial expressions and tones of voice - and the air in that room had been so heavy with things unsaid, it could have been cut with a knife.

He had noticed the quick exchanges between the guard and Elrond's son, the looks, the sigh, the wink - not to mention the unusual fact that the young lord intended to dine with the guard - there was a connection between these two that required examination. The fact that the guardians eyes had widened to black when meeting Celeborn's eyes, contradicting the ice in his voice, had not escaped him, neither had Celeborn's changing expressions - he knew him well enough to know he was in deep agony.

They had retired into the library, Elrohir talking with his grandfather for a while, but Tinendel had been mostly quiet, contemplating what had passed in the reception hall. When Elrohir finally took his leave of Celeborn, Tinendel stayed. He had a feeling Celeborn might be needing him