Disclaimer- You know the spiel. We don't anything but what you don't recognize from Tolkien.

~~~~~~~

Hi everybody, sorry this we took so long to post this chapter. Just had exam week. Ugh. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!!

Raven- I know, its sad when he dies, but don't worry! Our story's not like that! We like our Haldirs alive and breathing.

Melanie- We plan to continue the story. And don't worry- there's more Haldir to come.

craig p- LoL. I know who you really are.

Engraved in Stone

Of Houses, Elves, and Such

At last the group arrived at its destination. It was a fair sized house, built much in the style of the Rivendell elves.

"It was already built when we came here," Liamel told the others. "There were many structures standing, but no
one is sure who built them."

They entered the house, and even Gimli had to wonder at its great beauty. "I must admit," he said in his rough voice, "I have never seen a building like this built by dwarves. No, we prefer to dig underground, as it's much cooler there..." he continued to ramble on about the building habits of dwarves.

"Where...where do the Mirkwood elves now dwell?" Legolas asked no one in particular.

"Not all of the Mirkwood elves are here yet," Alcweth replied. "Those who are, live here and there. Some
among the elves of Lorien, some among the elves of Rivendell."

"Oh..." replied Legolas.

Laimel glanced around inside the house. "I hope these quarters will suit you... it's not much," she said to the travelers.

"It is wonderful. We thank you for your kindness." Aragorn bowed. He gave Gimli a nudge, who was in total awe of the beauty of the room. Gimli bowed clumsily, and Legolas repeated the gesture, but more graceful than his dwarven friend.

"Rumil, Orophin. Please follow us. We must bring Haldir, too." Alcweth told the two Lorien guards. They nodded sadly, the four elves silently leaving the room, leading Arod and Haldir with them.

In a few minutes, Alcweth and Laimel returned.

"I don't believe we've had a proper introduction," said Laimel. "My name is Laimel, and this is Alcweth. We're not sisters, just very good friends. Our parents knew Haldir's parents very well, so we grew up Haldir and his brothers."

"I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn," replied the ranger. "This is Gimli son of Gloin, and Legolas son of Thanduil."

"Legolas Greenleaf?" Alcweth questioned. "Then I do know you. My mother is the Lady Alchamaren. She once journeyed to Mirkwood to discuss something, I don't remember what, with Thanduil. I came along too. Remember the sword incident?"

Legolas looked down at his feet, to hide his face which was now a shockingly bright scarlet. Gimli nudged his friend in the hip. "What sword incident?" he asked gruffly. "Oh... nothing, nothing." Legolas replied. "I'll tell youanother time." Gimli just grunted as a response.

"Did you know Haldir well?" Laimel asked the trio all of a sudden. "Nay," replied Aragorn. "We
met him during our crossing into Lothlorien. He led us safely through the Golden Wood, and for that we are grateful."

"I have known Haldir for many a century. He befriended me during my father and I's brief
visits to
Lothlorien with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel." Laimel fell silent
and
turned to look at her friend, Alcweth.
"The sun has almost set," said the elf maiden. "You have had a long day's
journey, and have another day of travelling ahead of you tommorow. Come, let
me show you to your rooms."

Once the visitors had been showed their lodgings, Haldir's two brothers and two friends sat down together.

"Have you received any news from our parents?" Orophin wanted to know.

Laimel shook her head. "None from your parents, my parents, or Alcweth's mother. All we know is that those who have not come to the Havens will be making the journey within the next week. But..." her voice trailed off.

"But what?" Rumil asked.

"But...but I fear for them. The journey leads them too close to the Black Gate. Orcs will be swarming like bees there."

Orophin nodded grimly. "I will request a escort for them. I'm sure the Lady Galadriel will provide one. But to get there in time I must leave tomorrow."

"And I must go soon too," Rumil told them. "Haldir was to lead another group of archers to aid Gondor. Now that he is gone....well, I must go in his place."

They stood up, preparing to retire to separate rooms for the night. Alcweth took a look at both of the warrior elves.

"Orophin, Rumil," she sighed. "I have already lost one friend to the War of the Ring. I don't wish to lose any others. Would you promise me to careful?"

Rumil nodded, as did Orophin. "Yes, I'll be careful m'lady."

A smile spread across Alcweth's face. "You have known us for so long, yet you two still never call us by our real names."