We spent the rest of the day sitting in the tree. He held her in his arms. Elwen was silent, and Haldir was deep in thought. He woudn't tell her what he had to do in Lorien, but she already knew, somewhat. The Ring. These were the dark times Elwen had forseen. She couldn't believe it had really come back. Back to existence, after so many years. Haldir broke the silence: What are you thinking about, my Love?

She jumped a bit at his voice: Oh, nothing for you to worry about.

Something troubles you?

Yes... but please. Let us be silent. Let me think.

He nodded and looked up at the sky, drawing her closer to him. She rested her head on his shoulder and melted into his arms, trying her best to make the moment last forever.

Haldir also wished it would last forever. The endless swirl of happiness and contentment was so peacful, but in his heart, he knew the moment would end, and that he'd soon be deciding the fate of the ringbearer. He didn't care. As long as he was with Elwen, nothing mattered to him but Elwen.

The next day dawned cloudy and cold. Haldir readied his horse while Elwen was still sleeping. When his horse was ready, he hopped up and lightly shook Elwen: My Love... She woke up and looked at him, hoping -praying- that it was all a terrible dream. But of course, it was not. He was leaving, and she didn't know when she'd see him again. She threw her arms about his neck and burst into tears that she could not hold back.. He returned the embrace. After five minutes of this, he spoke: My Love, I must go now...

She replied:

And with a last kiss, he hopped down from the tree and rode off. Elwen looked at the ground. She felt empty... lost... alone. She hated the feeling. It was as if she was skin without bones, or the other way around. She didn't know, nor did she care. She was without her Love. And would be until chance came to see him again.

Haldir rode reluctantly, but swiftly. He looked back once, and saw me looking at the ground. He sighed deeply. When would he see Elwen again? He said to himself: Why am I doing this... they could decide without me... He almost stopped and rode back, but did not. He kept riding. He had to go. He knew he had to. It was the most important thing to everyone, but Elwen was more important to him. Way more important. Don't look back, Haldir... it will only be harder... don't look back... He repeated this self command many times. He didn't look back. And, despite a fierce struggle, a tear squeezed out of his crystal blue eyes. Not another tear escaped his eyes. He had to get through this. The swifter he did this, the sooner he would get back to the one he loved.

Elwen kept looking at the ground until Haldir was out of sight, then she looked up. The rising sun reflected in her eyes. She wanted so much to be back with him.

Later that day, an Elf walked up the path and towards Elwen's tree. Elwen looked at the Elf, and knew immediately who she was. Merenwen! Her friend of old. They had been friends since their childhood. Perhaps Merenwen could cheer her up. When Merenwen got to the tree, Elwen jumped down: Vedui, Merenwen!

Merenwen replied: Elwen! Vedui!

The two friends embraced. Merenwen spoke: What is wrong? You look troubled. And do not lie.

I wasn't going to. It's Haldir.

Who's Haldir?

We fell in love... and now...

Oh, I'm so sorry!

It is alright.

Why'd he dump you?

He didn't dump me. He left. He had to.

I'm sorry, Elwen. Will he be back?

He said he would but...

Merenwen placed a comforting hand on Elwen's shoulder, He will return... you will find him again... Elwen smiled faintly, but noticably, at Merenwen, What has he gone to do?

He said not, but I know.

What is it?

The Ring. The One Ring. It has been found. They must find out what to do with it. If they make the wrong choice, Middle-Earth is to be enslaved by the dark lord.

Merenwen was silent.