I have to make an apology for updating this and 'Just A Child' so slowly.  My life is just too busy to explain at the moment.  But they should be back to normal any time now, and I will try to update as much as I can while life's being so turbulent.

Thanks for the reviews – it's great to know you're all still here!

***

The room of Haldir and Tirathnavir was high up in a mallorn tree, and reminded Mithmír much of her old room – apart from the fact that the bed in the centre of the room was a double, not a single as hers had been.  It was large and spacious, with more windows than walls on the outer two of the walls, and the main theme of colours was the favourite grey of most Lothlórien Elves.  The linen with which the bed was laid with was of that colour, and looked to have been woven of spider webs, it was so fine and light.  On a few low tables were laid Elvish lamps, twinkling blue-lights in an intricate silver holder.  They illuminated the growing gloom well.  From down below carried the sound of Elvish singing, and the name of Elbereth made the air sweet.  Against one wall, that of the entrance way – a mere opening hung over with a thin yet opaque grey curtain – rested two chests, both of craved wood.  Mithmír guessed them to hold the assorted garments of the two lovers.

'Welcome to the room we share,' said Haldir with the utmost courtesy, taking a step in front of her and bowing fluidly.  'We hope you find only comfort and pleasant company here,' he added in the custom of the Elves, 'and may Elbereth Gilthoniel watch over you kindly while you remain within these walls, and wherever you may wander after.'

Mithmír smiled, blushing just a little, and nodded back politely.  'Thank you, Haldir.  You have a lovely place here.'

Haldir smiled, obviously proud despite his stately calm.  'We try.'

Tirathnavir laughed at this, the sound bright and merry, and he moved to stand behind the shorter Elf, wrapping his arms about his love's waist, and addressing Mithmír over Haldir's shoulder.  'He is too modest, this Elf I love,' he said in a mirthful voice, before placing the lightest of kisses on Haldir's cheek.  'His talents and blessings are many, and yet few will he take credit for.'

At this Haldir only smiled.

'Your news first,' Mithmír reminded them promptly.  As much as she was proud of their admittance of their love, and enjoyed seeing them show emotion towards each other, her heart beat hard in her chest as she wondered what they were so slow to tell her.  It seemed to her that they were hiding something, and were unwilling to speak to her of it even yet.

Tirathnavir paused just a little before he smiled this time, and his arms about Haldir may have stiffened just a little.  'You first, Mithmír.  You are wearing a ring you neglected to tell us of.'  He looked to the finger bearing Tegalu meaningfully.  'And it's good to see you still wear the bracelet we gave you so many years ago.'

Mithmír was aware that her question was being deflected, but she was willing to talk.  'Why ever would I not wear it?  You underestimate how precious it is to me…'  She toyed with Tegalu on her finger.  'And Haldir and least knows of this ring, seeing as he has seen it on the Lady's person many a time.  Therefore there is little purpose for me to talk about it.'

'But we wish to know why it came to be given to you,' Haldir prompted when she stopped.'

Mithmír sighed before speaking quickly, 'a wedding gift.  That's all.  And why do you two interrogate me so?  Surely it's my turn to ask some questions.'  She was getting frustrated and worried.  What was it that they wouldn't tell her?  Why did they look almost nervous?

'It is a high gift to give to a Half-Elf,' pointed out Tirathnavir softly.

'Is not Mithmír Rochiwen higher than most others, Elven or Men?' pointed out Haldir.  His gaze at Mithmír was intent, too knowing to allow her to be quite comfortable.  'Is she not one of the Dúnedain, and an Aratirith also?'

'Is there nothing of my life or doings since I left here that you do not know?' burst out Mithmír suddenly, exasperated and worried.  She hadn't meant to be so rude, but their parrying of all her questions was annoying her incredibly…

There was an uncomfortable silence for a while.  The Elvish singing from down on the forest floor far below became loud in Mithmír's ears, before she finally whispered, 'I'm sorry.  Forgive me.  I did not mean to be so rude…'

Haldir moved away from Tirathnavir's embrace, and drew over a wooden, high-backed chair.  He himself sat on the bed, as did his lover, and they beckoned for Mithmír to take a seat on the chair.  His face was set with a sad look, one of regret at news he must tell.  Tirathnavir did not even turn his face to Mithmír.

'It's about Anoniel…' began Haldir softly.