Disclaimers/Ratings: Please see Chapter 1 for full disclaimers.

Before we begin...

Xkuroxshinobix... thanks for leaving the first review on this one!

Evenstar Elanor... your continued enthusiasm for my writing is deeply appreciated.

Lady of the Dog Star... glad that you like the opening swing on this story – hope you like the rest just as much.

Chapter 2: An Ocean Breeze

As the summer waxed full, the thoughts of the Lothlorien Elves turned to midsummer, a time of feasting and celebration. Haldir, along with Rumil and Orophin, returned from Imladris the day before midsummer. On their return, they took a day to hunt and brought pheasant, quail and even some ducks for the feast. The brothers were in high spirits, flush from their success, and were warmly welcomed home.

During the midsummer feast, they were seated at Celeborn and Galadriel's High Table, listening to the sounds of singing and laughing.

"My Lord," said a soft voice, "would the Marchwarden care for some wine?"

Haldir nodded absently, gesturing to his glass, only raising his eyes high enough to see the slender necked silver pitcher before turning his attention back to his brothers. It was Rumil and Orophin's faces that made him turn back. Both of his brothers were staring, smiling, at the Elf pouring his water. Haldir shifted in his chair and turned his face up.

"Thank you..." his voice trailed slightly away. The Elf who had just served him was quite lovely, and he could understand why his brothers stared at her so. She was slender and graceful, as were most Elves, but she carried herself with a quiet confidence that resonated with Haldir. Her face was heart-shaped with high cheekbones and full lips. Her eyes were large and a deep shade of nearly indigo blue, and her hair was a yellow-gold. It fell past the small of her back in gentle ripples and on each side of her face she wore slender braids which were caught back in pairs, each bound by a silver charm with Elvish runes on it.

"Is there anything else you require, Marchwarden?"

"Only your name, lirimaen. lovely one "

She dropped her eyes and blushed. "I am Runevalas, daughter of Islarenei, who was a cousin of Lord Celeborn."

So this was the mysterious cousin from Dol Amroth. "I am Haldir," he answered, "and these are my brothers, Orophin and Rumil."

"I am honored to meet you, Marchwarden. I've heard many tales of your prowess," Runevalas said with a smile. Haldir raised an eyebrow at her, wondering just who may have spoken of his "prowess."

"But if you will excuse me, I must attend to the Lady of the Wood." Runevalas retreated quickly, keeping her face averted so Haldir did not see the blush grace her cheeks.

They watched her walk away, the light cloth of her gown fluttering around her feet. Rumil was the first to look away and he immediately looked at Haldir. The Marchwarden was still watching Runevalas and there was a light in his eyes Rumil had not seen for a long time. Orophin saw it too.

"I'm glad to see there is still some desire left in you for a fine lady," said Orophin without preamble and even less tact. Rumil rolled his eyes, seeing it for the bait that it was.

Haldir's posture changed and he flashed his brother an angry expression. "Who I desire is my business alone, Orophin. You would do well to remember that."

As Orophin dissolved into laughter, Haldir looked at Rumil and saw the smile there as well. Realizing his quick rise to anger had done no more than confirm his attraction to the lovely Runevalas; Haldir scowled at both of them but then allowed a small smile to fracture his serious expression. They had caught him and denial would no longer avail him any privacy.

Throughout the remainder of the banquet, Haldir stole glances in Runevalas' direction. Once he glanced over and found Lady Galadriel watching him with an infuriatingly enigmatic smile. He turned back to his brothers and his wine, flushed.

Three days later the brother's cornered Haldir in his home. "You have been markedly absent in these past few days, brother," said Orophin.

"Runevalas has been asking about you," said Rumil pointedly.

Haldir's eyes shifted over and his expression stayed very neutral. "And what have you said about me?"

"I would not presume to speak for you," replied Rumil, "other than to say that your duties keep you much occupied, even if I know that is a falsehood!"

The Marchwarden turned away with a slight frown on his face. Why have I absented myself, he wondered, but he knew the was the first she-Elf he'd truly felt a desire for since Maranwe's passing, and he felt somehow disloyal to Maranwe's memory. Absorbed in his own thoughts, he started to walk away.

"Haldir."

The Marchwarden turned back to his brothers.

"It pains me to see you put such walls around your heart."

"My heart is not your affair, Rumil."

"You are my brother. That which causes you pain is most certainly my concern. You're obviously infatuated by Runevalas, yet you deny what you feel. I've watched you bury it further and further in your soul, and grow more distant and angry as you do."

"How can I give myself to another when Maranwe lives in my memories?"

"Haldir," said Rumil, "Maranwe has been with Mandos for many years now. Allow her to live in your memory, but start living your life again."

Haldir's subtle nod could have been agreement or a cool dismissal, and Rumil guessed it was the latter as his elder brother turned and walked away without another word.

Orophin shook his head. "I've never met a more stubborn Elf," he muttered.

"He misses what is before him by dwelling in the past," said Rumil more to himself than anyone else.

There was a soft breeze coming through his window as Haldir settled into his bed for the night, but sleep eluded him. Finally he got out of bed and went to one of the many springs that dotted Lothlorien. He eased himself into the pool enjoying the cool sensation of the spring water on his skin. Leaning back, he put his elbows on the smooth rocks that surrounded the spring and looked up. Through the branches he could see the stars and a sliver of moon as it hung in the night sky.

"She is lovely," he said to himself, thinking of Runevalas, "I cannot deny that. Perhaps there would be no harm in spending some time with her." Maybe Rumil is right...

So much for Chapter 2. Please read/review and let me know what you think...