Disclaimer: Please see Chapter 1 for full disclaimers

Thanks, Elaine (a.k.a., Evenstar Elanor) for your latest review. Yes, me and my descriptions. I know. I know. LOL!

Chapter 11: Sweet Wine

Banners of silk draped softly between the mallorns around the feasting pavilion. Haldir and Runevalas were seated at a small table bedecked in flowers and vines. With them were Rumil, Orophin, and Torvalen. Orophin had already filled their goblets with a sweet red wine and was toasting the happy couple. Within moments platters of food were being brought out to everyone.

Runevalas leaned in and laughed with her sister. Haldir watched her. Runevalas' eyes sparkled when she was merry. I am truly graced by the Valar, he thought. I found my feahoon once, which few ever do. And now I have found a she-Elf who loves me for who I am. For my strength and my skills and despite my pride and my stubbornness. Runevalas turned back and saw Haldir looking at her softly.

"Haldir? What thoughts linger behind those eyes?"

He picked up her hand and kissed it. "Even now I am only beginning to realize how lucky I am that you found me."

"If he speaks thus now, I cannot wait until he has had more wine," laughed Orophin.

"So long as he does not profess his undying love for me, I have no objections," smiled Rumil.

Haldir didn't even bother scowling at them as he might normally. Let them have their jest, he thought. Someday they will each find a she-Elf who takes their breath away. I will have my jovial revenge then, and I am content to wait for it.

"Do you know what his silence means, Runevalas?" asked Rumil. "It means he is content to bide his time, but he will not forget that we have made light of him here today."

"Nor shall I." She offered Rumil a sly smile that told him clearly that she had a memory at least as long as Haldir's, and he laughed out loud.

"Ah, Orophin, between the two of them you are in more trouble than you know," chuckled Rumil.

Galadriel took a deep drink of wine and watched the brothers banter with Runevalas and her sister. My heart is light again, she thought. There were days I feared Haldir would continue to darken until the very light of his soul was smothered by the grief and despair that shrouded him for so long. To lose a feahoon is to lose a part of you. I am so glad Runevalas brought the light back to you, son of my heart.

She was not alone in her observation, but Gilanduin was content to speak her thoughts to the wind. "Runevalas and her sister are as dear to me as my own children," she said. "They stayed with me after their own mother died. I knew early on that Runevalas had inherited the love of the woods that is so keen in the 'Lorien Elves. Torvalen would watch the sea, and Runevalas would watch with her for a time. But ever so slowly her eyes would turn back to the land and travel out until they rested on the distant tops of the trees. I could see the longing there, and I knew she would slowly fade if she could not feel the moss and the leaves beneath her feet. Could not be lulled to sleep by the whisper of leaves as they dance with the wind."

"She has found that and more," answered Galadriel.

"Indeed," said Gilanduin with another smile. "Love agrees with them both. He will teach her strength and she will soften his sharp edges when needed. His heart was scarred once? I could see that in his eyes."

"It was. Scarred so deeply I once feared the wound would not heal. It was beyond my power, but not beyond Runevalas'."

"Come now," boomed Raedelin from his seat near Gilanduin. "I would see my niece dance with her new mate! Let us have more music, and more sweet wine!"

A bit short compared to the last chapter, but hope you enjoyed. Please read/review and let me know what you think...!