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Thank you!

Elaine/Evenstar Elanor... smiling. Yay! You loved the chapter. Maybe you'll have a chance to hear Haldir's drunken thoughts one of these days... grin.

Mercury Gray... Sorry to hear you're off kilter. Perhaps Rumil could cheer you? I'm sure he would if you asked! But I must say... "mind numbingly cool?" Would that all of my writing qualify for praise like that!

I surely appreciate both of you reviewing so consistently. Ciao, bellas!

Chapter 12: A Life Forever Altered

Fifty years meandered by, drifting along as a mallorn leave would ride the currents of the Anduin on its long journey to the sea. Twice in those fifty years, Haldir was injured in skirmishes with Orcs. Neither time was serious, but each one resurrected his fear of dying in battle and leaving Runevalas alone. But there was joy in those years, too. Haldir and Runevalas traveled to Dol Amroth in the company of Galadriel and Celeborn to attend the handfasting of Torvalen. It was a tremendous affair and for one of the few times in his life, Haldir was rendered speechless, for – oddly enough – in all of his wide and varied travels, he had never been to be Dol Amroth. But by the time the handfasting was done, both he and Runevalas were longing for the cool woods of Lothlorien.

Ten years after Torvalen's handfasting, the sun was warm and the trilling of birds rang through Lothlorien. Runevalas held Haldir's hand as they walked down a leaf-strewn path. The Marchwarden had returned the day before from a long trip to Rivendell, and this was the first moment of privacy they'd been able to steal. Runevalas stopped and watched two butterflies float around some tall red flowers. Haldir stopped indulgently, for Runevalas had always been fascinated by the colorful creatures.

"I'm so glad you're back," she said with a smile. She had been waiting anxiously for the past few days, waiting for word of her mate's return.

"As am I."

They walked on, following the trail in a lazy circle until it returned to the heart of 'Lorien as the sun began to set. Throughout the walk, they had only spoken a little. The silence between them was not an uncomfortable one, but Haldir did notice the mysterious smile that kept appearing on Runevalas' face. He noticed, too, that she stayed close to him, her arm entwined with his. He did not mind her closeness for he'd missed that in the days he was gone, and he was content, for now, to allow her to keep her secrets. In the many years since they had been set handfast, Haldir had learned to read his mate.

He knew when her secrets were pleasant surprises, and he knew when she tried to keep disturbing thoughts at bay. Her smile and the sparkle in her eyes told him that whatever tale she had to tell, it was not a bad one.

Share your secrets when you are ready, my Runevalas, he thought as their walk brought them back to the dwelling the shared. Your secrets will keep while my desire will not... He caught his mate around the waist and collapsed on their bed, pulling her down on top of him. He kissed her and tangled his fingers in her long hair with one hand and pulled the shoulders lower on her gown. He kissed the length of her neck down to her shoulder slowly and softly. Runevalas sat up a little straighter and smiled down at him.

"Ah, I have missed you, rwalaer, (lusty one)," she said with a laugh. "The bed has been cold without you."

The top of Runevalas' gown slipped from her shoulders, and Haldir could not help but admire her as he looked at her skin. He sat up, keeping Runevalas firmly anchored on his lap and buried his face in her neck. Breathing deeply she smelled of apples and spice. She leaned down, as hungry for his kisses as he was for hers. Dawn found Haldir and Runevalas curled together in bed, the sheets of the bed in a state of disarray.

Runevalas smiled at him and said, "You should still be sleeping after having been awake so late last night..."

"I have today at my leisure," he answered after kissing her. "I would not waste it with sleep."

"I have something to tell you, Haldir, and it will change your life forever."

He raised himself up on one elbow and looked down. Reaching out, he brushed some stray hair out of Runevalas' face. His eyes searched hers, but still he found nothing shadowed, nothing to make him fearful.

"So what is this secret? I have seen it dancing behind your eyes since my return to Lothlorien. Has one of my brothers decided become handfasted? Such an event would delight you to no end."

"While that is true, that is not my secret. Both Rumil and Orophin are dedicated bachelors; although I think Rumil would not object to finding a she-Elf to his liking."

"Then out with it," he laughed, "torture me not with this suspense."

Runevalas put her hands over her middle and smiled warmly at her husband.

"Haldir, you're going to be a father."

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