Hunters' Moon
Epilogue
Two elves lay together in a glade under the silver light of Ithil. One was tall and lithe, the other muscular and broad of shoulder. Haldir held his breath as he released the last tie of Lindir's tunic, baring the minstrel's porcelain skin to the night air and to his eager lips. Lindir, in turn, stared at the vision that was Haldir, the one he had dreamed of for so long.
Their lips met and each tasted of the other, drank deeply of that which they wished no one else to share. Haldir pressed Lindir back against the cool grass, running his hands over Lindir's chest and down to the waistband of his leggings, feeling the desire that Lindir had for him, the same that he had also for his minstrel. Tonight, they would perform a different dance, one as familiar, yet as new as the moon itself. Tonight, they would make love under the stars that Elbereth had kindled, watched only by the trees sown by Yavanna's hand. Lindir had been granted a longer stay in Lothlórien, compliments of the Lady of Light. Never could two elves have been so happy.
Hidden in a tree, in cloaks of grey, not far from where the two lay, Rúmil and Orophin smiled at each other. "I do believe it is time to take our leave," they both whispered, climbing silently down the trunk of the large Mallorn, sneaking off through the woods toward their talan.
Nine other grey clad forms nodded their heads in agreement and climbing from their resting places in other trees, followed silently after Haldir's brothers. The hunt had ended, the hunters' moon had cast its light and the hunter had caught his prey.
Once the two groups were some distance from the star-crossed lovers, a soft whistle from the second group caught the attention of the first. Claurech smiled and held out his hand for Orophin, and Rúmil laughingly pushed his brother in his friend's direction. The two had eyes only for each other, and they made their way to a place which was sure to be secluded, for Claurech had this week obtained his own talan.
Rúmil had no regrets that his brothers had found love under the hunters' moon. As to himself, he was content to play the field. He shepherded the remaining smiling, grey cloaked figures in the direction of the tavern. "My pockets are empty and need filling," he said. "After my good deeds this week, do I not deserve a reward? Who will take pity on poor, lonely Rúmil?" He drew his lower lip into a pout and managed to look quite sad and miserable. But his friends only laughed.
"You have tried that once to often, Rúmil!" they quipped. But one elf wrapped his arm around Rúmil's shoulder and whispered in his ear. "I believe I am one who deserves some recompense for what transpired these past few days. I will buy you ale this night and lend you coin for cards, but you must promise to give me that which I have secretly wished for quite some time.
"And what might that be?" Rúmil said, rolling his eyes at the other elf. "I have already fletched your arrows, carried your packs and given you my finest quiver. What will you ask of me this time for your cough oh so generous gifts?"
Lastad smiled mischievously. "One kiss, Rúmil, just one kiss."
Rúmil raised his brows. Tilliel was pretty and had her charms, but Lastad...Lastad was quite a catch. Rúmil smiled and placed his arm around Lastad's waist, suddenly not in such a hurry to reach the tavern. He whispered back, "I think, my fine friend, that can be arranged."
The stars in the night sky seemed to twinkle and the moon of rhîw to nod. Yavanna grasped the hand of Aulë, her husband, and turned to Oromë and smiled. "The harvest was a success and so it seems was the hunt." They all laughed. Oromë replied. "My dear, what else did you expect? All should be well in the Golden Woods tonight.
And it was.
The End