Disclaimer: Tolkien owns Arda and all that there is within.

"I meant to come and see you sooner, but you know how these War Councils are," the newcomer said, an air of indignance in his voice.

"Indeed," Gildern replied with a roll of her eyes.

"How have you been?"

"Remarkably well, before your arrival."

"You are such a jester," the Elf laughed, "I never cease to laugh in your presence."

"And I never cease to laugh because of yours, Laitaro. Have you met Haldir?" Gildern walked over to Haldir and placed a hand on his arm.

Jealousy flashed over Laitaro's face before he pushed it away with feigned pleasantness, "Indeed I have not, though I have seen him in the councils before, running errands. You are Oranius' son?"

"I am."

"Haldir, this is Prince Laitaro, of Hollin."

Haldir bowed, "It is a pleasure."

"I know," Laitaro said. "Gildern, will you let me escort you back to the palace? It is getting late."

"I am afraid not. My father has asked Haldir to be my escort for the night."

Laitaro ground his teeth, "Then might I accompany you?"

"I am not yet ready to go back, you know how I love watching for the first stars. You are welcome to go ahead of us, though."

"I would much rather stay with you, if that is acceptable."

Gildern smiled, "Only if you wish," she waved her hand and proceeded to talk to Haldir. "Have you been enjoying your stay here?"

"Very much. I have never seen more beautiful gardens than these," Haldir replied, "And the hosts have been quite accommodating."

"Only because our guests are deserving."

"Gildern," Laitaro drew Gildern's attention from Haldir, "Have you seen Celebrian?"

"Not yet, but I hear that she looks more and more like her mother with every passing decade."

"She is beautiful."

"She is. You would never guess who she has her heart set upon."

"Who?" Laitaro became truly attentive; he always loved gossip.

"You."

"Really?"

"Oh, yes! She tells me every night of how she yearns for your attentions...meager and half-witted though they are."

"It is a pity, then, that my attentions are elsewhere."

"It is a pity that your attentions are not returned, you mean."

"You know that my attentions could never lie elsewhere. I will never give up."

"And I am about to give up."

"Truly?" Laitaro sounded like a little boy whose wish was finally about to be granted.

"Indeed! I smell rain. Be a dear, Laitaro, and go and look at the horizon for me."

"Anything, for you." With a bound and a leap Laitaro had jumped through the trees and onto the garden wall. In a dash, Gildern snatched Haldir's hand and pulled him along behind her, both running as fast as they could. They did not stop even when they had entered through the Palace doors.

"I shall beat you to the top of the stairs!" Gildern shouted with glee.

"You shan't!" Haldir replied, darting past her and leaping onto the stairs. Gildern lifted the skirts of her silken dress and lengthened and quickened her pace, her long dark hair flowing freely behind her. But Haldir's training was no match for hers and he beat her by only a couple of feet. He leaned up against the wall breathing heavily, and Gildern collapsed at his feet, both of them were laughing through their panting. Haldir slid down to the floor and sat next to Gildern, and she buried her face in his shoulder.

"Thank you," Haldir said, once he had caught his breath, "It has been a long time since..."

"You had fun?"

"Yes."

"You have two younger brothers, do you not?"

"Yes, but we three are often too occupied with our individual training to spend anytime devoted to play. Father would not approve, anyway."

"It is a great shame, then. I would die in despair if I were not allowed to play."

"We live in different worlds," Haldir replied, "I do not mind half so much as you would think."

"Will you be attending councils tomorrow?"

"I have not been invited to, no."

"Me either. Let us plan to spend the day together, then."

"Would you rather not spend the day with that Prince?" Haldir smirked.

Gildern glared at him, "There will never be time when I would rather be with him than with anyone else. Maybe I can convince Celebrian to spend some of the day with us."

"Is it true that she has her heart on him?"

Gildern laughed, "Oh, no, I was merely attempting another plot to get him to leave me alone. Celebrian has much better tastes than that scum."

"That is good."

"Haldir, you never answered me."

"And to what was I supposed to answer?"

"Whether or not you could devote tomorrow to entertaining me. Or me entertaining you. I assure you that I can be rather amusing."

Haldir laughed, "You are very persistent. And yes, if you wish me-"

"It is not what I wish that matters. Haldir, it is what you want."

With a sigh, Haldir nodded as thunder sounded in the distance, "I would like nothing better."

"Wonderful! I shall meet with you after breakfast and then we shall see what there is to do." As Gildern stood, she pressed her lips against Haldir's cheek and ran off to her rooms.