Not One Of You

By FlamingRebirth

Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings

"Speaking in Elfish."

*Galadriel speaking mentally to Haldir*

Mild Warnings for mild sexual situations and implications... nothing too explicit though.

Chapter Seven: Seer, Clans and Mating

It was dark and raining. The water droplets were impacting his skin so hard and quickly that it stung his delicate skin. His sharp eyes could barely make out the approaching figures but there was so many that he knew he was facing an army. A glance to the side revealed several elves in full armour standing with their weapons ready. His long, delicate fingers gripped the hilt of his sword as his heart began to pound in his chest. A man strode before him and gave him a fond glance before analysing the elves lined up before him. The man was initially unfamiliar as the darkness and age made him hard to see. The man had a scraggly brown beard, dark grey eyes and a head full of shaggy brown hair. Suddenly it all came to him and he stared wide-eyed at the man before him. Aragorn, this man was a full-grown Aragorn!

"My friends, you are strong, we are strong. As heir to the throne of Gondor I ask you to fight as Man's allies, but as your friend and honorary kinsman I ask you to fight for me! Those beasts down there wish to kill us all, they wish to destroy us! We shall not let them! We shall protect the women and children hiding beneath our feet and we will die before we allow them to reach our loved ones!" Aragorn stated passionately. "Will you fight with me?" Aragorn asked.

"Aye!" The elves replied as they raised their weapons. "We fight besides man as loyally as we will fight besides you, Aragorn, honorary son of Elrond."

"We stand by your side." Haldir assured as he stepped forward to greet Aragorn. "Never doubt this." The elf and man embraced.

The rest of the night was a blur. Haldir spent much of his time wondering where they were and how he came to be in a place he had not seen before. Haldir had found nothing from his memories and he dare not ask the others for risk of appearing insane, so it was an unaware Haldir that was forced into the battle that followed.

Aragorn took control and was screaming for arrow after arrow be fired. The orcs cried out in rage and started attacking the fortress walls. Men and even adolescent boys tensed and shivered as they tried to mentally prepare for the oncoming brutality. Despite the noise coming from the Orcs, Aragorn and the archers everyone else was silent and it was an eerie kind of silence. The quietness made Haldir think of death and those knowing that they were about to walk into death's embrace. Everyone, including the elves knew they were going to die. The Orcs, Goblins and Giants clearly outnumbered the elves and men, this was not battle; this was suicide.

Haldir would not lie and deny that the idea of running had not crossed his mind. In fact the idea had been tempting and he played with the thought for several long minutes as the battle raged on below. In the end Haldir realised that he was no traitor, he would stay and fight to the death if needed, he would not abandon his family.

The enemy finally beat their defences, large ladders leaned against the fortress walls and the brick was crumbling beneath their feet from the damage the wall had sustained. Haldir was treated to his first view of his enemy. The beast, be it Orc or Goblin was hunched over, it wore no shoes, no trousers and no shirt, in fact the only thing protecting its modesty was a fur over its genitals. The creature's skin was a dark grey-green tone and those eyes were tiny and dark. The expression on its face was creepy, it was full of twisted amusement and its scarred lips were pulled back in a dark grin to reveal sharp teeth. Those beady eyes looked at Haldir and a dark smirk appeared on its face before it let out a haunting, screeching cry. Haldir reacted quickly and sliced the monsters head off, his sword, skin and clothes were covered with black blood and it stank!

Aragorn was astonishing in battle, his eyes were so focused and his movements were so smooth. Haldir could only watch in admiration as Aragorn hacked and slashed at the enemy. Together Haldir and Aragorn easily killed hundreds of the enemy crawling up the walls and ladders but they had to falter at some point. Aragorn failed to notice the approaching enemy but Haldir easily spun and threw his dagger at the beast. It fell and Aragorn turned and smiled but Haldir could not bring a smile to his lips. Pain lanced through him from his back, he heard the shrill cry of the beast behind him and he could hear Aragorn's startled cries. He slowly fell to his knees, he saw Aragorn pass him before darkness clouded his vision.

Haldir cried out and sat up; his eyes scanned the room as he panted. He was back in his room in Mirkwood. "A dream. It was just a dream." He whispered. He tried to calm himself by taking deep breaths but he could not shake the thought that the dream was important. "I need to see Glorfindel." Haldir told himself as he forced himself out of bed. He was so shaken by his dreams that he barely noticed his own actions. He cleaned and dressed much quicker than normal and rushed from his rooms to find Glorfindel. Had Haldir looked out he would have seen it was still night but Haldir was lost in thought and panic and so this did not register.

Glorfindel took some time to answer and when he finally appeared it was clear he had only just woken up. His long hair was not brushed and his eyes were half lidded. He wore only a pair of baggy sleep trousers and was rubbing his eyes as if to rub away the sleep. Those eyes widened as they took in Haldir. "Haldir, you do realise what time it is?"

Haldir glanced outside and finally noticed the darkness before giving Glorfindel a guilty look. "I'm sorry I had not realised the time, I'll come back later."

"No youngling, something has clearly startled you into seeking me out. Come in and I will see if there are some servants available. You look like you need a warm drink." Glorfindel stated as he gripped Haldir's arm and pulled him into the room. Haldir allowed himself to be pushed into a chair before opening his mouth to speak. A long finger covered his lips. "No." Glorfindel stated. "First things first, you will calm down. We will have a drink and then we will talk."

Haldir sat in silence and did as Glorfindel instructed. Glorfindel took the time to call a servant and ask for sustenance. The servants were surprised that the two elves were awake as very few were up in the middle of the night, but they were also quite happy to serve and so Haldir and Glorfindel soon had warm drinks. Haldir sipped his carefully and took a few moments to organise his thoughts whilst Glorfindel used his own drink to wake himself up.

"So young one, what brings you to my quarters at this time?" Glorfindel asked gently.

Haldir sighed. "It may sound silly, but I've seen something." Glorfindel said nothing he just patiently leant back and listened. "It sounds stupid now I think about it but I had a dream, only it did not feel like a dream at all. I was in a strange place, a human settlement with an army of elves. Aragorn was there but he was full grown and skilled in combat. The enemy was there; hundreds and thousands of Orcs, Goblins and Giants. They bombarded the human fortress as archers shot them, but the enemy prevailed, they climbed the walls and we were forced into battle. Aragorn and I fought side by side before Aragorn faltered. He turned around to face one enemy and was unaware of another approaching him. I turned and threw a dagger into the beasts back but I too had faltered for another enemy had snuck up on me. The dream ended with a fatal wound to my back, I remember seeing Aragorn rush by me and suddenly darkness. I awoke moments later."

"Dreams are not just figments of the imagination." Glorfindel stated slowly. "Dreams are also prophecies and memories. It is very rare but sometimes the future becomes clear to our unconscious minds. I believe you may have witnessed part of your future. However it is not set in stone. Perhaps by seeing this vision now we can change the future?" Glorfindel leaned forward with a serious look on his face. "What you saw was not silly or stupid in the least and you were wise to come find me. However I am not skilled in ways of the mind. Lady Galadriel will be of more use here. I shall send her a letter informing of our urgent need to speak to her upon our return, until then I suggest we enjoy this vacation. If you are right and Aragorn is full grown, that future has a long time before it comes to pass. Calm yourself, youngling and relax."

"I do not think I can relax anymore tonight." Haldir replied. "I think I will wander the halls for a bit and explore Mirkwood."

Glorfindel stared at him for a long moment before his eyes hardened. "No, you need rest." He stated firmly. "Finish your drink and then you can rest with me."

"What?" Haldir replied. "As in us sleeping on the same bed?" He asked.

Glorfindel looked amused. "Yes young one, don't worry I'll keep myself in check, your virginity will remain." Haldir blushed as Glorfindel chuckled. "Now, you can either go to be willingly or I can drag you, I may be wounded but I am far more skilled then you are." With a small pout Haldir placed down his empty cup and approached the bed. He removed his boots and jacket but left his trousers and shirt before slowly climbing in. Glorfindel chuckled as Haldir gave him a wary glance. "Don't you trust me?" The elf asked as he too climbed into bed before pulling the quilt up and over them both.

"I trust you." Haldir replied, before silently adding 'mostly' at the end of his sentence.

"Goodnight little one."

"Goodnight."

The next time Haldir awoke was much calmer. He didn't want to wake at first, it was too warm and cosy but his mind would not let him slip back into sleep. Slowly he blinked and re-opened his eyes, he saw the wide arch-way that led outside and he saw the fine stone of the walls before noticing a warm breeze passing his ear. Since the archway was in front of him the breeze should have been cool and should have been coming from that direction, instead the breeze was warm and heading towards the window. He tried to shift but it felt as if steel bands were wrapped around him holding him into place. A glance back revealed a sleeping Glorfindel; the elf's eyes were wide open but unfocused in sleep. Haldir sighed as he realised the older elf had rolled over and embrace him during the night. He struggled to move again but the arms tightened.

Since Haldir was not a threat Glorfindel's instincts did not force him to wake, this meant that the older elf was more than happy to continue sleeping with Haldir as his reluctant teddy bear. Haldir sighed in fondness and relaxed in the elf's embrace, Glorfindel seemed to appreciate this as his arms loosened just slightly and he cuddled into Haldir's back.

A knock at the door about an hour later had the arms around Haldir tensing, Glorfindel's larger body finally shifted but Haldir was not released. "Enter." Glorfindel stated in a voice that made it clear that he was wide awake. Andon, the powerful healer rushed in with a panic but seeing the two elves together he visibly relaxed. "I hope there is a good reason for why you're disturbing my sleep." Glorfindel stated.

"I have come to check up on you both but I found Haldir missing from his room. I was visiting you to heal you and to ask if you knew where Haldir was. I can see now that I need not have worried. Good morning Haldir."

"Morning." Haldir greeted shyly.

"Are you two?" Andon asked curiously.

"No." Glorfindel replied. "Haldir sought comfort last night and offered it freely. I suggest you take a look at my companions arm, he was in a panic last night and he may have unintentionally damaged his arm."

Both elves gave Haldir a stern glare as he was finally released and allowed to sit up. Andon approached his side of the bed and untied the bandage securing Haldir's arm to his chest. Haldir allowed Andon to move his arm however he pleased and tried to hold back a wince as the pain returned. "Yes he has strained his arm, I told you not to use it or knock it child, if you repeat this incident again I will have to use a firmer, less giving bandage so you can't move your arm at all."

"Sorry."

"It is not me who should be apologised to. This is your arm Haldir and you should take care of it. A wound like the one you have sustained could easily be an amputation job. If you want to lose this arm keep damaging it, but if you want it to heal you cannot use it or knock it. Am I understood?"

"Yes." Haldir nodded after he swallowed at the thought of losing his arm.

"Now for my most stubborn patient… Show me your leg Glorfindel."

"It is alright!"

"You walked around last night to let Haldir in and to call the servants." Andon stated pointing to the empty cups on the table."Meaning you too may have strained or damaged your wound. Now show me!" Glorfindel glared at the healer but reluctantly revealed his leg to the demanding elf. Andon hummed and muttered under his breath as he analysed the leg. "Your wound looks no different, so I must assume you're walking around hasn't done much damage. I will clean and re-bandage it but I will order the soldiers to force you to rest if you do not continue to heed my advice. I am sure Kel'Anna and Im'Ladrai would gladly watch over you."

Glorfindel blushed and perked Haldir's curiosity, "Who are Kel'Anna and Im'Ladrai?"

"No one." Glorfindel protested quickly.

"Two soldiers who took a liking to Glorfindel when he last visited." Andon answered with a smirk. "Being soldiers means they lack tact, they normally take what they want and Glorfindel spent many days hiding and avoiding the two elves."

"Andon!"

"They asked me to give you these." Andon stated unrepentantly as he held out to daggers covered with intricate designs.

Glorfindel's face dropped. "I cannot take these!"

"I do not understand." Haldir stated.

Andon gave Haldir a fond, patient smile. "A soldier's weapons are the most important items on their person. Each soldier has a weapon of choice. In Mirkwood this usually is a dagger. Each dagger or bow is engraved with special designs that suit the individual who owns them. The weapons become a very personal object and so they are not freely given. By offering Glorfindel these daggers they are offering themselves. If Glorfindel takes these daggers it is a sign that he accepts their courtship, if he rejects them…"

"Why do you have the daggers? Why do they not offer them directly?" Haldir asked.

"Because I have forbidden their approaching Glorfindel at this moment, Glorfindel is too injured to move and he should not be experiencing too much stress." Andon explained. "Because they cannot approach their would-be-mate they have invoked the right of a 'messenger'. As messenger I am allowed to handle their prized weapons as long as I don't touch them, as you can see they're on a cloth and I have not laid a hand on them. The only ones permitted to touch these daggers are their owners, the owner's family and the potential mate."

"Andon, I can't accept these."

"So you reject them?"

"I…I need to speak to them. I don't wish to mate." Haldir watched surprised at the blush and stuttering. Fear was clear in the elf's eyes. "I'm not ready for that. Besides I have my duty to Lothlorien to consider. I…I can't."

"Glorfindel?" Haldir asked quietly. Startled blue eyes locked with his. "Do you wish for me to leave?"

"No young one, I'd like for you to be with me." Glorfindel replied quietly. "I don't think I can face them alone."

"As messenger I will also be there." Andon assured. "If you don't accept the daggers they cannot touch you or force you and no elf would force another into a mateship. You are quite safe Glorfindel."

"Go get them." Glorfindel instructed.

"Why are you so afraid of these soldiers?" Haldir asked quietly. "Have they ever harmed you?"

"By Valar! No!" Glorfindel replied looking shocked. "No." He repeated a little quieter. "It's just…they are very forceful and I have never been the submissive. Last time we met they were very forceful about me resigning my post and becoming their housewife. I of course did not appreciate this and told them so but they took it as a challenge, I used to be chased and pinned to every available surface as they tried to persuade me to change my mind. But do not be fooled by my words youngling, no elf would ever hit or rape another elf, it is simply not done. If an elf is abused or depressed they fade and their bodies slowly become empty vessels before dying as well. No elf would condemn another to such a fate!"

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you or imply that the soldiers were bad." Haldir stated quietly.

"No you didn't offend, it was a reasonable question." Glorfindel assured. "It just took me by surprise."

"Tel me about them." Haldir demanded.

Glorfindel chuckled and leaned back against the headboard. "Well Kel'Anna is the bigger of the two, he is also the strictest. He believes in schedules and regimes. He works his body several hours a day in the gym, eats at certain times of the day and has a very strict diet. Like all elves in Mirkwood he is blonde and blue eyed but he has an aura of power around him and very few argue with him." Glorfindel had not realised that a fond smile had slipped onto his face. "Im'Ladrai is the smaller of the two; he is an archer and is also more chaotic. How those two became friends is beyond me because Im'Ladrai likes to mess with Kel'Anna's carefully planned schedules and regimes. You could say Im'Ladrai is a prankster, but I must admit he can be intimidating. You see despite being an archer Kel'Anna encouraged him to exercise and now he is just as well built as Kel'Anna, so both elves are large, powerful and unfortunately neither have ever learned to accept the word, 'no'."

"No we haven't." Glorfindel jumped and glared at the open doorway. Standing there were by far the largest elves Haldir had seen. They weren't body-builders in human terms as they were still slim, tall and elegant in appearance but it was obvious that they had muscles and knew how to use them. Haldir could see why Glorfindel said they were intimidating because they were intimidating, their bodies easily blocked the door and had Haldir wanted to escape he would not have for they would easily have stopped him. Haldir swallowed as he watched two pairs of blue eyes flicker between him, Glorfindel and the bed they both sat upon. "Are you two mates?" The tone was calm but Haldir could see the anger in those eyes.

"No. We are not." Glorfindel replied. "But I must confess resisting such beauty is very hard." Glorfindel leered at Haldir and Haldir blushed.

"You shared a bed?"

"Haldir needed comfort and I offered it freely." Glorfindel answered. "You are not here to judge my relationship with Haldir. I asked you here to discuss the offering of the daggers."

"Do you reject them?"

"No. But I cannot accept them either." Glorfindel answered. "I am not ready to settle down with a mate, nor am I prepared to be a submissive mate. And I will not resign from my position as advisor to Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel."

"Then don't." The larger of the two elves stated gently as he approached the bed and took a cautious seat beside Glorfindel. Glorfindel looked distinctly uncomfortable but he dare not move as Andon would have had his head. "We'll ask to be transferred to Lothlorien if we have to." Andon and Glorfindel looked startled by this and Kel'Anna's next words explained why. "My loyalty to you is a strong as my loyalty to Mirkwood. Mirkwood would be fine without me as its protector there are plenty of other warriors capable of taking my place. Would you accept me? Would you accept us both?"

"We'll even consider a mate-ship with Haldir. He could be our fourth, our little one." Im'Ladrai added as he too approached Glorfindel.

"Excuse me?" Haldir muttered startled.

"We will do whatever you wish Glorfindel. Please accept the daggers. We won't mate with you just because you've taken them; we will court you as tradition dictates." Kel'Anna pleaded.

"I need to think on this." Glorfindel answered hesitantly. "I would like to be alone."

"No." Kel'Anna replied firmly. "I will not allow you to sit and think up more flimsy excuses for why you should not be our mate."

"We will even exchange roles if it pleases you. Instead of receiving pleasure and being the submissive you could be the one giving us pleasure until you are ready to receive it yourself." Im'Ladrai added. "I do not see reason for this reluctance of yours. Have we ever harmed you or insulted you? Why do you continue to reject our advances?"

"Then can Glorfindel and I speak privately for a moment? You can just wait outside the door and I'll call you back in in a few moments." Haldir stated, the two soldiers stared at Haldir for a moment before nodding and disappearing out of the door. Haldir turned and stared at Glorfindel. "You don't want to bond with them because you're scared of how much you already love them."

"What?"

"You've already fallen in love with them, you want to be with them but you're afraid." Haldir reiterated. "I see the look on your face, the blush on your cheeks and I can see how nervous you are around them. You love them."

"I…"

"No excuses. I can see it as clear as day." Haldir retorted. "Why are you saying no? You want them as much as they want you?"

"Yes but I also love several others. Some I can't have and some…" Glorfindel sighed.

"Who?" Haldir asked. "Who else do you love?"

Glorfindel stared hard at Haldir before sighing again. "Elrond, Erestor and you. I can't have Elrond and Erestor wouldn't even consider me as a potential mate."

"You think?" Haldir asked. "I think that you love them all and you don't want to bond with one because it means losing the chance with another. Perhaps you should speak to Erestor and Elrond before making a decision?" Haldir suggested. "I know I don't have experience in these matters but maybe you need to confess your feelings to the others before you make a choice? But…I don't really know what to suggest."

"Do you think they'd listen?"

Haldir was surprised by the nervousness of the elf, Glorfindel was always so sure of himself. "I think Elrond and Erestor will respect you no matter what. The one thing I've learned about the elves since I've been here is that we all forgive each other and care for each other. I do not think either of them will hurt you should you reveal your feelings. Who knows, perhaps you'll be surprised and find that your feelings are reciprocated."

"I should try…"

"You should do what you feel is best." Haldir corrected.

"So, Haldir, I have grown to love you, what do you say?" Glorfindel asked in his cheerful tone but Haldir could see the doubt and hesitation in his eyes.

"I have grown to love you too." Haldir confessed. "You have become my pillar of strength in this strange world." Glorfindel's eyes glinted with joy and he embraced Haldir with a warm hug. "Just do me a favour and protect me from those two bodyguards of yours." Haldir added with a grin, this earned a laugh which was what Haldir was after.

"So would you consider becoming my mate?" Glorfindel asked.

"Yes." Haldir answered honestly. "If I wasn't I would not have spent all morning laying in your arms and waiting for you to wake up." He teased. "I never knew the legendary Glorfindel was so lazy."

"A well-kept secret." Glorfindel replied with good humour. "Kel'Anna, Im'Ladrai you may return." He called out. The two soldiers and the healer entered and took in their closeness with raised eyebrows. "Haldir has enlightened me to many facts that I have not been aware of. I do love you but I also love several others. Haldir believes that my hesitation stems from my desire to have them as my mates but for some reason or another I cannot lay claim."

"Who are these others?" Kel'Anna asked.

"Haldir is one of them. I believed him inaccessible because he is so young and unaware of our culture and traditions. Haldir has convinced me otherwise and has agreed to allow me to court him as a potential mate." Glorfindel explained as he held Haldir to him. "The others are…well I do not want to explain who they are at this time but I wish to confess my feelings to them and find out if my affections are reciprocated."

"Will you still accept our courtship?" Im'Ladrai asked looking very put out.

"Only if you can accept that there are others who have my heart as well." Glorfindel replied.

"Is it alright to have more than one mate?" Haldir asked curiously. "Where I come from it is normal for only one man and one woman to mate, there are threesomes, foursomes and gay couples but it is considered 'wrong'."

"In our culture it is fine to mate with the same gender and to have several mates." Glorfindel explained. "Female elves are actually less in number than male elves so often a female will have several male mates. In truth it depends on the people involved. Some prefer to be a couple and others prefer to have more, some prefer their own gender and some don't. None of these preferences are seen as wrong, it just is and it has been accepted for as long as it has existed. Only Man seemed to take issue with these preferences so when men visit we tend to keep our preferences quiet."

"Foursomes and moresomes are not as uncommon as you'd think." Im'Ladrai added. "Our King, Thranduil was actually in a multi-couple relationship himself. The couple ended after several unfortunate deaths, but Elrond was also in that coupling, as was Elrond's wife. I do not know why Elrond and Thranduil rarely talk anymore but they once adored each other."

"I too am in a multi-couple." Andon commented. "We have a submissive female elf and I also have four male elves as my mates. Two are soldiers, one is a librarian and the other is my student."

"We do not know you but we could come to love you." Kel'Anna assured. "And from what I've seen so far you are affection, strong willed and wise despite being a youngling. I feel that I could easily love you. Would you be receptive if I was to ask to be able to court you?"

"I'd like to learn a bit more about your first, but I wouldn't be unwilling." Haldir replied cautiously, his answer was the correct one from the smiles on their faces.

"Can I get up?" Glorfindel pleaded as he stared at Andon. "I don't want to lay in this bed forever!"

"It is not forever." Andon retorted. "But if you keep damaging that wound it will be a longer stint in bed. Am I understood." The pout on Glorfindel's face said that he was. Andon chuckled. "Now you two will spend the day relaxing. Haldir you can walk around but avoid any unnecessary strain on your arm. I will advise the staff to bring meals to your quarters and inform his majesty that you'll be remaining secluded for the time being."

"I understand." Haldir answered speaking for both himself and Glorfindel.

"Will you accept the daggers?" Im'Ladrai asked.

Glorfindel glanced to Haldir who shrugged before giving an encouraging nod. With a small sigh Glorfindel lifted the intricately decorated blades. The two soldiers were clearly pleased and visibly relaxed. Haldir watched as Glorfindel carefully sealed the daggers in the fine fabric, Kel'Anna lifted picked up and offered Glorfindel his pack and Glorfindel gently put the daggers inside.

"Can you explain this 'courtship' to me more clearly?" Haldir asked quietly.

Glorfindel smiled warmly. "Well tradition dictates that every elf has a special object or possession that represents them and their family. The native elves of Rivendell tend to have jewel incrusted weapons and jewellery made from a rare gold and fine diamonds that can only be found in their homeland. Lothlorien elves have a more practical approach, we possess bows made from the trees of our homes, these bows are the best of all bows and so they are highly valued by us, no other is allowed them. Mirkwood elves are considered the 'richest' of the elves, they possess jewels, metals, wood and so much more, as a result their most prized possessions are jewel encrusted weapons that have been intricately worked by metal workers and stone crafters. Each possession is more than an object or weapon and so they are all made carefully, it can take years for the object to be completed to perfection. The object becomes a representation of the person which is why weapons are often burned with the elf's body in death as no other can possess it. To give these personal objects away is a sign of great trust and respect. The person receiving the gift is basically being given the other's heart and soul. To take the gift is to accept a marriage proposal."

"Glorfindel has basically said that he will accept us as we are, heart, body and soul. We are now mated by the eyes of our ancestors, all that is left is a formal celebration confirming it in the eyes of our people." Im'Ladrai stated. "There can be as many as six celebrations depending on the couple or group. The more lovers we have the more celebrations we have. With Glorfindel we will have a celebration before the elves of Lothlorien and Mirkwood, if we were to add you to our mate ship we'd have to do the celebration again before both people and if we were to accept someone from Rivendell we would have to visit Rivendell, Mirkwood and Lothlorien to confirm our mate-ship to all elves."

"The celebrations are basically a formal or legal part of our mate-ship." Glorfindel continued. "The leaders of all our people would have to bless the marriage. King Thranduil, Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn and even Lord Elrond would have to bless the ceremony, it is also where we will receive our 'marriage' objects. Normally it is a necklace or ring. Each of us would have one with a particular set of jewels and design to represent us. Because I'm from the forest of Lothlorien the rings or necklace will most likely have something to do with plants. The design will most likely be crafted into metal with jewels, if we had a mate from Rivendell those jewels would be Rivendell's finest."

"So the necklace or rings would have a part of who you are? The necklace would represent you, your people and your home?" Haldir asked before receiving a nod. "I have yet to witness such a ceremony but I believe it will be quite beautiful."

"Courtships and mating can sometimes take a long time, since we are long lived we are very particular and careful about who we mate." Glorfindel explained. "And we are also sensual creatures who are quite happy to have non-mates. There is no law saying we must marry just because we've had sex and unlike humans we have no issue with it, our bodies are immune to most diseases and such so we do not have sicknesses caused by sexual intercourse. Of course we are not whores and we are respectful to each other, we care deeply for all elves and we don't use each other but we do enjoy the pleasures of sexual intercourse. When we mate such explorations are restricted to our mates, it is looked down upon to betray."

"So…it is okay to have sex with who we choose, but when we mate we have to restrict ourselves to our mates." Haldir commented. "I see. I was wondering about it all."

"Yes I am sure you were most confused by all those offers." Glorfindel stated with an amused smirk. "But we not actually 'restricted', if we all liked another and wished to add them to our mate-ship we can, but all elves in our mate-ship must agree to accept them. If we all like another elf we all proceed to court that elf."

"For example…" Im'Ladrai continued. "…if we all like you, you would receive gifts from all three of us and eventually we would offer you our weapons."

"How so? You gave Glorfindel your weapons so what weapons would you give?"

"Well we'd have another set made." Kel'Anna stated. "Every elf has a unique design which is a mix of our clan symbol and our Mirkwood roots. Now that Glorfindel has my dagger I can ask the blacksmith to make a new dagger with the same design, the dagger would be somewhat identical to my first. If I was to gift it to you it would show that you are mated to myself, Glorfindel and Im'Ladrai as you would carry this dagger on your person to show all that you were mated."

"When I am finally well enough to stand and walk around I will dress and have those two daggers on my hips." Glorfindel explained. "To not wear them is considered an insult to the mates as it is as if I'm rejecting the mate-ship after having accepted it. Taking them off and putting them away whilst I am in a private area is considered okay, like right now as I am in my personal rooms."

Haldir nodded. "Where I come from has a similar idea, the mates would wear a specially designed ring on their ring-finger." Haldir indicated the finger he spoke of. "To take the ring off is considered an insult to the mate. It is looked down upon."

"Well it is not always good to carry weapons around no matter their symbolism." Im'Ladrai added. "The humans would see it as an aggressive act, which is why we are gifted jewellery by our leaders. The jewellery is not only a blessing but a way to show we're mated. Once we have the jewellery our weapons can be secured safely without insulting our mates. Until we have the jewellery the weapons are considered a sign of our mate-ship."

"That makes sense." Haldir answered. "The weapons are a personal symbol that you wish to protect so having them on show can be quite discomforting especially if you in an area with people you cannot trust. Then there is the fact that having weapons can be taken the wrong way. Yes, I can see why jewellery is more preferable. Thank you, I understand it better now."

"Be careful Haldir, don't take any offered weapons from anyone, particularly myself unless you wish to accept me as your husband. Taking an offered weapon is a sign of accepting marriage, to steal a weapon is the worst thing you can do it is considered a sign of enslavement and ownership as that weapon is the symbol of the person. To take a weapon would bring the might of the clan upon the thief and the victim would be entitled to take your life."

"Let me guess it rarely happens?"

"It never happens amongst elves but men have stolen our weapons once or twice. Fortunately very few understood the impact of what they had done and the kindest and greatest of men quickly handed the weapon back and offered their services to pay for the elf's humiliation. Normally the elf simply asks for a fine horse, weapon or jewel, we do not lower ourselves to behave like humans by enslaving a human or demanding certain services that would bring humiliation to the human." Glorfindel explained seriously. "This is why you must keep your special weapon safe, Haldir."

"I do not have a special weapon." Haldir answered quietly.

Glorfindel chuckled. "You will do. I suppose I should not tell you but if I don't you will not understand the impact of what is going to happen. The reason you're here and not home is because right now they don't want you there. You see your clan leader is your older brother Orophin. He is having a ceremonial bow made for you with the clan name and design engraved upon it. He has even asked Mirkwood and Rivendell to help with its making as you come from a world of metal and jewels he thought it fitting to have metal and jewels carved into the wood or Lothlorien. You will have a bow from all three elf homes but it will also represent your old home. That bow will be your ceremonial weapon. They began making it shortly after you joined them but they cannot make it whilst you were around or you'd catch on, it is supposed to be a surprise."

"Don't worry, I'll act surprised." Haldir assured. "Thank you for telling me, had you not I have no doubt I would have unintentionally insulted my brothers, my clan and the elves."

"It's alright, I should have explained this all earlier." Glorfindel stated. "It did not come to mind since we were using training weapons and you were not yet ready for your own. But I was remiss not to explain it to you before you became apprentice Marchwarden."

"It's okay. I've got a feeling I still have much to learn and as wise as you are you cannot remember everything." Haldir replied cheekily.

"Are you calling me old, little one?" Glorfindel asked with a grin.

"No." Haldir asked but his tone was slow and considering,

Glorfindel gave him a grin that made him think of a shark eyeing a seal. "Wait and see little one, wait and see."

"Can you tell me more about my clan?" Haldir asked quietly.

"Sure." Glorfindel replied. "Each clan has a special symbol. My clan uses the fox, the design is unique to my clan and until I offer you my ceremonial weapon it must remain secret, but our design includes the 'tree' of Lothlorien. My clan is known as the Protectors, my family are warriors and we are the first line of defence for Lothlorien. Your clan will have the tree of Lothlorien to represent their home, it will have a unique design which is a mix of swirls and Elven writing and it will have a symbol of the clan, I know for a fact that yours is an hawk. I cannot tell you what the design is as only your clan and those married into your clan will know. Your clan is one of the noblest clans from Lothlorien, your clan is known as the Guardians of the Forest and with good reason as almost all Marchwardens have come from your family line. You are continuing this tradition by becoming Marchwarden."

"Eh…so I'm already following my clan's tradition. Good to know I suppose. I'm looking forward to finding out my clans design." Haldir confessed.

"Is there no design in your home?" Glorfindel asked confused. "My home has it in the greeting and family room for all my clan to see."

"I never noticed." Haldir admitted with a blush. "I've been so distracted that I never took the time to observe such designs or understand what they meant."

"That's okay youngling, no one would blame you, but at least you know now." Glorfindel soothed warmly. He turned to Andon and gave the elf a smile. "Andon, some news has reached me and I will need to return to Lothlorien much sooner than I had planned. When will I be healed enough to travel?"

"Not for a good week." Andon replied sternly.

"What if we were to carry him?" Im'Ladrai asked. "Kel'Anna and I have a few weeks leave due to us and we could use the journey to Lothlorien as a vacation."

"Even then he would have to wait a week before travelling." Andon insisted. "And King Thranduil will be disappointed that they stayed for such a short time."

"It should be fine." Haldir answered. "Glorfindel can use the time to rest and as long as I don't try to use my arm I can still walk around and interact with them, can't I?" Haldir asked.

"Yes you can." Andon replied warmly. "Thranduil would love if you could tell him more about yourself and your home and he is incredibly pleased that you're getting along with one of his sons." He explained. "I'll be sure to inform Thranduil of your health, he will be sure to keep you safe and comfortable whilst you're with him."

Haldir smiled. "Then I will head down to eat with him in the great hall at lunch and then I shall spend a few hours each day in his and his families company." His answer greatly pleased the elves of Mirkwood but Glorfindel looked a little concerned. "Do not worry old friend, I have dealt with opinionated people before, I will be kind and gracious but I will not allow him to walk over me. Just worry about healing and I'll worry about the King."

Glorfindel chuckled and relaxed. "After dealing with opinionated humans all your life, dealing with King Thranduil must seem like a walk in the park." Instead of looking insulted the three Mirkwood elves looked amused and gave the two Lothlorien elves smirks.

Haldir later realised that the Mirkwood elves knew Thranduil would not be easy to handle, the elf was unbearable! Thranduil had not stopped his questions since he'd arrived. The questions were random, how many humans had there been? What had he learned as a child? How did his society work? Did they ride horses? How high did the trees grow? What kind of food did they eat? Haldir answered as many as he could but his answers asked him more questions, particularly when he revealed that over six billion humans lived on Earth and that they did not ride horses but carts that were given the power to move. Thranduil deemed it magic and when Haldir tried to explain the science he was asked more questions that he did not have the knowledge to answer. Legolas was forced to jump in so as to give Haldir time to relax.

"I swear your old man is like a kid in a candy shop." Haldir told Legolas amused. The elf stared at him confused. "I mean he can be very over excitable, I thought he would never stop." He glanced over his shoulder to the office he and Legolas had just left.

Legolas chuckled. "If I had not interrupted he probably would have kept you there all evening. Thank the Valar that we had already arranged to spend time together or he would have demanded that you stay."

"How did you convince him?" Haldir asked curiously.

"I may have persuaded him that an injured elf would need to spend some time outside to recuperate." Legolas replied with a grin. "Even my father cannot interfere with the health of another, he was forced to concede. But he may try to get your attention and bug you more often, especially since you plan to head back to Lothlorien soon."

"You heard about that?"

"The healer Andon told father whilst I was nearby. Father was disappointed but accepted that you needed to leave. He may ask why later. He was not happy that Andon could not offer him a reason other than it was important. I'm sure Andon is haunting Glorfindel's rooms and protecting Glorfindel from the King's curiosity."

Haldir chuckled amused. "I must admit that at first I thought your king arrogant and selfish but now I am seeing a different side to him. He can behave like a child when he feels the need."

Legolas smiled before his face fell. "His duty to our people makes it difficult for him. Our borders are threatened by spiders, human hunters and Orcs alike. They dare not cross his borders but anyone who strays too close becomes gravely injured. The threat and gravity of the situation has weighed heavily on my father for years. Over time the constant threat of war and pain has made my father's heart hard and cold. I wish there was something I could do but I can offer nothing and father does not seek my aid. Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn have also offered to send warriors to aid my father and they also said any Mirkwood elf is welcome in Lothlorien and Rivendell but my father sees excepting their aid as a weakness and so he carries on without them."

"I'm sorry."

"Do not be. I just wish father would consider their offers. But his pride prevents him." Legolas stated sadly. Haldir placed a comforting hand on the elf's shoulder and Legolas smiled. "Right, there is much to explore." Legolas stated changing the subject. "I think the first thing we'll do is visit the stable, both Glorfindel and you must be very worried about your horses."

Worried was an understatement. Phantom had gained some serious wounds and Haldir was terrified that Phantom had taken a turn for the worse during the night. Hearing the loud neigh and seeing the tri-coloured form practically bouncing towards him despite the wound was a wonderful sight. Haldir eagerly embraced the large head as the stallion reached the fence between him and his rider. The smell of hay, horse and grass was a welcome one and Haldir relaxed and listened to the great breaths for a moment. Legolas waited patiently besides them allowing them to have a small moments of privacy.

"How is his wound?" He asked one of the stable-hands a moment later.

"The wound seemed worse than it was." The elf explained. "It has already begun to heal and he is still putting weight on his hind leg which proves that nothing but the flesh was damaged. In a few short days he'll be well enough to be ridden but I suggest regular massaging and cleaning for a couple of weeks."

"Thank God." Haldir muttered as he pet the animals muzzle.

"Would you mind keeping him company whilst we wash and brush his fur?" The stable-hand asked. "We've tried to do this twice last night and he would not have it. It would be beneficial for his healing if we could do it."

"I'll keep him calm." Haldir assured as Phantom shot the stable-hand a horsey glare. "Behave yourself Phantom, they're only trying to help." The horse whinnied but obediently kept still as the stable-hand climbed over the fence and touched his coat. The stable-hand called over a few helpers who quickly approached with the necessary tools. Haldir chuckled as Phantom stamped his hooves and deliberately scared a young female elf. "Phantom." Haldir complained, the horse snorted and rested his muzzle on Haldir's uninjured shoulder.

"There." The stable-hand stated with pride and Haldir could see why, Phantom's coat was practically shining and the horse looked so much healthier. "Thank you." The Stable-hand stated warmly.

"No thank you." Haldir replied with a great big smile. Phantom made a startled sound as he analysed his coat before his head went up high and he pranced to the next fence to show off to some mares grazing in a nearby field. The elves chuckled at the horses antics before Haldir turned to Legolas. "Thanks for bringing me here. I needed that. May I see Swiftfoot before I go? I'd like to have some news for Glorfindel."

"Of course." Legolas replied.

"The horse, Swiftfoot has been more relaxed than your horse." The stable-hand explained as he led them into the stable. The room was warm, smelly and noisy but Haldir loved it. The most friendliest horses were kept in the main aisle pens whilst the more stubborn horses were left out in pasture or put into more secluded and secured pens. The friendlier horses were quite happy to be pet by strangers and Haldir and Legolas were assaulted by many coloured muzzles being thrust into their paths. Swiftfoot was at the end of the aisle quietly grazing on some hay but he must have smelt Haldir because he soon abandoned his meal to look over the gate. "Swiftfoot has no injuries but we decided to give him some treatment anyway to help him relax. We've given him a massage and we're planning on taking him and phantom to the horse pools later to work off some stress and energy."

"He is very relaxed." Haldir commented as he gently caressed the animals snout. "Hello Swiftfoot. Glorfindel will be pleased to know you are well. He can't come at the moment because of a leg injury but I'm sure hearing you are well will make him very pleased." Swiftfoot nibbled at his top and gently poked Haldir's wounded shoulder with his nose. "I've got to keep my arm still for a while. I'm told I almost lost my arm, but as long as I keep it still and don't strain or pressure it I'll be fine." The animal gave a sympathetic sound and nibbled at his hair. "Thank you." Haldir stated somehow knowing that Swiftfoot was telling him to get well soon, either that or that he'd be alright. "Keep Phantom in check for me, I can't help him or control him at the moment so I need you to take care of him and make sure he gets better." Swiftfoot made a small sound which Haldir assumed was an agreement.

The stable-hand was smiling as he turned. "Thanks, hopefully now your tri-coloured stallion won't be as hard to handle." The elf teased warmly.

"Don't you believe it, if Phantom can't resist treatment he'd just find another way to cause trouble." Haldir replied with a grin. "Phantom just loves the attention and making everyone's life just that little bit harder." He added before chuckling. "If you're lucky you won't get too wet later, but knowing Phantom he may just drag one or two of you into the pool with him." All three elves chuckled as Swiftfoot snorted.

"Right, we'll leave you to the horses." Legolas stated amused. "I promised father that I'd show Haldir some of the architecture." He explained. "I also assured father that I wouldn't let Haldir exhaust himself whilst he is injured. Once I've shown Haldir around I will escort him back to his quarters."

Haldir gave an amused smirk as Legolas herded him out of the stable, the elf chuckled after he sighed. "Yes, over dramatic I know." He told Haldir. "But Elijah can spend hours talking. He's a chatterbox and he doesn't mind who he's talking to. I swear if he was to become a warrior the enemy would not fear his weapons they'd fear his constant chatter." The elf stated teasingly. "Though that might be a good idea, that elf can make anyone love him. I bet he could even persuade a Goblin to be nice."

"You over dramatizing." Haldir commented with a smirk.

"Am I?" Legolas asked with a grin. "Am I?" He asked again. "Next time I'll leave you undefended with him and let's see how long you last, hmm?"

Haldir chuckled in amusement. "So are you really going to show me some architecture?"

"Yes, father wanted me to show you some of our art. He knows you've only been in Middle Earth for a while and he knows you've yet to experience the full breadth of culture that the elves have to offer, so he wants to show you some Mirkwood finery. I'm to take you to watch the blacksmith at work, to visit a few artist and to have a look at some of our fine buildings." Legolas explained.

"Really?" Haldir asked. "I look forward to it then. I was told Mirkwood has the finest Metal crafters. Well actually I wasn't told directly but it was implied. Apparently Rivendell is famed for its jewels, Mirkwood is famed for its metal work and Lothlorien is famed for wood-crafting."

"That sounds about right. Of course Mirkwood has its own jewels and wood-crafters but our jewels and wood ornaments and weapons are not as good as our kin's. Each city has its own skill that they've worked to improve over thousands of years. Lothlorien is famed for its bows in particular but very rarely is a bow made for anyone outside of Lothlorien as it is considered a very personal and valuable thing, however fine furniture does come from Lothlorien often. When a tree is old or felled the elves of Lothlorien offer Mirkwood and Rivendell the chance to have something crafted which both my father and Elrond eagerly accept as trees falling and aging is actually very rare, those trees are old but strong." Legolas grinned as Haldir smirked. "Rivendell is famed for its fine jewels and beautiful architecture, as well as its horses. You are one of the few elves outside of Rivendell gifted with a legendary Rivendell horse. Jewels are not as protected as their horses but Elrond does not just give the famed jewels away, my father can only boast three of the finest Rivendell diamonds. Lady Galadriel has a finely crafted diamond necklace and I believe Lord Celeborn has a small diamond as well. Apart from my father and the two Lothlorien elves no other has a jewel from Rivendell. And then there is Mirkwood, the famed metal crafters. Our weapons are more widespread and more renown by elves and men, our weapons are legendary and I know for a fact that many Lothlorien and Rivendell elves have daggers that were created in Mirkwood."

"Well that seems a little unfair. You're giving more away."

"Well not really. Lady Galadriel is a gifted telepath and seer, she often sends letters of guidance to my father and Elrond and very rarely pays them a visit. Lord Elrond gifted several of my fathers' men with Rivendell horses and gave several highly valued jewels to both Celeborn, Galadriel and my father and mother when they married."

"I don't believe I met your mother." Haldir commented.

"She's dead." Legolas stated quietly. "She died giving birth to me. That is why… that is why my family seems distant with me. My brothers see me as someone who has taken away their mother and my father loves me but he also sees me as someone who took away the woman he loved." Legolas explained softly.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

"It's okay. I don't hate you for asking." Legolas assured. "Here we are." Legolas commented as they approached a furnace with a heavy-built elf manning the bellows. "Haldir let me introduce our blacksmith, Harosh, Harosh may I introduce Haldir, a visitor from Lothlorien."

"Greetings Haldir." Harosh replied.

"Father wants me to show Haldir your skills as a blacksmith, you do not mind if we watch do you?"

"Not at all, though forgive me for not being too talkative, I tend to stay quiet as I work."

Haldir did not mind the silence at all, he watched as the elf expertly handled the heated metal. At first it looked unrefined and not at all like he imagined, the elf was just bashing the metal over and over again. But once the shape of the dagger was made the elf changed tactics, he began a more careful approach, he kept the metal heated but he started carving into the metal with fine tools. Over and over again the man worked and whilst Haldir could not see the design he knew it was very intricate. Finally the man slipped the metal into the water and allowed it to cool.

"Once the dagger is cool enough I will carefully clean the design to make it more obvious before polishing the metal, once the metal has been polished I will then attach a handle and sharpen the blade. Some daggers can take a long time to make because of the intricacy of the designs." Harosh explained as he put the blade down in a safe place.

"Thank you." Haldir stated. "I enjoyed watching you work." Harosh nodded with a smile and Legolas said their farewells before leading them away. "So I've seen blacksmithing and I've already seen a variety of architecture so perhaps art next."

"Very well." Legolas replied agreeably. "I'll take you to see some of our sculptures. I'm sure you saw several marble statues in Rivendell, most but not all of the statures actually come from here. Some Rivendell artists actually visit to learn from our sculptors."

Haldir could see why. Even before he was close up he could see the magnificence of the sculptures. They were well designed and clearly lovingly made. Up close he could see the detail that had gone into the sculptures. The eyes, fingers and even the toes of a sculpture of an elf were very carefully made. The details of animal sculptures were equally well-made. Legolas was right he had seen some sculptures in Elrond's palace, in fact he was now looking at a mounted rider and his horse and it was identical to the one in Elrond's palace.

"This is Gil-Galad, the last High King of Noldor. He was around for a long time and involved in several wars against the dark lord Sauron. He was a good friend to Elrond and my father and aided them in the final battle against Sauron, unfortunately he fell during the war and in his memory both Elrond and my father had a sculpture created in his memory. He rides a Rivendell horse, he wears the jewels of Rivendell, he carries a Lothlorien bow and his daggers and swords are from Mirkwood. He had all these things in life and he now has them in death, it is our way of thanking him for aiding us and it is also a way to remind all elves that he was a part of all three of our peoples and that we should never part."

Haldir nodded respectfully. "I wondered why this was identical to Lord Elrond's."

"My father and Lord Elrond were also in a mate ship with Gil-Galad before he died." Legolas added. "I'm told his death is what made them fall apart, but I know my father still loves Elrond."

"Have the King and Elrond ever tried to rekindle their relationship?" Haldir asked quietly.

"I think that there is too much pain for them both. They still grieve and being close to each other reminds them of what they've lost. But sometimes when Lord Elrond visits I think I see my father looking longingly at the elf." Legolas confessed.

"If they still love each other they should at least try to speak. I might speak to Lord Elrond about this and just see if I can make at least one of them see reason. There is no reason to be alone when they have each other." Haldir commented.

"You could try but from what I hear Elrond is being just as stubborn as my father." Legolas replied amused.

"Well I can be just as stubborn." Haldir answered equally amused. "I can drive my very calm mother nuts in just five minutes, leave me alone for a few hours and I'd probably have Lord Elrond eating out of my hands." The half-elf boasted with a grin.

Legolas laughed loudly. "That I'd like to see."

"So would I." A rather amused Glorfindel commented as they entered his private chambers.

Haldir chuckled. "Evening Glorfindel. I hope you've behaved for Andon and not moved that leg too much?" Glorfindel gave him a dirty look but Haldir was far to amused to be put off. "Of course I can always go find the elf and persuade him that you need another check over."

"You evil elf." Glorfindel muttered with a pout.

Haldir grinned. "I have news about Swiftfoot. The horse is in good health but they have given him a massage and are going to take him to the horse pools to help him release pent up energy and to keep him calm since his rider is injured."

Glorfindel looked visibly relieved. "Thank you. I was very worried about him." Haldir shrugged off the gratitude and dumped himself into one of the seats, Legolas sat down more gracefully. "So how was your day? Did you handle Thranduil well?"

"Actually he was a little overwhelming, it was fine at first but I'm glad I mad plans with Legolas or Thranduil would have kept me in his office all day." Haldir admitted. "Legolas showed me many fascinating things. I saw some blacksmithing as well as several fine sculptures and buildings. Mirkwood has a lot to offer."

"It is indeed a flourishing city." Glorfindel stated in agreement. "It is also one of the most well-known elven cities, second only to Rivendell. Lothlorien is actually unknown to anyone but the elves. It is a hidden elven city."

"Are there more elven cities?" Haldir asked interestedly.

"Hmm…yes there are but they are somewhat smaller than Lothlorien, Rivendell and Mirkwood, in fact I would go so far as to call them villages more than anything and most elves choose to stay here in the main elven cities."

"Have you been to any?" Haldir asked.

"Two, the village of Hartland and the village of Mountain Peak. Hartland is the most well-known village as often vacationing elves will visit the very peaceful village. Unfortunately the grasses and prey animals lure larger animals there and often Wargs and other unsightly predators come along, wolves and such are alright but the evil animals have to go and so I was sent to kill them with a small team of elves. The village of Mountain Peak is exactly where you think it'd be. It is the most hidden village we have and the elves there don't like anyone but elves visiting. I was also sent there on duty. I had to kill a predator and retrieve a human that had strayed up the mountain."

"I've been to one." Legolas stated. "The village of Swamptree. The village is situated in very peaceful are but the land around it is dangerous, there are swamps which led many to their death. The village is not far from Mirkwood and father visits often as he likes the peacefulness of the village."

"Why is it called Swamptree?"

"Because a particular species of tree lives there." Legolas stated. "They aren't large trees but they're big enough to climb and to hide a village. The trees feed of nutrients in the soil but they also feed off decaying matter from the swamp. Many have tried to cultivate the tree elsewhere but the swamp is the best place to grow it and its fruits are surprisingly juicy considering what the tree feeds on."

Haldir blinked. Trees that were practically carnivorous produced good fruit. That was strange. "Er…"

"The legendary elf that will have Elrond eating out of his hand is speechless!" Glorfindel taunted in amusement.

"Quiet you." Haldir retorted.

"Or what?"

"Or I'll go and complain to Andon that you're not taking care of yourself properly. Or perhaps I'll go and tell Kel'Anna and Im'Ladrai, huh?" Glorfindel's facial expression was one of horror. Haldir grinned evilly. "Best behave yourself Glorfindel."

"Evil! You are evil!" Glorfindel exclaimed.

"Why yes, yes I am." Haldir replied dryly.

Legolas stared between the two in amusement. "Do you have these debates often?"

"Nah, normally we get along just fine." Haldir answered.

"But this youngling is getting braver and braver and beginning to think he can take on the legendary Glorfindel!" Glorfindel added. Haldir murmured, "Legendary my ass." Glorfindel did not understand the phrase but he knew Haldir was saying that his claim at being legendary was false. "Blasphemy little elfling, when I can walk I am going to beat you in training and hound you for days!" Haldir gave the elf a look that clearly stated what Haldir thought of the elf's plan.

Legolas laughed joyously and clapped his hands. "You two are highly entertaining."

"Why thank you." Haldir answered. "I think." He added a moment later before turning to Glorfindel. "Fancy a challenge?" Glorfindel stared at Haldir with great interest. "I've just found out that Elrond and Thranduil used to be mates and I'm planning to get them to at least talk to each other. Apparently Thranduil still loves Elrond."

"And you want to play matchmaker and you want my aid." Glorfindel replied. He stared thoughtfully. "If this doesn't work I wasn't involved but if it does it will be the greatest fun I've had in years. Count me in."

"Legolas." Haldir asked.

"I'll help in any way I can."

Haldir chuckled and bought his hands together as he began to plan. "Hmm first things first we need a suitable reason to bring them both together." Haldir's eyes lit up. "Perhaps we can involve Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. If they both called a meeting with King Thranduil and Lord Elrond those two stubborn elves will have to answer. We could have them meet in Rivendell and then we can lock them into a room to talk or present one to the other as a gift."

"You mean bondage, my dear elfing." Glorfindel asked amused. "For someone so shy about mating and sexual intercourse you are soon quick to involve yourself with sexual fantasies of other elves. Should I be insulted or amused?"

"Amused." Legolas answered for him. "My father loves present and I'm sure he'd love to see Lord Elrond tightly wrapped on a bed just waiting for him and unlike Lord Elrond my father won't be able to resist such a tempting offer."

Glorfindel stared between Haldir and Legolas with amusement. "This looks like the start of a beautiful friendship." The elf stated warmly. "Come here you to we need to discuss who is going to knock Elrond out and secure him to the bed and who is going to distract Thranduil and then lead him to Lord Elrond's private chambers."

The servants passing Glorfindel's chambers shivered as they heard cackling coming from inside and when Andon visited much later he would find all three wearing similar smirks. Elsewhere in Rivendell Elrond shivered from what he believed to be the cold why Thranduil daydreamed about having Elrond back in his bed.

A/N: In previous chapters I spelt the Kings name wrong. The Mirkwood King is King Thranduil not Thrandil. I will correct that error in time and sorry to an Tolkien fans who've noted that.

This chapter got quite…kinky there but don't worry this is not going to turn into a PWP, there is method to my madness and no not every character is going to be homosexual, but as I explained in this chapter elves are sensual creatures and the female elves are less in number than the male elves so homosexuality is going to happen!

Currently I'm leaning to several particular pairings that I've listed below, if you favour any one of them or would prefer to offer your own pairings then please review or PM me.

Pairings:

Haldir/Glorfindel

Haldir/Glorfindel/OC/OC

Glorfindel/OC/OC

Elrond/Thranduil

Elrond/Thranduil/Haldir

Elrond/Thranduil/Haldir/Glorfindel

And of course we still have five un-mated elves to play around with:

Orophin

Rumil

Legolas

Erohir

Elladan

Celeborn/Galadriel will of course remain a mated couple.