Disclaimer: Really, they are not mine!

Haldir lives!

Just to let my readers know, Haldir is not supposed to come off as a complete jerk in this, just a concerned friend. Don't flame me for that.

Chapter 12

Haldir walked to breakfast the next morning slowly hoping to catch someone at the table. Instead he was met with the lady of the house.

"Good morning Lord Haldir, did you sleep well?" Elle smiled warmly from where she sat. Haldir noticed the many papers spread around next to her on the table.

He returned the smile, "I have never had any trouble sleeping here lady. Your family has always been gracious and courteous to us when we have visited for any reason."

"That is good to hear. Will you join me for breakfast?" Elle began to clear up the mess of papers.

"Actually lady, I am looking for my brother Rumil. Have you seen him?" Haldir took a closer look at Elle and realized she had again chosen to wear clothes that flattered her appearance. Her hair was braided completely and she wore a dress of red material. "You look lovely today."

Elle looked down for a moment before returning his gaze, "Thank you." There was a pause in which Haldir could tell she was debating something with herself, but the moment passed quickly. "I believe Rumil is in the library studying the maps of the valley."

Haldir nodded his thanks before leaving Elle. Down the hall, Haldir did find Rumil in the library buried in a book on Limduin history. He approached his brother quietly and settled himself into a chair on the other side of the table.

Rumil looked up from the book, "Yes?"

"I want you to tell me what has happened since I was last here." Haldir reached across the table and pushed the book down.

"I thought Lady Gaealis and you spoke last night about the last three months." Rumil allowed Haldir to remove the book from his hands and gave his brother an innocent gaze.

"Rumil." Haldir gave him a serious look.

"They have been inseparable since you left."

Haldir waited. When Rumil didn't say anything Haldir gave him another hard stare.

"Alright. They started out as just friends I didn't worry about it. She still had a thing for you if you remember. She was very interested in helping with that colt. She followed Valandil around so she could learn everything she could from him. You also told him to help her with the council any way he could. The three of us sat down about a week after you left because she wanted a more developed sense of security in Limduin. She thought it might also aid in the training of any one who would want to eventually become part of King Thengel's Rohirrim riders." Rumil paused for a moment to allow Haldir to think about that. Then he continued. "The scouting parties started about two weeks after that. It is actually a very good idea. The counsel loved it. They thought one of us had thought of it, but I told them otherwise. She has become quite a leader in such a short amount of time."

"Rumil," Haldir interrupted, "I want to know about Lady Gaealis and Valandil."

Rumil sat back in his chair. "Like I said, they were working with her colt a lot. I didn't notice at first. Valandil engaged her in conversation about Limduin and other things about the area. They started spending more time together outside of the horses. They went for rides together and they just got longer and longer. I began to take notice then. The next thing I noticed was the walks they started taking, every night about sunset. They also read together in the library in the evening, usually in front of the fireplace or on the chaise next to it. For a while I think she fought it because of you, but there was definite reciprocation of feeling."

"Have you spoken to either of them?" Haldir did not like the idea he had missed something like this in one of his own guards.

"I was worried at first especially because I believe Valandil showed feelings first." Rumil studied his brother. "This is not a bad thing Haldir."

"I didn't say it was." Haldir replied dryly. "How about now? How do you feel about it?"

"I believe Elle and Valandil are in love."

"She is seventeen." Haldir was not sure how to react to this news. He felt protective about Elle and his guardsman. "How do you feel about the situation though Rumil?"

Rumil considered the question; "I feel we should let them alone. I'm sure Valandil and Elle have discussed things."

Haldir sat up, "She questioned you about elves."

"Yes, she has asked questions. She has heard the stories of elves dying of broken hearts and she wanted to know more about it. That was only a week ago, so I don't know what is going on now. I think she is worried." Rumil waited, "What are you going to do?"

"I think I will talk to Valandil. I like to know what is going on with my guards." Haldir stood up, "You could have told me these things earlier."

"I knew you'd notice." Rumil grinned, "Especially when she didn't seem to be crazy about you anymore. You are kind of vain."

Rumil ducked the swipe from his brother with a laugh.

XxXxX

Elle was napping in the library when she heard the door open then close. There was no other sound so Elle knew it had to be an elf. Something in her mind told her it was Valandil. She smiled before opening her eyes.

"Elle." Valandil spoke softly and sat down beside her on their chaise. "Haldir wants to speak with me."

Elle sat up, "When?"

"He requested I meet with him in an hour in the study." Valandil pushed a piece of hair out of Elle's face. "We knew he would find out."

"I think we should speak to him together. There is no reason to speak to us separately." Elle pushed her hair behind her and sat up. "Shall we go? I have some things to do in the study anyway."

Valandil agreed and they stood together to move into the study.

XxXxX

Haldir entered the study and was surprised to find both Elle and Valandil already there. He moved across the floor and took a seat among the many in front of the fireplace. Valandil was already seated in front of the fireplace, but Elle was behind the desk working on business dealing with Limduin. She finished what she had been doing and crossed to where the elves sat waiting.

"Haldir, we felt you should speak to both of us." Elle sat next to Valandil.

Haldir could see that four months of ruling had changed Elle more than he thought. "It might be best." Haldir watched the couple intently. "I know you have been spending a lot of time together and believe yourselves to be in love. But, Elle you are still young and have been through a lot in the last six months. Valandil has been a good friend to you." Haldir paused. "Valandil, you are an elf. Elle is human. This could cause severe problems, I believe you know what I am referring to." He stopped again to give them a minute. "I don't want to sound cold, but I am worried for both of you. Please, don't say anything now, just take some time to think about this."

Haldir is not a bad guy in this, he is just protective. Let me know what you think cause I'm thinking of just letting it go.