Cinnamon and Vanilla

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Chapter 10

You would think, Haldir mused as they neared the royal talan, that one cloaked elf carrying another cloaked elf in the middle of the day would be more…noticeable. And yet Erestor managed to get them there without being stopped. He wondered if it that was due to his reputation or Erestor’s.

Mostly Erestor’s, he decided. No one he knew would walk up to the Lord Councilor of Imladris and ask why he was carrying…wait, they had switched cloaks…why he was being carried by a Galadhrim. Specifically, by Haldir; his formal cloak, thanks to his brothers’…generosity and pride, was rather distinct, whereas Erestor’s was rather nondescript.

Perhaps then it was his reputation that kept the curious at bay. Plus it did make sense that if he were carrying one of the Imladris party it would be to where their lord was staying; he being a master healer and all.

He started when Erestor stopped and placed him on his feet. He had been so lost in thought he had missed their arrival!

As Erestor turned back from hanging up Haldir’s cloak, Haldir kissed him.

“What was that for?” Erestor asked. He unfastened his cloak and swept it from Haldir’s shoulders.

“For carrying me here. And for being so very kissable,” Haldir said with a grin.

Erestor smiled back. “I can accept that.”

“Good!” Haldir kissed him again.

Erestor kissed him back, his hands at Haldir’s waist. He pulled away after a moment, his lips plump and glistening, his eyes dark…easily the most beautiful elf Haldir had ever seen. Erestor wiped the moisture from Haldir’s lips with his thumb. “Lunch.”

Haldir groaned. He was not looking forward to some long stuff formal luncheon. There would undoubtedly be speeches.

Erestor offered him his arm, but Haldir waved it off in favor of one of Erestor’s hands. “I can do this,” he said. He drew himself up, squared his shoulders and the two of them strode from the cloak room.

***

Never before had tens of feet seemed like so many miles. It was easier than the walk to the bathroom earlier, but by the time they had arrived in the dining room, Haldir’s hips and thighs were screaming at him and he was making a conscious effort not to crush Erestor’s hand.

Galadriel welcomed the two of them at the entrance. “Erestor…I hear you have swept our Haldir off his feet,” she said with a small grin.

Erestor put his free hand to his heart and inclined his head in greeting. “He was…most persuasive, dear lady.”

She accepted Haldir’s aborted bow with another smile. “Yes, for one as watchful as he, he can be quite eloquent.”

Celeborn joined them, taking Galadriel’s hand in his and kissing her fingertips. He turned to the two ellyn and did a double take at Erestor. “I have not seen you in braids in an Age, Erestor. They have always suited you.” He then turned to Haldir. “I see you are not dead, my warden.”

From his lord’s raised eyebrow, Haldir felt an implied, ‘yet.’ He bowed as best and as deep as he could. “No, my lord. Lord Erestor has accepted my heartfelt apology.”

Erestor stepped forward slightly. “He is not the first elf I have witnessed stick his foot in his mouth during a drunken moment,” the Noldo said, raising his own eyebrow.

To Haldir’s great surprise both his lord and his lady blushed.

“Yes,” Galadriel said, “perhaps we should all go sit down, now, so lunch can begin?” She took Celeborn’s arm and they led the other two to the table.

***

The table was set for ten. The others, Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian included, were standing about chatting; Erestor and Haldir were the last to arrive.

As he looked around, Haldir wondered why he had been invited to such a select party. True, he was a senior warden, but he was not the Senior Warden, that was Derufin about to sit across from him. The others there were the head of Elrond’s guards…one of Glorfindel’s lieutenants, Minastir; Celeborn and Galadriel’s Chief Councilor, Baranor; and the senior most of Galadriel’s Hand Maidens, Vardilyë. And Erestor, of course.

He took his seat as directed, bracing himself for a long and sore meal, only to discover that his chair had been augmented by a soft and springy cushion. With a relieved sigh he began to look forward to the meal.

***

Eating a meal with one’s lord and lady, their senior advisors and important guests…when at least half, if not all, of the party knew why you would occasionally wince when reaching for something was…uncomfortable. He did not feel completely out of his depth; the lady Galadriel had taken a personal interest in him and his brothers after they’d been orphaned…but he did continuously wonder why he had been included today.

Halfway through the meal, Galadriel drew Erestor’s attention regarding orc tactics. Elrond, seated to Haldir’s left, leaned in toward him and, pitching his voice low to signal the sharp eared elves around that this was a private conversation, said, “This is not meant as punishment or to humiliate you, Haldir, I assure you.”

Haldir flushed. “I cannot see any other reason for me to be here, my lord.”

Elrond sighed and leaned closer. “Part of my ability to heal allows me knowledge of how the trauma had occurred. Your bruised flesh was the result of coupling not once, but twice, Haldir, and within a fairly short amount of time. In my professional and personal opinion, this is likely due to you convincing Erestor that it would be all right to do so…probably mentioning your fast healing, yes?”

Reluctantly Haldir nodded. “But there was not much pain…”

“Undoubtedly due to the effects of the alcohol. It hurt this morning, did it not?” Elrond asked.

“Yes, but not since you used that cream,” Haldir responded. “At least…not in that spot.”

“Good,” Elrond said with a smile. “However, if you wish to repeat such activities more than just the once, keep apart until this evening. Or you will find your recovery time stretched beyond our stay here. Even you need time to heal, Haldir.”

“I could not do so in Erestor’s talan?” Haldir asked. “I have to do it here?”

“And how were you and my councilor planning on spending this time?” Elrond asked, one eyebrow elevated.

Haldir blushed, turning even more red than moments before. “We…we were…”

“I am certain your intentions were honorable, Haldir. However…your willingness to allow Erestor to take you twice, in such rapid succession, does not bode well for your will-power…or his. Celeborn suggested this luncheon as a way to…remove temptation from your paths.”

“Lord Celeborn is wise,” Haldir admitted. Thankfully the next course came and Elrond ended the conversation there.

***

With most everyone being in good spirits and with a popular subject like how best to kill orcs, the luncheon continued past the food. After a bit, most everyone started switching seats; the better to address the person they were speaking with…most often Erestor.

Haldir felt proud that he was able to contribute to the conversation. Indeed, more than once Derufin clapped him on the shoulder with an, “Exactly!” or deferred to his more recent practical experience.

At one point Elrond drew off Erestor, Galadriel and Baranor for some trade related discussion and Derufin, Minastir, Vardilyë and Lady Celebrian put their heads together to talk about the training regimes at Imladris. Haldir briefly felt at a loss…until Celeborn sat down next to him with a sigh.

“It seems I am in the unenviable position of having to warn two people, of whom both I am fond, not to hurt one another in their new relationship,” he said.

Haldir’s heart raced. “Lord Elrond and your daughter, my lord?” he suggested hopefully.

From his lord’s level glance Haldir knew his hopes were in vain. “This is not what I had in mind when I suggested the two of you should meet while he was here,” Celeborn said.

“Yes, my lord.” Haldir swallowed. “Please do not tell me to stay away from him, my lord.”

Celeborn looked him straight in the eyes. “Do you care for him, or are you simply trying to make amends for your words of last night, Haldir?”

Haldir met his lord’s gaze without fear. “I…I have always held Lord Erestor in the highest regard, my lord, from the first time you had me read one of his books. But what I feel for him is no longer hero worship or the feelings of a student for a learned and wise teacher…I…” he paused and considered what he was about to say. “I am quite fond of him. Perhaps I am even in love with him.” He continued in a small voice, “I do not know if he feels the same about me however.”

His lord was silent for a moment. “Erestor does not take lovers lightly. He has been hurt more than once by someone professing to love him. It has made those of us who care for him…protective.”

“Lord Elrond said… something about him nearly bleeding to death. Who hurt him?” Haldir asked; his brow furrowed and his voice intent.

“That…is Erestor’s tale to tell, not mine. I can however assure you that the damage was not intentional and both have made their peace with one another since then.” Celeborn leaned forward. “However it is those who have hurt him emotionally that have done the most lasting damage.”

“He…did say something of the sort…when I told him my offer was sincere and not just the words of a drunken braggart,” Haldir said. “I would not wish to hurt him. He…he makes me feel…cherished and protected.” He laughed. “I know that sounds odd coming from my, my lord…”

“No.” Celeborn shook his head. “You were thrust early into the role of protector, both of your brothers and of this realm. It is not unheard of…”

Haldir interrupted, “I am not looking for another father figure, my lord! That is not what I want from him. He…I feel desired…and pampered. He carried me here…and I liked it.”

Celeborn smiled at Haldir’s passionate defense. “I did not think you saw him as a father, Haldir. And it is clear that he does not look upon you as a child, either.”

“It is?” Haldir asked.

“Yes.” Celeborn sighed again. “Which poses a serious problem.”

“How so? If we do care for one another…”

“Haldir, Erestor is Elrond’s right hand. Imladris would be…difficult to run without his knowledge and expertise. He cannot stay in Lothlorien,” Celeborn said.

“…I know,” Haldir said quietly.

Celeborn looked over at Galadriel and then back to him. “Are you aware you are being groomed to take Derufin’s place when he sails?”

Haldir gasped. “I…I had suspected I might be, my lord. But that is far off in the future, is it not?”

“The future sometimes comes more quickly than we are prepared for it,” Celeborn said. “If you leave Lothlorien…”

“I cannot,” Haldir said. “Aside from my duty, there are my brothers to consider. I cannot leave them, nor could I bring them with me, all Galadhrim are needed when the orcs come. To leave Lothlorien short-handed…” He bowed his head. “But if what I feel for Erestor is true…”

“If it is, if he is your soul mate, then being parted will be hard. Harder yet if you are bound,” Celeborn admitted. “Bound mates can be apart for extended periods, but it does them ill and some have faded because of it.”

“And if we are not soul mates?” Haldir asked. “We will not have enough time together to find out, will we?”

“Over the years, perhaps, if you both care enough to keep up this relationship, you will find out.” Celeborn stood. “Now, if you will excuse me, my warden, I have another conversation…with an old friend.”

Haldir stood and bowed. “Of course, my lord.” As he sat, he realized the pain in his body had faded away…to be replaced by a growing pain in his heart.

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