Tonight and Any Other

Whee! There's more Celeborn in this chapter!

Title: Tonight and Any Other [Part 4/?]
Author: Silvertree (Megumi Takahashi)
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Legolas/Haldir, eventual Legolas/Aragorn and Celeborn/Haldir
Setting: Pre-LotR
Disclaimers/description: Please see chapter one of Tonight and Any Other.
Dedications: CryKat - You rock, chica.

'...' Denotes speech in the Elvish languages.
/.../ Denotes thought.
*'...'* Denotes speech heard when looking into Galadriel's mirror.

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"Ai! laurië lantar lassi súrinen,
yéni únótimër&aarámar aldaron!
Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier
mi oromardi lisse-miruvóreva
Andúnë pella, Vardo tellumar
nu luini yassen tintilar i eleni
ómaryo airetári-lírinen."

-Song of the Elves Beyond the Sea


-----

The archery range where the guardians of Lothlórien practiced was perhaps a mile away from the palace, an absurdly easy distance for an Elf to cover in a remarkably short amount of timet fat far enough from the main population to prevent accidental, if highly improbable, injuries. Ever since Legolas had departed for his home forest of Mirkwood, Haldir discovered himself spending an increasing amount of time at the range, putting ash and oak to yew and Elven-hair, loosing bolts until the sun had set and his arms ached.

Yet now, he found himself there even as Silmo [1] was halfway through the nightly journey across the sky. The bright moonlight was more than suffit fot for the Elf to see the target, a small circle of wood, marked with plant dyes, that was hanging from a tree. Haldir sighed as he nocked an arrow to the bowstring and drew the shaft back until the flights brushed his ear. He remained thus for perhaps two minutes, deep in thought. Most of the Elven population of the forest was outside, it being spring, a season in which the weather was comfortably cool and the sky clear. They would be watching the stars, Haldir knew, and his keen ears could pick up occasional snatches of their songs.

Haldir heaved another sigh and released the bowstring almost carelessly. The arrow whistled as it sped across the clearing, landing in the center of the target with an audible thunk. Haldir followed it half-heartedly, and dug the projectile out of the wood. As he stood examining the shaft, a sudden sense of unease caused him to leap onto a branch of the tree he stood under.

He made his move not a moment too soon; a second later an arrow connected with the target, exactly where his head had been. Haldir caught his breath, drawing his knife from its sheath. Then, to his amazement, the sound of laughter drifted across the clearing.

'Come down, Haldir. I would not have loosed that shaft had I been unsure of your abilities to dodge it.'

Haldir dropped down from his tree and glared at Celeborn, who stood across the clearing. A small portion of his mind registered how beautiful the Lord of Lothlórien looked. Pale hair was made silver by the moonlight, and the Elf was wearing an Elven-cloak, tunic, and leggings, instead of his usual robes. A quiver was slung over one shoulder, and a longbow was gripped almost carelessly in his left hand. Celeborn smiled, and Haldir shook his head, crossing the clearing to stand beside his Lord.

"How long have you been here watching me?" he questioned in the common tongue. Celeborn shrugged, fitting another arrow to his bow, and firing it into the center of another target that was hanging near the first.

"I'm not sure. An hour, perhaps."

Haldir snorted, and fired an arrow of his own, splitting Celeborn's neatly down the middle. His eyes followed the spiraling journey of a feather flight to the ground, before he turned to Celeborn and grinned.

"Haven't you anything better to do than spy on one of your soldiers?"

Celeborn unstrung his bow, wrapping the bowstring around the strong wood and sliding the bow into a holder on his quiver that had been crafted specifically for that purpose. Haldir did the same, taking a few moments to retrieve his arrows, and then rejoined Celeborn. The Lord of Lothlórien smiled, and led Haldir to a spring of fresh, sweet water that bubbled up between some rocks on one side of the clearing.

"I suppose I could spy on those who lie upon the grass and gaze at the sky, but they aren't half as interesting to watch." /Or as beautiful to behold,/ his mind added for him. Celeborn inwardly shushed the small voice, more than aware of his proximity to the one who had held his fascination for five centuries and more.

Celeborn turned to Haldir, opening his mouth to say something, but spun around instead, his face a bright shade of crimson. Haldir had stripped off his tunic and was bathing the sweat of his exertions from his skin with the cold water. Celeborn waited until what seemed like an appropriate amount of time had passed before he turned back to the spring. Haldir was sitting on a rock, sipping at water he held in his cupped hands. Celeborn sat himself cautiously on a rock next to the guardian, trying very hard to ignore how the exercise had given rise to a light flush in Haldir's cheeks, how the water made the golden body glisten and made the full lips seem moister and even more kissable.

Celeborn promptly and discreetly stepped on his own foot.

Haldir sighed and gazed up at the stars, raising a hand to trace familiar patterns with his finger. He was unaware that Celeborn was watching him almost hungrily, and thus the two sat in silence for long minutes before Haldir spoke.

'Have you completed your gift for Legolas yet?'

The Lord of Lothlórien blinked, clearing the cobwebs from his mind before replying.

'Alas, I have not. But within the space of a day I shall have finished preparing the leather and weaving the cloth, and will be able to begin the actual construction of the garments. I declare, of all the races, ours is the only one to offer practical gifts at occasions such of these, instead of gold and jewels and pointless trinkets.'

Haldir stifled a laugh as an image of Celeborn, the Lord of Lothlórien, sitting before a loom weaving formed in his mind. He covered his slip with a slight cough, before he removed a length of sinew and a small container of pinesap from his quiver, and began to repair a loose flight on an arrow.

'Aye, that we are. If you would tell me, Celeborn, what are you planning to present Legolas with?'

Celeborn smiled; he felt so much more comfortable now that Haldir had dropped the formal title of "Lord" during their frequent conversations. He dipped a hand into the spring and drank lightly of the water before making a reply.

'A pair of strong boots with soft leather leggings to match, and a cloak for warmth and protection from the elements. What have you prepared for him?'

Haldir dropped his arrow back into the quiver and put the repair supplies away.

'A bow such as the ones we use here, inlaid with bronze and with such a pull that only an Elf could hope to bend it. Arrows as well, each one straight and fletched with well-split feathers. Also a pair of knives, with handles of bone and mithril blades, truesilver blades with a beaten edge that will never have to be sharpened.'

A soft chuckled spilled from Celeborn's lips as he rose, then helped Haldir to his feet. The Elves started off ac the the clearing, Celeborn carrying their equipment while Haldir tugged his tunic back over his head.

'You always have to outdo everyone, don't you Haldir?'

'That isn't it,' the Elf snorted indignantly, taking his bow and quiver from Celeborn. 'A grown Elf should carry a grown Elf's weapons. Besides, I feel as if I should make things up to him. After all, it was my fault that his old knife broke.'

The Lord of Lothlórien smiled softly, his mind drifting back over the years.

'That it was, dear Haldir, and do I not remember the day as if it were yesterday?'

The pair continued their walk back to the palace at a leisurely pace, laughing and remembering events and times of old. When they were in sight of the palace, Celeborn suddenly turned, gripping Haldir's hands in his own.

'Haldir... Would you be willing to look into the mirror?'

Haldir looked puzzled, wondering at his Lord's words and the sudden warmth he felt from the Elf's hands. His own body tingled, responding with a warmth that he couldn't explain as he answered.

'If my Lord commands it, I will look.'

Celeborn sighed and released Haldir's hands. His eyes dropped to study the ground briefly, before they rose again to meet the guardian's. The Elf could hear the pain in his own voice as he spoke.

'Haldir, my dearest friend. I do not command, but I do offer. I would not want you to look upon the times if you did not desire to do so.'

Impulsively, Haldir reached out and embraced his friend of centuries. He felt a strange sense of contentment when, after an initial period of hesitation, Celeborn raised his arms and returned the embrace, clutching the guardian to his body with a strength and a need that Haldir couldn't even begin to place. His thoughts unconsciously turned to Legolas, and he remembered their first true embrace, full of passion and hunger. Smiling, he moved Celeborn back to arm's length, marveling at the beautiful pink flush on his Lord's face.

'I will look, Celeborn, of my own will.'

The Lord of Lothlórien felt a sudden sense of relief, as if an iron band wrapped about his chest had been cut, and he smiled. He took Haldir's hand in a gentle grasp and led the guardian along the edge of the river that flowed through the center of Lothlórien. Most of the stargazers had retired for the night, and as such very few voices disturbed the Elves as they padded, silent as wraiths, along the soft grass of the riverbank.

Haldir felt a faint sense of unease as Celeborn motioned for him to halt by a large, shallow pan of silver. The guardian's eyes followed his Lord as the other Elf crossed to a pool of clear water, replenished by a minute waterfall from the rocks above. Celeborn took a pitcher that was nearby and filled it with water, and returned to Haldir's side. He held the vessel poised above the basin, hesitating.

'Haldir, you can still choose not to look, if you so desire.'

Haldir shook his head, and wrapping his hand around Celeborn's, emptied the contents of the pitcher into the pan.

'I will look, Celeborn.'

Celeborn swallowed hard, trying to control each and every reaction his body had to Haldir's touch. The pitcher seemed to take a thousand years to empty, and the second the last drop fell into the mirror, he tore himself away to replace the pitcher by the pool. Celeborn could feel his face burning, and on the pretense of scooping up a drink from the clear pool, he splashed the cold water onto his skin. He dried his face before returning to Haldir. The guardian smiled at him, before turning his attention back to the mirror.

'What should I do?'

Celeborn stepped back slightly, and nodded towards the smooth surface of the water.

'Look into the mirror, Haldir. It shall reveal whatever it desires you to see.'

Haldir took a deep breath, and braced himself on the pedestal the mirror sat upon. The smooth surface remained undisturbed for several seconds, and then rippled from the center outwards. Haldir flinched slightly, but forced himself to continue looking.

Two bodies entwined on blankets of crimson silk, one light and one dark. Haldir gasped as he saw Legolas' face, clearly and distinctly; the other man he did not recognize, but knew to be no Elf. Legolas pressed a gentle kiss to the lips of the darker figure, and was wrapped in a tight embrace in response.

*'Cherish me, Legolas... Hold me close to you for the duration of my days; without you I shall die.'*

*'Oiale, Estel. An ilya lúme.'* [2]

A hoarse sob escaped Haldir's throat, and with a sudden motion he overturned the basin with his hand. It clattered from its pedestal to lie in the grass, the water sinking back into the earth. Haldir buried his face in his hands, trying to forget what he had seen. Hot tears blinded him, and he barely registered Celeborn helping him to the pool of water in the rocks. Then a piece of cool, wet fabric was gently mopping the tears from his face. Haldir looked up, blinking back a second wet onslaught. Celeborn had stripped off his tunic and was using it to wash away the salty droplets, and he silenced Haldir's protest almost before it was voiced.

'Haldir, do not worry about it. It is not the only one I own, and it currently serves a more important purpose than that for which it was originally intended.'

Haldir managed a sniffly response, and Celeborn sat down beside his friend with a sigh. He wrapped one arm around the weeping Elf's shoulders, using his other hand to wash away fresh tears.

'Dearest Haldir... I know what you saw, for I have seen it as well. It has not yet come to pass, and it may not, for all we know. The mirror simply shows possible outcomes. Promise me that whatever happens, you will not hold young Legolas in contempt, or seek revenge. The future is not his own doing, nor is it under our control.'

Haldir nodded weakly, and struggled to his feet. Celeborn wrapped a careful arm around the other Elf's waist, supporting him, and Haldir leaned gratefully against Celeborn's side, too exhausted to stand on his own. Celeborn helped his friend climb the steps leading to the palace, then through the corridors leading to Haldir's quarters. Ushering the other Elf inside, he turned a blind eye towards his own desires and removed Haldir's sweat-dampened clothing, before wrapping the Elf in a silken robe. Celeborn lay Haldir gently back on the bed and drew a blanket over him, and was turning to go when a hand grasped his wrist.

'Celeborn, the mirror...'

The Lord of Lothlórien shook his head, and brushed a few errant strands of hair from Haldir's face.

'Nay, Haldir, worry not about it. I shall attend to it.'

Haldir nodded and murmured sleepily.

'Celeborn... will you stay with me, this one night?'

Smiling, Celeborn drew a chair next to the bed, and took Haldir's hand in his. He reached out and gently stroked the blond head, soothing in his touch until Haldir's chest rose and fell evenly with the breaths of sleep.

'For as long as you need me, Haldir, I'll be here.'

-----

For the first time in months, Haldir was able to function without thinking about Galadriel's mirror. It was the day of the Autumn Festival, and with all the excitement in the air, Haldir felt like a child again. He helped carry the dining tables out into the clearing surrounding the palace, and he climbed into the trees with a group of other Elves to hang lanterns from the branches. Even Galadriel was busy, helping in the kitchens with the baking. Celeborn was putting the finishing touches on Legolas' gifts, embroidering the leather and woven cloth with Elvish patterns and runes. He sat outside amidst the hustle and bustle, and waved when Haldir bounded through a tree overhead.

In the middle of the afternoon, the workers ended their labors. Some went to the kitchens to help with last-minute preparations, but most retired to their quarters to rest before the festivities that night. Celeborn and Haldir were in Celeborn's quarters, taking wine and fruit, when a knock on the door attracted their attention. Celeborn took a sip of wine and nodded.

'Enter.'

A flaxen-haired Elf entered, kneeling before Celeborn's chair. Celeborn motioned for him to rise, and offered him a glass of wine. The Elf smiled and accepted it, wetting his throat before speaking.

'I thank you, my Lord Celeborn. The day is hot, and the run from the gates to the palace is not a short one.'

Celeborn grinned, and offered the platter of fruit.

'It's my pleasure, Orophin. Why should I not honor my best messenger? Tell me, what news do you bring me, that makes you run so swiftly?'

Orophin, brother of Haldir, gestured across the lawns, swallowing an apple slice as he did so.

'A rider is at the gates, Lord Celeborn. He requests to speak with Haldir and yourself.'

At those words, both Haldir and Celeborn sat upright in their chairs. Haldir's eyes were wide, and he could feel his heart pounding with anticipation. Even the normally taciturn Celeborn looked excited, and he grasped Orophin's hand.

'From whence does he hail?'

Orophin turned and smiled at Haldir, before turning back to his Lord and addressing him.

'Mirkwood, Lord.'

Both Elves jumped at a sudden clatter behind them, spinning swiftly about. All they saw of Haldir was a foot disappearing down the hall; his chair was overturned on the floor. Orophin bent and righted the chair, before turning to Celeborn.

'What was all that about?'

Celeborn shrugged, looking serious for a moment. He pretended to brush a piece of something or other off of his clothing, before replying.

'I have no idea.'

Then his face split into a wide grin, and he hitched up his robes, tearing off after the departed guardian. Orophin could only follow his Lord into the hall and stand, mouth gaping, as he watched Celeborn race down the corridor, all dignity and grace forgotten.

---

The distance between the palace and the gates of Lothlórien had never seemed so long, but Haldir had never had so important a reason to be there. As he rounded the final turn, he stopped dead, heart beatirantrantically. He almost didn't recognize the figure standing there, but then...

'Haldir!'

Haldir barely had time to open his arms before he found them full of Legolas, and within seconds they had collapsed, laughing and embracing, to the ground. Grinning, Haldir moved his lover back for a thorough look. In the year they had been apart Legolas had grown, reaching his full height and matching Haldir. The slight roundness of youth that had marked his face was gone, settled into the definitive angles that marked the classical Elven beauty. His body felt stronger as well, and his blond hair was braided in the style of adults. Haldir felt his blood boil as Legolas kissed him fiercely, and he forced himself to break away before he encouraged the other Elf to take him right then and there.

'Kalwa...' [3]

A light cough behind them made Legolas and Haldir scramble to their feet. Celeborn adjusted his robes, and then openes ars arms. He grunted as Legolas slammed into him, but he returned the other Elf's tight embrace with just as much fervor.

'Legolas, you couldn't have come on a more perfect day! The Autumn Festival is tonight; won't you join us?'

Legolas smiled and nodded, allowing Haldir to draw him away from the Lord of Lothlórien. His hand came up to tuck a braid behind his ear, and his blue eyes sparkled.

'I would be honored, Lord Celeborn.'

Haldir suddenly grasped Legolas about the waist, lifting the lighter Elf into the air. Legolas yelped, and beat on the top of Haldir's head with his fist until the guardian put him down. Haldir grinned, refusing to let his lover go.

'I think he should have to sit on my lap, seeing as he's partaking in our festival without doing any work to prepare for it.'

Celeborn chuckled; Haldir hadn't been in such high spirits since before he found out that Legolas would be leaving. It made sense, the Elf mused, that they would be happiest when they were together. Celeborn shook his head, as much to clear his mind as to reject Haldir's idea.

'Nay, Haldir, I think not. After all, he is no longer a child who needs the care of a nanny.' The Lord of Lothlórien raised an eyebrow. 'Speaking of which, what are we to call you now?'

Legolas smiled, allowing himself to relax in Haldir's arms. He had almost forgotten things in his excitement, and he nodded to Celeborn in apology.

'I am known as Legolas Greenleaf now, Lord Celeborn.'

The elder Elf nodded; it was a wise choice of a name.

'It suits you, Legolas, one who is so proficient in the ways of nature. It is a strong name, too, but you are more than worthy of it. I congratulate you.' A pale eyebrow arched, and Celeborn looked at Legolas briefly. 'And please, refrain from calling me 'Lord.' It makes me feel positively ancient.'

A few moments of silence elapsed before the normally sedate Elves burst out into peals of silvery laughter; the noise echoed through the trees and set a flock of birds whirring into the clear autumn sky. Legolas regained enough breath to wipe a tear of mirth from the corner of his eye, and managed a shaky reply.

'Of course, Celeborn... sir,' he amended, still unused to the idea of addressing the Lord of Lothlórien by first name alone. For all that Celeborn had the reputation of being somewhat slow-witted, the Elf had, in reality, a sharp mind, and was someone to be reckoned with.

Celeborn heaved a sigh, and clapped his hand on Legolas' shoulder.

'Well, it's a start, anyway...'

The golden-haired Elf looked towards the sky, and jumped suddenly as he noticed the position of the sun. It was low over the horizon, and the sounds of voices began to drift through the heavy evening air. Lantern light was visible from the grounds outside the palace, and soon a sweet voice pierced the air, calling to everyone within earshot.

'Hands joined in friendship,
Voices lifted in song.
Release thoughts of worry,
Relief comes 'ere long.
The seasons have changed,
As one can plainly tell.
Welcome Autumn to the lands,
Eat, dance, and be well.'

Celeborn sighed again, and gestured towards the festival area.

'It would not do, the Crown Prince of Mirkwood arriving late to the festivities.'

Legolas set off across the lawn at an impressive clip, and Haldir had to run for a few moments to catch up with him. Celeborn followed at a swift, but more sedate pace, shaking his head and muttering to himself. Legolas paused for a moment, turning to glance at the trailing Lord.

'It would not be fitting, Celeborn, for the Lord of Lothlórien to be late, either.'

Celeborn gave a loud snort that was audible even halfway across the lawn, where Legolas and Haldir stood, and he broke into a run. The three of them matched each other step for step, until they emerged into the clearing that had been prepared for the evening. The first thing they noticed was a tall, willowy Elf standing atop a tree stump. His beautiful face was lifted towards the darkening sky, and it was from his throat that the songs of welcome and rejoicing were pouring. His last note hung quavering in the air as he stepped down from his perch and took a seat about halfway down one of the tables.

Motioning Legolas and Haldir to be seated, Celeborn noted gratefully that Galadriel had placed his gifts for Legolas under his chair. Word had spread that the Prince of Mirkwood had returned, and many of those who arrived carried gifts with them. Finally, once everyone was seated, Celeborn gently tapped the side of a crystal glass with a silver spoon. The noise carried through the air, and conversation ceased. Celeborn rose to his feet, and tucked his hands into the opposing sleeves of his robes.

'Friends and kin, we have the honor of having a kinsman of royal blood dining with us tonight. Crown Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood will be visiting for some time, having recently completed his Rites of Passage. He is numbered among our warriors now, and in him you may place your trust and confidence. But let us not, in our celebration, forget those who have left our number. Do not forget our kin who have died noble deaths defending our home from outsiders, and those who have crossed over to the Grey Havens.' Celeborn paused for a moment, letting the silence hover in the air. Then he cleared his throat. 'That being said, please commence the festivities.'

The sudden noise seemed deafening to Legolas at first; for the past year he had only his own voice to listen to. But soon he settled into the familiar pattern of talk and conversation, and he nibbled at the food that was passed around the tables. Dishes of cooked grains, fruits and vegetables harvested from fields, even fish from the rivers. The last was a rare delicacy, served only at festivals.

Legolas' mind, however, was not on the food. He was sitting between Haldir and Celeborn, and his attention was completely devoted to the former. Finally Orophin leaned over and poked Legolas in the arm.

'Stop making eyes at my brother and eat, young Prince. You'll never build your strength like that, eating as though you were a bird that lives in the trees and feeds on seeds and worms.'

Haldir pushed his brother playfully, and gestured at an Elf a few places down on the other side of the table.

'Huh, you're not one to talk, onóro. [4] You've had eyes only for young Whitelock the entire evening, and for the past year, might I mention.'

Legolas snickered at the sudden blush that painted Orophin's high cheekbones, and he followed Haldir's finger. He was pointing at the tall Elf who had been singing earlier, and the source of his name was immediately apparent. Whitelock's hair was jet black, except for a single lock of snow white. His dark hair and complexion marked him as one who was not descended from the Elves of Lothlórien, but his bearing marked him as one who had lived there for some time. Whitelock looked up and noticed Orophin's gaze, and he flushed, before looking shyly at his plate.

'I think he likes you, Orophin!' Legolas laughed, speaking around a mouthful of fish. 'Why don't you go over and introduce yourself?'

Orophin rolled his eyes, but picked up his plate and walked over to where the other sat. Whitelock immediately moved over to make room for the other Elf, and the two were soon in deep conversation, laughing and smiling. Haldir shook his head, taking a sip of wine.

'Honestly, it's about time he introduced himself. He's only been mooning over Whitelock for a full cycle of the seasons.'

As the nigore ore on, the courses changed, and as the Elves were finishing their final portions of sweet cake and glasses of wine, Celeborn rose from his seat again. Talk ceased, and all eyes turned expectantly towards Galadriel's husband.

'I thank you all for joining with us tonight, in this celebration. For those that wish to remain to dance and sing, you are welcome. You are also welcome to go to a destination of your own choosing. But before such events occur, I would like to present Prince Legolas with a few tokens of congratulations and welcome.' Without any further words, Celeborn handed Legolas the carefully folded leggings and cloak, and the tall boots. Legolas ran his hands over the items, stunned by the sheer quality of the materials and the amount of effort that must have gone into making them. Hesitantly he draped the cloak about his shoulders, allowing Celeborn to fasten the silver and emerald clasp at his throat. From all the tables there were comments of approval, and Legolas smiled graciously at Celeborn.

'I thank you, my Lord, for your generosity. I shall not defile these by attempting to preserve them, but shall wear them as was intended.'

Celeborn nodded and sat down, smiling, allowing Galadriel to come forward with her gift. The Lady of Lothlórien gently placed an intricately crafted diadem of gold and silver upon Legolas head, smiling at the look of surprise in his eyes. So the presentations continued, and Legolas soon found himself laden with useful clothing, materials for weapons, and new packs. His eyes lit up when Haldir presented him with the bow, arrows, quiver, and knives, and it was all Legolas could do not to embrace the other Elf.

As Haldir watched other present Legolash thh their offerings, he couldn't help but be amazed by the transformation a single year had made in his lover. Legolas was composed, polite, and formal. Yet it was not a formality that made people feel uncomfortable. It was instead a formality that very few could master, one that made people feel respected. Legolas would make an excellent King, Haldir decided, as he watched Legolas accept the gift of a pottery bowl from a young child with as much gratitude and sincerity as he had Galadriel's diadem and Celeborn's clothing.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, people moved and began to dance, making music with flutes and their own clear voices. Celeborn enlisted the aid of a few warriors to carry Legolas' new possessions to the Prince's room; he would not hear of Legolas performing the task himself. The Prince, therefore, remained on the lawns, dancing with Haldir and a few others who asked for a chance. Orophin and Whitelock were singing a fast reel, and a circle had formed around them. Full of the delicious food and exhausted from the excitement of the day, Legolas could at last no longer contain a yawn. He watched Orophin and Whitelock slip away from the rest of the Elves, and smiled. He had a feeling that Haldir's brother would not be alone this night, nor for a long time after.

Celeborn soon appeared by Haldir's side, and he looked at Legolas for a moment.

'You look positively exhausted, Legolas.'

The Prince nodded, bowing slightly to the older Elf.

'That I am, Celeborn. I was just about to retire, if you'll kindly excuse me.'

Celeborn smiled, and gestured in the direction of the palace.

'By all means, Legolas. We were planning on holding an archery tournament tomorrow, and we would dearly love you to participate. You should rest yourself. I must ask your pardon, though. I need to talk to Haldir for a while.'

Las sas smiled, bowed again, and turned to walk off across the lawns. Haldir looked at him fondly, and shook his . It. It was amazing how much Legolas had grown; even his step was slightly different, more graceful and controlled. Suddenly remembering why he was not following the flaxen-haired Elf, the guardian of Lothlórien turned to his Lord.

'You wished to speak with me, Celeborn?'

But Celeborn had not missed the look of restlessness in Haldir's eyes, and he sighed, shaking his head.

'Nay, dear Haldir, it would be wrong for me to keep you for my own purposes on the first night of his return. Go to him, for what I have to say can be said on the morrow. Perhaps it is better for me to have more time to think about what I must tell you.'

Haldir looked at Celeborn quizzically, but did not question. He bid the Elf a good night and restful dreams, before turning and following Legolas to the palace.

---

By the time Haldir had reached his quarters, bathed, changed into a short robe, and made the journey to Legolas' rooms, no sounds came from behind the heavy door. Haldir gave it a tentative push and found it to be unlocked; he slipped inside and fastened the bolt. The candles had been extinguished and the curtains over the windows were open, letting the silvery moonlight stream in.

Haldir crossed silently to the bed, smiling as he looked down at the lone occupant. Legolas' eyes were closed, and it was impossible to tell if he was asleep or not. Haldir settled himself on the edge of the bed and simply watched his lover, admiring the play of the moonlight on pale skin and golden hair. He did not know how long he sat thus, but at length words spilt from the lips of the being he observed.

'Why are you sitting there, Haldir?'

The guardian chuckled, reaching out to brush his fingers over Legolas' cheek.

'I am watching you, beloved. Is it not obvious?'

Deep blue eyes opened slightly, and Legolas sighed.

'I mean, why haven't you gotten in bed yet?'

Haldir laughed out loud at the statement, and untied the sash on his robe. He let it fall to the floor and crawled under the covers, whereupon he immediately found Legolas wrapped around him. Their lips met for the second time in over a year, fiery and passionate. Theoke oke apart only when the need for oxygen overcame their need for the feel of each other, and Legolas rested his head on Haldir's shoulder. It was not a night for lovemaking; rather it was a night for gentle reaquaintance and simple contact.

The Prince of Mirkwood smiled as he felt Haldir's breathing fall into the comforting rhythm of sleep. For the first time in a year, in another kingdom, Legolas Greenleaf felt as if he was truly at home.

----------

To be continued...

[1]- The Moon
[2]- 'Forever, Estel. For all time.'
[3]- 'Beautiful...'
[4]- 'Brother'