Elladan, son of Elrond stood with his lover, Haldir of Lórien, on the marble steps at the front of the Last Homely House. Although there was much hustle and bustle going on around them, to Elladan it seemed as if they were alone -- and even though they were parting, there was only a small sadness in his heart. The bond they had made between them could not be broken by time or space.

"It will not be long," Elladan promised the Marchwarden. "I will come to see my grand-mother next spring. Mayhap sooner, depending how the journey to the Misty Mountains goes."

"Be careful, and watch your back," Haldir said. "I wish I could ride with you."

"I know you do," said Elladan, "But with me rides Elrohir and Rúmil will be glad to be quit of him for a time, I think."

"And Elrohir will watch your back better than any." Haldir smiled slightly. He reached out and touched Elladan's hair in a tender gesture that made the son of Elrond's heart tremble in his chest. "I will miss you greatly," Haldir said in a low voice.

"I will miss you as well. Are you eager to get home?"

"Not so eager. I will not mind the detour to Mirkwood, for it makes Orophin so happy."

Haldir turned and Elladan followed his gaze to his younger brother, who stood with Legolas next to the enormous cart filled with wine barrels that Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin, along with Lord Glorfindel, were supposed to be helping to guard. Elrond had given Thranduil some of their finer horses as well. It had been decided last night that the Lórien elves would take this detour.

Rúmil stood alone at the bottom of the stairs. Elrohir and Elrond emerged from the house and Elrond went straight to the cart, probably to make sure it had been properly loaded with his new wine. Elrohir came and stood next to Elladan, staring down at Rúmil. Rúmil blanched slightly when he saw Elladan's twin, but he did not move or turn away.

"Perhaps I owe him an apology," Elrohir said softly.

"You have not treated him badly," Haldir reassured him.

"I have learned from this, Haldir."

"Have you?" Elladan said raising an eyebrow.

"I love him," Elrohir said quietly, still staring at Rúmil, "But he does not love me. My heart as broken, as I have done to so many who loved me."

"You will survive this," Elladan said with sympathy. Elrohir nodded, then turned and walked back into the palace.

"I feared this would come to pass," Haldir said softly.

"As did I," said Elladan, "Yet I thought it would be Rúmil who might be hurt."

"They are much alike. I hope Rúmil has learned from this as well."

"Time to go, Marchwarden," Thranduil called from the bottom of the stair.

Elladan took a last look at all the assembled company, knowing it would be some time before they all met again. Haldir nodded to the King of Mirkwood then slipped an arm around Elladan for the last time. Elladan found himself swept into Haldir's embrace. The Marchwarden's mouth came down upon his with a passion that burned so brightly he felt himself singed.

"This will never end between us," Haldir whispered when their lips hesitantly parted.

"I know," Elladan replied confidently.

Haldir's hand slipped away from his arm at last and the Marchwarden of Lothlórien descended the stairs to join the party of departing elves. Elladan followed him down the stairs and stood in silence with his father as they rode away.

"I hope this parting is not too hard on you," Elrond said when they had disappeared over the horizon.

"It is not easy on me," Elladan admitted, "But my heart is lighter now than it was when they first arrived."

"Then I am glad," Elrond replied. "Come inside, Elladan. I have had little enough time to spend with my sons of late, and soon you, too, shall be leaving."

Elladan nodded and followed his father into the house.

[end]