Haldir of Lórien, Marchwarden of the Golden Wood and Captain of the Galadhrim warriors, was very glad to have arrived safely in Imladris. He had known he would be expected to escort Arwen home, but he had dreaded the task all the same -- not because of the lady herself, for Arwen was genteel, well-bred and excellent company besides -- but because of the intense responsibility.

After what had happened to Arwen's mother, Arwen's journeys to Lórien and back were all the more stressful. Going home would be easier for Haldir and his brothers. Yes, they would still have to be aware of danger, but having only themselves to worry about was much easier. Of course, Arwen was much more of a warrior than her mother had been. With Galadriel's blessing, Haldir had been training her in the use of both sword and bow. He wondered sometimes if Elrond and his sons knew about this, and what they would think did they not.

This trip had passed without incident of any sort. Haldir had noticed Orophin's gaze straying to Arwen at times and he had worried that his brother was developing inappropriate feelings for her. The pair of them could spend hours at a time discussing books and lore, a subject which Haldir had only moderate interest in and which bored Rúmil to tears. However, whatever Oro might have felt, he had not acted on and he kept his emotions inside.

Haldir was glad for the kind welcome of Lord Elrond and the invitation to stay as long as they liked. He thought that a week should be adequate time to rest, relax and prepare for the journey home. A week was probably longer than strictly necessary, but the food was so good in Rivendell that Haldir could not resist. Rúmil and Orophin would have been happy to stay for six months, but Haldir did not wish to take advantage of Lord Elrond's hospitality, or give Elrond the wrong idea. Haldir knew that Elrond would have liked to have him in his bed, but somehow Haldir felt it would be inappropriate. In fact, the only member of Elrond's family with whom Haldir would have taken for his partner in an instant was Elrohir.

Elrohir was well known to lie where he liked, unlike his twin. Rúmil and Orophin had both sported with him together and separately, as had a number of other elves of Lórien in Haldir's acquaintance. Haldir took the stance of not encouraging gossip and was known to be strict as the Marchwarden, but he secretly enjoyed knowing who was seeing whom and counted on his brothers to fill him in. More than once, however, Haldir had chastised elves under his command for speaking so intimately about Elrohir. After all, no matter how free with his favors the prince might be, he was still the grand-son of Lady Galadriel and was owed some manner of respect.

Elladan was far more deserving of that respect, Haldir thought. Elrohir's twin had earned it, keeping himself chaste for the most part. Elladan's company was preferred for intelligent conversation and planning battle strategies, but for sport and fun, Elrohir was a better choice. Haldir was not well acquainted with either of the twins, certainly not as well as his brothers were, and though he took far fewer partners than Rúmil and only slightly more than Orophin, Haldir was not adverse to a meaningless fling. This was why he was delighted when Elrond asked Elrohir to show him to the Garden View suite. The two hours before dinner was plenty of time to seduce the attractive prince and relieve some of his tension.

Haldir did not hear what words passed between the two brothers as Elrond led his daughter inside the palace, but he was slightly surprised when the twin he thought he had identified as Elrohir motioned to his brothers to follow. Ai, but he would never learn to tell them apart. Thank goodness they had different colored tunics on today. Haldir could think of no reason why they would switch places, so he assumed that the elf left to him was Elrohir and that Elladan had indeed gone with his brothers.

They walked through the long, ornate halls of the House of Elrond for several minutes in silence. Haldir frowned, staring at the back of the dark head and purple tunic.

"I trust all is well with you, Elrohir?" he asked in a light tone. No answer came from Elrond's son. "Elrohir?"

"Hm? Oh! Yes. All is well. Thank you for asking."

Haldir frowned. If he did not know better he could swear that this was Elrond's other son. He tried again to make conversation. "Your grand-mother sends her tidings."

"Tell her hello for me," the other elf said faintly.

"She sent you some new books. Arwen has them in her trunk."

"Wonderful," he replied, perking up some. "I have not had anything new to read in… ah, that is, I mean, Elladan will be very pleased."

The reply only confirmed Haldir's suspicion that something odd was going on. "Are you sure all is well with you, Elrohir?" He stressed the name.

"Of course I'm sure," came the nervous reply, slightly mumbled.

"And you are, in fact, Elrohir."

"Ah, here we are at the Garden View suite. I think you will find everything you require here, but if not I can arrange anything else you might like."

Elrond's son turned to go, but Haldir put a hand on his shoulder. "Actually, Elrohir, there is something else I would like."

The younger elf turned around, his grey eyes wide. He was shorter than Haldir and had an fine, thick mane of dark hair that was almost black. It hung nearly to his waist. His features were smooth and well-formed. He had a full mouth that begged to be kissed. Although his coloring was that of his father, he did not resemble Elrond in the sharpness of his face. His body was lean and muscular, and he was identical to his twin in every visible way.

Haldir kicked the door to the suite open with the bottom of his foot and stepped backwards, pulling Elrond's son with him. The younger elf was forced to go with him. It swung quietly closed behind him.

"What is it that you wanted?" he whispered.

"You -- Elrohir," Haldir said.

"I--"

Haldir interrupted the reply with a kiss. He had intended at first simply to goad the other elf into admitting that he was Elladan and not Elrohir, but the desire Haldir felt was very real. Haldir kissed him mercilessly, finding his way into the other's mouth with little resistance. He had expected a struggle, so he was slightly surprised. How easily he melted. Maybe this was Elrohir after all. The kiss ended and Elrond's son gasped, dragging the back of his hand over his mouth.

Haldir took off his tunic slowly, revealing his broad chest. Lust filled the eyes of the other elf, though he was shaking his head slightly. Haldir was not sure if he was going to run out of the chamber, or leap on top of him. He decided to push the limits.

"My brothers tell me that you are the best bed partner in Imladris."

"Your brothers?"

"Rúmil and Orophin. Surely you remember them, or have you lain with so many of Lórien's fair folk that you cannot recall the names?"

"That was not what I meant," came the quiet reply. Elrond's son took a deep breath. He was staring at Haldir's naked chest.

"Do you not wish to prove that your reputation is well deserved?"

There was no reply, so Haldir moved close once more to kiss him again, pulling Elrond's son up against him, tangling his fingers in the long black hair. The younger elf kissed him back eagerly now, and repeatedly, each exchange of breath growing more frenzied. Haldir maneuvered him easily towards the bed. He pushed the prince roughly down onto the bed and fell on top of him ravenously.

Haldir saw a flash of fear in the grey eyes. He knew he was taking things too far, knew his assumption was correct, though he had no idea why Elladan wanted to take the ridiculous charade so far. Elladan was clearly excited, and there was undeniable lust in his face, but Haldir suddenly did not wish to be involved in this game.

"Tell me the truth," he said in a slightly menacing tone, feeling suddenly irritated. "Why are you letting me seduce you, Elladan?"