Haldir awakened the next morning with Elladan in his arms. The son of Elrond lay pressed snug against him back to front. Haldir slid up to lean on his elbow so he could look at his new lover. Elladan was beautiful in his rest. His long dark hair was unbound and splashed in a shining cascade over the pillow. His intense grey eyes were closed and his face was unlined with the worries which often haunted his expression. His flawless skin, just a shade darker than Haldir's own, had a quiet glow to it. As Haldir's eyes slid over the peaceful form, Elladan's soft, delicious lips curved upward in a smile.

Haldir could not recall the last time he had experienced such a strong connection with someone, a bond which seemed to have sprung up full-blown between them. A fierce loyalty to Elladan seemed to burn inside of Haldir. He wanted to soothe all of Elladan's worries, protect him from the troubles that pained him. Elladan was no child, and Haldir knew him to be a fierce warrior who had slain many orcs, but there was a remaining vestige of innocence in him that called to the Marchwarden.

Elladan was a lover who would never betray him, Haldir knew. There was a security in entering into this bond with him. Even when they inevitably had to part, it would still linger as a promise that eventually they would be reunited. At least Elladan often had cause to come to Lothlórien, since his grand-parents lived there.

Haldir hoped that Elladan would be able to overcome his jealousy. He knew what it was born from, and that it must have been difficult to ever find this sort of connection while growing up with a twin like Elrohir. He would prove that Elladan had nothing to worry about, and hope it granted the son of Elrond the strength that he so desperately needed.

Haldir realized that he wanted to let go and love Elladan fully. He wanted to give in to the bliss of foolish, headstrong romance. It was not in his nature to act this way so he found himself slightly surprised by his own feelings. He supposed it was born from the fact that he had quite honestly never met another elf he felt so safe in loving. Only time would tell if this was as real as it seemed, Haldir thought as he finally gave in to the urge to stroke Elladan's glossy hair.

Elladan turned in his arms and his grey eyes opened. For a moment he seemed startled, then he smiled. He reached up and slid two fingers over the curve of Haldir's cheek. He toyed with the end of Haldir's hair, reminding the Marchwarden that it had been still wet when they went to bed and was undoubtedly a mess right now.

"I cannot recall the last time I woke up and was not alone," Elladan said, his voice filled with wonder. "Unless I count being woken by my brother, which is decidedly not the same."

"Decidedly not," Haldir agreed, bending to kiss Elladan.

They dressed languidly, taking their time before wandering down to the dining room in search of breakfast. Haldir found that both of his brother were present, along with Legolas and Elrohir, Elrond, Arwen, Erestor and Radagast the Brown. The wizard Gandalf was sitting at another table with the Dwarf party. Haldir noticed at once that Thranduil was not present, nor was Glorfindel.

"Good morning, Legolas," Haldir said after greeting Elrond and Arwen. "I am glad to see you have recovered. How is your head?"

"It is as hard as the marble he smashed it against," Elrohir drawled. He was sitting possessively close to Rúmil, who looked tired. Elrohir was feeding him grapes one at a time.

"I am feeling much better, Haldir, thanks to the fine care of both Lord Elrond and Orophin," Legolas said, smiling slightly and ignoring Elrohir.

Legolas gave Orophin an affection glance and Haldir raised an eyebrow. This pleased him well enough. He had thought on occasion that the two of them would suit. They carried many of the same interests and had a certain loyalty to their bed partners which other elves lacked. Elves, he added to himself, like Elrohir and Rúmil. That was a match doomed to fail. At least he could be reasonably certain that neither of them took it very seriously…

"Where is your father today?" said Elladan as they sat down at the table and a serving-elf scurried to bring them plates.

"I have not seen him."

"Still with Lord Glorfindel, no doubt," Erestor said sourly. "He has not been seen, either."

"Jealous, Master Erestor?" Elrohir said, smirking.

"I should think you would be more jealous," Erestor said icily.

"Why should I be? I have found something infinitely more delightful than the charms of an ancient warrior who can barely hold his own on the practice field any more," Elrohir said slyly, slipping his hand into Rúmil's lap.

"Elrohir…" Rúmil mumbled, squirming away, but Elrohir held onto him tightly. Haldir balled his napkin into his first. He did not like Elrohir treating his brother this way at all, but he also did not wish to interfere in Rúmil's life.

"You should not speak ill of Lord Glorfindel, Elrohir," Elrond said, sounding irritated. "Nor should you be trifling with him. I do not wish to hear talk of this nature again."

"Yes, Father," said Elrohir casting his eyes downward. Haldir could still see a sly glint in them. "I shall see to it that you do not hear such talk any more."

Elrond simply shook his head. "Erestor, did you take care of the situation in the garden?"

"Yes, of course," said Erestor. "I am having the troll buried in the far southern field outside of Imladris. Burning it will cause too great of a stench."

"I believe you are correct, of course," Elrond said.

"I am…so sorry about that," Radagast sighed. Elrond simply nodded at him.

"I also have commissioned the statues you asked for, and hope you will approve the choices of subject matter. Sketches will be presented to you by the dinner hour for your consideration," Erestor went on proudly.

"You are far too efficient, my friend," Elrond said fondly.

"Or perhaps he has plenty of free time due to lack of bed partners," said Elrohir.

"That will be enough, Elrohir," Lord Elrond said. "My son, you are far too greatly in need of a lesson in humility. Erestor, send him with the group that is going to bury the troll."

"Father!" Elrohir looked mortified.

"A little work in the sun might be good for you," Elrond told him.

"You had best hurry, Elrohir, the work group will be leaving from the terrace in ten minutes," said Erestor. It was the advisor's turn to smirk.

"I have not finished my breakfast," said Elrohir. Elrond gave him a long, impatient glance and he got up from the table. "Very well," he huffed. "Rúmil, I shall see you later."

"Undoubtedly," Rúmil said but he did not sound very happy about the prospect. Elrohir flounced out of the room.

"The wine grapes have been harvested and the pressing has begun," Erestor went on smoothly after the expulsion of Elladan's twin.

"I would like to watch that," said Haldir. "I rarely have such an opportunity."

"It is quite enjoyable," said Legolas, who was almost always in Rivendell during wine-making season.

"Then this is how we shall spend the day," said Elladan, looking fondly into Haldir's eyes. Haldir nodded.

Before they could excuse themselves, King Thranduil burst into the dining hall. He was only half-dressed, which made him something of a magnificent sight. His hair was unbound, falling over his shoulders in golden ripples. He wore an expression that Haldir had never seen the likes of on the bold monarch. He looked terrified.

"Elrond!" he roared. "Glorfindel--"