Translation of Elvish: Anor - the sun. Melethen - my love. Adar - father. Peredhel - half-elven. Nín anoriel - my sun-maiden. Ada - daddy. Meldir - friend. Tôr - brother (by blood). Meleth - love. Pen-velui - lovely one. Melin chen - I love you. Éowyn o Rohan - Éowyn from Rohan. Gwedhithach enni - will you bind with me? (similar to "Will you marry me?") Aye - yes.

Chapter 16 - Be Mine

A new day was dawning, and the first, curious rays of Anor found Haldir of Lórien and Éowyn of the Riddermark asleep in each other's arms. They had talked for hours the previous night, and eventually had succumbed to the gentle call of sleep. A dreamless sleep, a healing sleep it was. Something neither had known for weeks.

A small sparrow was sitting upon the windowsill, gazing at the sleeping couple. Raising its beak to the sun, it inhaled the fresh air after the nightly rain. Today would be a good day, it decided. And what better way to greet such a day but with a song. However, it seemed as if it wasn't as talented as it had thought, because after only a minute of singing, a cushion came flying towards it...

Being woken from her slumber by exited chirping, Éowyn had done the first thing that came to her mind. Throw something at the rude intruder. Only too late did her brain register that it had been but a tiny bird that had roused her, and not her stupid brother. When she had been a child, Éomer had made a game of waking her at unholy hours, sometimes pretending to be a cock, sometimes a songbird. And the only way to silence him had been to throw something at him.

Luckily, the sparrow had taken flight as soon as the pillow was coming its way. Now it sat on the branch of a tree just outside their chambers, tweeting angrily. Rising from the bed, Éowyn walked towards the window and looked up at the offended bird. "I'm sorry, little one. I thought you were another..." Turning its behind to her, the sparrow made it clear that it had no intention to forgive her any time soon.

"Are you scaring off the local wildlife? It only wanted to greet the new day, much like we do each morning." Chuckling, Haldir sat up and leaned against the headrest. "Have you no birds in Rohan? Although, even if you did, such treatment will result in their leaving."

"Tell me, have you been spending time with Lord Glorfindel again? You are awfully cheerful this morning." The truth was that she, too, was radiating happiness. At last she felt whole again, as if the most important part of her soul had just been restored to her. And it had. Studying her beloved's features, she saw the changes in him. His hair was once more gleaming like spun silver, those intoxicating eyes shone with love, and his whole form seemed to glow from within.

Raising a delicate eyebrow, Haldir smirked, "I have enough insanity in my own family, thank you very much. I only have to talk to Rúmil..." The smirk had changed into a smile, and with gentle tones, he continued, "Though I will never again say anything against Lord Glorfindel. I owe my happiness to him. There is much more to him than meets the eye, or else Elrohir would not be with him still. So much wisdom, so much grief, and so much courage..." Reaching for Éowyn's hand, he drew her down beside him. "And yet, whatever he had to endure, it led him here. It led him to Elrohir."

"Just as everything that happened in your life has led you to me." Éowyn's hand had come to rest against Haldir's cheek, and now she was gently caressing the soft skin beneath her fingers. "The Lady of Stars has guided your steps to Rohan, and she protected you in the battle. Thranduil told me that she was watching over us, over all of us here in Arda. But especially over lovers."

Gazing into her sparkling eyes, Haldir suddenly knew that he belonged to no one but this beautiful creature next to him. They were one already in body, heart and soul. Only the final bond was still missing, the life-bond. Raising the hand he was still holding to his lips, he softly kissed it. Then, placing it over his heart, he spoke, a smile playing around his lips, "Melethen, there is something I must know. Do you..." He could not finish his sentence because in that very moment a knock fell upon the door.

"My Lord Haldir," Elladan's voice could be heard through the thick wood, "there is someone here to see you..." After hearing an annoyed 'Enter', the elder of Elrond's sons opened the door and peeped in. "Oh, I am sorry. I interrupted you..." Usually, he would not be this timid, but Haldir looked quite murderous. It was Éowyn's gentle smile that encouraged him to continue. "Lord Orophin and Lady Míriel have arrived from Lórien, and they are anxious to see you, both of you." Seeing the Warden's expression soften at the mentioning of his brother, Elladan sighed relieved. "I shall leave and tell them you will join them, soon. You can find them in Adar's study."

Once the door had closed behind the peredhel, Haldir drew Éowyn into an embrace, moaning into her shoulder, "Orophin and his perfect timing." Kissing her forehead, he raised her face until their eyes met. "But I am not through with you..." It was as much a threat as it was a promise. He had waited too long already, and would not waste another day.

Soft lips brushed over his, and Éowyn whispered, "I certainly hope you are not..." Getting to her feet and drawing Haldir with her, she added, "As for Orophin... He must have been terribly worried, frightened to find you..." Tears welled from her eyes, and Haldir's heart almost broke anew when he thought of what they had so narrowly evaded.

Kissing away her tears, he cupped her face in his hands. "That is not to happen, I promise. Never again will I be so blind. I cannot lose you, and I shall not lose you. Éowyn..." Drawing a deep breath, he gazed into her eyes, and the depth of her soul. "I am only whole when I am with you, when you are close to me. I was a fool to fight something I wanted with all my heart. Nín anoriel, would you..."

This time, the door opened without any knock. Elrohir's cheerful tones broke the spell of the moment as he practically bounced into the room. "Ada sent me to tell you something. But Glorfindel was having this terrible headache I had to take care of first. So here I am. Haldir, Orophin is here and he wants to see you. Oh, and he brought his lovely wife with him. They are with Ada and Erestor now. Come on, get moving. You do not want them to drop dead with boredom..."

The moment Elrohir had mentioned the 'headache', Éowyn had turned a bright shade of red and had sunken to the bedding, shaking with suppressed laughter. Haldir did not fare must better, although he remained standing. Now, he moved towards the intruder, shaking his head, "First, Elladan already told us. And second, we have no interest whatsoever in what is going on between you and Lord Glorfindel behind closed doors."

Elrohir just shrugged, "What is so wrong with helping him when his head aches? It happens frequently, especially if Erestor or Ada bore him to death in one of their meetings..." Then it dawned. "You did not think I was talking about... Oh, that is grand. I have to go and tell Fin." He was out of the room before Haldir could stop him.

Now the Lórien elf stood near the door, his head resting against the wall. "I will never live that one down, will I?" Turning towards Éowyn, he saw her shake her golden head. "Well, I did not think so..."

---

Éowyn's eyes fell on Thranduil upon entering Lord Elrond's study. The King of Mirkwood stood close to Erestor, shaking like a leaf. A scroll lay at his feet, and Éowyn could see the seal of the Lady Galadriel on it. Elrond's Advisor had an arm around the trembling Elven Lord, trying to calm him. When he saw the two lovers, he beckoned for Éowyn to come closer. Without another word did she take the King into her arms, feeling his tremors through the layers of their clothes.

"What has happened, My Lord?" The question had been directed at Elrond, who was now pointing at the scroll. "Galadriel has invited him to come to Lórien when you return. It has been ages since he set foot in her realm." His voice was steady, but Éowyn could see the pain in his eyes. "We have been wrong, meldir. Please, let me get you something to calm you." Thranduil slowly raised his head, and, forcing a weak smile onto his lips, he nodded.

It was only after Elrond had left, leading the still shocked Mirkwood King towards the Healing House, that Éowyn beheld Orophin and Míriel. They both were staring at her as if she had done something unthinkable. "What did just happen?" Haldir's brother wanted to know. "We thought he would have a fit or something, but he seemed to calm down when you came in."

"We have all been wrong in our opinion of King Thranduil, Orophin. Éowyn has become like a daughter to him." His eyes searched for Éowyn's. Yes, she did love the charismatic elf, like a father. Still, there was a tiny stab of jealousy piercing his heart. But he brushed it aside, knowing that he had nothing to fear.

Orophin's gaze shifted to his brother, and his shocked expression suddenly became an angry one. "You! How could you?" Pushing the smaller elf against the wall, he towered over him, "How could you be so stupid, Haldir? It almost caused your death! And that of Éowyn! Lady Galadriel told us why you turned from her. Do you not know that we love you? That we look up to you, not because of your strength and victories, but because of who you are? Éowyn loves you because of you! And that includes your failures as well." A sob escaped his lips, and he collapsed against Haldir, "We could have lost you... We could have lost you, tôr."

Haldir's arms came around the shaking form of his brother. "It is alright, Orophin. You have not lost me. And you shall not lose me." With a gentle smile, he added, "I am here ... Oro."

---

Éomer was putting the last shirt into his travel bag. He had received an urgent message from his Chief Councillor and had to leave for Rohan as soon as possible. Sighing deeply, he gazed yet again at the beauty of Imladris. The gardens in front of his window were so inviting, and he started to wonder if he could not postpone his departure for a few hours. But no, the reason why he had come to Elrond's house was no longer existing. Éowyn was obviously happy with Haldir, now that their fears had been laid open.

The sound of an opening door made him turn around. Arwen had just entered, and was now staring at the full bag. "So it is true, you are leaving us." Gazing at him like a lost puppy, she continued, "Is there nothing I can do to persuade you to stay a while longer?" Once again, Éomer was intoxicated by her beauty. Big, blue eyes, a noble nose, high cheekbones, a mouth made for kissing - where did that come from? - framed by raven hair...

"My Lord?" How come she was suddenly so very close? Too close. It would be so easy to lean just a little closer and... No, she wouldn't want that! She wouldn't want him. A mortal, who she had only seen at his worst. He'd beat up Haldir, had been unable to comprehend anything because she was around, had been simply stupid.

Turning away from Elrond's daughter, he muttered, "Éowyn's back where she belongs and I'm slowly beginning to understand the depth of their bond. She is no longer dependent upon me. I'm not needed here anymore." And he had come to understand another thing. His heart would remain forever in Rivendell, bound to the only woman who had ever dared to speak up to him, to treat him as an equal. Well, with the exception of Éowyn.

"And will you not miss anyone when you are gone?" She was whispering into his ear, standing right behind him. "I am sure that there are a few here who shall miss you..."

He was speaking before he had time to think about his words, "I will miss you..." Covering his mouth, he cursed himself. He was acting like a young lad, who was in love for the first time. But wasn't he? Never before had he felt like this. Oh yes, Arwen infuriated him and was constantly teasing him... And yet, he would miss this more than any other woman's touch and kiss.

Clear laughter sounded behind him, and still chuckling, Arwen forced him to turn around. "And why, pray tell, did you not say anything before now?" Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she reached up and drew his head down until their lips met for the first time.

Too shocked to do anything, It took Éomer a while to comprehend what was just happening. At last his eyes widened, and, wrapping his arms around the small form of the Elven maiden, he deepened the kiss. Oh, she tasted of the clearest water and the sweetest of cherries, and he was instantly addicted. If he had thought her passionate in scolding him, he was now seeing his error. Her fingers had delved into his thick hair, drawing him closer still, and she was responding to him like he had never experienced before.

Lack of air finally forced them apart, and Arwen smiled at him. Freeing herself from his embrace, she turned towards the door. "I will be in the Rose Garden in an hour and expect you to be there as well." Winking at him over her shoulder, she added, "By the way, that message from your Councillor... It was Elladan who wrote it. He was always good at forging documents and such. You know, I had grown bored of your inability to admit your feelings..."

---

"Lady Galadriel gave me this for you..." Orophin was pushing a small box into Haldir's palm, smiling at his elder brother. Opening it, Haldir saw a small ring of gold and mithril, three blossoms of Elanor in its midst. "Does that mean what I think it does? Haldir, I am so glad. It took you long enough." His brother's glare brought forth a chuckle. "I wish you all the happiness in the world, you and your bride..."

---

"All clear, come on. The sooner we are done, the sooner we can get to our own chambers and... Well, I think I might get a nasty swelling again, meleth..." Glorfindel smirked at his younger mate, and pushed open the door to Haldir and Éowyn's chambers.

"See if I help you with it, letting me carry everything." Elrohir dropped two dozen candles onto the bedding, followed by three roses and a little flask of scented oil. Pointing at the last item, he questioned, "What is this for anyway. They will not be needing it, you know... Not that we will tonight." Putting on a stern expression, he motioned for the Elda to reply.

"Well, it was not really meant for them, pen-velui. I only had no time to put it into our rooms." Closing the space between them, he took Elrohir's lips in a gentle kiss. Then, gazing at him in a pitiful manner, he whimpered, "Can you forgive me for letting you carry all this?"

Slapping his lover over the head, Elrohir replied, "Glorfindel, melin chen. But sometimes you are simply impossible." Sighing, he raised his hands, "Alright, I forgive you... Now," gesturing towards the candles and roses, "should we not begin with the redecoration?" The blond Balrog Slayer only nodded and picked up two candles...

---

Haldir was still going over the words he wanted to say to Éowyn when he pushed open the door. Stunned, he remained standing on the threshold. The room was bathed in candlelight, and the smell of roses filled the air. Rose petals lay sprayed on the bedding, and the soft chirping of the crickets outside was a lovelier music than any of Lindir's songs.

Éowyn had passed her lover's form and was now chuckling softly, a small piece of parchment in her hand. "'With regards from the insane elf, and Lord Glorfindel.' He must have written this when Elrohir was gone already." The smile upon her lips reached her eyes, making them gleam like sapphires. Never before had she been so beautiful...

Closing the door with his heel, Haldir crossed the room in a few strides, his right hand searching his pocket. Before anyone could interrupt him yet again, he knelt before her, taking her small hands into his. "Melin chen, nín anoriel. Éowyn o Rohan, gwedhithach enni?" Slipping the ring upon her finger, he gazed up at her, half-fearing her answer.

"Haldir," tears shone in her eyes, but the smile had not wavered, "Are you sure this is what you desire? Do not do it only because you think I expect it from you..."

Midnight-blue eyes sparkled with love as Haldir replied, "I have already wasted so many chances to make you mine forever. I will not do so again. I know now that I do not have to prove myself to you, because you already know me as no one ever did. I am yours, heart, body and soul. It is my greatest wish to bind myself to you for life, for all eternity if the Valar allow it..." No, this choice still lay before her, and he would not betray his Lady's trust.

Tucking at his hands, Éowyn made Haldir rise. Now, face to face with him, Éowyn whispered softly, "Aye, for there is nothing I want more..." Claiming his lips in a slow kiss, she stumbled backwards until her legs met the edge of the bed. Breaking the kiss, she breathed, "Be mine, Haldir. Show me this is no dream..."