Notes: For everyone who wanted them, more sparrows *lol* And for Domi, Glorfy and Wyn in battle *wink*

Translation of Elvish: Peredhel - half-elven. Thranduil o Calen Glad - Thranduil of Greenwood. Meldis - friend (female). Meleth - love. Melethen - my love. Melin chen - I love you. Cuilen - my life. Calen Glad - Greenwood; Elvish name of Mirkwood. Iaurnaneth - Grandmother. Pen-velui - lovely one. Ada - daddy. Adar - father. Naneth - mother.

Chapter 19 - Shadows of the Future

Weeks had passed. The last leaves had fallen from the trees, and even the most cold-resistant rose bush had given up its fight against the growing strength of winter. The inhabitants of the Last Homely House prepared for the Winter Solstice festivities, and the departure of their guests, who would set out for Lórien as soon as everyone was sober enough after the feast. In other words, as soon as Glorfindel was able to remain on Asfaloth without falling down every so often.

Elrond's nose had healed, but he still glared daggers at his seneschal and sons whenever the word 'cake' was mentioned. No, he had not been amused at all. Especially when his so-called mate had been gripped by a laughing fit. The fact that Thranduil had been grinning like mad had not helped matters, either. The rest of his guests had shown similar signs of spitefulness. Well, they would all pay, oh yes. The Lord of Imladris was not one who forgave and forgot easily.

On a snowy evening, the peredhel sat in the library, pondering just how to get back at everyone. The Winter Solstice festivities would surely give him a chance to get his revenge. Maybe he should simply forget to inform his dearest guests about Glorfindel's Solstice tradition that he had only invented last year. Oh yes, that would be fun. Thranduil o Calen Glad, honourable ruler and king, hobbling around like a rabbit because he stepped into a warm chocolate apple that had been sitting in his shoe. Aragorn and Legolas would not be spared, either, Elrond was sure of it. The Twins had not told their 'brother' about last Solstice yet, the Lord of Imladris would have noticed that.

Maybe he would be kind on Haldir, Orophin, Míriel, Éowyn and Éomer. They had not shown too much mirth after all. But how could he get back at his beloved sons, Glorfindel and Erestor? Maybe he should come up with yet another new Solstice tradition? Erestor and Glorfindel would be easy victims. All he had to do was help them by re-sorting their papers. Yes, though no one would believe such a thing of him, Elrond's seneschal had to do paperwork as well - and hated every moment of it. So if someone would, well, leave the window in his study open on a stormy day...

The Twins were hardest. Elrohir had only one weak spot, and that was his mate. There was no way Elrond would do anything to the blond Elda, so... An evil smile appeared on the peredhel's lips. He could put some blueberry juice into Glorfindel's soap, which he used to wash his hair. The vain Balrog Slayer would surely blame his mate for, well, his purple hair. Mean, yes, but the cake had been worse.

Only Elladan seemed to have no weaknesses. There was no love in his life, and Elrond could almost feel his son's uneasiness. All around him, Elladan could see happy couples, only he was alone. Oh yes, Elrond had seen what the future held for his eldest, but it would not do to tell him. Not yet, probably not ever. He would win the battle ahead of him, would fight the demons that still haunted the one who was waiting for Elladan, there, on the white shores...

Sighing, Elrond brought himself out of his musings. It just would not do. Maybe he should ask his daughter. She might know a way to get to Elladan...

---

By now, the first snowflakes had coated the roofs with a delicate white plaid, and nature seemed to have begun its long slumber until the spring sun would wake it again. The sparrows had taken refuge on the patios, where they could hide when it was snowing and where the big folk had put thing for them to eat. They had trained them well, the birds thought to themselves. Yes, life was good in fair Imladris.

High up in the Misty Mountains, however, orcs and goblins had multiplied again. Untouched by Sauron's demise, they were once again thirsting for blood. They hadn't forgotten the incident with the dwarves so many years ago. And they were sure that Rivendell had aided them on their journey. So their eyes were fixed on the elven valley, waiting for the appropriate moment to avenge themselves. And once the first snows had fallen, they deemed the time right.

They would attack at night, armed not only with their gruesome weapons, but also with torches to burn everything down. The elves had long enough dwelled in the vale beneath their lair; it was time they were dispelled once and for all. Their plan seemed good enough. But they had forgotten who it was that lived in the house of Elrond.

---

Dusk had brought more snow to the lively valley, and any sounds was dampened by the white carpets that grew in thickness with every passing minute. So it happened that the attacking orcs came as a surprise to the ever alert guardians of the Vale. Many an elf died in the ambush, but most of the guards fought back fiercely, breaking through the dark lines of their enemies. Only one archer left the field of battle, riding as fast as he could to alert Imladris.

Éowyn and Glorfindel had just finished a little stroll through the snow-covered gardens, sharing tales of their respective lives. The Balrog Slayer had grown very fond of the young Rohirrim, had even told her the real story of his fight with Morgoth's beast. That very evening, he had explained about the Kinslaying at Alqualondë, had described how his Lord, Turgon, had longed to stay out of the fight, but how he had been drawn into the battle in the end. She understood him just like only those few he called family could, had seen right away just how important Elrohir had been for him in his past; how important he was still. The Elda could not say if it was that famed female intuition, or simply Éowyn's caring soul that enabled her to see right through his cheerful exterior. But he did not really care, either. He only knew that both he and his mate had found another ally to confide in and rely on. And somehow the elf felt as if they would need Éowyn in the very near future.

A young sparrow had just landed in a large heap of snow, well, crashed into it really, and was now hopping out of it, shaking off the cold stuff, chirping angrily. Laughing at the birds antics, the two companions were about to enter the house again when a breathless guard appeared before them. "Lord Glorfindel! Orcs attacked the outer posts. Many have fallen already. You must come, my Lord."

Eyes narrowing down to slits, the Lord of the Golden Flower growled, "How dare they! Will they never learn not to annoy us so shortly before Solstice?" With a much calmer voice, he addressed the guard, "Alert everyone, and do not despair. Do not forget to inform King Elessar and Legolas. Both of them have fought many an orc already, and will be an immense help. Also Haldir and Orophin..." Inspiration hit him, and he turned to Éowyn. "Will you fight by my side tonight, meldis? Let us show them that this little Last Alliance was nothing compared to the Balrog and Wraith Slayer combined."

Éowyn, who had taken her trusted sword with her since Glorfindel had wanted to see the 'weapon that killed the Witch-King', glanced at the shining steel, smiling coldly, "But this time, let us make sure that Haldir is not mistaken for an axe-cushion again. I think Legolas has no interest in carrying him around again."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Glorfindel could not help grinning as he mounted his faithful steed. "Well, then let us deal with those orcs before your beloved gets to them, shall we?" Holding out his hand, he lifted Éowyn and settled her in front of him. Then they were gone, riding as swiftly as the wind.

---

The orcs didn't know what had come upon them. First those blasted elves had had the guts to fight back, and then... Two golden figures had suddenly appeared in their midst, their swords singing as more and more fell beasts died at their hands. As if that wasn't already enough, arrows began to rain down upon them out of nowhere, and two other fighters appeared. Before long, the attack was over and all of the orcs lay dead in their dark blood.

Éomer had beaten Haldir at reaching Éowyn first, and was now glaring at her, "Who do you think you are? You are my little sister! You aren't allowed to go out and have fun without taking me with you!" The Shield-maiden stared at her brother and King, unable to believe what she had just heard. Had Éomer just told her off for going into battle without him? He, who'd been so very much against her fighting with the Rohirrim at Helm's Deep and on the Pelennor?

However, before she could appreciate this change in her brother's attitude, no doubt the work of Arwen, Haldir was finally standing before her, towering over his beloved, fuming like an angry dragon, "What did you think you were doing anyway? You could have been killed, again. Do I have to tie you down so that..."

Glorfindel, who had been leaning against Elrohir, chuckling helplessly at Éomer's little speech and his sister's flabbergasted expression, now came to Éowyn's rescue, "Actually, dearest Haldir, your beloved was more concerned about your wellbeing. You seem to have a tendency to receive blows to your back. I do not believe she was looking forward to spending Solstice putting you together again." Then, azure eyes glinting wickedly, he added, "Just face it, you wood-dwellers, and yes, that also includes our dearest Greenleaf over there, you wood-dwellers are simply rotten sword fighters. You are alright with a bow, or fighting knives, but you do not have the finesse and elegance that is needed to wield a sword." When three rather angry wood-elves advanced upon him, he turned to Elrohir, "Meleth, I just remembered that there is this thing, you know, I have to attend to. I will leave now." And he was gone faster than anyone could have said 'Mandos'.

---

"You could have been hurt, killed even," Haldir was not about to let this drop, oh no. "What were you thinking? Did you think at all? Or did you follow Glorfindel's example - act first, think later?" Catching his breath, he added, "You should listen to your brother and follow..."

Éowyn was starting to get slightly annoyed by now, and snapped back, "I was raised to be a fighter just like my brother. And no one, not you nor my dearest brother have the right to tell me to stay behind while you get yourselves killed. And anyway, Éomer was just miffed because I went off without him."

"That is besides the point." Midnight-blue eyes sparkled dangerously, "I dread to imagine what would have happened had Glorfindel not been with you. You would have gone on your own to fight those orcs, am I not right?"

"I can watch out for myself just fine, thank you for having such faith in me." Then the memories of Mirkwood came back, making her blood run cold and she whispered, "I was not alone, Haldir. I would never be so stupid again." Sitting down next to the Lórien elf, she took hold of one of his hands, interlacing their fingers. "I know I was foolish before, and I brought everything that happened afterwards upon us..."

Haldir shook his head, "It was a test, a test the Valar wanted us to pass so that we could be as one afterwards. I just... When we heard of the attack, and that you had left with Glorfindel... I was not there with you, to fight by your site, melethen, not there to protect you. It was never my intention to stop you from fighting the evil that is left in Arda. I have seen what you are able to do. How could I not admire you for it, after you killed him who we feared almost more than his master. I only wish to fight with you whenever the need arises and we have to wield our swords again. Besides, I am the best sword fighter in Lórien, thank you very much."

"Says a lot about the sword fighting in Lórien," Éowyn chuckled, before a miffed Haldir silenced her in the most effective manner possible. Evidentially, he needed to teach her some manners again.

---

"You are so evil, Fin. Really. Poor Legolas. And poor Orophin." Elrohir was giggling into Glorfindel's chest, the strong heartbeat telling him that they had also weathered this threat to their lives. Their earlier lovemaking had been frantic, as it always was after one of them had been in a battle, no matter how large, or small.

The Elda tightened his hold, and smiled as he asked, "And what of Haldir?" Burying his nose in the silken hair of his bonded, he breathed in the scent smell that had always calmed him, even when the peredhel had been just a little elfling. They had come a long way indeed.

Giggling again, Elrohir replied, "Nay, Haldir deserves it. You know 'Haughty Haldir' and all of that. Besides, I do not believe that if Éowyn and he were practising, it would be our fellow elf who would win." Snuggling deeper into Glorfindel's embraced, he sighed contentedly. "Or if you two were going to fight..."

Drawing a deep breath, the Balrog Slayer whispered, "I told her, Elrohir. About Gondolin, and the Kinslaying."

The peredhel's eyes filled with tears, and yet a smile was on his face as he raised his head to gaze adoringly at his beloved, "She has won your trust so quickly? I am glad, melethen. And so very proud of you. You faced your demons, and face them every day. Melin chen, cuilen."

"She has already done so much good, without even knowing. She is the reason why Imladris and Calen Glad have finally grown closer. Because of her, Legolas has his ada again. Oh yes, and then there is of course Haldir." He chuckled as Elrohir's eyes sparkled with amusement.

"We really are terrible. Poor Haldir. He nearly died just a few weeks ago, and look at us." His stormy eyes grew serious again. "I am glad, so glad that she will come with us. For even if iaurnaneth said that Éowyn had to make a choice, do you really think she would stay here? You know what that would mean for Haldir, and so does she. She would not risk that. Not if she was given another option."

"They will be together forever." Drawing Elrohir even closer, he took the enticing mouth before him in a gentle kiss. When he drew back, the peredhel's eyes were darkened with renewed arousal, and a dreamy smile played around kiss-swollen lips. "Together forever, pen-velui, just like we will be..." Rolling them both over so that he was on top of the younger elf, he smirked, "and we can do this for all eternity, meleth..." The smirked turned positively wicked, "Just like your Ada and Erestor."

---

Elladan sat in the dark Hall of Fire once again. His latest fling had already moved on, and had thrown herself at one of the victorious soldiers that very night. It had hurt, but not because he had any feelings for her. No, it hurt because all around him people were celebrating with their loved ones, celebrating that yet another threat was taken from them.

While Elladan usually had his Twin and Glorfindel to share such moments with, this night Elrohir and the Balrog Slayer had been locked up in their own room. There was no one, no one who cared how Elladan felt. He knew in his heart that he was being unjust. Many elves loved him, wished to see him happy...

His dark thoughts were interrupted as someone opened the door. Head turning towards the intruder, he beheld King Thranduil. The Sinda seemed to scan the room, and finally his eyes met the peredhel's. "Good evening, Elladan. I thought that no one would be here anymore at this late hour." Drawing closer, he inquired, "Would you mind if I kept you company for a short while? Everyone else seems to have found someone to spend this joyous night with, except for the two of us."

Was the Mirkwood elf a relation of the Lady of the Wood? Or his Adar? He had seemingly read Elladan's mind. "I ... no, not at all. I was brooding, and since everyone tells me that this is not a good thing, I am happy for any interruption." Oh lovely, you are babbling like a little elfling.

Waiting until Thranduil had made himself comfortable in another armchair, Elladan said, "I am glad, my Lord, that you and Adar have finally put your battles to rest. Naneth will be so happy about it. We all are. It was hard, especially for Legolas. Whenever he was visiting, he seemed uncomfortable to be around us, even though Aragorn was like a brother for us. And poor Erestor. It was so plain to see that he..." Covering his mouth, he started coughing. That was not a thought he wished to dwell upon.

Thranduil chuckled, "They were meant for each other. But we should not look back, young Elladan. 'What if' is a dangerous game. I am glad, truly glad that Celebrían married your father. Else you would never have come into this world. And maybe I would not have my little Greenleaf, either." Smiling, he continued, "No, let us look to the future. For it holds the fulfilment of our wishes and dreams." At Elladan's surprised expression, his smile grew, "No, I do not pretend to know things, to have the Sight. It is a feeling. Valinor will bring happiness to both of us, I am sure of it."