Translation of Elvish: Melin chen - I love you. Nín anoriel - my sun-maiden. Seron vell - beloved. Cuilen - my life. Mae govannen - well met. Mellonen - my friend. Calen Glad - Greenwood, elvish name of Mirkwood.

Chapter 3 - Reunion of Friends

Éowyn had fallen asleep in Haldir's arms. The elf's gaze was fixed upon her peaceful features, unable to tear his eyes away. Her golden hair gleamed as the sun got caught in it, making her face shine as well. His sun-maiden. The only one who could touch his heart, teach him what it meant to be craving for someone. What it felt like to love another so much that you are willing to give your life for that person. If his Lady had told him that he would have to forsake his immortality to be with her, he would have done so gladly. Rather spend one lifetime with her, than lose her to death's cold embrace.

But now he knew. It would be like this forever, should she wish for it. Looking at her sleeping form, something told him that indeed she would. He smiled softly, gently touching his lips to her forehead. "Melin chen, Éowyn. Nín anoriel..." Tenderly he stroked her cheeks, warmth spreading through his body. She had made him whole, complete. Silently he sent a prayer to the Valar, thanking them for granting him this happiness. Happiness that he would never admit feeling in front of anyone safe her.

Slowly she stirred, opening her eyes. Drowning in the depth of the sea as hers locked with Haldir's. "Seron vell, you shouldn't have let me sleep this long." She reached a hand up and caressed his face. Pulling him down, she kissed him softly. As he drew away, he started to laugh lowly. "I am afraid this will have to wait. We should return to Caras Galadhon. The day is fading away. And then," he added with a sigh, "we have to prepare a welcome for our esteemed guest. Especially the dwarf." Éowyn's clear laughter could be heard miles away.

"Your Lady seems to like him. Why can't you, oh wise March Warden?" Her voice was teasing him, as were her fingers that had started to poke his side. He got hold of her hands and scowled down at her, "Because I do not want to." Éowyn chuckled, "Now that is a satisfactory reason indeed. I think I should tell Legolas. He could teach you another lesson." Haldir sighed deeply. "Well, it seems I have no choice but obey you, do I? I will try ... but I am not making any promises."

She looked at him stunned. Haughty Haldir giving in so soon? "At least be civil." He nodded, and suddenly a smirk formed on his face. "Of course if I do so I expect to receive some kind of reward..." Éowyn raised an eyebrow, "And what kind of reward does my Lord have in mind?" In place of an answer he raised himself to his feet, pulling her with him, drawing her into his arms. He brushed his lips over hers, tightening his grip of her. "Oh, that is what you have in mind. Well, I think this can be arranged." She smiled, kissing his cheeks. Softly she whispered into his ear, "Though, of course, it will be a terrible price to pay..."

---

They had reached the gates of the city just as the sun began to set. Haldir had taken Éowyn's hand in his, displaying his feelings for her by quick glances and soft touches. This should stop those silly elf-maidens from trying anything anymore. He had chosen a companion, now for everyone to see. He felt Éowyn shaking slightly, but with every passing minute she got more and more confident. At last, just below their talan, he drew her into his arms again, kissing her softly. "That should teach them," he whispered. Éowyn nodded, tears in her eyes. "Melin chen. Thank you..."

One pair of eyes studied them angry from afar. She would not accept her defeat, ever. She would make Haldir her own, no matter what the cost. This human could never give him what she could. Slowly she vanished into the shadow of a large mallorn tree, her heart burning with hatred for Éowyn. She would find a way, how long it might take, she would find a way.

---

The next week passed with preparations. Both Haldir and Éowyn were getting more and more anxious at the prospect of the arrival of Legolas and Gimli. But for different reasons. Éowyn was looking forward to seeing her friends again; hear news of Rohan. Haldir, on the other hand, already regretted the promise he had given Éowyn. Be civil towards the dwarf; whatever had possessed him?

But apparently Galadriel and Éowyn, and everyone else that mattered to him, had lined against him. Time and time again he had to hear stories of the deeds of Gimli, and he was close to believing them by now. Could it be that his first judgement had been wrong? No, what made him even consider that possibility. And yet... Had he not looked down upon Éowyn as well at first? Then there was the point that Legolas had befriended the dwarf...

And Éowyn would never forget his promise. What would she do if he did not hold true to his words? And Legolas? He had been rather persuasive last time he thought Haldir was in the wrong. And had he not been? His stupid pride had almost cost him Éowyn's love. Was it true that he was too arrogant after all? That his haughtiness disabled him from seeing things as they really were?

Hours upon hours did he ponder over these questions, always reaching the same answer: Yes. And yet his arrogance was a part of him, it made him who he was. But maybe he should at least at some times try to be more objective.

Whenever Orophin saw him think thus, he would turn to Éowyn and whisper to her, "You made him thoughtful. A miracle indeed, my Lady." This resulted in a glare from Haldir and a chuckle from Éowyn. "I'm doing my very best, Orophin..." By that time Haldir had always caught up with the two, drawing Éowyn into an embrace, kissing her forcefully. "This," he teased, "has nothing whatsoever to do with you. Why, how could I, Chief Guardian of the Golden Wood, First-Born, be influenced by you? A mere mortal?" Éowyn, faking to be hurt, would turn to Orophin again, "I think I'll just have to try harder..."

---

The sun had hardly risen when Legolas and Gimli reached Caras Galadhon. Quickly they were led to the Lady's talan. At the bottom of the winding stairs they were greeted by Orophin. "Mae govannen, mellonen." He bowed to the Prince. "Welcome to you as well, Gimli, son of Gloin." Another bow, and he led the two visitors up to the talan.

Éowyn stood next to Haldir, smiling as the blond head of Orophin appeared on the stairs. Followed by Legolas and Gimli. She could sense Haldir stiffen a bit and, catching Galadriel's eyes, smiled. "Legolas, it is good to see you again." The Lady said. Then she turned to Gimli, "And it gladdens me to see you again, Gimli of the Lonely Mountain." Éowyn almost laughed out loud as she saw Gimli blush furiously.

The rest of the official welcome was taken care of quickly. And soon Éowyn found herself walking down the stairs again, deep in conversation with Legolas. "She is a worthy queen. It was a wise decision. And yet..." Éowyn looked at the fair elf, her heart going out to him, "You miss him, don't you?" Legolas just nodded. "Our souls are bound, Éowyn. I can feel him every waking moment. Still, it is not the same..." Suddenly his face lit up and he smiled at her, "But I am grateful for my friends. They keep me from despairing too much."

"If there is anything I can do..." she offered, knowing full well that nothing could lessen his pain. To her surprise Legolas nodded, "Actually, you can. Allow me to take you to Calen Glad. Let us see if you find it," he quickly glanced at Haldir, who was walking behind him next to Gimli, "at least agreeable, if not even more." Éowyn smiled, "It shall be my pleasure." And in a low whisper, loud enough for Haldir to hear, she added, "And my beloved is dying to travel with Gimli and get to know him better." Before Haldir could stop himself, a growl escaped his lips. Legolas chuckled, "I can see he is really anxious to do so..."