Translation of Elvish: Nín anoriel - my sun-maiden. Seron vell - beloved. Melin chen - I love you. Namarie - farewell. Anor - the sun.

Chapter 4 - Plots and Plans

Haldir stood, back resting against the trunk that formed the centre of his talan, watching the sleeping form on the bed. Golden hair spread over the pillows, a calm and dreamy expression on that beloved face. This was pure bliss. To be able to see her whenever he wanted. To have and to hold, for all eternity. Forever. This word appeared more and more often in his thoughts. This would last until forever.

And yet there was this nagging voice at the back of his mind, trying to bring him down from his high horse. 'You know of course that you do not deserve her? You never will...' And was that not true? Ever since she had forgiven him for the terrible things he had said to her while being mad with jealousy, he had promised himself never to hurt her again. Always to try to please her. Never to risk losing her again.

And he would not. Galadriel had told him that being together was their destiny. Not that he needed to hear it from his Lady. His heart and soul had been telling him so since, yes, he finally had to admit it to himself, since that fateful night of the Battle of Helm's Deep. When first he had laid eyes upon her. When he was sure that he could only feel pity and contempt for her. He had loved her even then.

A low moan woke him from his reverie. Éowyn was stirring, eyes half-open, still more asleep than awake. Haldir went over to her resting place and sat by her side. "At last the sun is shining, nín anoriel." Softly he kissed her forehead, then added with a smirk, "Though it seems the sun would rather go back to sleep..." Éowyn pretended not to have heard that last comment and muttered, "Good morning to you, too." She encircled his neck with her arms and drew him down into a slow and gentle kiss.

Resting his cheek against hers, Haldir whispered, "I could stay like this forever..." There it was again, forever. He had to watch himself more closely it seemed, or he would let something slip that was not meant for her ears, not yet. A yawn was all he got for an answer. With a chuckle he said, "I see that you do not share my opinion, seron vell? Is the thought of spending the day with me so tiring indeed?" A small fist hit his stomach and Éowyn glared up at him, "Do you really believe this? Or should I prove to you that it's not a tiring thought whatsoever?"

How he would have loved to see her attempt at proving her point, but unfortunately he had an appointment with Legolas ... and Gimli. Galadriel had asked him the previous day to give them both a tour of Caras Galadhon. Bringing up the fact that the Prince of Mirkwood was almost as often in Lórien as he was at home could not save Haldir from his fate. On the contrary, Galadriel was even more insistent than before.

So he had to let go of her after briefly brushing his lips over hers. "That you will have to do another time, I fear. I have to leave you, but I am sure, you and Míriel can find a way to spend the day." Éowyn turned her head away abruptly, trying to fight down the tears that threatened to cloud her vision. A gentle hand stroked her cheek, turning her head so that she faced him again. Haldir's eyes were troubled now, no longer teasing, only questioning.

"Nín anoriel, what happened?" Something in him told him that he did not really want to know. Strengthening herself she answered, "Anduriel. Míriel told me just yesterday that you have been ... lovers, for centuries. When, pray tell, did you intend to inform me of that? It explains of course why she treats me the way she does. As if I'm just that last fling before you bind yourself to her." Haldir's mouth moved as if to speak but was stopped by a quick glance. His expression was that of utter confusion, pain and guilt. Éowyn's voice softened at seeing him like that. "I know that I'm not. I know. It's just that I was taken by surprise at the news. Did you..."

Haldir shock his head vigorously, "Never, until I met you. I did not even like her very much. It was something I was expected to do, choose a companion that is. And I thought she felt the same way. We were taking pleasure in one another's company, but that was all. Eventually it had to end. And end it I did. Just before we set out to Helm's Deep. As if I somehow knew that this journey would be fateful, would determine my whole future. And then ... I met you."

The sincerity of his words took her breath away. Clearly he was uncomfortable talking about his past lover, but he would not keep anything from her. "Melin chen, Haldir. What's past is past. Let us think of the future." With a smile she added, "And your future should lead your steps to Legolas' talan, shouldn't it?" He nodded sadly, "I suppose you are right, as always." Every fibre in his body longed to stay with Éowyn, yearned to ask her to be his, to bind with him. But he had to take this slow, had to be certain it was what she truly wanted. And if she now wanted him to go and meet with that dwarf, he would do it.

Gently he kissed her brow and raised himself from the bed at last. He was about to leave the talan when Éowyn called after him, "Tell Legolas that I look forward to seeing him tonight at the feast." Haldir had almost forgotten that it was Mid-Summer Day and that besides the market in the morning and afternoon, there would be a great festival in the later hours of the day. In two days then, they would journey to Mirkwood. Travelling with Gimli was something he certainly did not look forward to. "Aye, I will. Namarie, seron vell. Until tonight." With these words he disappeared down the winding stairs then led to the forest floor.

Éowyn looked after him and then got out of the bed to wash herself and change into one of the dresses the Lady had given to her just yesterday. Lucky that Haldir had been called to his Lord and she and Legolas could sneak to Galadriel's chambers unobserved. Part of her actually pitied her beloved for the things that lay ahead of him today. But the plan was in action now, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Especially as only a short while after Haldir had left the clear voice of the Prince echoed through the talan...

---

Haldir was angry. Why on earth did Legolas ask him to join them if he had to leave anyway? An appointment with his tailor, how very likely. Why could he not really believe that? Be that as it may, before leaving, Legolas had asked him to show Gimli around, take him to the market, accompany him everywhere actually. So now the March Warden was landed with the dwarf. But as much as he tried to be miserable and not enjoy himself at all, Gimli proved to be an interesting and funny companion. This epiphany only angered him even more.

He did not want to admit that he might have been mistaken in his previous judgement. Not him! And then, Gimli kept talking and talking about the achievements of his kind. How self-absorbed could one be? Still, it was interesting, in a strange way, to hear more about the Mines, the Lonely Mountain and all the other Dwarven Kingdoms of old. The elves had only found out about Mithril through the dwarves, had they not? Many of the techniques elven smiths claimed to be their inventions, had in fact come from the dwarves. Even if all this were true, Haldir told himself, did Gimli really have to brag about it?

The moment he actually laughed about one of Gimli's silly jokes, Haldir knew that he was in trouble. Maybe he should see a healer? He had to be ill, and seriously as well, to find the dwarf entertaining. But suddenly Gimli changed the topic and told him more about the adventures of the Fellowship after they had left the Golden Wood. At the first mentioning of Edoras, Haldir held his breath. Gimli had seen Éowyn before him, had perceived her sadness, the emptiness that she must have felt for years. "But now," the dwarf continued, "I can see a light in her eyes that hasn't been there before. She is complete, and that is only because of you..."

Alright, maybe the dwarf was not as horrid as he had supposed. After all, he had been perceptive enough to see the true state of mind of his beloved. Something he himself had taken far too long to see. And the same thing was true about his perception of Gimli it seemed. He had only seen him as a dwarf; his character had been of no importance. How could he have been so shallow, almost all his life? Only barely did the words of his companion register in his mind. But then...

"When you snapped at her at the banquet, I was about to introduce you to my fine axe you know? Only Legolas stopped me in time. Which is good for you, my lad." Previously he had been furious when the dwarf called him thus. As if he was the elder and could teach Haldir anything. But now he had to agree with him. Yes, he was just as stupid as a young lad. And suddenly he began to wonder how many chances he had simply not seen for what they had been.

The tall elf leaned down to face his companion. "I never thought I would ever say this to a dwarf, but ... I think ... I feel, I should apologize for my earlier behaviour towards you. I only saw the dwarf and not Gimli." The dwarf only took the elf's hand and petted it. "It's alright, lad. I believe I was quite rude as well upon our first meeting. It's a shame really that your people should leave these shores, now that Khazad-dûm is going to be rebuilt and the old friendship of elves and dwarves could be re-established..."

"Some of us will stay behind. Legolas for example will not leave Arda for some time I presume. And I do not fully know what my Lord's intentions are, either. There may be elves in Middle-Earth for centuries to come." They began to discuss the various things that might come to pass once Dwarrowdelf was re-built. How the elves could assist the dwarves as they had done of old. How once again the old trading routes could once again be used...

They were so absorbed in their conversation; they barely noticed that they had reached the market. Only when a strong hand clapped Haldir on the shoulder, did he pay attention to his surroundings again. "Brother, have you finally come to terms with our dear friend from Erebor? So Éowyn's plan..." Orophin bit his tongue, but too late. Haldir had turned and glared at his younger brother. "Éowyn's plan? You mean she has planned this?"

Orophin knew that it would be no use to lie to Haldir, so replied truthfully, "Well, actually it was not only she. Our Lady of course, and Legolas. And me as a matter of fact." Haldir ground his teeth, "I see..." He turned to Gimli, who smiled up at him. "You will excuse me, I think I need to have a word with a certain Shield-maiden." The dwarf nodded, "Don't let her get away with it too easily." A twinkle was in his dark eyes, and he squeezed Haldir's hand in an encouraging way.

---

Éowyn's back rested against one of the tall mallorn trees in the small glade. Legolas, who indeed had an appointment with his tailor, had left her soon after calling on her to inform her of the progress of their plan. Galadriel would be pleased, she mused. She herself had not wanted to meet with Míriel that morning; she preferred to be alone for a while. There were certain matters she needed to think about undisturbed.

She simply couldn't forget what Haldir had told her about Anduriel. The she-elf had only wanted one thing, it seemed. To bind with Haldir. And try as hard as she might, Éowyn could not hate her for it. Wasn't it something she was craving as well? It was obvious that Haldir longed for it, too. Only this morning she had clearly seen it in his eyes. What was he waiting for? There were no doubts left in her heart that he was the one she would spent the rest of her life with. All she was longing for now, was to make it official. To show the world that she had chosen Haldir not only as her lover, but also as her spouse.

She closed her eyes, trying to picture herself taking part in the ceremony that Míriel had described to her. It would be nothing like a wedding by human standards. They would bind their hearts and souls, would see the other's past and present as if it were their own. They would learn the deepest secrets of the other, hiding nothing anymore. Their lives would be linked, they would be able to feel the presence of the other, would be able to discern how their mate felt... There was nothing that she wanted more than this. And she promised herself something right then and there. After they returned to Lórien, once they had visited Mirkwood and Rivendell, and Haldir hadn't made a move, she would. With a content smile, she fell asleep on the soft grass...

---

Haldir had been looking everywhere for her, only in the end remembering the one place she could most certainly be found ... their glade. And true enough there she was, lying on the grass, fast asleep. The wind played with her golden hair, the light of Anor highlighting her beautiful frame. Still, this seemingly innocent creature had plotted against him. Without making a noise he moved in on her, taking out a small water skin he always carried with him. Kneeling beside the sleeping creature, he opened the skin and raised it above her head.

Éowyn woke with a start as cold water touched her skin. For a moment she thought it had began to rain, but then she saw the elf by her side. "Have you gone mad?" Haldir chuckled, "It is payback time, seron vell. I shall teach you what it means to trick me..." He leaned over her now, lowering his head as if to kiss her. But instead he moved down to the soft skin of her neck, biting down, marking her. A small yelp of protest escaped her lips, but it turned to a moan, as he gently licked the abused skin.

He raised himself, looking strait into her eyes. "So you made your peace with him? I'm so glad..." He glared at her, only to capture her lips in a searing kiss the next moment. His tongue gently touched her lower lip before entering the moist cave that was her mouth. He explored it as if for the first time, caressing and battling with her own tongue, eliciting low moans of pleasure. They were panting as they finally broke away from the other. "Indeed, though it was completely wicked of you to plot like that, with my friends no less." Another kiss, more urgent, wanting, almost desperate.

Éowyn had to fight to keep her voice steady as she replied, "He's a kind and wise person, if only you gave him a chance to prove it. Quite deserving of Legolas' friendship ... and yours as well." Any other words were drowned in sighs when he started to kiss and lick a path down the line of her neck. His hands closed over her breasts, teasing the peaks through the fabric. By now, she was writhing beneath his strong body, her eyes darkened with desire.

But then he let go of her abruptly, standing up, smiling down at her flushed face. "Revenge is indeed sweet... See you tonight, seron vell." With these words he departed, not even turning when he heard her frustrated cry of his name. Yes, vengeance was sweet, but unfortunately it had left him in a rather uncomfortable state. But that was nothing a cold bath could not cure...