Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings trilogy was written by J. R. R. Tolkien.

I make no monetary profit from this story.

Summary: Celeborn confesses his love for Haldir.

Pairing: Celeborn/Haldir

My RotK Aragorn poster fell off the wall when I was writing this ... LOL! Perhaps he was jealous as I was writing about Haldir and Celeborn or perhaps something else ... ;)

Erotic romance - Rating R

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Haldir of Lórien let loose another two arrows, flanked by Celeborn. The orcs were closing. The two Elves stayed close together. An orc arrow appeared to rip through Haldir’s shoulder. Celeborn gave a start. The Elves were parted by another arrow cutting through the air. Had they been a second slower one or both would be dead. The Elves fired off more arrows, though their enemies were many. Celeborn motioned for Haldir to take the right while he moved left. Haldir fired an arrow duo, an instant later he stabbed a third orc in the head with a free arrow. Celeborn had his hands full. An enemy arrow pinned his robe to the tree. The other orc fired. Haldir spun around, letting loose another arrow into the hostile arrow, deflecting it at the last moment. A wave of relief and gratitude washed over Celeborn as he ripped his robe free and brandished his mithril sword, decapitating the rabid looking orc leaping at him. Haldir grabbed an arrow fired at his head and used it to kill the orc that had fired it at him. The younger Elf winced slightly as an arrow seemingly pierced his arm. He dislodged it, but the orcs were on top of him in the next instant. Celeborn spun around to see Haldir fall and an orc axe smash down where he had fallen. He stared in shock, then turned back, just as his attacking orc fired another arrow, thankfully missing his head by a hair. Celeborn loaded his arrow and fired. He wasted no time firing and killing the two orcs by the fallen Haldir. Celeborn looked around, there were no more enemies standing. The Lord of Lórien dropped his weapons and rushed to Haldir, fallen into a large tree root. The younger Elf was not moving.

"Ohh ... by the Valar ... no..." Celeborn gasped, falling to his knees! "*NO!!!*"

He removed the axe from Haldir's body, though he did not notice there be no blood. Celeborn swung the crude weapon in fury, embedding it into the nearest orc's dead body, before turning back to Haldir.

Gently he took Haldir's still warm hand. "Ohh, my young Galadhrim ... I had never thought it would end like this ... Many deaths have happened ... in battle, in wars ... but in our own fair Lothlórien ... To you ... To spill your vibrant blood amongst the golden trees," Celeborn shook his head, "No, it is not right..."

The Lord of Lórien stroked Haldir's face and gently brushed golden hair away from it. "My young Marchwarden ... never did I tell you ..." Gently he kissed Haldir's warm cheek, "the love I have for you... It has always been my deepest, my most carefully locked away secret. For I love My Lady dearly, my love for you I could never say."

Celeborn sat beside Haldir and cried silently. He did not notice the Galadhrim's hand move.

"Oh, Haldir ... I am so sorry ... It was I who insisted on taking you to fight this day as you are the best, though I respect Rúmil and Orophin dearly. It was selfish of me to want to be with you ... Though never would I confess my love; that I will take with me to the Halls of Mandos."

"My Lord..." Haldir sat up slowly.

"And now I hear your sweet voice, my Dear departed Galadhrim ... Is it too late for me to tell you my innermost feelings, my suppressed desires? ... Would you recoil in disgust, Haldir, if you knew, or would you hold me in the embrace I always dreamed you would?"

"My Lord ..."

Haldir touched Celeborn's. The Lord of Lórien gave a start.

"Haldir ... But ... But ... I ...I ... I saw you fall ... the axe was embedded deep within you .... you..."

Haldir smiled gingerly and opened his the top of his tunic to reveal a silver vest.

"Mithril...." Celeborn breathed and he looked relieved. "After all the years I have known you, Haldir of Lórien, after a thousand years you can still surprise me. I knew nay you had a mithril vest."

"Nay, My Lord ... "Haldir hesitated before he continued. "This ... is ... please do not be angry ... This is... your vest ... I ... I borrowed it ... It ... Rúmil and I were playing a game ... a game played by mortal children called 'truth or dare' ... I chose 'dare' and Rúmil dared me to steal ... or rather 'borrow' your mithril vest the next time you and I were together ... I am very glad I did, but I am sorry, My Lord... I realise it was selfish of me. What if you had been hurt?..."

Celeborn hugged Haldir vigorously. "I too am glad you borrowed it, and I was nay hurt, which is more that I can say for our robes."

Haldir smiled.

"You have my permission to steal anything of mine in future you feel the need," Celeborn said with a smile.

Haldir chuckled.

"And I must thank Rúmil as well," the older Elf said, standing and helping Haldir up. "It may have seemed like a little game, but I do not believe this was a coincidence. Rúmil is indeed becoming intuitive. It seems as if he somehow knew you would need my mithril vest."

Haldir nodded. "Perhaps it was meant to be."

"Aye, it was ... I am relieved you are all right. Now we must return to Caras Galadhon. But first, are you sure you are not injured?"

"Somewhat shaken, My Lord, but I am all right, though I will need a new tunic."

Celeborn smiled. "And I will need a new robe. That hideous orc ruined my favourite one."

Haldir chuckled. "I am sure you can fashion a new one."

Celeborn smiled as he picked up his sword, wiping it clean on the ground. "It is not the first time Excalibrand has saved my life."

"It is a good sword," Haldir said.

Celeborn turned to leave.

"My Lord..."

The older Elf turned around. "Haldir? Are you sensing something?"

"Yes, my Lord - I am sensing great pain."

Celeborn became concerned. "Is it near?"

"Yes, My Lord. It is coming from you. To answer your question ... I would hold you..."

Haldir gently placed his arms around his Lord. Celeborn felt a great weight lift, only to be replaced by another. "You ... heard ... what I ..."

"Every word, My Lord..."

"Ohh Haldir ... I ..."

"There is no need to explain ... Your feelings are genuine. I can sense that."

"You are not repulsed?"

Haldir shook his head. "Who could be repulsed by such love?"

"Though I must admit I had not felt the same."

Celeborn tried not to let his disappointment show.

"Until now ..." Gently, Haldir kissed his Lord and stroked his place face. "I had no idea you held such love for me. What can I do but give it to you in return?"

Celeborn looked into Haldir's eyes, tears welling in his own. "It is what I have always dreamed, but never dreamed of daring to ..."

"Until recently I would never had dared to steal your mithril vest ... "

Celeborn smiled. "I choose dare," he said, kissing Haldir back.

The gentle kiss lingered, nether of the Elves knew how long nor did they care to count the time...

Slowly, they parted.

"You are concerned about Lady Galadriel," Haldir said. "I understand, My Lord... But do you not think she would understand?"

"I am unsure ... She seems to believe that I wish to ... copulate with her... But in truth all I wanted was to be held by her."

"Have you told her this?"

"I am unsure how to, lest she take it the wrong way, and much bigger things are at stake, the One Ring ... I sense the Ringbearer is fading."

"Yes," Haldir said. "I sense that too, but we must have faith in young Frodo ... and we cannot put our lives or duties on hold until his mission is completed, can we?"

Celeborn nodded. "Yes ... but what of our desires ... Surely they are not important enough ..."

"My Lord, you surprise me ... our desires are our food for life, even the ones that are buried deep. In times of desperate need they keep us sane, they keep us alive."

"I have never heard you speak so openly."

"I rarely do, like yourself, I keep my desires buried deep ... One of my desires is for eternal peace in Middle Earth. However unlikely that sounds."

Celeborn nodded in agreement. "That is also one of mine."

"And now I have another desire," Haldir said, taking his Lord's hands. "To be held by you."

Celeborn smiled warmly. Gently the Lord of Lórien placed his arms around the Marchwarden. He sighed softly as he held Haldir in his arms. "Long have I dreamed of this moment, a dream which felt so distant, even if I sailed across the sea to Valinor I could not reach it, and here, it has come to fruition, through an accident of fate..."

Haldir smiled. "Until now I knew not if I would ever take a love ... I never seemed interested in maidens or men ... until now." Gently he kissed Celeborn's cheek.

Celeborn smiled. "Let us find somewhere ore private," he said.

"Agreed." Haldir smiled as he followed his Lord. Never before had he walked the woods of Lothlórien with such anticipation ... such excitement. A fire burned within him, an ocean washed over him, winds caressed him and the Earth nourished him.

"There," Celeborn said, pointing to an enormous, ancient tree, its leaves covering a wide area, its roots running deep into the Earth.

"I have often walked past, but never have I sat under this tree."

"Then you do not know what you are missing,," Celeborn said with a smile. "I planted this tree from seed when I was but an Elfling, over nine thousand years ago. She is the oldest and the largest in Lórien."

Haldir smiled. "I sense her wisdom, but I confess, most of the time I nay have to sit and meditate."

"Yes," Celeborn said. "A Marchwarden's work is never completed."

Haldir smiled. "I would prefer it no other way, though there are times when I wish a moment's peace."

"I feel the same." Celeborn took Haldir's hand and the two Elves sat upon the soft leaf mulch. The Lord of Lórien leaned against the tree and took Haldir's head to his chest. The older Elf stroked his younger brethren's long golden hair. Haldir sighed silently. Never had he felt such gentleness, such love. He closed his eyes and fell into the rhythm of Celeborn's gentle strokes. The older Elf smiled warmly as he held him. He did not want to think of what Galadriel would say if she discovered his feelings for Haldir, or that he had held him this way ... All he knew was that he could express his longings and hold him as he had ached to for so very long. Celeborn sighed as he held the young Elf and gently kissed his forehead. Haldir smiled and made himself comfortable. He could not believe he had lived or so long without knowing the gentle touch of his Lord. He reached up and softly stroked Celeborn's pale cheek. The older Elf felt as though he were floating on a blanket of air. Haldir smiled warmly. He had often wondered what it would feel like to touch someone this way. He had always imagined a female, but the Valar work in mysterious ways, he knew. He felt grateful to be able to invoke such pleasurable feelings in his Lord, one who had come across to him as kind and just, but somewhat cold. Haldir reasoned he could not have been more wrong about the latter ~ there was no place he would rather be than here, sheltered under the oldest tree in Lórien, in his Lord's loving, warm arms.

Celeborn smiled again as he gently stroked the Galadhrim. Slowly, his hand ventured inside Haldir's tunic. Haldir shivered ever so slightly and Celeborn stopped.

"Haldir, if you feel uncomfortable-"

The Marchwarden looked up at his Lord and smiled. "If I felt uncomfortable, My Lord I would not be here. Don't stop ..."

Celeborn smiled and chuckled softly as he began to push back Haldir's torn grey tunic just a little. He felt the sensation softly at first as Haldir kissed his hand. Celeborn paused for a moment and truly felt the sensation of his secret beloved's lips upon his hand and it was Celeborn's turn to shiver, but far from a shiver of cold or unpleasantness. Never before had he felt anything so tender, so exquisite, so loving, if he excluded the way Galadriel had held him on the night they were wedded, but this was very different. Haldir did not stop kissing his hand and then Celeborn felt Haldir's hand clasp around his, ever so gently. The Lord of Lórien softly kissed the other's hand. Haldir smiled and breathed a soft sigh as he felt his Lord's lips caress his hand. He looked up at Celeborn and smiled warmly. A smile returned by his Lord.

"My Lord, I-"

"Call me Celeborn, Dear Galadhrim," the older Elf said softly, stroking Haldir's light golden hair.

"Celeborn..." Haldir whispered.

The older Elf closed his eyes. Never before had he heard his name called with such gentleness, such love, such passion.

The older Elf leant closer to Haldir and kissed his lips gently, hoping the sensation would be all he ever dreamed it would be ... It was that and more as Haldir returned the gentle, yet passionate kiss. His older brother Orophin had once told him that his first kiss would take him to a beautiful world beyond his imaginings. Haldir had been ever doubtful of that, until this moment. He was in that world now, in the gentle arms of his newly found beloved. He looked up to see a tear roll down Celeborn's cheek, though his senses told him his Lord was not upset.

"It was as beautiful as I have ever imagined ..." he breathed. "Thank you, Haldir."

"It was my pleasure and thank *you*, Lord Celeborn. For without your confession, I would never have known your love."

Celeborn smiled. "It is amazing how things come to pass. If it had not been for those orcs, we would have never known each other this way."

Haldir chuckled softly. "Strange is it not?"

Celeborn kissed him again, his long silver hair falling over the Galadhrim's, a subtle mixture of platinum and gold. The Elves placed their hands around each other as their osculation became more and more passionate. Fire burned between the two. As they parted, their gorgeous gold and silver manes looked a little worse for wear.

"My Lord," Haldir said with a cheeky smile, "I believe we are wearing too much clothing."

Celeborn smiled seductively. "Haldir, I do believe you are right. Let us undress."

The Lord of Lórien stood and helped Haldir up.

Haldir hoped he could undress elegantly as he let his ripped outer tunic fall to the ground. Not as regal as Celeborn's, he thought, but his Lord did not seem to mind. Haldir undid his brown belt and before he would let his inner wrap fall to the ground, he felt Celeborn's lips press against his. The older Elf pushed off Haldir's grey wrap. Haldir of Lórien stood wearing only Celeborn's mithril vest.

The older Elf gently ran his hand down the soft, yet infallible metal. "I thank the Valar you took this..."

"As do I, My Lord Celeborn ... If I had nay, I would be in the Halls of Mandos at this moment and never would I have known your love..." Gently Haldir kissed his Lord, before he unclasped the silver mithril vest and let it fall to the ground, the metal glinting a little in the small amount of sunlight entering through the tree's thick leafage. Haldir now wore nothing but his tall brown boots. He knelt down and undid them, feeling Celeborn's caress. The Lord of Lórien twirled the laces, which made Haldir smile. Slowly, he helped Haldir pull off the boots and the younger Elf was relieved that he removed his boots without appearing clumsy or spoiling the mood. Celeborn kissed his forehead and smiled warmly as he stood. Haldir had never seen his Lord like this before. Even though his Elvish satin robe was ripped, creased and a little soiled in places, Celeborn was the epitome of regality. The Lord of Lórien let his shining grey robe slowly fall to the ground. Haldir could barely hold himself back, then felt ashamed at almost losing control. Celeborn smiled as he untied the white satin sash around his waist. He let it fall as well and placed his cord belt, woven with fine mithril and his silver butterfly brooch onto it. He was not wearing his regal white suit this day, but an inner robe of the same texture and colours, which too he let fall to the dark ground. He kicked off his small white Elf boots and stood naked before Haldir.

"I cannot be bothered with under things," he said. "They are but a nuisance."

Haldir smiled, seductive. "I could not agree more."

Celeborn walked over to Excalibrand, his sword, lying on the ground, and picked it up, his hand clasping around the golden hilt, the Elvish encryption on the blade shining ever so slightly.

"Do you know what it says?" Celeborn asked softly, elegantly running his finger over it.

Haldir shook his head. "I am afraid I never learned ancient Elvish."

"Not many have ... it says 'Let the wielder of this blade know Justice, Love, Honour, Peace and Truth for it was forged by the Gods of those gifts.' "

"That is *beautiful*, Celeborn..." Haldir sighed. "... My sword, Galadhdes is not so... handsome."

Celeborn smiled understandingly. "It is the sword who chooses the Elf, My Dear Haldir. There will come a time when you will know why."

Haldir smiled. "I can only hope that I will live to grow as wise as you..."

Celeborn returned the smile. "I am sure you will." The Lord of Lórien stood with his sword and Haldir's heat skipped a beat. Celeborn and Excalibrand seemed to glow with radiance. Even unclothed his Lord looked regal, powerful, awesome. Celeborn swung Excalibrand around and twirled the mithril blade in his hand, then drove it a little into the soil. He stood for a moment, his hand leaning on the hilt and Haldir struggled to remain conscious. In the next moment he leapt up and pulled his Lord to him. Celeborn smiled. Haldir and his Lord were naked now, though Celeborn wore a beautiful mithril chain, with an exquisite faerie charm, around his neck, given to him by Lady Galadriel. Haldir did not begrudge that.

Celeborn sighed as he eyed the naked Galadhrim before him. Haldir leaned closer and kissed him. Bare, pale Elven bodies pressed against one and other ever so gently. Celeborn felt like he had lost himself into Haldir, and he didn't consider that a bad thing. Slowly, gentle Elf hands played and caressed. Celeborn lay back against the tree while the Galadhrim slowly massaged him. He shivered slightly as the younger Elf's hands caressed his soft, flat stomach, then his bare chest. Celeborn tilted his head back, closed his eyes and lost himself to the moment. Though part of him felt wrong for this indulgence, the other part could not have felt more right as he gave himself to Haldir's gentle touch. The Galadhrim's hands ventured upwards, smoothing his pale cheeks, around his slender neck. Haldir's finger ran around the exquisitely fine mithril chain and down the faerie charm and kissed Celeborn's chest.

"It is beautiful," he said. "I have longed to see faerie folk."

The Lord of Lórien smiled warmly as he turned to Haldir. "You will ... Only one who truly believes they are not figments of the imagination will see them. I was blessed to see one in my youth and I long to again."

"As do I ... You are wise, Celeborn ..." Haldir kissed his Lord's forehead.

"As are you, Nîn Bain." {My beautiful}

Celeborn almost whimpered as he felt the Marchwarden's hands comb through his long silver hair. Haldir smiled warmly, sensing his Lord's pleasure, grateful he was able to give it. Gently the Galadhrim played with Celeborn's hair, taking as much pleasure as his Lord. Softly, he kissed him and his hands ventured downward. Celeborn's breathing increased ever so slightly and he shivered as he felt Haldir's hand touch lightly over the fine silver patch just above his nether regions. Haldir smiled seductively as his hands ventured upward again. He bent forward and kissed Celeborn's stomach. The Lord of Lórien sighed audibly and Haldir smiled again as he planted kisses all the way up Celeborn's torso. The older Elf opened his eyes and smiled. He took Haldir into his arms, determined to give him just as much pleasure. He began with the Galadhrim's golden hair, caressing it, kissing it, braiding it. Combing his hand through the fine, but luscious mane. Haldir lay back onto his Lord with a sigh of exquisite pleasure. Celeborn smiled warmly as he held the young Silvan Elf in his arms. Gently, he kissed his lips, his lips venturing downward. Haldir shivered with pleasure as Celeborn kissed his soft and slender stomach. Gently, Celeborn caressed him. Haldir shivered and sighed as his Lord held his waist in his hands. Never before had Haldir felt so at ease with another. Never before had he let another so close to him. Never before had he felt so alive. He felt vulnerable, but also safe. He knew he was safe in his Lord's gentle hands. He felt Celeborn's caress light on his body and never wanted it to come to an end. Sensing his Lord wanted him to turn over, he obediently did so. Ever so gently, Celeborn began to scratch his back. Haldir shivered at the pleasant sensation. He had heard, again from Orophin that to have one's back scratched was better than copulation itself. Though Haldir was still untouched, he agreed with his brother yet again. Celeborn kissed the middle of the Galadhrim's back, as he slowly caressed it again. Again to toyed gently with Haldir's. The Marchwarden sighed as he lost himself in the exquisite gentleness.

It was a while before he sat up to join his Lord. Celeborn smiled and gently kissed his tender lips. A kiss which Haldir returned with all his heart and soul as he placed his arms gently around his Lord. Celeborn rested his head on Haldir's shoulder. The younger Elf placed his hand on top of Celeborn's crown and stroked him softly. Celeborn sighed inwardly and closed his eyes. Never before had he felt so gentle a touch. Even though Lady Galadriel's touch had been exquisite, Haldir's touch was like nothing he had ever known. The two Elves felt as though they were melting into one and other and nether of them minded.

"Long have I imagined and dreamed ..." Celeborn said softly, "but never in my wildest dreams or imaginings did I believe it would be so wonderful..."

Haldir smiled and held his Lord. "I have always imagined my first love to be magical ... enchanting ... yet gentle and genuine, but never did I imagine I would find one." Gently he kissed the older Elf. "Thank you, Nîn Meleth." {My Love}

The older Elf sighed. "You do not know for how many ages I have dreamed you call me that."

Gently, Haldir kissed him. "I am glad to make your dreams come to reality."

Celeborn smiled. "It is I who should thank you, for had you not taken my mithril vest ... Neither of us would have ever known the other's caress."

Haldir held his Lord and kissed him again. Celeborn smiled warmly, content to stay forever in the Galadhrim's arms. Gently, he placed his arms around the other Elf and they shared another warm kiss.

Celeborn smiled as they parted. "Do you hunger, My Beloved?"

"Only for your caress."

The Lord of Lórien smiled and kissed the Silvan Elf again, and traced the contour of his fine face gently with his index finger.

"As I hunger for yours, but there is a berry tree near by, with the most exquisite fruits you have ever tasted."

Haldir smiled. "Let me guess, you planted that tree also?"

Celeborn chuckled and nodded. "Indeed. As a seedling. Many. Many moons ago, I rescued it from Mordor ... "

Haldir smiled. "I trust it is happy in it's new home?"

"Much ... I will nay be long, My Shining Light."

He stood and gathered his torn robe. Haldir waited lazily for his love to return. He stretched his slender body out and shook his golden mane, the shining strands falling about his shoulders.

Celeborn returned with a robe full of dark, juicy berries.

"They do look delicious, My Love, but not as fair as you."

Celeborn smiled as he knelt down, gently kissing Haldir's tender lips.

"But your favourite robe," Haldir said. "It is now very soiled."

Celeborn shrugged. "It was ruined anyway, I figured I would get one last use from it."

Haldir chuckled as he sampled one of the berries. He closed his eyes as he chewed slowly, the sweet flavour with a hint of tarntess caressed his mouth and he swallowed slowly.

"You are not mistaken, My Beautiful Lord. They are indeed exquisite."

Celeborn kissed him again.

"Though they be not as sweet as your kiss."

The Lord of Lórien smiled warmly. "It has been too many moons since such kind words have been spoken me."

The Galadhrim gently played his arms around his Lord. "And I am glad to speak them to you once more."

The younger Elf fed his love one of the berries. He watched his Lord chew and swallow ever so gracefully and he began to wonder if there was anything Celeborn did without grace. Haldir smiled as he fed the Lord of Lórien another berry. Slowly, Celeborn took it from him in his mouth, gracefully and subtly licking the juice from Haldir's fingers. The younger Elf smiled as he felt the gentle sensation. Celeborn swallowed the berry whole. Haldir took in a breath of air. Never had he the slightest inkling that eating could be so sensual. He fed Celeborn another berry, and this time pressed his mouth to his Lord's and they shared it. Celeborn smiled seductively as he gave one of the dark purple berries to Haldir. Haldir sucked on it gently and caressed the older Elf's fingers with his mouth. Celeborn smiled again as he enjoyed the sensation. Gently, he traced Haldir's throat as the younger Elf swallowed. Haldir smiled as he ate another berry and felt Celeborn's gentle hands on upon him again.

"Never before has the simple act of eating delighted me so."

"Nor me," Haldir said, feeding his Lord again.

Gently he kissed Celeborn's throat as the older Elf swallowed, then he began to caress his Lord's slender neck. Celeborn placed his head back, enjoying the sensual sensation. Haldir traced the outline of Celeborn's pale face, ever so gently, his hands barely touching the other's skin. Celeborn shivered slightly at the pleasurable sensation, then opened his eyes gazed into Haldir's.

"I could lose myself in the oceans of your eyes, my Gorgeous Galadhrim."

"As I could in yours, Celeborn of Lórien."

The older Elf stoked his golden mane and caressed the lovely locks. Haldir sighed silently as he did the same, seeing in Celeborn's eyes that his Lord found the sensation as wonderful as he.

Seductively, they shared one last berry, before the two Elves embraced in another gentle, yet passionate kiss.

Celeborn looked sad as they parted. "I am afraid we must return to Caras Galadhon..." he said softly, sadly.

"I know, My Love. Will we ever hold each other again?"

"I hope so, Nîn Elrin {My Star}, with all my heart and soul."

Gently, Celeborn kissed him as they stood.

Haldir sighed and placed his arms around his Lord as they shared one last touch.

"Even if I must wait a thousand years to know your caress again, I shall never take another."

Tears welled in the older Elf's oceanic blue eyes, and they fell. Gently Haldir wiped them away.

"Thank you, My Dear Galadhrim, your love is infinite, and one of the most very precious gifts I have."

Gently, Haldir held his Love again.

Slowly the two Elves parted and began to dress. Haldir watched Celeborn place his robes back onto his body, the grey and white satin silk swirling in the breeze, even though his outer robe was torn and stained with berry juice in places, his Lord still managed to look elegant. Haldir sighed as he donned his own duller clothing.

Celeborn smiled. "I think I have a spare satin robe that will fit you."

Haldir chuckled. "I ... I always feel that I am rather ordinary around you, My Lord."

Gently, Celeborn took his hand. "Never feel that way, My Beautiful Galadhrim. Even though I am your Lord, I have never thought of myself above you nor any Elves who dwell in Lórien or elsewhere."

"That is one thing I admire about you. You are our Lord, but you have never treated us as though we were beneath you."

"That is because you are nay." Celeborn kissed him, then took Excalibrand from the Lórien Earth.

The two Elves shared one final kiss before parting and returning.

Celeborn gently placed the elegant Excalibrand in the sword's home, a stylish dark wooden box, lined with deep purple Elvish velvet.

Galadriel turned as Celeborn entered their chambers. She looked concerned, and more so when she saw the dark red stains on Celeborn's silken robe.

"Do not be alarmed," he told her. "I was thrown into a berry bramble." He hated to tell a lie, even a white one. The stains *had* come from berries, but not quite in that fashion ...

Lady Galadriel nodded, relaxing somewhat. "I trust all is well?"

"Yes, My Lady," Celeborn replied.

"I sensed much fear."

"I feared for Haldir's life after a vicious orc attack," Celeborn said. "As luck would have it, he had ... borrowed my mithril vest."

Galadriel smiled. "It is fortunate events turned they way they did."

"I agree." Celeborn turned to leave.

"Tell me one thing, My Lord," Galadriel said.

Celeborn turned back with a sense of dread.

"Is that what you wanted?"

"My Lady?"

"I could not give you what you wanted, so you turn to another?"

Celeborn almost took in a sharp breath.

"You sensed ..."

"Aye."

"I will not deny it, My Lady."

"But neither would you willingly volunteer it."

Celeborn looked a little guilty. "I ... I was afraid you would see it in the wrong manor."

"And what manor is that?"

"I dearly love and respect you, Lady Galadriel, and I would do nothing to jeopardise that love or that respect ... I have kept my feelings for Haldir very deeply hidden and locked away ... It was a sheer accident of fate that brought us together."

"But you did not deny yourself."

"Nay, My Lady ... I ..." Celeborn sighed, afraid. "Please do not bear your wrath down on Haldir. It was I who was at fault."

"I do not begrudge Haldir," Galadriel said. "He gave you what I could not. But I say again, is that all you wanted?"

"It was much more than that, My Lady, and nay, to answer your question, though you seem to think it is."

"The way you look at me ... regard me, how could I not?"

Celeborn looked upset. "Is that how you think me? Someone who cannot keep my mind above my nether regions?" He kept most of the anger out of his voice, but some remained. "I love you dearly, My Lady." He took her hand. "But what makes you think that that was all I wanted? Perhaps I just wanted to be held by you ..."

Galadriel sensed Celeborn's longing and looked into his sad eyes. "My Lord, I ... I am so sorry ... I ..." Gently she began to stroke his cheek.

Celeborn smiled warmly. "All be forgotten, Gentle Princess." Softly he kissed her cheek for the first time in many ages. Though he would never forget the kiss and the embrace he shared with Haldir, he had longed to embrace his Lady Love once more. He placed his head on the tall Elf Queen's shoulder as she stroked his long silver hair and held him.

Haldir walked past the chambers, to return Lord Celeborn's mithril vest. He stared for a moment, and was surprised that he did not begrudge Lady Galadriel one iota for holding his love, nor did he begrudge Celeborn for craving her embrace so. Quietly he placed the vest down, so as not to disturb the two. Celeborn opened his eyes and smiled lovingly at Haldir. Galadriel's warm gaze thanked the Galadhrim, for he had brought them together once more. It had been many thousands of moons since she had held her Lord like this, and she did not begrudge Haldir for sharing his embrace.

The Galadhrim left, feeling a sense of warmth. He had seen his true love in the arms of another, yet he did not feel threatened or angry or even jealous in the slightest. Love he thought, is a feeling which should be shared.

He sat by a exquisitely crafted white stone table and rested his hands upon it. Haldir gazed out into the Golden Wood, hoping it would not be too many moons until he would hold his beloved Lord again. He sighed silently as a subtle Lothlórien breeze caressed him, weaving gently through his golden hair.

*