Title: A Mortal Love
Author (including email): Morgana ~~  morganalebeau@yahoo.com

Pairing(s): Haldir / Éomer and Elrond / Glorfindel, maybe Legolas/Aragorn... just maybe..
Rating: R
Summary: After the battle at Helm's Deep Haldir is found barely alive. He returns from the Halls of Mandos, but his life force has greatly lessened.  In order to bring him back a bond is created between Haldir and Éomer, the first drawing strength from the other. They slowly get to know and understand each other.
Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings and all characters belong to Tolkien. I am merely keeping Haldir alive at Helm's Deep.
Authors Note; I do not know too much about Éomer so I am going to make some stuff up.

A Mortal Love

Part 1

Discovery

Elrond trembled, finding most of Celeborn's archers dead. Walking over the battlefield, he desperately searched for survivors, but finding none. By the Grace of the Valar, what had he done? Asking Galadriel and Celeborn to fight with Man one last time had been ill fated from the start.

But he had not foreseen Helm's Deep, its terror and death. Galadriel had asked him if Man was to fight this battle alone and when he had looked inside his heart, he realized he couldn't turn the other way. For much too long Man had fought the foul forces without the aid from Dwarves or Elves. This was one debt he had to repay... in person.

Unnoticed by Haldir he had joined the archers. He had fought alongside Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli, but they had never recognized him; the frantic pace of battle making it hard to tell friend from foe most of the time. One by one he had seen the Elves fall, and he had cut into the wall of Uruk-Hai with even more determination to avenge his fallen brethren. But there were too many Uruk-Hai and too few of them. Only when Gandalf had appeared with Éomer at his side had the tables turned.

Théoden had called out 'victory' but this victory was drenched in blood, Man's and those of the Elves. He pulled the hood deeper over his face, seeing Aragorn wander the battlefield as well. Aragorn looked defeated in spite of their victory and he understood only too well. The price was too high, much too high.

He spun around when a hand settled on his shoulder, ready to shrug it off, but then he recognized Glorfindel. The blond's face was tear streaked and his seneschal swallowed convulsively at the sight of the dead. "This is not right, my lord. They were not supposed to die like that. Some of 'Lorien's greatest have fallen and... I cannot find Haldir."

Elrond's eyes darkened. "Then we must search harder." Glorfindel nodded and they split up again, covering the rest of the battle field. From the corner of his eye Elrond followed Aragorn, who now disappeared into the stronghold again. "You fought bravely, Estel, but you were greatly outnumbered. Do not blame yourself for this." But he knew this sight would stay with Aragorn for the rest of his life, and haunt both their dreams. "I brought this upon them." He had asked for volunteers and 'Lorien's archers hadn't disappointed him and had stepped forward, but seeing Haldir lead them had upset him.

He owed a debt to Haldir, who had saved Aragorn and the twins when they had been toddlers. The children had lost track of time and had gotten lost. The muddy ground beneath their feet had given away and had taken them down with it, burying them and taking away their air. Haldir, on his way to Imladris with a message from the Lord and Lady of the Wood, had heard their muffled cries for help and dug them out. That was why he was searching for Haldir, hoping the Guardian had survived this slaughter.

Suddenly a muffled cry reached his ears. He instantly looked up and found that his seneschal was signaling him. Hurrying over to Glorfindel's side, he saw the blond go down on his knees, cradling a bloody form against his chest. "Do not let it be Haldir!"

When he approached, he heard Glorfindel's soft, reassuring murmur. He flinched, recognizing the features beneath the dirt and blood. "Glorfindel, is he...?" He was afraid to say the words. Haldir couldn't be dead!

Glorfindel met Elrond's gaze. "I feel a pulse, but it is very weak. His healing ability can no longer keep him alive and he is on his way to Mandos."

Elrond knelt beside them and took Haldir from Glorfindel's arms, holding him tightly. He hissed, seeing the blow that had been delivered to Haldir's back. "I am not sure I can heal this."

"We must try," said Glorfindel, already searching for shelter. "We cannot put this off any longer, my lord. We need to take him inside where you can tend to his injuries." Elrond glared at him, but that glare no longer intimidated him. "You do not want them to know we fought with them, but you have to put Haldir's need first."

Elrond took a moment to take in Glorfindel's battered form. The blond had sustained several injuries to his right arm and leg, but had not uttered one complaint yet.  They had covered each other's back, and that was probably the only reason they were still alive. "I never saw such slaughter before." The healer in him felt drawn to the pain and horror that would always cling to Helm's Deep. "But you are right. We must put Haldir's need first."

Glorfindel nodded relieved. "Do you wish me to carry him and announce our presence yourself?"

Elrond shrugged. "I do not wish to waste any time. We will walk in together." Elrond gently lifted Haldir. The injured Elf moaned softly, but did not regain consciousness. "His injuries are severe..." Elrond hoped he had been in time. "I might not be able to save him."

"You will succeed, my Lord. Haldir will live." Glorfindel refused to think otherwise.

Long moments later they reached the great Hall where Théoden was mourning his men's deaths. Glorfindel flung the door open and entered first.

Aragorn was talking to Legolas, but both drew their weapons, finding strangers in their midst. Aragorn's eyes widened, seeing Haldir carried in to the great Hall. "Ai, Haldir... Why do you bring the dead in here?" His heart went out to Haldir and he would gladly give his own life to bring the Guardian back. He studied the two hooded figures, wondering why they were so familiar to him. Beside him, Legolas lowered his bow, inclined his head and the blond waited patiently.

Glorfindel first removed his hood, revealing himself. He heard Aragorn's surprised gasp, but didn't pay it any attention. With one gesture he swept everything from the table so Elrond could place his charge upon it.

"Glorfindel?" Aragorn sucked in his breath. What was Elrond's seneschal doing at Helm's Deep? When had Glorfindel arrived?

Glorfindel briefly looked up and nodded once. "It is I."

Théoden, faced with strangers in his Hall, looked curiously at Aragorn. "You know him?"

"Aye, he was my teacher..." Aragorn's gaze shifted from Glorfindel to Éomer, who was approaching the seneschal with his sword drawn. "Peace, Éomer, they are friends."

Éomer's eyes narrowed. He didn't like seeing strangers in the great Hall of his forefathers and he had Théoden's safety to consider. Now that Théodred was dead, it was his responsibility to see the King safe.  "Do you know the other stranger?"

Aragorn felt fairly sure he did. "Elrond?"

Elrond pushed back his hood and nodded once at his foster son. "Haldir is still alive, Estel, but if we wish to save him we cannot waste any time."

Aragorn's eyes widened with surprise. "I watched him die!"

"Estel, you should know how resilient Elves are," said Glorfindel. He assisted Elrond when the healer started to remove Haldir's armor.

Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli approached, but then stopped, realizing Elrond needed some space to work. Aragorn's mouth suddenly felt dry, seeing Haldir draw in his next shallow breath. Why hadn't he noticed Haldir was still alive? "I left him out there! If I had known I could have tended to him earlier! What if we are too late now?"

"Take heart," whispered Legolas. "Lord Elrond knows what he is doing."

Gimli looked from Legolas to Elrond, hoping his friend was right. Some time ago a dead Elf wouldn't have mattered much to him, but since befriending Legolas and meeting the Lady of the Wood, he had developed a soft spot for all Elves. "I watched Haldir and he fought well... I hope he can be saved." Gimli felt a little shy, seeing Legolas' grateful expression at hearing those words. /Silly Elves.../

"Aragorn? Who are these Elves?" Éomer watched all three strangers closely.

Aragorn took Éomer by the arm as he explained. "The injured Elf's name is Haldir and is a Guardian from 'Lorien and led the army of archers that aided us. The raven haired one is Elrond Half-Elven, Lord of Rivendell, he gathered the archers and sent them here. He is a renowned healer and once fought with Gil-galad. Glorfindel is his seneschal."

Éomer nodded, signaling he understood. His gaze was drawn to the injured Elf. A pool of blood had formed beneath Haldir and he looked awfully pale. Aragorn had said that Elrond was a healer; could he heal Haldir's injury? "Is there anything we can do to help?" When Gandalf and he had joined in the battle he had seen the corpses of Man and Elves beside each other and Gamling had told him that the Elves had fought well. He figured he owed the Elves for fighting beside them.

Elrond and Glorfindel finished removing Haldir's armor and the healer's face contorted, rolling Haldir on to his side. The blow had gone deep and had ripped apart his back. Nervously he looked at Glorfindel. "I might have to let him go..."

Glorfindel shuddered. "My lord, try to save him. The Halls of Mandos are already filled with more than enough warriors who died last night. Haldir should not be among them.

Suddenly Legolas appeared beside them, carrying clean bandages and a bowl filled with tepid water. "Thank you, Legolas," muttered Elrond, dipping one bandage in the water. Cleaning the wound, he cast a worried look at Aragorn. Dread had appeared in his foster son's eyes.

"Can you save him?" Aragorn finally stepped up to them, and rested a hand on Haldir's brow. He flinched, feeling how cold the Guardian was.

Elrond briefly closed his eyes, concentrating. "Part of him is already at Mandos. Maybe we should not try to reclaim him."

Glorfindel unexpectedly placed a hand on Elrond's shoulder. "If you can save him, please do." He shuddered, recalling how cold and empty his existence had been at Mandos. "Haldir will fight..." He was certain that once Haldir felt the pull back to life the Guardian would fight to return to them.

"I am not sure I can do this," muttered Elrond. "His healing ability is weak and his mind... It is no longer complete. I fear bringing back only a part of him. His life force is too weak."

"You can draw from mine," offered Glorfindel. They had lost so many last night that reclaiming just one of them was become very important to him.

"Nay, Glorfindel." Elrond shook his head. "You already know the pull of Mandos and you would succumb to it and it would draw you back to its Halls. Drawing from you is too dangerous..." Elrond's brow grew knitted. "I am not even sure Haldir will survive this attempt. He might be left weak for the rest of his life."

Legolas stepped up to them and sought out Elrond's gaze. "I will do it. I offer you my life force freely. Take what you need to bring Haldir back."

"Elf, nay..." Gimli looked up at Legolas, clearly upset. "I want Haldir to live as well, but not when it means losing you..."

Elrond smiled. He had hoped the two would become friends. "Nay, Legolas. I cannot accept your offer either. You are needed on this quest and much depends on you." Seeing Aragorn look at him, Elrond continued. "And therefore I cannot accept you either, Aragorn. Your destiny lies elsewhere."

Aragorn, discouraged, shook his head. "But then you are condemning him to die, and you are taking away his last chance at life." Aragorn looked about; Legolas looked defeated as well, and Gimli's features were set in stone. Glorfindel was about to offer again, but Elrond shook his head firmly, stopping his seneschal.

"There is none who can do this for Haldir..." whispered Aragorn, defeated.

"I would give him of my life force," said Elrond, "but I must concentrate on the healing at the same time. I would fail." Gently stroking Haldir's golden hair, he swallowed hard. "We must let him go, there is no other way."

"Rohan owes the Elves a debt. I will do it." Éomer stared at Elrond. "That is, if a Man's life force is good enough for you."

/There is still some resentment there,/ realized Elrond. /We came to their aid too late. Too long did we look the other way./

Aragorn, startled, looked from Éomer to Elrond. Would Elrond accept?

"Before you offer again, let me explain this to you," said Elrond, turning around and facing Éomer.

Glorfindel immediately took Elrond's place and continued to caress Haldir's face, letting Haldir know they were still here.

Éomer met Elrond's stare head on, never flinching away when the piercing eyes probed his. "What is there to explain? You need someone to pull him back... I am strong and I can do that."

Elrond shook his head. "There is more involved than giving Haldir part of your life force. You will be bound to him. When he is in pain, you will be in pain. When you feel weak, he will feel weak. This bond can only be broken in death, for Haldir will live as long as you do and when you die, he will die."

A lump suddenly formed in Éomer's throat. "And what when he dies before I do?"

"You can always pull him back. He will draw from you as long as you live." Elrond wondered if this wasn't folly and he looked away from Éomer, sorting out his feelings. "Nay, we should not do this. Haldir would have to remain close to you for at least a few moons and I am not even sure he would consent to this." Elrond made eye contact with Glorfindel, seeing the pain in the azure eyes. "I am truly sorry, meldir, but we have to let him go."

Éomer grew angry. "It is because I belong to the race of Man! If I were an Elf, you would accept at once."

Ai, that hurt for Elrond knew part of it was true. "I cannot make this decision for Haldir and he is no condition to make it himself."

"Excuses," sneered Éomer. Aragorn tried to block his path, but he pushed Aragorn out of his way and marched toward Elrond. "I am offering. By refusing me you condemn your man to certain death. What do you have to lose by accepting my offer?"

"He is right, my Lord," whispered Glorfindel. "If he is willing, this might work." Looking at Éomer, he saw a strong spirit, one Haldir might even like.

"My heart advises against this," said Elrond at last.

"Put Haldir's needs first," whispered Glorfindel. He left Haldir's side and came to a halt in front of Elrond. After placing his hands on Elrond's shoulders, he whispered, "You can do this. You can reclaim Haldir."

Aragorn moved toward Elrond as well. "I care for Haldir as for a brother. I do not want to lose him." Memories flooded him and he was back in the mud, struggling for his life. Elladan and Elrohir's distressed calls had made it through the mud, alerting Haldir. "He dug us out single-handedly and it is because of him that you still have any sons. Give Haldir this chance. If he does not like the arrangements," and he looked at Éomer, "Haldir will take matters in to his own hands, but please give him this chance."

Elrond sighed. Glorfindel's eyes still looked at him pleadingly and Éomer seemed determined to do this. "You are not giving me a choice," he whispered, feeling cornered. "Aye, I will do this, but..." and he looked at Éomer, "you must realize you will be left weak after I brought him back."

"I accept that," said Éomer firmly, "and I will keep him close until he has fully healed. Rohan pays her debts in full."

Elrond cringed. /Is that all Haldir means to you? A debt repaid? What if you do not learn to appreciate him? You do not realize it fully yet, but the two of you will be bound to each other for the rest of your life. Once Haldir has recovered you cannot cut him out of your life... but you are young, too young to understand what you are about to do. Maybe that understanding will come when you grow older./

Aragorn, Legolas, Glorfindel, Éomer and even Gimli looked at him expectedly, hoping he would heal Haldir. Elrond sighed and then met their eyes, seeking out Éomer's last. "I will ask you one more time; do you really want to give Haldir part of your life force?"

"Aye," said Éomer, his eyes burning with life. "Rohan's debt will be paid."

Elrond shook his head. "This is folly."

"Elrond, please?" Glorfindel stared into his Lord's eyes, hoping to convince him. "Haldir is precious to each and every one of us."

"I will do it." Elrond gave in at last, but his heart continued to murmur a warning. "Éomer, I want you to sit down next to Haldir."

Éomer sat down and watched the injured Elf closely. His features were noble and spoke of strength and ancient knowledge. What he was doing was right; this one could be saved and he would do his part. "What do you want me to do?"

"Do not fight me when you feel your presence in my mind," said Elrond. He positioned himself near Haldir's head and placed his hands on each side of the Elf's head. One look at Haldir's back made him flinch. "It will take him a long time to recover, even with your life force to aid him, Éomer."

"I won't desert him," growled Éomer softly. "I might be a Man, but I do have a sense of duty and honor."

Aragon cringed at Éomer's tone. "It is not that Elrond does not trust you," he said, addressing Éomer, "He is merely worried for Haldir. It is nothing personal." At least he hoped so.

"Aragorn is right," said Elrond thoughtfully. "If it were personal I would never have aided you by sending you an army of archers."

"My lord, we are wasting time," said Glorfindel urgently. Haldir's breathing had almost stopped.

Elrond nodded once and concentrated once more. "His spirit is approaching Mandos. Éomer, I need you now."

Éomer placed his hand on Elrond's, hoping it was the right thing to do. He startled briefly, feeling Elrond's presence in his mind, but there was another one as well, weak and fragile. /That  must be Haldir.../

/Aye, it is./ Elrond reached deeply within Éomer's mind, drawing from the young warrior. Haldir almost slipped away from him, but he caught the Elf's mind and pulled it with him. /Éomer.../

Éomer squeezed Elrond's hand. /Take what you need from me.../  Suddenly something cold made him yelp softly.

Elrond released a strangled yelp and collapsed. Glorfindel moved quickly and caught the healer, holding him tightly.

"It is done," whispered Elrond exhausted. Gratefully he looked up at Glorfindel. "I need to lie down."

"Follow me," said Éowyn. "I will take you to the guest quarters."

"What about Haldir?" Aragorn pleadingly looked at his foster father.

"He will survive," said Glorfindel instead of Elrond. "Take them to a comfortable room and make sure they rest. Do not separate them."

Aragorn frowned, looked at Éomer and found that the young man had lost consciousness. Éomer's head rested on Haldir's chest and they seemed to breathe in unison.

"I will see to that. They will rest," said Théoden, uncertain how this would affect Éomer, who was his heir now. He wasn't thrilled that Éomer had bound himself to Haldir, but also realized that this debt had to be paid.

"We will take them to their rooms," offered Aragorn, seeing Legolas nod approvingly.

"Follow me then." Théoden watched Éowyn guide Elrond and Glorfindel to their rooms and he waited for Aragorn and Legolas to follow him.

Aragorn lifted Éomer in his arms and ignored the soft protest. "Let us care for you."

Legolas slipped his arms beneath Haldir's legs and back and gasped, finding that the wound was beginning to close. Carrying Haldir, he followed Théoden. The King led them to the guest rooms where they placed Éomer and Haldir on the bed. Elrond's warning not to separate them echoed in their minds. Aragorn pulled up the covers and watched them for a short while. Legolas' touch stopped his musings and he smiled at his friend. "Haldir will live."

Legolas returned the smile. "Aye, he will, but we should leave them now. They need to rest."

Aragon nodded. Reassured, he followed Legolas in to the corridor, leaving Haldir and Éomer to their rest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part 2

Awakenings.

Glorfindel sat beside Elrond, grateful that Éowyn had left. Elrond was sound asleep next to him, healing slowly. His fingers ghosted over Elrond's raven hair, gently undoing the braids and removing the hair clip. Spatters of blood, gathered in battle, still clung to the locks, and he longed to wash the raven hair, but he daren't disturb Elrond's rest.

Pulling up the blanket that lay at Elrond's feet, he covered the half-Elf with it, making sure no warmth escaped. He had noticed a long time ago that Elrond did get cold, unlike full Elves. Sitting on the side of the bed, he wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around Elrond and hold the Lord of Imladris during his sleep, but again, he didn't dare to instigate such close contact.

He pushed himself to his feet, feeling tired and lost after having witnessed the death of so many Elves. Éowyn had told him that there would be a ceremony later to give everyone an opportunity to say their last goodbyes to the courageous archers and he planned to attend it. Seeing Haldir come alive again had warmed his heart. Looking outside, he found that Théoden's men were separating Elves, Man and Uruk-Hai. "It was slaughter..." Gandalf had eventually come to their rescue, but it had been too late; too many had fallen already.

Glorfindel leaned against the wall and stared at the battle ground, trying to lock out the screams he had heard. During the battle he had found that young boys had been armed and that old men, long past their prime, had been called upon to fight. The army of Uruk-Hai had easily ended their lives, never making a difference between, boys, warriors and old men. All had been slaughtered.

Elves rarely cried, but now tears slipped from his eyes, mourning the death of the 'Lorien Elves and the passing of the men who had fought courageously at their side. When Elrond had first mentioned aiding the people of Rohan, he had thought he had misunderstood. His terror had grown when Elrond informed him that he planned to take part in that battle personally. Elrond's people were sailing to Valinor and only Elrond, the twins and he had remained. At once he had offered his sword arm, declaring Elrond wouldn't fight this battle alone. The twins had also wanted to join, but Elrond had forbidden them to go to Helm's Deep for which Glorfindel was intensely grateful. Finding Elladan or Elrohir's body between the fallen would have devastated Elrond.

Behind him, cloth rustled and he turned around, quickly returning to the bed where Elrond was waking up. "My lord?" He knelt beside the bed and watched Elrond's eyes closely. They were still unfocused, a sight he had grown accustomed to after Elrond had performed a healing. "Would you like something to drink?" How many times had he taken care of Elrond? Enough times to know how to look after Elrond. "Some hot tea?"

Elrond nodded once, smiled and raised a shaky hand. Glorfindel sucked in his breath when Elrond's hand came to rest on his chest, right above his heart. "Elrond?"

Elrond blinked once. His dreams had been haunted by images of the dead and finding Glorfindel this close reassured him. Acting instinctively and needing to touch the living, Elrond raised a shaky hand and caressed Glorfindel's face, letting his fingertips slide down the blond's flawless skin. "Aye, I would love some hot tea."

Glorfindel leaned in to the caress, not fully realizing how much he was welcoming it until he saw the faint amusement in Elrond's eyes. "Tea, right..." He practically jumped to his feet and stepped away from the bed. /I must not do this. Elrond's heart belongs to Celebrian and his children.../ Seeing Elrond raise an eyebrow, he recalled he was supposed to fetch hot tea and he nearly stumbled toward the doorway. Why was he acting like this? Why would Elrond's touch distress him like this? /Oh, because you want it to be more than just one touch.../

"Excuse me while I fetch your tea." Glorfindel composed himself again, but still fled the room. In the corridor, he drew in a deep breath and steadied himself. "Now, where can I get some tea in this place? Best to follow my nose then, maybe it will lead me to the kitchen." Glorfindel sniffed the air and turned right, hoping the smell of herbs would take him to the kitchen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrond was too tired to move on to his right side. Part of his body ached, but he endured it, like he endured so many things. This weakness would pass in a few hours, maybe a day. This healing had taken much out of him, despite drawing of Éomer's life force. He closed his eyes, but they flashed open again once he was assaulted by memories of the battle. "I must be getting old." When he had fought with Gil-galad the dead had never haunted him and he had seen his share of corpses back then.

Scanning the room with his eyes, he appreciated the sparse furniture, making the room less cluttered. He was without any doubt in Edoras, staring at the decorations and woodcarvings. Elrond had never been here before, but he decided he liked Edoras. Now where was Glorfindel? Ah, the blond was fetching him some hot tea.

Pushing deeper in to the comfort of the mattress he mentally reviewed everything that had happened during these last few hours. Finding most Elves dead had nearly devastated him and he was relieved that he had convinced his sons not to take part in this battle. They were inexperienced and would surely have died. He considered it a miracle that Glorfindel and he had survived, fighting such an overwhelming force.

Haldir... Hopefully the 'Lorien Elf was still asleep and recuperating. He wasn't sure Haldir's spirit was still intact and planned to check on him when the Elf woke. What if he had only brought back a part of Haldir? Would the Guardian ever forgive him?

Glorfindel, he needed his friend close, but he had sent Glorfindel to get him some tea... Elrond sighed, recalling the sensation of caressing Glorfindel's face. He had long realized he felt deeply for his seneschal, but he was afraid to offer his heart again. Celebrian's departure had caused him so much grief. Aye, he understood why she had left; she had been wounded in mind and body, but that didn't lessen his pain. He only hoped she had found some relief from her pain at Valinor.

His heart ached with two great pains. He had let Celebrian go, realizing she could no longer be his wife, but at the same time love for Glorfindel had blossomed in his heart and he couldn't reconcile the two. What if he revealed his love to Glorfindel and the blond left?

Another sigh escaped Elrond. He was a warrior and a healer, and only Celebrian had made a lover out of him. Aye, he recalled stolen glances and touches exchanged with Gil-galad, but that hadn't been love. They had turned to each other to find comfort in a time of war and darkness. Now darkness was upon them again and he found himself falling in love once more, but this time Glorfindel was the subject of his affection. /But I cannot risk my heart. I can lose him in the upcoming war./

"My lord? I hope this will do." Glorfindel entered once more and headed for the bed, carrying a mug filled with steaming tea. "It is a herbal tea and their healer said it would give you new strength."

"Healer?" Elrond watched Glorfindel put the mug on the night stand. Glorfindel's arms closed around him, helping him to sit upright. For the briefest of moments he felt cherished and comfortable, but the sensation vanished when Glorfindel left his side to fetch the mug.

"I took a wrong turn," admitted Glorfindel. "I intended to head for their kitchen, but I found the rooms where their healers dwell instead."

Elrond noticed the distress Glorfindel desperately tried to hide. Glorfindel handed him the mug, but his hands shook too badly and the tea almost sloshed over the rim, burning him. Glorfindel's fingers closed over his, steadying them. "What did you see that upset you?" He sipped slowly, the hot liquid warming him inside.

"There are so many wounded," whispered Glorfindel. "They are tending to their own people and as well as ours."

"Then I should help." Elrond sipped again, regretting that his rest had come to an end. He would love to sleep some more, but couldn't, knowing his people needed him. Rohan's healers had no experience treating Elves and their injuries, but he had. "I will see to them." Elrond pushed the mug in to Glorfindel's hands and tried to swing his feet to the floor. His eyes widened, feeling a terrible weakness sweep through him. It was his body's way of telling him that he was far from being healed.

"Nay, my lord, you will rest." Glorfindel placed the now empty mug aside and forced Elrond to lie down again. "I will not allow you to leave your bed. I will restrain you if necessary."

Elrond smiled warmly, looking in to concerned eyes. "Ai, Glorfindel, but I am needed." 

"Nay, my lord, you will stay here and rest. Their healers are in control of the situation. I regret giving you a different impression."

Seeing the determined expression in his friend's blue eyes, Elrond knew that getting out of bed wasn't an option. He had tried that once before after a healing had made him collapse. Glorfindel had been firm and had carried him back to bed when he had fainted after taking three steps so he gave in and let Glorfindel take care of him. "But you must wake me when Haldir regains consciousness."

"You worry too much," said Glorfindel in a remarkable soft tone. "Haldir is stronger than you think."

Elrond's eyes were locked on Glorfindel's hand when the blond reached for him, hesitantly smoothing back his raven hair. The touch created sparkles inside him and he tried to hide the effect Glorfindel's caress had on him.

"You need more rest," said Glorfindel slowly, suddenly jerking back his hand.

Elrond startled at Glorfindel's sudden retreat, but one look at the blond's face told him that Glorfindel's caress had caught him unaware as well. Glorfindel seemed embarrassed and was about to rise from the bed, whispering an apology for trespassing. "Nay, meldir, do not apologize for touching me. You are a true friend, one I can always depend on." Was it just imagination or did regret and sorrow flash in those entrancing sapphire eyes?

"I will let you rest now. Do not worry, my lord, I will watch over you." Glorfindel exchanged his seat on the bed for a comfortable chair and leaned back, briefly closing his eyes.

"You must be tired," remarked Elrond. "We are safe here. Why not sleep as well?" Until now he hadn't fully realized the exhausted expression on Glorfindel's face.

"Maybe I will sleep for a short while," admitted Glorfindel.

Elrond smiled. "Sleep, meldir. We are among friends here." He had barely spoken those words when Glorfindel's eyes turned vacant. "Ai, I neglected my duty to you, Glorfindel. You push yourself to hard..." But his own exhaustion got the better of him and he surrendered to sleep as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aragorn found Legolas with the healers, trying to alleviate pain wherever the Elf could.

Realizing Elrond and Glorfindel had been at Helm's Deep the entire time had shocked him. Why hadn't his foster father confided in him? The thought of almost losing Elrond made him cringe. He knew that Elrond was a warrior at heart, but this battle had been ill fated from the start. If Elrond and Glorfindel had made their presence known, he would have kept them close, making sure no harm came to them. /But they managed just fine. They fought Saruman's army and survived.../

But now that he had arrived at the improvised Healing House he realized only too well that not everyone had been that lucky. He managed to lock out the memories of the dead, and now concentrated on helping the ones who had survived. His gaze was drawn to Legolas, who moved among the wounded with unease. The blond obviously felt awkward at dealing with the injured and comforting the young ones who had been traumatized by witnessing and surviving the slaughter, but Legolas carried out every order the healers gave him and his mere presence seemed to lessen the darkness that had crawled in to their hearts.

A soft glow still clung to the Elf, even in spite of the dirt and blood that stained his face and hair. That glow eased the pain of the ones who were suffering and it even eased Aragorn's troubled mind. In his dreams Arwen had spoken to him and then Elrond had beseeched him to let his daughter go so she could live forever in the Undying Lands. He had even tried to return the necklace to Arwen, but she had refused, saying it was hers to give.

Éowyn also haunted him. Her eyes revealed her strength and he felt drawn to her, but something kept him back from courting her and it wasn't Arwen. Nay, Arwen would never be his; he wanted her to sail to Valinor and be with her kin. And Éowyn? He didn't see her tending to the wounded, but she was doubtlessly comforting the women. Aye, his heart was drawn to hers, but whenever he looked at her, it was someone else staring back at him. Midnight blue eyes stared back at him.

Ai, Legolas... When had he fallen in love with the Elf? He had met Legolas a few times during his childhood when King Thranduil had sent Legolas to carry his messages to Elrond and they had become close friends, but now he found he wanted more. Friendship wasn't enough any longer.

"Aragorn?"

Aragorn tore himself away from his musings and looked in to startling beautiful eyes. "Legolas..." The Elf stood opposite him, brow furrowed and with a concerned look in them. "I want to help." His voice shook a little and Aragorn averted his eyes, unable to hold Legolas' gaze.

"Your help is most welcome," said Legolas in a puzzled tone. "But why do you only offer your help now? What took you so long?"

Aragorn nodded once. "I walked among the fallen, trying to find someone who had survived. So many died last night, Legolas." The hand that came to rest on his shoulder made him look at Legolas and he saw understanding and compassion in the Elf's eyes. "You despaired before the battle took place, now despair has come over me as well. We won the battle, but was it worth it?"

Legolas moistened his lips and Aragorn stared mesmerized, wishing he could kiss those lips and forget the horror he had witnessed for just a short while.

"We must believe it was worth it," said Legolas in a firm tone. "Now tend to their wounds. You are a natural healer. Use your talent to alleviate their suffering."

Aragorn placed his hand on top of Legolas' and squeezed gently. "Thank you for reminding me."

A thoughtful expression appeared in Legolas' eyes, but Aragorn shied away from exploring it and moved toward the wounded, hoping helping them would ease his own pain. Feeling Legolas' eyes upon him, he didn't turn to address the Elf; instead he focused on the wounded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas stared at Aragorn's back and a sense of deep regret swept through him. When they had thought Aragorn lost he had kept Arwen's necklace, hoping Aragorn would return to them after all and Aragorn hadn't disappointed him. Seeing Aragorn rumpled and exhausted, he had barely restrained himself from embracing his friend, but the feel of Arwen's necklace in his hand had stopped him. Aragorn wasn't his, could never be his.

/I will never come between you and Arwen for I love you too much. I want to see you happy and your happiness lies with Arwen. I will be your friend... as long as you want me to./ Feeling melancholy he returned to help the healers, trying hard to concentrate on the wounded instead of his love for Aragorn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Haldir startled awake with a dying scream on his lips. His back was on fire and his arm felt numb. Another scream joined the first, remembering the Halls of Mandos and being pulled back to Arda. Misery swept through him and his eyes finally regained their vision, enabling him to take in his surroundings. Unable to move, he was forced to stare straight ahead. /What is a Man doing this close to me?/

"You died..."

Haldir gasped. "Who... are you?" Just uttering those few words exhausted him. The man was a stranger to him and yet an arm was folded around him, soothingly rubbing his skin.

"My name is Éomer."

Éomer, he didn't know that name. Feeling too weak to move away from the other man, he resigned himself to the touch and close presence.

"You probably want to know what happened," reasoned Éomer.

"Aye..." Haldir boneless lay against Éomer, soaking up the man's body heat. He felt cold for the first time in his long life; how was that possible? Then something came alive in his mind and a golden light enveloped him, warming him. His eyes widened, realizing the warmth came from Éomer. "What... happened?"

"Lord Elrond found you among the dead and brought you here."

"Elrond?" Aye, he remembered Elrond coming to Lothlorien to ask for their support and he had gathered volunteers, leading his men to Edoras. But what was Elrond doing here? He was under the impression that the Lord of Imladris would sail to Valinor.

"He asked for someone to step forward so he could bring you back from the dead and I volunteered. Rohan owes the Elves and this was my way to repay that debt."

Haldir cringed. Elrond had brought him back using Éomer's life force? What did that mean? Was he bound to this Man now? /The golden light... It is still there, warming me. It is Éomer. Elrond, why did you do this?/ Haldir tried to move away from Éomer, needing some distance between them, but pain slashed through his back, stopping him effectively.

"Elrond said you should stay close to me until you healed."

Haldir's eyes sought out Éomer's. The Man had admitted that he had offered his life force to pay the debt Rohan owed the Elves, but was that enough reason to step forward and volunteer? His head spun with questions and he groaned softly, embarrassed at showing his weakness. In a way he felt humiliated, having to turn to a Man for strength and comfort. /Elrond, why? Was there not anyone else who would save me? Why a Man?/ He tensed, feeling Éomer brush back his hair. No Man had ever touched him before and it was because of his weakness that he had to allow it now.

"You must still be tired. I know I would be after such an ordeal. You can go back to sleep, Elf."

/Elf, the way he says it makes it sound like an insult./ A part of him knew he wasn't being fair, but realizing that Elrond had bound him to this Man shocked him. "I do not...wish to sleep."

"Stubborn, aye?" Éomer laughed. "Trust me, Elf, you look like you are about to lose consciousness again."

Haldir wasn't sure how to react to Éomer's teasing and simply glared at the Man until sleep overwhelmed him once more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Éomer?"

Éomer looked toward the doorway, hearing Elrond's voice. "Aye?" He had expected the healer to call on them.

"I want to check on him." Elrond, supported by Glorfindel made his way over to the bed. "Haldir? Look at me?"

"He is asleep again," muttered Éomer. "It's very distressing to see him sleep with his eyes open." He had woken some minutes before Haldir had stirred and had been stunned to find the Elf's eyes open, staring at him. Only then had he realized they were expressionless and that Haldir was either unconsciousness or asleep. "I know nothing about Elves..."

Elrond wearily sat down on the side of the bed, studying Haldir. "When he woke, did he seem coherent?"

"Aye, he was already questioning me," said Éomer, pleased that the injured Elf seemed to be recovering. "How much longer must we stay like this? I have matters to attend to and my duties..."

Elrond raised a hand, silencing him. Éomer waited impatiently, staying quiet out of respect for the elder Elf who was about to speak.

"When you volunteered to pull him back from Mandos, you bound yourself to a Guardian of the Wood. Haldir is of noble birth and the best warrior Lothlorien has to offer." Elrond's gaze shifted from Éomer to Haldir. "You must understand that your life now includes him as well. You might be needed for a long time... or do you already regret your decision?"

Éomer stared at the blond Elf in his arms. So many thoughts swirled through his head that they were making him dizzy. "What did I do?" When Haldir had been about to die, his decision had seemed the right one, but now he began to doubt, realizing the enormity of his responsibility. Haldir would depend on him for some time and what would happen after that? /My life will never be the same again. He will always be there, at my side and in my mind. I can still feel him, a cold presence, reaching out and embracing me./

Elrond looked up at Glorfindel, reading a puzzled expression on his seneschal's brow. "Do not dwell on what you lost," said Elrond, once more addressing Éomer. "You gained so much and in time you will realize how much Haldir will enrich your life."

"But does he want me?" Éomer frowned. "Does he know he is bound to me in life? Does he know he will die when I do?"

"He suspects it." Elrond sighed. "Haldir is proud, smart and cunning. He will figure everything out quickly."

"How do you think he will react?" Éomer wasn't ready yet to face his own emotional turmoil but knew he would have to confront it sooner or later. His whole life had changed by aiding Haldir. How would King Théoden react to the fact that his heir was bound to an Elf? And could he still court and marry a maiden, knowing Haldir would always be there in the back of his mind? What had he done? He had willingly upended his life!

Elrond sensed some of Éomer's panic and sought out the Man's eyes. "Do not fear this. Our ways may be strange to you, but I would never have proceeded if I did not think you strong enough to change your life."

"I never wanted my life to change. I was happy the way it was," grumbled Éomer, but he had brought this on himself. Looking at Elrond, he saw the strain on the healer's face and he realized Elrond had given some of his life force as well when guiding Haldir back. "He must mean a lot to you then."

Elrond, too tired to answer, looked to Glorfindel to deal with the question.

"Haldir of 'Lorien saved Lord Elrond's sons when they were little. Like you, we owe him a debt, but we paid it with happiness in our hearts for it meant that Haldir would live again. You do not know Haldir yet, son of Rohan, but once you do you will respect him as a warrior and a trusted friend. You are very blessed to be bound to him."

Éomer frowned, hearing Glorfindel speak that passionately about Haldir. "Tell me more about him."

"Haldir was born several thousand years ago," Glorfindel explained, keeping the exact date of birth from Éomer, scared that it would intimate the Man to know he was holding such an ancient Elf, "and he has been a Guardian of the Wood his entire life, serving the Lord and the Lady of Lothlorien. He is a very skilled archer, swordsman and," Glorfindel chuckled briefly, "though some think him arrogant, he is kind and compassionate. He has lived through a lot and it changed him, forcing a mask upon him. Do not let him fool you when he acts haughtily."

Raising an eyebrow, Éomer looked at the Elf asleep in his arms. He liked what he heard, but knowing he was bound to Haldir for the rest of his life intimidated him. His life was dedicated to battle, his men and the horses of Rohan. He didn't know how to deal with this.

Elrond pushed himself to his feet and immediately Glorfindel slung a supportive arm around his waist. "We will let you rest. I suggest you sleep as well, Éomer. We both know pulling back Haldir weakened you as well. Draw comfort from his presence and knowing him alive." Elrond's eyes briefly burned. "I think you made the right decision, son of Rohan. Time will bring you closer together and maybe true understanding will blossom between the two of you."

Éomer nodded once. "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Elrond. I do not take this responsibility lightly and I will see to it that he recovers. Once he is fully healed he can return to Lothlorien and resume his former duties."

"You still do not understand," whispered Elrond, too softly for Éomer to hear. "You cannot be separated in this life."

"My lord? Did you say something?" Éomer frowned, what was Elrond hiding from him? He didn't like it when people kept things from him; he preferred the direct approach.

"You will find out in time," said Glorfindel, alarmed to see Elrond sway on his feet. "Take care of your charge and I will look after mine."

Elrond smiled involuntarily at hearing the concern in Glorfindel's tone. "I am well.."

"Nay, you are not." Glorfindel privately wondered if Elrond would protest against being carried back to their rooms, but in the end his concern outweighed his doubts. Moving swiftly, he swept Elrond off his feet and cradled him against his chest.

"What are you doing?" Bemused, Elrond met Glorfindel's eyes. This was one move he didn't expect.

"You are to rest, remember?"

Éomer watched the little scene unfold with interest. Until now he had never seen two men care this much about the other. /Nay, that is not true. I have seen my men lay together after a battle, finding comfort in each other's arms, but yet, this is different still./

Glorfindel nodded once, and then left the room, carrying Elrond tightly cradled against his chest.

Éomer's mind raced. /Are they lovers?/ At Edoras such behavior was not encouraged, but not condemned either. Even his father ignored such love affairs, giving the impression that such love didn't exist in the kingdom of Rohan, but it did.

He turned his attention back to Haldir, wondering if the Guardian had ever been attracted to a man before. A sudden jolt shook his body. /What if this bound entails more than Lord Elrond told me?/ Startled, he wondered what to do with this newly acquired knowledge. /Does it mean we are... mates for life as well? Nay, it can't be. Elrond would have told me... wouldn't he?/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I do not like being carried like a child," growled Elrond softly. In reality he enjoyed Glorfindel's concern and protectiveness of him, but he couldn't openly show it.

"You are not yet strong enough to walk these corridors, Elrond," chided Glorfindel. "I told you to rest some more before seeking out Haldir, but you refused. It is my task to make sure you do not neglect your needs and I will not fail you."

Elrond shook his head against Glorfindel's chest. "Put me down on the bed then." By the Valar, he still felt weak! Feeling the soft mattress beneath him, he sighed. He watched Glorfindel closely as the blond covered him with a blanket. "What would I do without you?" Glorfindel's eyes saddened unexpectedly, and their expression took him aback. "I need you, you know that, do you not?"

Glorfindel nodded slowly. "I will always be there to watch your back in battle or to take care of you when you are recovering."

Elrond's smile died on his lips, realizing their friendship was much deeper than he had thought. /Ai, I cannot turn to you for comfort... What if I lose you?/

"Sleep, my lord. I will check on Haldir and keep you informed."

Elrond nodded once. /Glorfindel, I regret denying you... I read love in your eyes and yet I cannot admit mine.../

Glorfindel waited for Elrond to fall asleep and then indulged himself by fingering a raven lock. /Nîn ind, I will always be there for you, I just wish... but nay, that is selfish. I cannot have you... In the end I must respect your decision and I will not pursue you... But I will never stop loving you.../

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part 3

The Cleansing

"Master Elf, we appreciate your help, but most wounded have been taken care of, and you look like you might want to take a bath and rest," said Éowyn. The healers had asked her to talk to Legolas, who had assisted them for the last ten hours. Even Aragorn had left to rest.

Legolas looked up from applying a bandage to a Man whose leg had been pierced by two Uruk-Hai arrows. At first he didn't understand her words or intentions, having lost himself in the pain and suffering that surrounded him.

Éowyn sighed as large, friendly eyes met hers. "I will look after this one, please rest."

Legolas watched her absentmindedly as she took the bandages from him, seeing to the injured Man. Finally her words registered with him. "Nay, I am not tired yet and there is still much to do." He didn't want to be alone for he would lose himself in his grief. In his long life he had never witnessed such a massacre, so much death and pain. At least here he was of some use, helping the injured deal with their pain.

"You are injured as well, Master Elf," said Éowyn, pointing at Legolas' left arm. "Didn't you notice?"

"It is nothing," said Legolas, shaking his head. He would heal quickly, but these Men wouldn't.

"I won't take no for an answer, leave..." Éowyn gestured him to leave. "Visit the bathing house or the stream, Master Elf."

Reluctantly Legolas took a few steps away from her, suddenly wondering where Aragorn had gone.

Éowyn guessed correctly and said, "Your friend left two hours ago, exhausted and asleep on his feet."

Legolas nodded once. He would not object any longer, but bathe quickly and then find another place where he was needed. Walking slowly, he looked dazed about, wondering how they had managed to defeat such evil. They had won merely one battle, the war for Middle Earth still had to begin!

His despair returned, as he stepped outside and passed a pile of Uruk-Hai corpses who would be burned at sunrise. He averted his eyes, seeing some men retrieve an Elven archer from beneath a fallen Uruk-Hai. Overwhelmed by grief, he started to run, not even looking what direction he was heading in.

A few moments later he arrived at the artificially engineered stream which Éowyn had mentioned. The darkness of night clouded him and one quick sweep of his surroundings assured him that he was alone. Looking down, he realized Éowyn was right; dark Orc and Uruk-Hai blood stained his clothes and blood clods had formed in his hair. In a desperate urge to rid himself of them, he stripped and waded in to the icy cold water. In his hand he hid a small knife, just in case an Orc or Uruk-Hai had survived and was now looking for victims. Let them come! He would gladly kill them!

He dived beneath the water, wetting his hair and throwing back his head as he resurfaced again. He regretted having no soap, but the water would do. Slowly, he undid the braids and began to wash the blood from his hair. His eyes swam with tears, remembering the Elves who had fallen in battle. He had survived, but right now he wished he was dead as well, blaming himself for their death. Maybe if he had fought harder, more cunningly...

He would never weep in front of his friends, or strangers for that matter, but now that he was alone he released his pain and sobbed softly. As he wrapped his arms around his waist, he wished he wasn't alone, but no one was close, and he wouldn't allow anyone to comfort him anyway, expect for maybe Aragorn, but that path was forbidden to him. Aragorn's love belonged to Arwen, and was out of his reach. At times like these, he wished for his father and brother to be with him, but they were struggling to keep Mirkwood safe. Alone... why did he always feel so alone? Why wasn't there anyone he could turn to?

"Legolas?"

Legolas startled, annoyed at being caught unaware. As he spun around, the dagger glimmered in the moonlight, warning his possible attacker that he was armed and no easy prey.

A dark shadow stepped forward, whispering softly. "Peace, Legolas. I am a friend."

Legolas lowered the dagger, recognizing the voice. What was Aragorn doing here?

"Would you be offended if I joined you? I even brought you a set of clean clothes."

"How did you know I was here and what I was doing?" Legolas cocked his head, saw the clothes draped over Aragorn's arm and suddenly grew very much aware of his state, his very --naked-- state. Thankfully the water reached his waist, making him feel less exposed. He wasn't shy, or ashamed for his body, but he was afraid what Aragorn's closeness might do to him.

"I rested for the last hour and after I woke I returned to tend to injured, only to be turned away by Éowyn. She told me clean up and directed me here. She also happened to mention that she had sent you here as well." Aragorn placed the clothes on the ground. "You owe me an answer."

Legolas nodded thoughtfully. "Aye, you may join me." Telling Aragorn 'no' would only make the Man more curious. He turned around when Aragon removed his clothes, fearing he might betray his interest. "Thank you for bringing the clothes." He hadn't looked forward to slipping back in to bloodied clothes after taking his bath.

"You are welcome," said Aragon softly, knowing Legolas heard him perfectly. He was a bit surprised to find Legolas' back turned to him, but reasoned that the Elf wanted to give him some privacy. Sighing blissfully he stepped in to the water, letting it wash away his enemy's blood.

A full moon peeked from behind dark clouds, just long enough for Aragorn to notice Legolas' injured arm. "Would you like me to look at that for you? Maybe it needs binding." He waded toward Legolas, watched the Elf shiver and realized that those shivers weren't due to any cold. Legolas was desperately trying to smother his sobs, but Aragorn heard nonetheless. Briefly he felt like an intruder, wanting to give Legolas his privacy, but at the same time the sobs tore at him.

Legolas knew he had given himself away when Aragorn moved behind him. By the Valar, why couldn't he stop crying, stop mourning the dead?

"Legolas?"

Aragorn's voice was calm, not asking or expecting anything, merely offering comfort and Legolas appreciated that. "So many died..."

"So many Elves," clarified Aragorn. "Their death pains you."

"Aye..." Legolas raised his head and stared at the starless sky. The moon hid behind clouds once more, but he still didn't turn to face Aragorn. It was time to leave the water, but his path would take him too close to Aragorn and then the Man would see his tear streaked face. He flinched, feeling Aragorn's fingers explore his injury and he almost pulled away, but he stopped himself just in time. "Do not trouble yourself. It is nothing."

"It still needs binding," said Aragorn firmly. "You already lost blood."

Legolas nodded once, using his hair to hide his features. "It if must be..."

"There is still some blood clinging to your hair, may I remove it? I brought a comb..."

Legolas shook his head. "That is not necessary, but I thank you for your kind offer."

"Legolas, would you look at me?"

Legolas shivered. Why did Aragorn want to look at him? Yet, he still turned and faced Aragorn, but avoided looking at the Man's eyes.

"Legolas, there is no need to hide your pain from your friends. You witnessed the death of your people and only a few survived. Let me comfort you." Aragorn frowned, wondering why Legolas was hiding from him behind a curtain of golden hair. "Legolas?" He raised a hand and cupped the Elf's chin in the palm of his hand, forcing Legolas to look at him.

Once more the moon left its hiding place and it projected a silvery reflection on to Legolas, making him seem like liquid silver. Aragorn gasped at the sensation. He wanted to tell Legolas how bewitchingly handsome he was, but knew he couldn't. "Let me comfort you and tend to your injuries."

Legolas finally returned Aragorn's stare. "Do not tell the Dwarf that I let you comfort me..."

Aragorn chuckled. "Come, my friend. The water is too cold to my taste." He guided Legolas out of the water, careful not to peek at his friend's body. The last thing he wanted was to grow aroused while being naked. He picked up the towels he had brought and folded one around Legolas, who listlessly sat down on a rock. Legolas absentmindedly rubbed his skin dry and Aragorn did the same. "Here, these will fit."

Legolas accepted the shirt and leggings and slipped in to them. He was about to put on his boots again, when Aragorn's hand settled on his shoulder.

"You are not leaving yet. I want to have a look at that arm first. Push back your sleeve."

Legolas knew better than to argue with Aragorn and obeyed. "It is but a scratch."

"You are fortunate indeed. The wound is already closing, but I want to bind it to prevent more blood loss." He looked at Legolas for permission.

Legolas nodded, and watched Aragorn's ministrations absentmindedly.

"There is a ceremony at sunrise. Would you like to attend it? It might by your only way to get some closure." Aragon pulled the sleeve back in to place and handed Legolas his Elven cloak. The blond's hair was a tangled mess and he would love to straighten it out and braid it again.

"I should," whispered Legolas slowly, "but I am not sure I can. The loss is overwhelming."

Aragon decided that he didn't need Legolas' permission to comb his hair and sat beside his friend, slowly untangling the blond locks. He realized instinctively that Legolas was showing him how much he trusted him, allowing him to be comforted in this manner. Aragorn thoughtfully braided Legolas' hair, wondering if his friend even suspected his attraction, he thought not.

Legolas enjoyed the feel of Aragorn's fingers in his hair and sighed. When Aragorn had finished braiding, he cocked his head and looked at his friend, almost admitting his love, but then his gaze shifted to Arwen's pendant. He grew quiet, realizing it was folly to admit his love and he would probably ruin their friendship. It was best to remain silent. "Thank you, Aragorn. I feel better now." It was a white lie. He felt even more miserable now that the pendant reminded him that this could never be.

"Would you like me to accompany you to the ceremony?" offered Aragorn, knowing only too well how much Legolas was suffering.

"I..." Legolas looked away, unable to stare at Arwen's pendant any longer. "I would like that, but..."

"It is agreed then, I will accompany you." Aragon met Legolas' gaze and wondered at the unreadable expression in those hypnotic eyes. "You have friends, Legolas."

"A Dwarf and a Man," said Legolas teasingly, finally smiling. He might never have Aragorn's love, but their friendship meant just as much to him.

"Aye, a stubborn Dwarf and a Man," corrected Aragorn amused, relieved that Legolas was feeling slightly better. "Will you allow me to watch over you while you rest? I will wake you before sunrise."

Legolas shuddered, looking at the breached, bloodstained walls and shook his head. "I do not wish to go back there."

"We can sleep here... under this oak tree." Aragorn smiled encouragingly. "Why don't you lie down and rest?"

Legolas was tempted and finally gave in. Lying down, he stared at the dark sky. How many more hours until dawn?

"Sleep, my friend. Allow your mind to find rest and peace." Aragorn's fingers trembled, stroking the blond hair and he forgot to breathe when Legolas rested his head in his lap. "Aye, my friend... Calm your mind and enjoy this moment of quiet." He kept the soft murmuring up, relieved to see Legolas' eyes finally turn blank. At last Legolas was resting. Staring at the blond, Aragorn grew painfully aware of the pendant that rested against his skin. He had seen Legolas look at it earlier and an unidentifiable expression had appeared in his blue eyes.

Thoughtfully, but determined, Aragorn slipped the necklace from his neck. He briefly stared at it, and hoped Arwen would live forever in the Undying Lands. Right now, only this moment existed and he lost himself in Legolas' vacant eyes, falling asleep as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Éomer? The King wants to speak with you."

Éomer nodded. "I will join him in a moment." He dismissed the servant and looked at Haldir, who was still asleep in his arms. He had to untangle himself first!

The servant left to deliver his message to the King and Éomer gently raised his arm, released Haldir and moved away from the Elf. A part of him admired the unearthly beauty, but another felt distanced, uncertain what the future would bring. Haldir tensed and Éomer pulled the covers back in to place, making sure his charge was warm. "I will be back shortly," he whispered, ignoring the fact that Haldir couldn't hear him. And he would return with clean clothes. Maybe one of the servants could wash Haldir's hair and remove the blood from his body? But nay, had he been injured he wouldn't want a servant to perform such an intimate act.

/I am a warrior, I can do this for another warrior./

Éomer looked one last time over his shoulder at Haldir. Reassured that the Elf was asleep, he walked in to the corridor, eager to talk to Théoden.

"Sire, you asked for me?" Éomer approached the King, bowed and waited for Théoden to address him.

"Aye, Éomer, we need to talk." Théoden's inquisitive eyes searched Éomer's. "We need to discuss Haldir."

Éomer nodded in understanding. "It was Rohan's one way to repay this debt."

Théoden looked at his nephew thoughtfully. "I understand and respect your decision..."

"But?" Éomer frowned, knowing Théoden well enough to know the King was going to speak his mind.

"It is inconvenient, you being bound to an Elf, no matter how valiant a warrior he might be. You will be the next Lord of the Mark so you must marry and produce an heir. It seems hard to do that with an Elf close the entire time."

"Once he has healed he will return to his people," said Éomer defensively, but he was worried about the exact same thing. "And there is always Éowyn. She would make an excellent Queen." Théoden's eyes narrowed and Éomer realized he had said the wrong thing. "She is strong and worthy of the throne."

"She is a woman!"
 

"She would rule the Mark well!" Éomer was getting frustrated. "Why are we discussing this?" A sudden stab of cold swept through him and he rubbed his arms, trying to get warm again. "If you are so opposed to her taking the throne, let me rule and make her son my heir!" Oh, he knew his temper was getting the better of him, but he didn't understand why Théoden couldn't understand that women were just as suited to rule as men!

Suddenly he swayed on his feet, hair flying and hands reaching for the wall to support him. Ice bit cruelly through him, nearly freezing his heart.

"Éomer?" Concerned, Théoden approached his nephew. "What is wrong?"

"The Elf..." Éomer looked stricken, suddenly fully realizing what Elrond had meant by staying close to Haldir. "I must return to my rooms..." Éomer staggered out of the Great Hall, down the corridor and nearly collapsed, as his heart threatened to stop beating. Two strong arms unexpectedly caught him and he looked up at the face of Lord Elrond.

"I told you not to leave him alone!" Elrond was furious. "Hopefully we are still in time!"

Éomer was dragged along, trying to walk on his own, but Elrond seemed frantic.

"I cannot lose him now," muttered Elrond.

Éomer stared at Haldir, curled up in the bed and shaking like a leaf. "What's happening?" He stumbled toward the bed and collapsed on it.

"Remove your tunic," ordered Elrond. "Now!"

Hearing the urgency in the healer's voice, Éomer complied.

"Now hold him!" Elrond pushed back the covers, waited for Éomer to lie down and covered them with the blankets. "Hold him, Man! Mandos is calling him once more!"

"I did this to him? I didn't realize..." Éomer's face contorted and he wrapped his arms around Haldir, recalling a time when Éowyn snuggled up to him for warmth and comfort. He drew from that memory, stroking Haldir's hair and mumbling soft reassurance. "I am sorry I left..."

"Do you still feel him in your mind? Do you?" Elrond rested one hand on Haldir's head and the other on Éomer's, trying to strengthen their connection.

Éomer concentrated. "I still feel him, but he's cold, so cold... He feels like ice."

"Touch him," commanded Elrond, trying to steer the energy coming from Éomer.

Éomer felt confused. "Touch him?" Hesitantly his hand rubbed Haldir's icy cold arm, trying to get to terms with the fact that he was holding another male in his arms. This wasn't his baby sister he was comforting... Could he care for Haldir like he had cared for Éowyn when they were children? "I won't let you go. I brought you back once before and with Lord Elrond's help I will do it again! You will not deny me. I won't allow it!" The vacant eyes flashed, and Éomer sighed, seeing recognition in them. "At last." His relief at finding Haldir conscious again surprised him.

"The... Man..." whispered Haldir, barely aware of what was happening. A moment ago he had been at Mandos, sitting next to his fallen fellows, but it had been so cold... so lonely as their faces were expressionless. He was actually relieved to be back at Helm's Deep.

Elrond knelt at the head end, and searched Haldir's eyes. "We almost lost you a second time."

Haldir shivered, the cold seeping in to his bones. So this was how cold felt? Why was he feeling it in the first place?

Elrond's gaze shifted to Éomer. "Son of Rohan, heed my words, do not leave him alone again or we will lose him after all."

"I now understand." Éomer felt ashamed for deserting Haldir.

Elrond nodded. "I will leave you then, and trust you not to make the same mistake twice." 

"Thank you to coming to his aid, my lord." Éomer met Elrond's eyes one more time and then concentrated on Haldir as the half-Elf left the room. "I regret endangering your life." The cold inside his mind was now fading and he continued to rub the bare skin beneath his fingertips. Haldir's skin seem to warm beneath his very touch.

"I... was...  back at...  Mandos." Haldir's speech was slightly slurred and he looked at the Man in wonder. "Will you... tell me?"

"I was foolish enough to throw Lord Elrond's warning to the wind and I left to talk to my uncle. I should have known better." Éomer's hand reached for the blond locks, eager to remove the dirt from them. "You came back from death and yet death clings to you. Will you allow me remove it?"

Haldir blinked sleepily. What was that Man talking about and why had Elrond left?

Éomer called for a servant and asked for warm water, towels and clean clothes. The servant hurried away to fetch everything his master needed and Éomer thoughtfully stared at Haldir. "You are still tired, are you not?"

Haldir managed to nod. "Why... does... my back...hurt?"

"You suffered a blow there. It probably ended your life."

"Would... you take me... back to my... people?" Haldir found it increasingly hard to concentrate on his speech. Sleep tugged at him, but he was not yet ready to surrender.

"I am afraid most of your fellow archers are dead." Éomer saw the shock in Haldir's hazel eyes and regretted being the bearer of such ill tidings. "Only a handful survived and the healers are tending to their wounds."

Haldir flinched, reliving the last minutes before his death. "Dead... so many... dead..." Their eyes had been emotionless, their bodies cold and they had stared at the dark sky. "They... were not... supposed... to die..." He had led them in to death. Why hadn't he stopped this folly? But nay, the sacrifice had to be made.

Éomer nodded empathically. "Elves do not usually die, do they?"

"Nay... I knew them so well... taught them... the way of the Wood... herb lore..." Haldir's eyes filled with tears and they slipped down his face, revealing his anguish.

"But Lord Elrond managed to save you," pointed Éomer out to him. "And now you are my responsibility." The glare Haldir directed at him surprised him.

"I am no one's... responsibility and certainly... not yours, Man."

Éomer chuckled, knowing it would further anger the Elf. "But you are..."

Haldir was about to protest again, but the servant returned with two buckets of hot water, towels, washing clothes and clean robes. "Put them next to the bed," instructed Éomer. He slowly broke the embrace while waiting for the servant to leave.

Haldir wearily eyed the items. "What...?"

"You are covered in blood, your own and the dark blood of the Uruk-Hai. You will feel much better after I cleaned you up."

Haldir's eyes narrowed. "I forbid... you to touch me... in that manner."

"You forbid?" Éomer chuckled again, enjoying their verbal bantering, although he wasn't sure Haldir would see it the same way. "You are in no position to..." Haldir suddenly struggled upright, releasing a strangled yelp when his back nearly paralyzed him.

"Lie down!" Éomer gently pushed Haldir down again, making sure he rested comfortably on his right side. "Lord Elrond already removed your armor and tunic, now let me do this!"

Haldir's eyes blazed with fury. "I will do it... myself."

"You cannot do it, you lack the strength." Éomer dropped the washing cloth in the water, retrieved the soap and created a lather. "Stay put and let me tend to you. Let me do this for a fellow warrior... even if I am only a Man."

Haldir realized he didn't really have a choice and nodded stiffly.

Éomer pushed down the blanket and cleaned the parts of Haldir's back that weren't bandaged. "That must have hurt..."

Haldir tensed. "I do not know... what was worse, the pain... or knowing that my men... had died..." His eyes widened, realizing he had spoken words aloud that had never meant to be heard.

"I understand... When I lead my men in to battle I worry about them as well. I would be a bad leader if I didn't." He finished cleaning Haldir's back and started on the left arm, slightly raising it. "Your men are treated with all respect and there will be a ceremony for them at dawn. I doubt though that you can attend it."

"Why... not?" Haldir gritted his teeth when Éomer gently rolled him on to his other side. He was loathe to admit it, but Éomer was right. It would be days before he would be able to walk again.

Éomer started on Haldir's other arm, taking great care to remove the blood from the Elf's fingertips. Talking seemed to distract Haldir so he followed up with questions. "Lord Elrond told me you are a Guardian of the Wood?"

"Aye, I serve the Lord and... the Lady." He gasped in pain when Éomer shifted on the bed, causing his back to flare in agony. Unexpectedly the wash cloth moved over his chest, and he hated admitting it, but the warm water lessened his ache. However, he tensed again when Éomer started to remove his boots and leggings. "What are you... doing?"

"Your leggings are drenched with blood." Éomer chuckled, bemused. He was actually enjoying taking care of the Elf and couldn't resist teasing him.

Haldir swallowed convulsively. The Man had dared to remove his underwear as well! He endured the Man's touch, wondering why Éomer was performing this task personally.

Éomer wondered how to wash Haldir's hair, but eventually settled for unbraiding the hair, rinsing it with a small amount of water and combing it. The Elf could take a bath when he had recovered enough to leave the bed. "I would braid your hair, but it think you would be more comfortable without the braids." Not getting a response, he rose from the bed to fetch the brown sleeping robes.

"Much better," stated Éomer pleased, helping Haldir to slip in to his robes. Seeing the exhausted expression in Haldir's eyes, he gently lowered him on to the bed again. "Do you think I should keep you company? Lord Elrond said to stay close to you."

Haldir sighed. "I think it would be best." Oh, he was going to talk to Elrond. What had the Lord of Imladris been thinking when binding him to a Man? Once he felt stronger he would question Elrond about that! In the mean time he would concentrate on his recovery, even he depended on this... Man... for now.

"You really don't like me, do you," stated Éomer amused as he slipped back in to position, facing Haldir and carefully wrapping his arms around the Elf. "Why do you always feel cold?"

"Mandos is cold," replied Haldir, shivering violently.

Éomer soothingly rubbed cold skin, which grew warm beneath his fingertips. "I used to hold Éowyn like this."

"Éowyn?" Haldir couldn't help being curious, after all, this Man had saved him.

"Éowyn is my sister," said Éomer fondly. "You will meet her..."

"I do not plan to stay that long..."

"From what Lord Elrond has told me you might not have a choice." Éomer watched Haldir fall asleep. It would take time him some time to get used to seeing Haldir sleep with his eyes open.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Glorfindel woke as Elrond tried to sneak back in to their room again. His eyes settled on the half Elf, openly revealing his worry. "Why did you not wake me when you left?"

Elrond cringed at Glorfindel's hurt tone. "You were tired and needed to rest. I regained much of my strength and decided to let you sleep."

"Where did you go?" Glorfindel stretched, feeling cramped after sleeping in the chair.

"To see Haldir." Elrond didn't think it necessary to worry Glorfindel with what had happened. He had seen the pleading expression in the sapphire eyes when he had brought Haldir back. Glorfindel had been painfully reminded of the fact that he had once dwelt at Mandos as well. This was taking its toll on his seneschal who was in dire need of rest. "The bed is big enough for the two of us," said Elrond thoughtfully. "The chair is no acceptable place to sleep."

Glorfindel nervously averted his eyes. "It will do."

"Nay, it won't," said Elrond firmly, laying down on his right side. "Come here, Glorfindel and lie down. I do not bite."

Glorfindel laughed awkwardly at Elrond's attempt at humor. It was probably Elrond's way to reassure him. Eventually he laid down as well, catching Elrond shiver. "You are cold."

"Elves do not get cold."

"But you are half-Elven," said Glorfindel smugly.

Elrond let him get away with it. "Then pull up the covers."
 

Glorfindel did, and continued to search Elrond's eyes. Love stared back at him, but it pained him that Elrond couldn't overcome his fear of abandonment. Oh, he understood. He had seen the pain Elrond had been in when Celebrian had sailed to Valinor and had mourned the loss as well. He didn't dare hope that Elrond would overcome his fears one day. Hope was dangerous...

Elrond returned the probing gaze, but was unable to maintain it for a long time. Mending the nearly broken bond between Haldir and Éomer had once more drained him and he dozed off.

Glorfindel smiled saddened, and stole a touch, gently caressing Elrond's face. /You captured my heart and it no longer belongs to me... Please guard it well for me./

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next Part