As night slowly faded to dawn and many barrels of wine lay empty, most elves were leaving to get some sleep before the final night of celebrations rang out. You and Haldir had long won the drinking bet with his brothers, who were taken home by the much-displeased Anna. Sitting bellies full of wine, and hearts full of love, you could easily be fooled into thinking you were back in Valinor. Peace ran through your veins. As the sun breached the horizon, and the morning dew soaked the grass, Haldir arose, and stated, "I think it is time we retire, my lady." He held out his hand, which you took, and you could feel the connection flow between your fingertips. It was bliss for you both.

You walked hand in hand towards his Talan and reached his door. Unsure if it were prudent for you to enter, he turned round and faced you chuckling.

"Since everyone saw us last night, there is little point in adhering to custom now." He said.

"How positively progressive of you, Marchwarden." You laughed. He pulled you across threshold and embraced you. He inhaled the scent of you, and muzzled his face in the crook of your neck, while he stroked your back. Has hands settling in the small of your back, and said "Now that I have found you, please, never leave me. You are the remedy to a sickness I did not know that I had endured all my life. I have never truly belonged, and now I belong to you." He stepped back, "please, meleth-nin, I may be the worse for drink, but my heart speaks clearly."

"I promise. Ni mel tye." You bit your lip, not knowing if you had spoken too much, too soon. But Haldir picked you up, spun you round and said, "Im mel cin." For any race other than elves, it would seem too soon to declare love, but elves are quick to love and fear not the repercussions, as their instincts are rarely wrong.

It was time to get some rest, and Haldir led you to the bedroom. He helped you removed your circlet, and thought like the precious jewel that adorned it, you were the jewel that adorned his life. You were sacred. He turned you round and helped you step out of your gown. You lifted your cotton underdress over your head revealing your milky unblemished skin and your impressive curves. Haldirs breath hitched as he looked you up and down, drinking in the sight of you. You were perfect, curvier than most elleths, your curves rolled like the waves. He planted a kiss on your collarbone, and liberated himself of his clothing. A hot embrace, you could feel the heat from each others skin, the desire growing between you. For such a bodily union, you both silently agreed would comply with common custom. Bodily union would be only after a ceremony dedicating yourself to each other before the Valar and Eru.

Your Marchwarden's strong arms pulled you into bed, and covered you both with the blankets. He curved his body round your back, and lay his arm across you. Being both wine and love drunk, you both fell asleep soundly.

You both were roused awake to soft knocking at the door. Haldir, pulled on a navy blue robe and answered. There was no one there, but next to a basket of breakfast lay neatly folded some gowns for you to wear. He came in smiling, and plucked a note from the basket which read, "To keep your strength up, Regards Lord and Lady C&G." You both ate breakfast, went for a bath and got yourselves dressed. Haldir wore his normal garb, with a plait keeping his hair out his face. You chose the dove grey gown, and plaited your hair in such a way that it cascaded down the side of your neck.

A grey dress was an apt choice, the grey of the heavens complementing it. You and Haldir were outside getting some fresh air, when Rumil and Orophin found you.

"Dear brother, little does it matter that you missed Gaeariel's show, when your display has awed all those in realm!" Rumil laughed, while Orophin stood open-mouthed, fully expecting a sarcastic remark, or worse still a shitty outpost punishment from his brother. But to his shock, Haldir smiled. He smiled. A wide toothy grin, until deep laughter erupted from his belly.

"Oh Rumil, really!" You chided in faux disgust. "If only your ability to drink was as deep as your wit, you wouldn't owe me 200 mirian!" You held out your hand and he bergrudingly placed a purse of coins in your hand.

"You are lucky you are Haldir's beloved, or he would have found a way to avoid payment" laughed Orophin.

"Seriously though, last night will be spoken of for many years to come, for all the right reasons. Was the best Feast of Mëlme in at least 300 years. Since the rejection of the betrothal of Lyklor and Zilyana, on the basis of Lyklor getting the maid pregnant!" He continued. "We heard from those stationed on the gates last night, that Lord Elrond and all associates of Imladris left before dawn, citing an emergency."

Thank the Valar and Eru and anyone else involved, you thought. As you turned your head, you saw Mithrandir striding towards you.

"If we may talk, Gaeariel, Haldir." His tone serious. Rumil and Orophin nodded, taking their leave.

"Firstly,I believe congratulations are in order. From what I am told, it is rare to seethe dance of the fëa." He placed one hand on Haldir's shoulder and one hand onyours. "However, we must keep in mind that darkness always follows light. Weknow darkness is coming, and I think perhaps this was the light your people neededto face the dark."