Due to the constant attacks on the borders of Caras Galadhon, The Feast of Fëar Departed was a subdued affair. Instead of all day celebrations, singing and poetry, it was merely a meal at dusk. To the eyes of men, it was still a fine affair, as all elves appeared in their finery and barrels of Darwinion wine would still flow freely. It was customary to wear shades of red, orange and yellows. Some elves from more disadvantaged houses would wear the same red robes they would wear to funerals of the fallen.

You were, however, left a gown of yellow golden splendour from Galadriel. With it, was a circlet of gold, etched with sunbeams. It was truly a masterpiece, and one you often yearned for when Galadriel wore it in your youth. You were touched by this simple act of love. The very fact she remembered, warmed your heart, and brought a smile to your face. It was a cold November evening, and a mantle was left, all white, trimmed with white fur. There was a gold clasp and chain to hold it together. Why Galadriel had left you an outfit more befitting a queen, you were not sure. Perhaps it was due to the fact you had been reincarnated. You were sure there was something Galadriel, your beloved Parantiriel knew, that would become clear later.

The dinner was held in the same garden all feasts were held in. A huge grassy area, margined by hedgerows. Long banquet tables were adorned with white cloths, and fireflies lit the dusk. It was warmer in this garden than outside, nevertheless enough to cool uncovered skin. You were announced to enter, alone in this instance since Haldir was out on patrol, and you were guided to your seat at the top table. You were seated on the left side, that of Galadriel's guests. You were glad to find you were seated close to the edge with Rumil who welcomed you with a nod. "Radiant, as always Gaeariel" he said as kissed your hand.

"Oh stop it Rumil!" you laughed. A laugh that tinkled across the table, where you met eyes with Galadriel.

She entered you mind to speak, "You look more beautiful in that diadem than I imagined. I hope you like it."

"I do, Palantiriel, thank you for allowing me to wear it."

"Consider it a gift of celebration and love, daughter."

You looked at her bewildered, her eyes merely shone with the whisper of a smile and she looked forwards again.

"How many attacks today, Rumil?" you asked.

"Three, with another group coming from the south, just as I left." His face hardened. "2 losses today and 16 injured by poisoned arrows."

You nodded, "We need to reconsider our formations. We need a midline level flet for defence on the border. The high flets and footmen aren't enough. There are too many precious seconds between our storms. We need another layer of offense to overwhelm the uruk."

"I agree, but the woodworkers are rebuilding the last flets destroyed by fire, north of the city." Rumil responded.

"Perhaps support could be found from elven brethren." A deep voice spoke. Your stomach dispatched from its normal position.

You turned to Lord Elrond, who was sitting across and 2 seats down from you.

"For that, I am sure Lorien would be eternally grateful, Elrond. Perhaps counsel with the Lord and Lady would be prudent." You lifted a glass of wine to your lips to prevent anything foul leaving your lips.

"Indeed, that is why I am here." His eyes bored uncomfortably into yours. "and we will discuss whether the Galadhrim will go to Helm's Deep to the aid of the Rohirrim."

The Galadhrim would mean that Haldir would lead the army. You forgot to breathe, your heart stopped, your hands shook. Strong as ever, you managed to gain your composure, "If the Galadhrim leave to the aid of others, there will be no Lorien left to defend. Where will the elves of Caras Galadhon find safety in all this?"

"It seems you have much to say in this matter, Gaeariel. I will ensure your presence at the meeting, tomorrow." Elrond stood and swiftly left, his robes swirling behind him.

You looked to Rumil, who looked surprisingly stoic. This was one of the few moments you could see Haldir in him.

"Are you alright, Rumil?" you ventured.

"I am my lady, Sauron is a threat to us all, and it is only just we aid others if decided." He said, facing forward, all soldier, no Rumil.

"Surely you cannot agree with this? I always came to aid of others in battle when required, but this is to the detriment of Lorien!" You clenched your first, in no mood to celebrate any longer. You had to find Haldir. You began to stand, as Rumil bade you back down, and his face softened.

"My advice is do not let Lord Elrond know you are disturbed by this. We know not of any plans he may make upon your reaction." He raised his eyebrows.

You sank back into your chair, as you nodded. "I did not realise how much of an emotional strategist you are, Rumil." You dryly chuckled. "I will take your advice, thank you."

He nodded. "Now, let me tell you of the happenings between Orophin and Anna." He smiled devilishly into his goblet of wine. He explained, savouring every detail of how Anna had given Orophin the ultimatum of choosing him or Anna.

"She honestly believes I am the source of all his misbehaviour!" he feigned shock.

You looked at him as if to say 'really?'.

Laughed deeply and loudly, "I see your point. But can you believe it? I have never heard of such a thing? How could we pretend our blood is not one and the same?!"

"And how does Orophin seem?" you asked, now fully invested.

"Well, he is not here my lady. And as you can see, she is working the tables." He pointed in the distance, and there you saw the elleth, pouring wine to another table. "I think he has his eyes on another, but has not found the gall to say."

"Rumil, who?" you said doubtfully. "Anna and Orophin have courted a long time, and when he is not with her, he is on patrol."

He looked at you, "And who do you see in early morn without fail?"

"The baker girls? Really?" you laughed.

"All I know is my lady, he returns patrol with more Lembas than he left with." And snorted into his wine. You could not help but be infected with his laughter, and found soon your ribs sore.

"Thank you, Rumil." You held his arm and nodded, as you rose to find Dandreal. It was time to sing before you retired for the night.

Rather than a lament, it was a joyous song of meeting your beloved in fëar and hröar in Valinor. As you finished, you felt eyes on the back of your neck. Skin tingling, you turned to find Haldir leaning on the pillars at the small gate, which lead to the veranda overlooking Caras Galadhon. He was dressed in burnt orange robes, which made his blue eyes flair. His hair was down, with no braids. The top of his hair was brushed back, with a sliver of hair in front of each ear. He stood with his arms crossed, which accentuated his unusually broad frame. But you knew that was the frame of a fighter, and you loved him all the more for it.

You wanted to run to him, but instead, you glided over and he smiled fully, showing his teeth. He took your hands in his and you gently bowed to each other.

"Marchwarden, it is an unexpected delight to see you here." You said huskily, biting your lips unawares.

"How could I refuse to see my sunlight sing? I would be honoured if you would accompany me to the veranda." He held out his arm for you to take, which you did so gladly. Feeling his warmth soothed you. You intended to tell him all about Elrond, the Galadhrim and the meeting tomorrow, but for once, you wanted to enjoy time with your Marchwarden unencumbered by outside worries.

You walked through the lane, illuminated by moonlight reflecting off the moonflowers. The scent was beautiful and intoxicating. Much like your beloved.

You finally reached the veranda, the one and same from the feast of Mëlme, where your heart was nearly broken by Haldir, and his yours.

You stood facing each other, the moon large and bright behind you. One side of you in darkness, the other in light. Each of your profiles highlighted by the moon. Haldir pressed his forehead to yours.

The moon making his lips exquisite as he moistened them to speak. "Do you remember when we first met?" he asked.

"I do, barely. You were my Aini (Angel)." The water vapour of you combined breaths swirled in front of your faces.

"I knew not then the indomitable, dauntless force of nature you are. But I felt the impression of your fëa on mine. I do not ever wish to be unfeeling of such force upon me." His eyes met yours, full of apprehension, wide and searching. His yearning disarmed you. His hand came to your face, barely touching, as if worried holding you too tight would break the spell.

"Please accept my proposal to bind fëar, bind hröar, so that if we may separate in this life, our binds will find us together in Valinor." He presented you with a single black tulip. You held your hand over his, and you spoke in a barely audible whisper, "Of course meleth-nin." Upon your words, the black petals fell, to reveal new white underneath, signifying your acceptance.

Tears threatened to fall from Haldir's eyes as his kiss said a wordless thank you.