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A Change of Heart (NC-17) Print

Written by Sairalinde and Anorienbean

03 March 2006 | 41243 words

Pairing: Haldir/Faramir
Beta: sileya Thank you so much!
Disclaimer: No money was made from this fic, and we do not mean to imply anything about the sexual preferences of anyone mentioned within.
Summary: Taught from a young age to kill all Elves on sight, a young man finds that he no longer agrees with his father’s law when he meets an injured Elf.

Chapter 1

Faramir glanced up at the sky. Judging by the few stars he could see that it was roughly an hour until dawn. He’d been walking in the forest all-night and wondering what had become of his men. He was too far from his own borders, and he was quite frankly turned around- the stars had been blanked out overnight by clouds so he really and truly was lost. The only thing he knew was to keep walking, putting as much distance between himself and orcs… but that also meant possibly putting distance between himself and his men.

The orc attack had been so fast, so harried, that he’d been cut off from his troops in the wild scramble of the attack. There had been hardly any warning. His scouts had gone ahead and were cut down by orc archers. They had found their bodies, and when he’d ordered his Rangers to head back to the cover of the mountains and the caves they dwelled in, the orcs had descended upon them like a black hoard. That was their plan all along, cut down the scouts and when the main assembly of rangers found them, surround them, cut them off from escape, and eliminate them.

It was smart, far smarter than he’d given the orcs credit for. Faramir wondered just how far he’d gone overnight. Ten leagues, more or less? He thought for a time he’d been traveling north by the look of the stars he’d been able to make out, but now he wasn’t so sure. He remembered someone telling him once that Rangers don’t get lost… but he was afraid that he was most certainly that.

He had been lucky to get away unscathed. Faramir had seen more than one of his fall, and it had taken all of his wits and strength to battle the orcs who’d come after him. He wasn’t sure what had drawn them away to be honest, one moment he was almost completely surrounded, and he fought, fought until his arms ached, and then as he cut down the last of the dark enemy he heard an eerie horn sound and saw the others running away. He’d never know why, unless they had tarried long enough to do what they’d set out to and were called away.

As he reached the apex of a small hill he thought he could make out the outline of a house below him. He halfway skidded and slid down the steep embankment until he reached the small vale. The hut was abandoned, that much was clear by how overgrown it was, but it could at least keep him somewhat warm and dry since it looked like it could rain.

Going into the hut, it was dark, and Faramir fumbled for a moment until he found a candleholder with a stub of a fat candle still on it. He took out his flint and sparked it a few times, finally managing to light the dusty wick. Lifting the candle he moved about the hut and walked over to the wide fireplace. He pulled out his sword and leaned down setting the candle down and sticking his head in to look up the chimney. His sword was ready should some small animal have nested there. Seeing nothing, he moved back and re-sheathed his weapon. He bumped an old table, set the candle on it, and decided to go out in search of firewood.

The sun was starting to rise as he searched the area around the hut to find kindling and small tree limbs he could burn. He made sure to look for as much smokeless wood as possible. No reason to draw the unwelcome. He had no idea where he was, and with Gondor’s political views… the views of his father … he wouldn’t be terribly welcome in some of the surrounding realms.

Moving toward a somewhat steep slope he thought he heard something and laid the firewood down silently. He moved as quietly as he could through the damp leaves that littered the ground and peered down into the shallow ravine. What he saw made his breath catch in his chest.

Someone was down there. It was obvious by the way he laid that he was hurt, and Faramir wondered if perhaps it was one of his own Rangers? He couldn’t see the form clearly because the sun’s light hadn’t filtered down into the shadows of the ravine yet, but he was sure it wasn’t an orc.

Haldir lay at the bottom of the ravine, eyes closed, holding his breath as he huddled as close to the embankment as possible, trying to stay in the shadows. He had been injured days before, three, maybe four, he could no longer be certain. The orcs had attacked his patrol, coming out of nowhere. The Elves were far outnumbered, and the orcs fought as if possessed, killing the Elven-archers first, then taking down the remaining few who were left almost as if an afterthought. Haldir had been the only one to survive, though the pain that raged through his body from the moment he’d opened his eyes made him fervently wish he had died with his troops.

The orcs had surrounded him, breathless and grinning as Haldir had crouched low to the ground and gripped his sword. His bow had been destroyed, the delicate wood snapped beneath the feet of the foul creature that had cornered Haldir just before. Quick as lightning, Haldir had driven his dagger into the beast’s neck and watched as it fell to the ground. Before he could even turn around, he heard the sound of the Elves under his command screaming as one by one they fell. A sharp blow to his stomach made him fall to the ground, and the rancid breath of one of the creatures filled his nostrils even as he tried to turn his head away. He was kicked and beaten from everywhere at once, the blows raining on his arms, legs and stomach, scarcely giving him a moment to breathe. Haldir fought as best he could, but there were simply too many, and before he knew it, the biggest and strongest of the orcs pulled his leg over a rock and pressed down. The sickening sound of bone breaking reached Haldir’s ears just before the pain raced up from his leg and his scream was lost among the harsh laughter of the beasts surrounding him.

The orcs continued to kick him for a few minutes more, but when Haldir had passed out from the pain, they found no more fun in their games. A dark orc covered in Elven blood lifted Haldir up in disgust and threw him down the ravine, where he landed in a graceless heap on the cold dirt.

He’d lain there for days, as the nights grew colder and longer. His strength slowly ebbed away, and finally, he had simply closed his eyes and waited to be taken to the Halls of Mandos. The ravine was too steep to climb, especially with a broken leg, and he’d tried many times, only to fall back to the ground in more pain than before. He had nothing to bind his leg with other than strips of his tunic, and even that had ripped away the last time he’d tried to climb the walls. Finally, he’d curled up into himself as best he could, waiting for the time when he would fall asleep and not awaken.

But the sounds of someone above him startled him, and even though he knew it was hopeless to even dream of being rescued, he listened closely to the approaching footsteps. It is not an Elf. Maybe whoever it is will leave me alone so that I might pass into the Halls in peace. Taking a deep, painful breath, his eyes closed and he fought to stay conscious, hoping that whoever was above him would either kill him quickly or simply think him dead and walk away.

Faramir started down into the ravine, scrambling and slipping on the damp leaves. Whoever was down here was obviously hurt, perhaps even dead already, but if the tables were turned he wouldn’t want to be the one down in the ravine and someone pass him by. Finally, coming to a bit of a skidding halt beside the huddled form, he leaned over and touched a shoulder. He could feel the heat of the body, though just barely. “Where are you hurt?” Faramir decided was the most basic question at this point. He couldn’t see the other person’s face in the dim light, only a fall of long light colored hair tangled with leaves and dirt.

Haldir’s eyes remained firmly shut as his heart began to race in his chest. The voice was soft, the touch against his shoulder was gentle, and at least it wasn’t an orc. A Man. Is that any better than an orc?. He knew little of Men… had known of the young one raised in Imladris, and could only hope that the one behind him was as kind. The others he knew of the human race were not as kind, but at worst, maybe this one would serve to hasten his departure to the Halls of Mandos. At best, maybe he could help him recover so he could return to his home, recover, and gather an army to kill the creatures that had attacked the Elves. Slowly opening one eye, Haldir released his breath and shivered. He turned his head slowly to look at the Man crouched beside him and was made momentarily speechless by the sight of the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. “My… leg,” he murmured, finally forcing himself to look away. “My leg is broken.”

Faramir felt as if he were caught up in some sort of spell as the wounded man turned to look up at him. What little light that spilled into the ravine seemed to shine in the most beautiful blue eyes he’d ever seen in his life, and he blinked when the other person looked away. When he indicated his leg, Faramir shifted slightly trying to get a good look, but the shadows were still deep. “I am sorry. Getting you out of here will be painful… but I found shelter nearby,” he explained softly. He felt bad for the other warrior, he couldn’t tell from
what little clothing he could see if he was a Man of Gondor or one of the other realms or smaller villages. Remembering his manners Faramir cleared his throat. “My name is Faramir, of Gondor… what is yours?”

Haldir’s shoulders slumped in relief when Faramir mentioned shelter. Maybe he will help me? Maybe it is not my time yet? The thoughts of a warm fire and some food in his stomach made him smile and he gingerly tried to sit up. Groaning as his leg protested, he gritted his teeth and took a deep breath, willing the pain away. “I am Haldir,” he said weakly. “My home is in Lórien, or, as some call it, The Golden Wood. Perhaps you have heard of it?”

Faramir recoiled slightly when the Man..or… Elf spoke. “Lórien… you… you’re an Elf?” he asked in disbelief. His heart was pounding rapidly in his chest as years and years of his father telling him all Elves were to be shot on sight. No parole, no quarter, shot on sight within the realm of Gondor. But you aren’t IN Gondor. You have no idea where you are! He’s hurt… you can’t possibly kill an unarmed, injured Man… or Elf! He struggled with the ideas and thoughts in his mind and shook his head. “I… I’ve heard of it… though I’m sure what I’ve heard may differ from what you know of your home,” Faramir said diplomatically. He was torn between simply ending the creature’s life as his father had always demanded of soldiers of Gondor, or helping him.

Haldir sensed the sudden unease in the Man’s posture and the strain in his voice. Many Men hated the Elves and killed them on sight. Though he wasn’t dead yet, that didn’t mean this Man didn’t mean to harm him. Instantly, his smile faded and he shook his head. “I have no doubt that your words are true,” he said sadly. “My home is a place of beauty and light, one that I had hoped to see again. I do not think I will be granted that privilege, however, judging from the look in your eyes. Kill me if you must, Faramir. I am ready, and I will not fight you.”

Faramir looked at Haldir in shock and for the first time in his life disobeyed his father’s order. Who would know out here? “I… I… my orders are to kill an Elf on sight… but… I’m not a murderer, Haldir. You’re injured, and… despite my orders it would not be honorable for me to kill you like this. I… I cannot,” he said softly. Faramir simply could not kill someone in cold blood… not someone who hadn’t and simply couldn’t attack him. It… just wasn’t right, he told himself. His father would have to understand. He would have to understand honor. “We will… simply go with my original plan of getting you out of here… and… let go of the… politics for the moment? A warrior is nothing without honor.” He shifted slightly closer to the Elf and tried to push out of his mind any notion that those amazing blue eyes had any bearing on his decision to help Haldir rather than kill him.

Feeling his heart warm, Haldir nodded and silently regarded the Man beside him. After a moment, he spoke. “I… I do not know what to say,” he whispered. “I do understand honor, and I see you have that in abundance, Faramir. I would truly appreciate your help.” But will you kill me when I have healed? Will you force me to fight you? Pushing away his thoughts, Haldir shifted again and bit his bottom lip to keep from moaning as the pain raced up his leg. “I cannot walk,” he continued. “I was attacked by orcs many days ago, and even if I were not so weak from the loss of blood, my leg has broken in two, and I cannot put any weight on it. I’ve tried… I simply cannot.”

Faramir frowned as he saw Haldir shift and bite back a moan of pain. “I suppose I could carry you, but the leaves are damp, and it’s so steep I’m afraid it would end up making you worse or getting both our necks broken. I could drag you – it would hurt, though,” he said, running over the possibilities in his mind. As the rising sun’s light filtered over the top of the ravine Faramir sat back on his heels and then sucked in a breath as golden sunlight danced over the features of the Elf before him. Haldir was quite simply the most beautiful being he’d ever encountered in his life. He blinked a few times trying to push the thoughts away. You’re already a traitor for helping him. Now you’re enamored by him? Shaking himself he looked up the steep path he’d used.

Leaning back against the wall of the embankment, Haldir looked toward the far end of the ravine. “If you could bring me something to stabilize my leg, and if you could… help me, I think there is another way out of here.” He was reluctant to ask Faramir for his help, but, he had offered. “There is a longer way around, I believe, but I could not travel it alone. I think the trail leads back to the upper side of this ravine, and I will do my best to travel it if you can find me something to use as a crutch. I would not burden you any more than I have to. I only hope the shelter you mentioned isn’t too far. I do not think I have much strength left in me.”

“It’s not far at all,” Faramir assured him and then turned to look where Haldir had. “I’ll get you a crutch, but you will lean on me as well. I saw a few saplings as I was coming down, I think a few of them will be all we need to stabilize your leg… I can use pieces of my cloak to secure them,” he said softly and then looked up at Haldir. Going to cut down the saplings would mean leaving him, and the Elf could think that Faramir had left him for good. Unfastening his cloak he carefully wrapped it around Haldir. “There… it’s cold and this way… you’ll be certain that I’ll return,” he said firmly.

Looking up at Faramir in stunned surprise, Haldir’s fingers curled around the edge of the cloak as he pulled it closer. So… he does mean to return. He truly is an honorable Man. Although how could he be otherwise with such clear and beautiful eyes? They speak more clearly than his words, and I do not sense that he wishes me dead, despite his misgivings. “Thank you, mellonamin (my friend),” he said softly. “It is indeed cold. I have lain here for so long, I have forgotten how good it is to feel warmth. My own cloak was lost in battle, and the nights have been bitter.” He reached out and placed one hand on Faramir’s forearm and bowed his head. “I appreciate this more than you know. I thought I would never see my brothers again, but you have given me hope once more, though I sense it is against your better judgment.”

Faramir swallowed hard and inclined his head in a slight bow to Haldir. “I have a brother too,” he whispered. “I’d like to think, if the tables were turned… that you’d offer me the same respite. I… .I am going against my own father’s orders by not killing you, Haldir. But it is my better judgment which has stayed my hand, at least… I’d like to think that,” he said smiling slightly. “I won’t be long,” he said, gently laying his hand over Haldir’s and almost jolting at how right it felt. He moved away quickly, back up the steep path before either of them could say anything more.

Haldir’s skin felt warm long after Faramir had pulled his hand away, and he simply leaned back and watched as the young Man moved up the path before him. Of course I would offer him respite. I do not think I could not kill him, even if we met in battle. How could one possibly kill someone so beautiful? Startled at his own thoughts, Haldir shook his head and leaned back against the embankment. He rested as best he could, trying to conserve his energy and keep his mind off the steady throbbing in his leg. He remembered Faramir had said he was from Gondor. The Elves were well aware that the steward told his people lies their race, and it was amazing to Haldir that this gentle young Man could see past those lies to help him. He honestly didn’t think that Faramir would try to kill him after he was healed… but would he free him or take him back to Gondor as his prisoner? It was too much to think about just now, and he drifted off into a restless sleep as he waited for Faramir to return.

Faramir moved up the steep path and found the saplings he’d remembered, a small thicket of them, growing right out of the side of the hill. He used his sword to cut them down and then moved about the area and managed to find a tree limb that might make a good crutch. He tested it with his own weight and determined the wood green enough to carry Haldir at least the short distance to the hut he’d found. Faramir kept trying to push thoughts of those bright blue eyes and the way that Haldir’s long lashes had rested against the tops of his cheeks as he’d closed them once. He kept telling himself the reason was honor alone, why he hadn’t killed Haldir, but deep down he knew he was lying to himself. Moving quickly back down the embankment, he sunk to his knees beside Haldir.

“I think these will do,” he said, laying the saplings and the branch that could be a crutch beside them.

Haldir was startled from his reverie and jumped slightly at the sound of Faramir’s voice. A smile automatically touched his lips as he looked at the Man beside him and reached for one of the freshly cut pieces of wood. “Perfect,” he said softly as he tested the strength of the wood. “I tried to bind my leg before… some days ago, I think, but when I tried to move around, I fell and everything broke… including a new part of my leg, I think. Would you… well, I hate to ask this, but would you mind splinting it for me? I seem to be weaker than I thought, and my muscles are so sore, I’m not even sure I could reach my leg right now.”

Faramir felt his heart skip in his chest as Haldir smiled at him and he wondered at himself for the reaction. He is so beautiful. Nodding he smiled slightly. “Please don’t worry, I said I would help you and I will. I don’t mind, as I said I’d hope if things were different that you’d do the same for me,” he said softly. Moving closer he tried to judge the best way to splint Haldir’s leg. “I… if you’ll move your good leg, I’ll straddle the injured one, I think a direct approach might work better than trying to do this from the side,” he suggested. Taking the bottom edge of his cloak he drew his knife from his belt and began cutting strips to bind the splits to Haldir’s leg.

Gingerly moving his good leg, Haldir repositioned himself as Faramir asked. “I would,” he said softly, almost as if he were talking to himself. “I would do the same for you if our positions were reversed. You have a kindness in your eyes that I have never before seen in the eyes of a Man. I could never bring myself to extinguish such a light. It is far too rare.” And far too beautiful.

Looking up from his task, Faramir smiled. “I have to admit I saw a similar light in your eyes, Haldir. When you first looked up at me… I was struck by how even in the dim light, and though you were injured, your eyes shone so brightly. I… am not a Man to shirk my duties, but if we’d met under other circumstances… I think I would have simply pretended I did not see you.” He grinned as he cut the final strip from the cloak. “I think this will be enough, I… I don’t want to hurt you, but I fear I will,” he said quietly as he carefully straddled Haldir’s injured leg.

Haldir smiled and nodded. He knew just how Faramir felt. Something about this Man before him was different than anything he’d ever known… some light in his eyes or the soft lilt in his voice… even the way the corners of his lips turned up just right when he smiled. And the way Faramir moved, then spoke to him so kindly… as if he really didn’t want to hurt him. Gritting his teeth, Haldir’s hands fisted around the edges of Faramir’s cloak, and he nodded. “Do what you must,” he said, taking a deep breath. “I will not make any noise… there might still be orcs about, and I would not alert them to our position.”

Faramir nodded and took a deep breath, truly not wishing to hurt Haldir but knowing that no matter how gentle he was, the untreated leg would hurt. He imagined just breathing probably hurt. As carefully and with as much gentility as he could muster he set the leg, feeling tears sting his eyes from the muffled moan of pain he heard from his companion. His heart truly went out to the Elf as he finished binding the splints to Haldir’s leg. Carefully he moved away from Haldir and placed his hand on his shoulder for a moment. “I am sorry that I had to hurt you, Haldir,” he whispered softly. Taking a deep breath, Faramir looked away and tried to understand why it bothered him so greatly that this Elf he hardly knew drew such feelings of compassion and… protection from him. “When you feel well enough, I can help you to your feet. There is no hurry, take all the time you need.”

As Faramir set his leg, Haldir had to bury his face in the cloak wrapped around him to keep from screaming out in pain. When the splint was finally finished, he lay back against the bank behind him, shivering and weak. Setting the leg had hurt even more than the original break, he thought, and he could do nothing more than nod gratefully at the Man beside him as the pain gradually began to ebb away. A fine sheen of sweat covered his face, and the cool morning air stirred around them as he finally began to catch his breath. “Thank you,” he whispered hoarsely, soothed and calmed, somehow, by Faramir’s hand on his shoulder. “I think I can move now. The worst is over… at least, I hope it is.”

“I hope so too,” Faramir said reassuringly. He grabbed the crutch and took the cloak from Haldir, thinking that he’d return it to him once he got settled on his feet. “All right, now let’s see if we can get you to that little hut I found. How… how do you want to do this? I can lift you up, that actually might be the least painful way,” he said, trying to judge the best angle to get Haldir off the ground with the least amount of jostling.

With his leg immobilized, Haldir was wondering the same thing. Standing up would hurt, there was no doubt about that. He looked at Faramir for a moment and nodded thoughtfully. He looked strong, with broad shoulders and lean, but muscled arms that were clearly defined even through his clothing. “If you’re sure,” Haldir said softly. “I hate to be a burden, but I’ve been here so long, I think every muscle in my body is more or less frozen, not to mention the fact that my leg is useless. It would save us time, I think.”

“I don’t mind, in fact, I think it will probably be best,” Faramir said, throwing his cloak over his shoulder and leaning the crutch against a nearby tree that would be within easy reach. Stepping over Haldir he smiled briefly and then leaned down. This was the best way he could think of since the slope was so steep it wouldn’t take as much effort to get Haldir standing pulling him forward in the direction of the slope, rather than fighting against it. “Put your arms around my neck, Haldir, I’ll lift you and step backward at the same time. We’ll work with the slope, and this way if you lose your balance on one leg, I’m here to hold you.”

Haldir nodded and without any hesitation, wrapped both arms around Faramir’s neck. As a strong arm wrapped around his shoulder and another slid beneath his legs, Haldir automatically pulled himself closer, trying not to cause them both to overbalance. Before he realized it his face was buried against the warm skin of Faramir’s neck and his eyes closed – not from pain this time, but from pleasure. Faramir smelt of warmth and sunshine, of leather and something else… a musky, rich scent that was uniquely his own and made Haldir smile and take another deep breath. He was so focused on the delicious scent of the Man holding him, he barely registered when Faramir straightened up and looked down at him. Oh. I guess I should let go now. Relaxing his grip, he blushed and looked away. “Sorry,” he murmured, as he waited for Faramir to set him back on his feet.

When Haldir’s arms wrapped around his neck, Faramir drew in a quick breath and felt his pulse skip as he helped to lift his companion. His blood seemed to warm in his veins as Haldir’s face pressed against his neck, and it simply felt right holding him like that. He realized that he held him like that longer than was truly necessary and again found himself wondering why he was so affected by the beautiful Elf. Then again, he’s so beautiful, that’s probably why. When he finally managed to set Haldir on his good leg and steadied him with his hands at his waist, Faramir looked at him with concern. “Are you all right?” he asked, noting the flush on Haldir’s cheeks.

Balancing himself by holding on to Faramir’s arms, Haldir rested his weight on his uninjured leg and had to bite back a smile. He’d never been this attracted to someone before in his life. He’d been with more than a few Elves in his time, but none of them made him blush like this or made it hard for him to think. You cannot be attracted to a Man. Elves and humans simply do not mix, and, if you remember, he has been taught all his life to hate Elves and kill them on sight. Do you honestly think you are so breathtakingly wonderful that he will forget everything he has ever known and ride off into the sunset with you? Think again, you silly Elf! And get a grip on yourself! “I’m… fine,” Haldir stammered, finally managing to look up and meet Faramir’s gaze. “Just a little… weak.”

Faramir nodded. “That’s to be expected. Just hang onto me as much as you need. I won’t let you get hurt further,” he promised. Stepping to the side, Faramir grabbed the crutch leaning against the tree and handed it to Haldir, helping him get it positioned under his arm properly. Then he took his cloak and draped it over Haldir’s shoulders and fastened it. “Your clothing is damp from the dew, this might help keep the chill from you,” he whispered as Haldir looked at him oddly. Moving to Haldir’s good side he slid his arm around his waist. “Lean on me when you need to,” he said softly and waited for Haldir to tell him when he was ready to move.

He’s not only helping me, he worried about my comfort? Haldir felt the warmth of the cloak surrounding him again as the thought raced through his mind. He was touched beyond words from the simple gesture and stared at Faramir in shock. The firm, steady arm around his waist grounded him, and he lifted his own arm to wrap around Faramir’s shoulder. “Thank you again, my friend,” he said softly. “I will find a way to repay your kindness one day, I swear.” With another deep breath, he nodded toward the trail. “I think I am ready.”

“You don’t need to repay me,” Faramir said, shaking his head. He watched Haldir closely to make sure he truly wasn’t in much pain, and they slowly started making their way toward the trail. It was a longer way around, but there was simply no other way with Haldir’s leg in the shape it was in. Their progress was slow, and they stopped many times to allow Haldir to rest. Faramir decided once they reached level ground he’d simply carry his companion the rest of the way, it would be faster and less draining for Haldir, who already seemed ready to collapse. “It doesn’t look like it’s much further,” he said encouragingly.

Haldir was shaking once again from exhaustion, and he truly wasn’t sure he could make it much further anyway. He was leaning heavily on Faramir, despite the crutch, and moving around had caused his leg to throb even worse. His skin was pale and his breathing harsh as he stopped once again and rested against a tree. It would be snowing soon and the air was steadily growing colder. “I’m sorry, Faramir,” he gasped. “I know you must be cold too, and I’m keeping you out here when you could be nice and warm in the cabin. Maybe you should have pretended you didn’t see me after all.”

Faramir frowned and shook his head. “What sort of talk is that? We are almost there,” Faramir said softly. He saw the look of defeat in Haldir’s eyes, and it made his heart twist in his chest. He decided, level ground or not, he was carrying Haldir the rest of the way to the little hut. He moved closer to his companion and smiled encouragingly. “You are doing incredibly well under the circumstances,” he whispered. Before Haldir could protest Faramir’s arm slid around him and the other slid under his legs as before when he’d helped him up. He smiled slightly when he saw Haldir’s eyes widen before his arms wrapped around Faramir’s neck. Like before it simply felt right and perfect. “But you’re right… we are both cold, and this will be a bit faster.”

Haldir was shocked once again when he was lifted almost effortlessly. His arms wrapped around Faramir’s neck and he sighed softly, feeling safer than he had any right to feel, being this close to someone of a race that more or less hated the Elves, but he was powerless to push that feeling away. The wonderful scent he’d smelled before relaxed him further and he snuggled close, telling himself that he was simply making it easier for Faramir to carry him, but knowing that he was lying, even to himself. “One day,” he said quietly as his exhaustion began catching up with him, “when I have my strength back, and you are tired, I will carry you, my friend.”

Faramir smiled and pulled Haldir a little closer against him. “And I will look forward to that day,” he said warmly. He knew he shouldn’t feel so protective and so… attached to the Elf so soon and certainly not at all. It was at odds with everything he’d been taught his entire life, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. He moved steadily upwards toward the top of the ravine, and when he finally cleared it and they were once again on level ground, he smiled. The trail had led them within a stone’s throw of the little hut. “Haldir?” he whispered. “There’s the hut… I suppose in daylight it’s more of a cabin. I really couldn’t tell much about it in the dark, but I know the chimney is clear. I was hunting firewood when I found you,” he explained as they moved closer to the small structure.

Reluctantly turning his head away from the warmth of Faramir’s neck, Haldir looked toward the hut and perversely, his first thought wasn’t of the warmth of a blazing fire and a safe shelter from the cold, but that once inside, Faramir would put him down and most likely keep his distance from here on out. Before he could speak, he saw something white drift before his eyes and he turned back to Faramir with a smile. “Snow,” he said softly, watching as large, fluffy flakes landed in Faramir’s hair and on his shoulders. One hand moved from around his neck to gently wipe the flakes from soft ginger-colored hair before he even realized what he was doing. “I love snow. Just not… being trapped outside in it. I would have frozen to death if you hadn’t come along, you know.” Wrinkling his nose as the snow continued to fall over his face, Haldir let his arm rest back around Faramir’s neck and he turned to look at the cabin again. “The cabin looks perfect. And warm.”

Faramir glanced up as Haldir said it was snowing and smiled. He’d always thought snow was beautiful, but he was very glad they had shelter now that it was starting to fall. When he glanced back down at Haldir he felt his heart leap when his friend’s hand brushed at the snowflakes gathering in his hair. When Haldir said he would have frozen to death if he hadn’t found him, he felt a tightness in his chest and looked at his friend only to see him wrinkle his nose in the most endearing manner. Faramir found himself feeling the most irresistible urge to kiss away the snowflakes that gathered on the Elf’s long perfect lashes. Blinking and looking away quickly, he nodded. “It’ll be much warmer once I get a fire going,” he said softly. He pushed the door open with his shoulder and carried Haldir into the small cabin. Now that it was light he could more easily see, and he moved past the table and toward a bed in the corner. It was dusty – everything in the cabin was dusty from disuse – but at least it was warmer than it was out in the cold wind and snow. He carefully set Haldir on the bed. “I’ll go back out and find the firewood I gathered before and then come back and see if we can’t get some warmth and light at least,” he said softly. “Maybe some food for us, I’m sure you’ve got to be starving.”

Haldir settled on the bed and nodded. He was still cold, but the cabin was much warmer than he’d imagined, and once the fire was lit, it would be downright cozy. Still… his arms were warm. I don’t think a fire would feel anywhere near as nice. Blushing, Haldir bit back a smile and laughed as his stomach growled. “I’ve not eaten in a few days,” he admitted. “I didn’t even realize how hungry I was until you mentioned food.” Unwrapping Faramir’s cloak from his shoulders, he grinned. “Come here, my friend,” he said softly. “You will need this back if you’re going outside.” When Faramir looked at him oddly, but moved closer once again, Haldir wrapped the cloak around his shoulders and nodded. “There. I don’t want you freezing out there in the snow.”

Faramir was charmed by the blush that stained Haldir’s cheeks and tried to ignore the warm feeling it gave him. When Haldir asked him to come closer he did so, leaning down slightly and then finding himself surprised as Haldir wrapped the cloak around his shoulders and fastened it for him. His hands slid up and wrapped over the top of Haldir’s, which were every bit as cold as his own. “I won’t be long,” he whispered, feeling caught in Haldir’s gaze. He could simply drown in those beautiful blue eyes, and he felt a blush of his own spread across his cheeks before he released Haldir’s hands and backed away.

Faramir’s blush made Haldir’s even deeper, and it lasted long after Faramir left the cabin in search of food and wood. Haldir’s hands tingled where Faramir’s had rested over them, and he he’d had to bite back a sigh as the young Man had pulled away. He lay back on the bed and pulled the single, thin blanket over him as he watched the door and tried to push the thoughts jumbled in his head to the side. He was hungry and cold, and, oddly enough, he missed Faramir already. How can I miss him? I barely know him. Yet… yet he is the kindest soul I have ever known. Honorable and brave and beautiful and gentle beyond words. Even if I were to die in my sleep tonight, I am glad to have the chance to have known him…

Moving through the woods quickly toward where he’d dropped the firewood he’d gathered earlier, Faramir tried to push the way Haldir had blushed so endearingly from his mind. Unfortunately, the more he tried not to think about Haldir, the more he did think about him. What’s wrong with me? I’ve been taught my entire life that Elves are evil creatures, and… I find myself not being able to believe Haldir has a single evil bone in his body. He sighed heavily as he gathered the wood and made his way back toward the cabin. The snow was falling faster now, and he worried that finding the promised food would be more difficult than he first considered. When he arrived back at the cabin, he smiled at Haldir, who was resting on the bed, and went straight to the fireplace. It took him a bit longer than normal to get the damp kindling to catch, but once it did he continued to feed the fire gradually until the flames began to leap and lick the larger wood. Dusting his hands off he lit the candle he’d used that morning and crossed over to the bed. “It should start warming up in here now,” he said softly. Setting the candle on the small table beside the bed he wasn’t able to stop himself before his hands were tucking the blanket more around Haldir. He paused and smiled. “Now that there is some snow on the ground, I might be able to see if there are any animal tracks. Maybe I can get us something to eat soon,” he said softly, resisting the urge to brush Haldir’s hair back from his forehead.

Haldir smiled sleepily up at Faramir and was struck again by the blue eyes gazing down at him. “You’ve had to carry me for a long way, mellonamin,” he said. “And you’ve been out in the cold as well. Why don’t you rest for a moment and let the fire warm us both?” Reaching one hand out from under the blankets that had been tucked around him so gently, he rested his hand over Faramir’s. “You are freezing. Please… just relax. I promise I won’t starve any time soon.”

If it were possible, Faramir imagined that his heart just melted within his chest as Haldir’s hand rested over his own. Inclining his head he smiled slightly, “Thank you… there is plenty of daylight yet, so perhaps you’re right,” he said softly. Regretfully moving away from Haldir he removed his cloak and hung it near the fire to let it dry and pulled one of the low stools near the table to sit beside Haldir’s bed. “You should rest, I’m sure you haven’t had any for a few days, at least not peaceful rest,” he whispered, noting how tired Haldir looked.

Haldir’s eyes were heavy, but he was loath to look away from Faramir. “I know Men generally don’t like Elves very much,” he said as he fought back a yawn, “but this bed is wide and I will move close to the wall. You are more than welcome to lie down beside me and share the blanket, my friend. I would feel guilty sleeping in a bed while you have nothing but a stool. You should reserve your strength since I seem to be quite helpless.”

As Haldir invited him to share the bed, Faramir looked away for a moment and then nodded. “You shouldn’t move your leg too much… I’ll help you if you like, and then we can share the blanket and our warmth for a few hours at least, before I go back out to hunt for food,” he said standing up. He looked down at his boots, which were quite muddy, and took them off, only then realizing just how frozen his toes were. He wiggled them a bit and hissed. “Wish I hadn’t lost my pack during the fighting,” he murmured to himself. “Let’s get you settled,” he said smiling and helping Haldir move closer to the wall. Once Haldir was settled, Faramir took off his sword belt and few weapons and laid them aside before crawling into the bed beside Haldir. He lay staring at the ceiling beams before rolling to face his companion. “Are you in any pain at all?” he asked softly.

Haldir’s leg ached and as Faramir turned to face him, he knew the pain was easily recognizable in his eyes. Lifting the blanket with one arm, he gently let it rest over his friend and nodded. “It’s not as bad as it was before, but yes… it hurts,” he admitted, drawing back against the wall once again, in case Faramir wished for him to keep his distance. “The orc that broke it… he took great pleasure in breaking it slowly, and I wasn’t able to set it correctly. Elves heal very quickly… in about half the time Men do, but I fear I only made things worse by trying to climb out of the ravine. I fell so many times, I think I did more damage than anything else.”

Faramir felt a sudden desire to find that orc and make him pay very slowly for what he’d done to Haldir. He frowned at that thought and shook his head. “Maybe now that it’s set and you are in a proper bed it will heal correctly,” he said softly. “There are a few willow trees around, I’ll get some bark from them and brew you a tea from it. It’ll help a bit with the pain.” Unable to help himself, Faramir reached out and brushed a lock of long, surprisingly silky hair back and tucked it gently behind Haldir’s elegantly pointed ear. So beautiful. Are all Elves this beautiful or only him?

Haldir smiled at the unexpected gesture and unconsciously leaned into Faramir’s touch. A soft sigh fell from his lips and he resisted the urge to move closer, to wrap himself in the warmth of Faramir’s arms and close his eyes, feeling safe and relaxed, as he did back in the Golden Wood. “Hmmm,” he murmured softly, both from the gentle touch and the drowsiness that was slowly coming over him. “Feels nice. And tea sounds good. But after you rest. Please… relax here with me for a while.”

Faramir was slightly startled by the warmth that shot through him from Haldir’s contented murmur and soft sigh. His fingertips brushed against smooth skin for only a heartbeat, but that single touch sent another wave of warmth through him and his breath hitched in his chest. Gods… I must be losing my mind. The desire to gather Haldir in his arms was almost overwhelming, and he drew his hand back, unsure what to do with himself, his face burning from a deep blush.

Haldir was asleep moments later, the pain in his leg forgotten for a time, and he was finally able to relax and really rest… something he’d been unable to do in the ravine, where even in his haze of pain and restlessness, he’d tried to listen for the orcs’ return. The bed was wide, and there were several inches between Haldir and Faramir, but the room was still cold, and even in his sleep, Haldir craved the warmth of the body beside him. Snoring softly, he instinctively kept his legs still as his upper body moved toward Faramir. One hand was tucked neatly under his cheek and the other curled up against Faramir’s chest as he shivered. “Cold,” he murmured softly, before his words were lost in the deep breaths of sleep and he relaxed once again.

Faramir watched as Haldir fell asleep and simply listened to his soft breaths and very soft snores, which made him smile. As Haldir moved closer in his sleep and then the word ‘cold’ was murmured, Faramir closed his eyes and then moved a little closer and wrapped his arm around the Elf. They were both cold, and he realized his hesitation earlier hadn’t been not wanting to be near a person he’d been told his whole life was an enemy, but because he was afraid of what feelings it stirred within him, simply touching Haldir, watching him. It’s only sharing warmth. All of this… all of it has simply been the honorable thing to do. He told himself those things, but even in his mind he knew the words didn’t ring true. Scooting just a little closer, very carefully, Faramir rested his chin on top of Haldir’s head and tucked the blanket around them a little more. He closed his own eyes and let himself drift off into dreams as well.

Chapter 2

The first thing that registered in Faramir’s mind as he began to wake up was an incredible warmth against his chest, and it felt as if fine silk pressed against his chin and neck. A slow smile spread across his face as he realized what was going on. The events of the early morning came back to him, and he remembered that Haldir had been cold and had snuggled close to him for warmth. It felt… comforting and oddly right which baffled him. How could he feel like this about someone he had been taught his entire life was the enemy? Maybe it was because Haldir was helpless right now. He had no way to protect himself, he was completely at Faramir’s mercy, and as he’d said to him, he simply could not kill an unarmed Man or Elf. It just wasn’t the honorable thing to do. Then again, maybe it was because of what he felt when those sparkling blue eyes looked up at him. He sighed and looked down at his companion, drawing back slightly so he could look at the Elf’s face.

Haldir was quite simply a stunning creature. Long lashes that rested against perfect cheekbones seemed to draw his attention. He remembered carrying him to the cabin as the snow fell and wanting to kiss the flakes gathering on his lashes away. Why he’d had that desire, he had no idea. It… wasn’t right to look at him the way he had, but Faramir realized he wasn’t able to control his thoughts. Yet, he wouldn’t act on the attraction he felt for the Elf. He couldn’t. It was one thing to stay his hand from killing an unarmed Elf who was injured, it was yet another to… to… what, exactly? Want him?

Frowning at the thought, Faramir carefully untangled himself from Haldir and got out of bed. He slipped on his boots and put on his weapons. Perhaps he could see about finding them something to eat before they both starved to death. With one last look at his sleeping charge he felt a smile tug at his lips from the way Haldir snuggled into the warmth Faramir had left when he’d gotten up. He put on his cloak and put more wood on the fire before stepping out into the still rapidly falling snow.

He hunted for over an hour before he killed a few rabbits that had been out searching the snow for food themselves. On his way back to the cabin he stopped at one of the large willow trees he’d seen and cut out enough bark to last a few days for a tea that might help Haldir with the pain Faramir was certain he endured. Through it all, all the moving, everything, he’d not done more than given a soft muted moan, but Faramir knew he was holding back. He could see it in Haldir’s beautiful eyes.

Arriving back at the cabin he stomped the snow off his boots as quietly as he could before entering.

Haldir stirred as the cool winter air swirled through the door as Faramir entered the small cabin. He remembered little of the hours before, only that a kind and gentle Man from Gondor had rescued him from certain death, had passed on the opportunity to kill him, unlike many Men would have, and instead, bound his leg and offered his own cloak to warm him. A vague memory of strong arms carrying him to safety, of blue eyes that shone with tenderness as a soft, lilting voice spoke of honor, drifted through his mind, and he slowly opened his eyes. Forgetting his injured leg, he started to sit up, and gasped as pain raced through his body like fire. Weakly, he rested his head back on the pillow and clenched his fists in the blanket. “I… good… morning? Afternoon?” he said softly to his companion. “How long did I sleep?”

Faramir winced as he looked up and saw the look of pain on Haldir’s face. “I tried not to wake you, it is late afternoon. I managed hunt a bit and got some of the willow bark. If I can find something to boil water in, I’ll make you a tea for your pain,” Faramir said crossing to the table and setting everything aside. He took off his cloak and shook it out before hanging it by the fire. “The snow is still falling,” he said conversationally as he searched the little cabin for a pot or something to boil water in. Rummaging through one of the little cabinets he smiled as he found a few old pots, well used, but without any holes. “I think the Valar may have smiled on us both,” he grinned, looking over the door at Haldir and feeling his breath catch in his chest from the way the Elf was simply looking at him.

Haldir was able to push the pain aside as he regarded Faramir. Never in his life had he been attracted in the least to someone of a different race, and certainly, never to a Man, but he found that he simply could not keep his eyes off the young Gondorian. He does not like Elves. Remember that. He is probably planning on giving you the tea and letting you fend for yourself the very instant the snow stops falling. Looking down abruptly, he bit his lip and took a deep breath. “Maybe our luck is changing,” he said, rolling over on his back, being careful not to move his leg this time. “Though… I think I was so exhausted when you found me, I failed to ask why you’re out here all alone… much as I am. Were you separated from your troops as well, or were you simply traveling?”

Faramir moved about the cabin searching for anything and everything they could make use of. He was grateful to whoever had lived here before for leaving so much behind. Then again, with the world as it was, they may not have intended to leave but had been killed and simply couldn’t return. He pushed that thought aside and looked up when Haldir asked how he came to be here alone. “Like you, my company was attacked by orcs. They killed our scouts first, and when we found their bodies it was too late for us to fall back, they were on us before we could even think. I got separated from my men and the only reason I’m not dead or injured is because the orcs simply stopped fighting, turned and ran when a horn was blown. It all happened so fast and then nothing. I couldn’t find any of my men, so I started walking. That’s how I found this cabin,” he said gesturing vaguely at their surroundings. “Then gathering firewood… I found you. I don’t even know if my Rangers yet live or if they were all killed or captured… it… I’ve never seen orcs attack that way. They were far more intelligent and… well, to plan an ambush that way. Orcs normally meet you head on… it… was… unexpected.” Faramir shrugged and looked in a trunk near the end of the bed. He found a quilt and a few other items.

Haldir nodded and gingerly sat up on the bed until his back was braced against the wall. “Then you have seen it, too,” he said softly. “I think they are under new orders… or a new master these days. They seem more vicious, more brutal, and far wiser than any orcs I have encountered before. I hope your Men are alive, Faramir, but may the Valar help them if they have been captured. After our battle, I am almost comforted that the Elves under my command are now out of their reach.” His leg was beginning to throb again and he realized just how weak he was – the simple act of sitting up had left him panting for air and shaking like a leaf. “I know you must be anxious to leave this place, mellonamin,” he continued, “but as soon as I heal, I will find you and help you search for your Men. It is the least I can do after you spared my life and brought me to safety.”

Faramir looked up from his perusal of the trunk and tilted his head sideways as he regarded Haldir. “I am afraid you have confused me. Find me? Am I lost?” he grinned, playfully. “I am not leaving you if you think that. You can’t manage on that leg alone, and I don’t think I’d get far in this weather. Unless of course… you… would prefer that I leave?” he asked suddenly unsure of himself. Perhaps Haldir didn’t want him there after all? He laid a cake of soap on the table along with a few somewhat threadbare drying cloths.

“No,” Haldir said at once, almost a little too quickly. “I mean… I don’t want you to leave. I just… I remembered you said your orders were to kill Elves on sight, and, well… I just figured being here with me in this small cabin would be the last thing you would want to do.” Worrying the edge of the blanket between his fingers, he finally managed to meet Faramir’s gaze. “I am sorry. I didn’t think you would have any qualms about leaving me here to fend for myself. I was wrong. You truly are a Man of honor, Faramir. It would truly make me happy if you stayed here. Then, I will help you search for your Men, if you would allow me to do so.”

Faramir was slightly shocked by Haldir’s reaction. Moving over to the bed, he sat down on the edge, careful not to jar Haldir and cause him pain. “I want to take care of you, Haldir. It… it does go against everything I’ve been taught since I was a child, but I… I… can’t explain it really, but I couldn’t leave you like this. Besides, I’m… I’m not sure I can go back. I’ve broken my father’s law… I’m not sure I’d have anything to go back to if he found out that I did help you. I try to tell myself he’d understand honor, but… I’m not sure he would,” Faramir said softly with a wistful smile. “At any rate, you are stuck with me, at least until you are healed and can return to your home.”

Haldir’s eyes widened at Faramir’s words. “You… you’re not sure you can go back to your home?” he asked incredulously. “Simply because you helped me? Gods, Faramir… I… I don’t know what to say. There is… nothing stopping you from killing me now. I certainly am in no position to defend myself, but… I can see in your eyes that that isn’t what you want. Gods. I am so very sorry to have put you in this position.” Without even realizing it, Haldir’s hand moved to rest of Faramir’s as it lay against the blanket, and his fingers closed over his companion’s. Squeezing Faramir’s hand gently, Haldir offered him a grateful smile. “You offer to let me return to my home… but where will you go?”

When Haldir’s fingers closed over his hand, Faramir felt that same warmth from before spread through him. Looking up at his friend, he smiled. “I will find my place. Maybe it is for the best, I… didn’t get along well with my father. We disagreed on a great many things, and after meeting you… we have one more thing to disagree on. For I do not find you to be the evil creature he has convinced all of Gondor that Elves are. So perhaps I was meant to meet you… perhaps get lost in the wilds only to find my proper place,” he said softly. He looked over toward the table and nodded. “And… I need to make us some dinner, I don’t think those rabbits are going to cook themselves.” He grinned, trying to lift the sad feeling that had settled around them.

A small, sad smile touched Haldir’s lips as he watched the sadness pass over Faramir’s handsome face. The Valar often worked in mysterious ways, and there was no way on Arda he could deny the attraction he felt to Faramir. “Perhaps we were fated to be… friends,” he said softly, almost as if he were speaking to himself. Or… perhaps, we were fated for more. Leaning his head to one side, Haldir grinned and shifted on the bed. “Elves are not evil. At least, most of them aren’t. As with Men, I think there are good ones and bad ones. You, Faramir are definitely one of the former.” Finally dragging his eyes toward the table he continued. “And I hope you are a good cook as well. I promised you I wouldn’t starve earlier… but I am not sure how much longer I can keep that promise.” With a final, gentle squeeze to Faramir’s hand, Haldir released it and gestured toward the table. “Is there a way I can help?”

“You can help by simply keeping me company while I get everything prepared. Tell me about your home and yourself… and I will do the same. Get to know one another a little bit more,” Faramir said softly. He felt slightly bereft after Haldir released his hand, though it still tingled from the gentle touch.

Moving away from the bed to start preparing dinner, Faramir worked and listened to Haldir tell him of the beautiful place that he grew up in, and Faramir shared tales of his life in Gondor. The Man went out into the snow a few times to collect it in the pots he’d found to boil and make willow bark tea for Haldir and to use for washing. While the rabbits roasted over the fire, Faramir settled down on the bed again next to Haldir, finding himself smiling as his friend spoke.

“I do think you would like my brothers,” Haldir continued. “I hope that one day, I may introduce you to them. They will want to thank you themselves.” He was resting against the wall, trying his best not to move his leg, which still ached with every breath he took. But being able to see Faramir smile and hear his laughter took the edge off, and Haldir found himself laughing softly as his friend spoke. They were a both a bit more relaxed around each other, and his next question had fallen from his lips before he even realized it. “So. Is there a… wife… or partner… or… someone who will be waiting for you to return to Gondor?”

“No, only my father and my brother,” Faramir answered shaking his head. “I’ve had time for little else than being a Ranger. My post… is often under attack,” he said, standing up and going to the fire to check the tea. Carefully pouring some of it into one of the metal cups he’d found, he returned to the bed. “You are in pain, though you haven’t said anything, I can see it in your eyes. Here, this will help ease it some, though it might make you sleepy,” Faramir said, handing the cup to Haldir. “The rabbits should be ready now as well.” When Haldir took the cup their fingers brushed and Faramir smiled slightly. How could his father have said Elves were evil when Haldir’s touch was so comforting?

Gratefully sipping the tea, Haldir felt a small thrill race through his body. So he is not wedded. How on all of Arda can that be? He is perfect… beyond perfect. Well… for a Man, anyway. Almost rolling his eyes at himself, Haldir tried to convince his heart that, no, it was not a good thing for an Elf to be attracted to a Man… especially one that had been brought up to hate an entire race! He watched as Faramir bustled around the kitchen, preparing their dinner, as the tea relaxed him and helped keep the pain in his leg at a more tolerable level. He never would have thought it possible to feel safe and… content… in the company of a Man, but that’s exactly what he was feeling. Well, look at you. You’re filthy. You have leaves in your hair and dirt on your face. Not to mention your leg… that’s got to be the most disgusting thing he’s ever seen. So keep your mouth closed and do not even think about trying to see if he’s interested or not. Because he can’t possibly be. Can he?

Earlier Faramir had found two metal chargers, they were dented, but would serve as plates. He washed them and served up their meager dinner of roasted rabbit. He would search around the cabin tomorrow and see if whomever lived here had a vegetable patch that the woodland creatures hadn’t taken over. Perhaps he could salvage a potato or two, if it existed at all. They’d been lucky so far, so he tried not to be too hopeful. Crossing back to Haldir with a small bowl with warm water and soap, he set them on the stool by the bed and wet a corner of one of the towels. He took Haldir’s cup from him and before even thinking about how silly he might seem he took Haldir’s hand and started washing it himself. Realizing too late what he was doing, his face flushed and he looked up at Haldir. “I… I’m so sorry. I’m sure you’d rather do that yourself,” he whispered, but his fingers didn’t seem to want to release Haldir’s. They simply looked at one another for a long moment before Faramir swallowed, looked away, and released Haldir’s hand.

Haldir’s fingers were just getting ready to curl around Faramir’s hand as he pulled away. He was stunned by the simple, sweet gesture, and completely charmed by the blush that now covered Faramir’s face and neck. Before his companion could move away, Haldir reached out and closed his fingers around Faramir’s, even as his heart pounded in his chest, and his stomach seemed to tie up in knots. “I… I don’t mind,” he whispered. “You… don’t have to stop.”

Faramir felt his heart skip in his chest as he looked back up and met Haldir’s gaze. He couldn’t seem to find his voice and even if he could, he wasn’t sure what he would say. Gently he took Haldir’s hand again and cleaned it, noting several cuts and scrapes from either his battle with the orcs or his ordeal trying to get out of the ravine. As he carefully cleaned each one, he felt his stomach twist and the wish that he’d been able to help him, find him sooner so he had not suffered in the ravine, seemed to play in his mind. Without a word, once he finished with the right hand, he took the left and did the same. “Perhaps after dinner we can both get cleaned up a bit. I would love to see your hair without those tangles and leaves. I’ve truly never seen hair as… as beautiful as yours,” he said softly before gathering up his things and carrying them back to the table. His face was burning again and he didn’t want to embarrass himself or Haldir any further. Why did I say that to him? That was foolish of me.

Haldir watched Faramir clean his hands with more care and gentility than he’d ever thought possible. He resisted the urge to let his thumb trail over the back of Faramir’s fingers and concentrated on simply staying still and enjoying being taken care of. When Faramir spoke then quickly gathered his things and moved away, Haldir’s mouth fell open and he smiled. Maybe… maybe he does feel it? Maybe he is… attracted to me after all? Despite the dirt and the leaves and the broken leg and everything else? He could almost imagine how it would feel for those gentle fingers to comb through his hair, and Haldir’s own fingers itched to return the favor and bury themselves in Faramir’s soft-looking, copper-colored mane. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For… the compliment, I mean. I would dearly love to be clean again. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind my having a bath as well, especially since there is only one bed.”

Faramir laughed softly and nodded. “Yes, I wouldn’t mind getting clean either. I saw a washtub outside earlier, if it doesn’t have holes in it, perhaps later I can boil enough water to get us clean. With your leg… I guess we can work our way around it,” he said softly as he washed his own hands again and gathered their dinner. Crossing back to the bed he sat down next to Haldir and handed him his plate. “I’m afraid it isn’t much, but it will see us through,” he said.

Haldir stifled a yawn and settled the plate on his good leg. “The tea is making me sleepy, but helping, just as you said it would,” he said as he struggled not to tear the meat off and wolf it all down at once. “And I’m sure this food will make me sleepier… but I don’t think I can rest until I’m a bit cleaner.” Shivering as he heard the wind howling outside the cabin, he looked up at Faramir once again. “Gods, it’s so cold out there.” And you were so warm last night.

Faramir looked up toward the little window across the room and nodded. “It is very cold,” he agreed. They ate their meal and neither of them said much more until they had eaten enough that they no longer felt hunger pains. Faramir hadn’t gone as long as Haldir had without food, so he could imagine how famished the Elf was. When they were finished, Faramir cleared everything away and offered the damp towel to Haldir to clean his hands. “It will take a little while for me to boil enough water for baths. You just relax, you look tired,” he said, patting Haldir’s shoulder lightly before setting to work again. He was glad to have the tasks to keep his mind from dwelling too much on the strange feeling he got every time he touched Haldir.

Haldir nodded sleepily and laid his head back on the pillow. He wanted to sleep, but found it difficult to take his eyes off Faramir. The tea was helping with the pain even more than he had hoped, and he ended up dozing on and off as Faramir worked. “I promise to let you relax while I cook and fix everything for you as soon as I’m able, mellonamin,” he murmured at one point, before his words trailed off into a soft snore.

Faramir smiled when Haldir promised to return the favor of taking care of him, but didn’t get a chance to respond before he heard a soft snore. He smiled even wider. He made several trips outside into the snow and back before he had enough water boiling in every pot and kettle he could scrounge up around the little cabin. The tub he’d seen outside wasn’t rusted and was actually in better shape than he thought it might be. He set a large pot of water on the table and pulled one of the chairs over near it with the washtub below to catch the excess water. He hated to wake Haldir, but he had said he wished to be clean. Moving over to the bed he leaned down and touched Haldir’s cheek gently. “Haldir? I hate to wake you… but the water is ready,” he whispered, not wanting to startle the Elf and cause him to move abruptly, causing his leg to hurt again.

Haldir sighed contentedly as he felt a gentle touch against his skin and unconsciously nuzzled closer. His hand moved up and covered Faramir’s, and, just as he wanted to do earlier, his fingertips brushed lightly over smooth skin. “Hmmm,” he smiled, as he slowly opened his eyes. Realizing what he’d been doing, but still under the effects of the tea so deeply that he wasn’t quite as embarrassed as he should have been, he blushed and bit at his bottom lip. “Sorry. I guess I just… Sorry.”

“It’s all right,” Faramir said softly, trying to will his heart to start beating again. “You were asleep, I hated to wake you, but the water is ready if you’d still like to get cleaned up,” he said. Drawing away slightly he nodded toward the chair by the fire. “You’ll be nice and warm over there… I’ll carry you so you don’t put any weight on your leg.”

Forcing his eyes open, Haldir had to bite back a smile. Yes… your arms around me… I think I’d like that very much. Who needs the fire to stay warm? He slid to the edge of the bed, careful to keep his leg as immobile as possible, and he tried to will his heart to stop pounding. “Thank you again, my friend,” he said even as he yawned again. “I hate being such a burden, but hopefully I will heal quickly and pull my own weight around here soon.”

Faramir smiled and slipped one arm around Haldir’s waist and then the other under his legs. “You aren’t that heavy, so you don’t have too much to look forward to,” he teased as he carried Haldir the short distance to the chair. Settling him down carefully he pulled over another stool with a pillow on it for Haldir’s injured leg to rest upon. “Comfortable?” he asked as he set poured another kettle of hot water into the larger one on the table.

Haldir laughed and leaned back in the chair. His leg still ached, but nothing like it had before, and somehow, just having Faramir close made him feel even better. “Yes,” he said, almost shyly. “I guess… I can take my tunic off first. I don’t suppose there are any other clothes around here…”

Faramir felt his pulse jump as Haldir said he needed to take his tunic off and tried to will the feeling away. No doubt he was attracted to Haldir, and how could he not be? He was stunning. Faramir tried to convince himself that what he felt was merely physical attraction. “I did find an under tunic, but I believe whomever lived here before… well… they were quite large. I think both of us could get in it,” he said, grinning widely. But if you’d like it, at least it would be clean, and I could wash your tunic and dry it here by the fire,” Faramir suggested. He walked over to the trunk and drew out the clean garment and held it up showing just how large it was.

Haldir laughed, even as the words seemed to bounce around in his mind. ‘I think both of us could get in it.’ Let’s give that a try, shall we? Skin against skin, so close together that we can each feel the other one breathing. Heart to heart, as I lick the side of your neck and… Gods! Stop it. “I… I think it’ll work for the time being,” he stammered. Blushing furiously, he slid forward a bit on the chair and quickly lifted his tunic over his head. His hair was so tangled, however, and he was so uncoordinated from both the pain that flared in his leg as he moved and the effects of the tea, he was soon hopelessly entangled in a mass of dirty fabric and even dirtier hair, struggling to free himself. “Umm… help?” he asked, trying to mask his frustration even though he couldn’t see or even move.

Faramir crossed the room quickly when he saw Haldir struggling and almost laughed at the muffled ‘help’ his friend muttered, sounding quite frustrated. “Hang on, don’t struggle,” Faramir said softly. A lock of Haldir’s hair was caught up in the fastenings of his tunic, and he carefully unthreaded the strands and then finished lifting the garment over his head. “There we are,” he said smiling, though his smile slipped slightly as he gazed at Haldir. Gods, he’s gorgeous. He found his fingers itching to touch, to caress, and his mouth practically watered with the thought of kissing a trail down the smooth hairless skin. He swallowed hard though his mouth felt dry. Stepping back he laid the soiled tunic aside. “Now… um, let’s try and get your hair clean,” he said slightly unsteadily.

Haldir’s face was flushed once again, but this time more from his helplessness than anything else. The look in Faramir’s eyes, however, made his heart jump and he forgot whatever it was he was about to say. “Um… hair. Yes. My hair. It’s… dirty.” Forcing himself to look away from Faramir, he looked around at the pots and sighed. “I… maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. I don’t think I can lean over, and I can’t seem to wake up enough to even think straight. And, besides, if I could think, I don’t believe I could get past wondering what you would look like without your clothes, wondering how your skin would feel under my lips… Telling himself that he was hopeless, Haldir sighed and gave Faramir a tired smile. “I’m sorry. I think I’m definitely being more trouble than I’m worth. I bet you already wish you had left me at the bottom of the ravine.”

“Haldir,” Faramir said frowning, “please don’t say such things. You won’t need to lean over, simply lean your head back,” he said, leaning over Haldir and coaxing the Elf to do so. Being so close to Haldir made his pulse jittery in his veins, but Faramir tried to not let his desire show. He doesn’t want you… and you shouldn’t want him. You are friends. And… he’s injured. You would be taking advantage even if you did manage to make an advance. Taking a deep breath, he smiled. “Just relax, close your eyes if you like, and I’ll do the rest,” he said as his fingers ran through Haldir’s hair, trying to comb out a few of the tangles and debris still in his hair.

Sighing, Haldir gave in and leaned his head back on the chair. Faramir’s fingers in his hair was just as relaxing and sensual as he’d thought it would be, and his sigh of resignation turned to one of bliss. Thankful that the tea had lowered his inhibitions, he reached back and let his hand run lightly over Faramir’s forearm. “You have the most soothing touch I have ever known,” he said softly.

Faramir’s hands stilled as Haldir touched him, and he caught himself before he lowered enough to press his lips to Haldir’s. Drawing away again he shook his head slightly. What is wrong with you? He’s only grateful, he’s not meaning to encourage you. Moving behind the chair he finished his task of untangling the long soft hair and drawing out leaves and clumps of dirt. Once he thought he had gotten all that he could, he took a smaller pot and dipped it into the larger one, pouring the warm water over Haldir’s hair until it was soaked through, and then lathered his hands with the soap. He started at Haldir’s temples massaging the lather into his hair and working out the rest of the dried dirt. “I’m sure you’ll feel much better after this. I know it always makes me feel so much better after a long time on duty in the wilds to get clean again,” he mused as he worked. He tried to ignore the arousal he felt pressing against the lacings of his breeches. It is only a natural reaction… nothing more. He told himself that, though he hardly believed it.

A soft moan fell from Haldir’s lips as Faramir washed his hair. It felt good… no, it felt wonderful, and despite the tea that was making him sleepy and the dull ache in his leg, he felt his heart skip a beat in his chest. Gods, I would give anything to just pull him into my lap and kiss him! To just let my fingers move over his skin, through his hair, hold him close, and find out if he tastes as sweet as I imagine he does… He drifted off into a light doze again and tilted his head back even further. “Feels so good, Faramir,” he murmured.

A flash of heat shot through Faramir when Haldir moaned, and he felt his arousal grow even harder – and then Haldir’s softly murmured words sent another spike of heat even sharper than the first through him. Gods, I want to kiss him so badly I can almost feel the outline of his lips against mine. Faramir shook himself, trying to keep from leaning over the blond and kissing him. Instead he tried to concentrate on his task. Once he was finished lathering Haldir’s hair thoroughly he warned him softly. “I am going to rinse your hair now. I didn’t want the water to startle you since you are starting to fall asleep again,” he whispered.

Haldir slowly opened his eyes and smiled at Faramir. “Do anything you like, mellonamin,” he said softly. Like kiss me. That would be perfect. Just… press your lips right over mine, let your tongue drift across mine…

Faramir felt as if his heart stopped in his chest when Haldir opened his eyes and smiled up at him. It took every ounce of self-control he could muster to simply rinse the long golden hair. Slowly he continued to pour water over the beautiful locks until the water ran clear. When he was done he used his hands to carefully press out as much of the water as he could from Haldir’s hair, and then he took one of the towels he’d found and wrapped it around the Elf’s head. “All done… with your hair at least. I… I’ll be back, I need to get a bit more snow to melt so I’ll have enough water for myself,” he said as an excuse. He grabbed two of the pots and rushed out into the cold without his cloak. Leaning against the door for a moment, he considered throwing himself down into the snow. Gods, I’m losing my mind. After a few moments his body finally registered the frigid air surrounding him. He gathered snow into the pots and went back inside to hang them over the fire.

Haldir relaxed back against the chair as he waited for Faramir to return, wondering why it was taking him so long. Gods… I think he knows I’m attracted to him. He’ll probably hate me now. He’s just trying to be nice, and here you are, practically throwing yourself at him. You can’t blame the tea for all of that! He was almost ready to call for Faramir, when he walked through the door carrying several pots. “I was starting to get worried,” he said softly. “I was just trying to figure out a way to crawl out the door and drag you back inside. We’ve got to keep each other warm you know… and you didn’t even take your cloak.” Again, the words were out of his mouth before he realized it, and he fought the urge to slap a hand over his mouth in shock. Oh, that really made things better!

Before he could stop himself, Faramir muttered as he hung the pots over the fire, “I didn’t need it.” The words were out before he could stop them, and he almost held his breath, praying that somehow Haldir hadn’t heard. It was so quiet in the woods and the cabin he was certain the Elf had no trouble hearing him. He hung his head as he knelt by the fire… waiting… for what, he didn’t know.

Shocked into silence, Haldir simply stared at Faramir’s back, trying to convince himself that he’d heard correctly. Didn’t need it? Because…? Could he be as… aroused as I am? Is he feeling it too, or… Gods, why am I so worried about this? Why is this so important to me?“Faramir?” he said softly. “I… I need to ask you something. Can you… please come closer?”

Faramir remained with his back to Haldir and for a split second of childish insanity; he almost moved closer to him, keeping his back turned. Mentally rolling his eyes at himself, Faramir took a deep breath and turned around. He knew his face would give him away by its bright red color, but thankfully he could keep some of his dignity because his tunic was rather long. “Yes?” he asked in return, feeling worry gnawing at him. He knows. He heard you and now that you’ve made a fool of yourself, you’ll never be able to look him in the eyes again.

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves as Faramir turned toward him, Haldir tried to figure out what exactly he planned on saying. All too quickly, his companion was standing next to him, however, and he reached out to take Faramir’s hand. Tugging gently, he looked up into blue eyes, wondering if the flush on Faramir’s face was from shyness, or disgust, or something else all together. “Closer,” he said softly. “I… want to see your eyes when you answer me. Can you… bring the other chair and sit next to me?”

Faramir swallowed hard, walked over by the bed and grabbed the chair there. He carried it over to where Haldir was and sat down. “Haldir… I…” he trailed off, unable to say anything. He didn’t want to say he was sorry, because honestly, Faramir wasn’t sorry for being attracted to the Elf. He didn’t want to make Haldir uncomfortable, but he refused to feel guilty for… for wanting him in a way he’d never wanted anyone else in his life.

Forcing himself to sit still, Haldir cleared his throat. “I… I sense that I may have made you uncomfortable earlier,” he said, staring down at his hands as his fingernails scratched at the arm of the chair. “I know you said you were brought up to believe Elves are evil. Yet, you saved my life, you’re taking care of me, and… and Gods… I don’t even know how to say this. I know Men generally don’t like Elves, and visa versa. And if I am out of line in saying this, then please, just attribute it to the tea I drank earlier, and we won’t have to speak of this again. It’s just that I… I find myself incredibly attracted to you, and… I was wondering if you were possibly… maybe… well, if you could ever be attracted to me in return one day?”

Listening to Haldir speak, Faramir turned slightly in his chair to face him better. When the words ‘if you could ever be attracted to me in return one day’ registered he almost smiled. “One day?” he asked softly and shook his head. “Not one day, Haldir. Now. Ever since you first looked into my eyes, I think. I… I don’t understand it, and like you I know it isn’t… normal for a Man and an Elf to be… to… be attracted to one another, but… I am. I have had to fight the desire to kiss you all evening, in fact,” he admitted, looking down at his hands.

Haldir’s shoulders slumped in relief, and he slowly moved his hand to cover Faramir’s. He was stunned that Faramir felt this way, even thought the signs had pointed to it from the very beginning. He knew his own rather pathetic attempts at flirting had not gone very well, yet… here they were. “I don’t understand it, either,” he whispered, as his hand moved up to gently tilt Faramir’s face until their gazes met, “but I think you are the loveliest creature I have ever seen… either Man or Elf, and, I find myself praying to the Valar that you will stop fighting your desire to kiss me and just… do it.”

Chapter 3

When Haldir’s hand moved over his and then his face was tipped up to meet the sparkling blue eyes before him, Faramir felt everything he’d known – everything he’d been taught – simply fly right out of his mind. Leaning closer, he pressed his lips against Haldir’s in a gentle kiss, not demanding at all, but full of everything he felt for the amazing Elf. feelings he hadn’t even allowed himself to think on in the last day. The kiss slipped from gentle to much more when Haldir’s lips yielded under his own, and his tongue slipped past perfect lips to taste and explore. It warmed the blood in his veins and made his pulse race as he sank into the kiss, discovering that Haldir had quite simply the sweetest taste he’d ever known. Drawing back slightly, he invited Haldir’s tongue to slide beyond his own lips. He hardly even realized his hands sank into damp golden hair until they finally drew apart for breath.

Completely giving himself over to the kiss, Haldir’s sigh was lost somewhere between them as he pulled Faramir closer. His tongue gently explored every corner of Faramir’s mouth, sliding over smooth teeth and delving in the warm, wet corners of his cheeks before moving back to dance with Faramir’s tongue. When they finally drew apart, he lifted both hands to gently cup the flushed face before him. Moving his thumbs over Faramir’s cheeks, he leaned forward just enough to lick across the seam of the Man’s lips. “I knew you’d taste like the sweetest nectar on Arda,” he said with a smile. “That’s what I was thinking anyway. I was wrong, though.even nectar from the gods could never be as sweet or as delicious as you.”

Faramir smiled slightly as Haldir looked into his eyes, and then his tongue moved over his lips and Faramir yet again felt a spark of heat shoot through him. “I thought the same of you. Sweeter than summer honey,” Faramir said softly. He felt as if he were caught in a trance as he looked into sparkling eyes that were several shades darker than Faramir had ever seen them before. The Ranger couldn’t remember a time when he was this attracted to anyone in his life, and he wondered at that. How could he so easily be attracted to someone he’d been told his entire life was of an evil race? He wondered briefly why his father fostered that belief all these years. “I have never been this attracted to anyone,” Faramir admitted, and then he looked down. “I… I didn’t kiss you before because… I thought… I thought I would be taking advantage of your injuries and that your response would be colored by… gratitude.”

Haldir shook his head in denial at once. “No,” he whispered as he let his fingers gently brush the hair back from Faramir’s temple. He tried to slow his breathing. “Don’t get me wrong… I do feel grateful. You saved my life. But the attraction I feel for you goes far, far beyond gratitude. I think if you and I had met in the heat of battle, my heart would have been captured by your eyes… just as they were when you found me in the ravine. There is something… something about you that I can’t begin to explain, that has drawn me to you since the instant I saw you. The only reason I didn’t tell you earlier was that you had said you were raised to hate Elves. I was afraid you would be horrified… or disgusted. I am glad I was mistaken.” Leaning back in to nibble on Faramir’s bottom lip, Haldir sighed. “Gods, Faramir… it’s so much more than gratitude.”

Unconsciously, Faramir leaned into Haldir’s touch and smiled. His heart leaped in his chest when Haldir said that it was so much more than gratitude. Threading his fingers through still damp hair, Faramir kissed Haldir more deeply, savoring every moment, every soft gasp as they lost themselves in each other. After long moments, he drew away and looked into Haldir’s eyes and saw the same desire he knew was reflected in his own. “I think I could kiss you forever,” he said softly, “but unfortunately… our water is going to get cold.” He grinned at Haldir and knew that he was losing his heart to the least likely person in all Middle-earth.

Haldir chuckled and nodded in agreement. He had been aroused since the first moment their lips had met, and he shifted uncomfortably in the hard wooden chair. He had never been one to take a lover on a whim. Being with someone intimately was something that always meant something to him and never something he did without being sure that the other person felt the same way before they fell into bed. Yet now, he knew that if he hadn’t been injured, he would practically beg Faramir to make love with him. Gods… making love to a Man. Something I never thought I’d want… but, oh, how I do want him… “I wouldn’t argue one bit on the kissing forever,” he said as he reluctantly drew away and wished there was something he could put over his now prominent erection. “But you are right about the cold water. Though, honestly, that’s probably what I need at the moment…”

Faramir laughed and nodded his head in agreement. “I know what you mean.” he said taking a deep breath, “That is why I took so long out in the snow earlier… just… touching you…” His words trailed off, and he shook his head. “At any rate, we need to finish what we started… I… I mean the bath,” he added quickly and almost laughed at himself. His face was flushed again as he looked up at Haldir, who was no less embarrassed than he was. Faramir was so unsure what to do. Haldir was in no shape at all for more than kissing, really, but he wasn’t sure if he should offer to help wash him. Obviously, Haldir could wash his own chest and torso, and it would be pure torture for Faramir to do it. “I’ll … I can… just do your back for you… now that we’ve admitted our mutual attraction it should at least be less awkward, but…” he sighed heavily, “Just tell me what you’d like.”

What I’d like is to carry you over to the bed and explore every last inch of your body… but we can’t exactly do that. Yet. Haldir tried to will away the blush he knew covered his face and finally managed to look away from Faramir. He felt unaccountably happy that his companion was as aroused as he was. “I… I can do everything but my back and my bad leg,” he said softly. “If.you’re sure you wouldn’t mind helping with those. Just these few minutes of activity seem to have worn me out.” Though I think being worried sick about making you hate me didn’t help matters either.

Reaching for the wet cloth in Faramir’s hand, Haldir began by wiping the dirt away from his chest, stomach, and arms. Several times, he winced as the fabric ran over bruises or cuts he’d sustained during the fight or the fall that had followed, and Faramir had to rinse out the cloth more than once until Haldir felt he was finally presentable. “Thank you,” he smiled. “I feel much better already.”

Faramir did his best to occupy himself with other minor chores in the cabin, though his eyes did stray to Haldir more than once. The Elf’s skin practically glowed in the firelight, and it was so perfect, even the areas marred by bruises and small cuts or scrapes seemed perfect to Faramir’s eyes. He wanted to know how that skin would feel against his own, the way it would taste, the texture and contours of the muscles as he explored Haldir’s body. Faramir imagined he could do that for hours and hours and still not have nearly enough.

Once Haldir finished bathing, Faramir took the cloth back and rinsed it. “Lean forward a little,” he requested as he moved behind Haldir. Carefully lifting the long golden hair that streamed down Haldir’s back he laid it over the Elf’s shoulder. The hair was still damp, but would be dry soon. Gently Faramir washed Haldir’s back, careful not to press too hard on dark bruises or reopen any of the small cuts there. A few times he did take pleasure in letting his bare fingers drift over the smooth skin of Haldir’s shoulders, and it was just as soft and warm as he’d imagined it would be. “You truly are beautiful,” Faramir said softly, unable to keep the words to himself.

Haldir smiled and looked over his shoulder at Faramir. “As are you,” he whispered. “And I can honestly say that nothing in my life has ever felt as soothing as your touch against my skin.” Leaning forward again, he rested his elbows on his thighs and closed his eyes. “I… I think I may have… well… kind of… snuggled up to you last night in my sleep. I find myself hoping that… that you will allow me to do that again tonight. I know it might be a bit… difficult for us both, but… well, I hope that you won’t wish to… to keep your distance until my leg heals.”

Faramir’s heart felt oddly lighter within his chest as Haldir returned the compliment. He continued to wash and rinse until he was certain that Haldir was clean and could rest comfortably. “Yes, I think we were both snuggling a bit, perhaps for warmth, but also, at least on my part, to simply feel you near me. It was far more comforting than I thought it could be, so, no, I do not wish to keep my distance. At least now that we’ve admitted our attraction to each other it won’t be quite as awkward,” Faramir said as he carefully dried Haldir’s back. “I think we are done with your back. I know it isn’t as good as a proper bath, but I am sure you feel much better now.”

“I can’t tell you how much better I feel.” Haldir smiled. “From both the bath and the fact that you enjoyed being close to me as we slept. I was afraid that I was the only one who gained comfort.” His eyes sparkled as he caught Faramir’s gaze. “I only wish I could repay the favor… and give you a bath as well.” His face was hot again, but now that they’d confessed their feelings, he found no reason not to let Faramir know what he was thinking.

Faramir’s face colored as Haldir expressed his wish to give him a bath, and he smiled. “Perhaps when you are better I can hold you to that?” He loved the way Haldir’s face pinked even more, though his own matched the Elf’s.

Faramir helped Haldir with his boots and breeches and removed the splint from his bad leg. Though he longed to touch Haldir, he left Haldir to complete the bathing of his lower body and good leg himself, they both knew that would be terribly awkward. So Faramir moved away, cleaning up while he gave Haldir a little bit of privacy, though he was still close enough should Haldir need his help.

Once Haldir finished with his good leg he asked Faramir to help with his broken one. Faramir draped the quilt he’d found over Haldir and he worked carefully to clean the broken leg. It was bruised badly and somewhat swollen. He knew it was still tender and painful so Faramir was as careful as he could be. While he worked he had a hard time not looking at Haldir’s body, but he managed to maintain both his friend’s dignity and his own. Their attraction was difficult to get around at times, they each wanted to touch the other, but they both tried to ignore it as much as possible.

When he stood up again Faramir smiled and put Haldir’s breeches with his tunic to wash later. He wrapped one of the larger towels around Haldir’s wounded leg and carefully replaced the splint, doing a better job than he had before in the ravine. Then he handed the large tunic to Haldir. It was large enough and long enough to cover him all the way to his knees. Faramir laughed at one point. “Imagine someone that tall and.broad to live in this tiny cabin? He must have had a permanent knot on his head.” Haldir had laughed with him, but the Ranger could see the bath had tired him and that he was in pain.

“Here, drink this. It will help take the edge off your pain. I’ll put you back to bed as soon as you drink enough,” Faramir said, handing Haldir a cup of the willow bark tea.

Haldir gratefully drank the tea and closed his eyes. Though Faramir had been as gentle as anyone could possibly be, Haldir had bitten his tongue as the pain had quickly erased any signs of arousal he’d felt earlier. He sat back in the chair, pale and exhausted, as he waited for the tea’s effects to relax him again. He watched as Faramir continued to move about the small room. He noticed that no matter what Faramir was doing, he kept a close eye on Haldir, and Haldir felt all the more comforted by the simple gesture.

The tea slowly began to take the edge off his pain, and Haldir fought back a yawn. “If you would help me back to the bed,” he said sleepily, “I think I need to sleep a bit more. That tea you brewed is certainly effective.”

Faramir looked up from the counter he’d been cleaning when Haldir spoke. “I’m glad it is helping, if only a little bit,” he said, crossing to where Haldir sat. It had taken them so long to get Haldir completely bathed that his hair was almost entirely dry now. Faramir brushed a few strands back behind Haldir’s ear and smiled as he looked at the elegant shape. “You know, I never met an Elf before you. I still don’t understand how my father could have made that law. How could he possibly believe all Elves are evil?” he said, mostly to himself. Carefully, he wrapped his arm around Haldir’s back and the other slid under his legs. This time his hand was directly against Haldir’s skin and his pulse skipped as he carried him the short distance to the bed. Settling Haldir down he pulled the thin blanket over him and then went back and got the quilt they’d used earlier. “Just rest,” he whispered as his hand brushed Haldir’s hair back from his face.

Haldir watched in silence as Faramir tried to come to grips with his father’s words and laws. He had known that the men of Gondor were not fond of Elves… but to kill them on sight? Without doubt, he was lucky that Faramir had come upon him instead of one of the other Rangers in his company. As he was lifted so gently from the chair and placed on the bed, he smiled up at Faramir and turned his head to press a soft kiss against the hand that brushed back his hair. His eyes were heavy, and his pain had lessened, and he gave a soft murmur of pleasure as he saw shining blue eyes staring down at him. “I’m glad it was you who found me,” he sighed. “Not only because I wasn’t ready to go to the Halls of Mandos, but because… despite the circumstances, meeting you has made me feel… happy. Content. Like it was fated, or… something.”

Faramir’s breath caught in his chest as Haldir kissed his hand. “I’m glad as well… perhaps our meeting wasn’t sheer chance,” he whispered. He watched as Haldir’s eyes struggled to stay open. “You need sleep,” he whispered as he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against Haldir’s lips. Drawing away he smiled at Haldir. “I will be as quiet as I can so you can rest… it will help you heal.” Faramir backed away from the bed regretfully as he watched Haldir’s eyes slip closed. He moved about the cabin quietly and stepped out to toss out the dirty bath water and get fresh snow to heat for his own bath. Faramir added more wood to the fire and continued the process of heating water and cleaning the dust from within the cabin while Haldir rested. When the water was finally ready he removed his own clothes and began to bathe by the fire.

The sweet kiss made Haldir’s smile even wider and he slipped easily into a light sleep. He’d slept much more comfortably in Faramir’s arms, and even though the tea had helped, his leg was still painful, and kept him from sleeping too deeply. He found himself stirring often, and he would open his eyes to steal glances at Faramir quite regularly. After almost an hour, his eyes slipped open and he instinctively looked around the room. His heart skipped a beat at the vision before him. Faramir stood facing the fire, the long, lean lines of his body outlined with breathtaking perfection. The muscles of his legs looked strong and firm, and Haldir felt his mouth water as his eyes continued to move up. Slender hips framed a perfectly formed backside, and Haldir had to clench his fists in the blanket to keep from reaching out and begging Faramir to simply let him run his fingers over the smooth warm skin. A slim waist supported broad shoulders, and as Faramir cleaned himself, the muscles in his back bunched and straightened, making the ache in Haldir’s groin reawaken. Gods… I want him. I want to do more than kiss him… I want to know what it feels like for him to be inside me… and for me to be inside him. And once I know that feeling… I’m positive that I’ll never want to give it up.

Haldir knew he should look away, but he simply couldn’t bring himself to close his eyes. He was invading Faramir’s privacy… and he had not the right, especially after Faramir had so carefully preserved his own. After a moment, his lashes lowered, and he shifted in bed before he thought. His erection was once again noticeable, and in his haste to hide it should Faramir turn around, he wrenched his leg off the pillow. A low, anguished groan fell from his lips and his eyes closed of their own accord… this time from the pain, not the wish to allow Faramir his privacy.

Faramir heard Haldir’s groan and turned to see that his leg had slipped off the pillow. Hastily wrapping the towel around his waist as he crossed the room, he lowered himself on the bed carefully. “Are you all right?” he asked worriedly. “You must have moved in your sleep,” he murmured as he carefully moved the blankets. His eyes never drifted higher than Haldir’s thigh as he lifted his leg back onto the pillow and tucked the blanket around it more carefully to keep it from slipping from the pillow again. When he finished pulling the blanket back up over Haldir he looked into his eyes and frowned from the pain he saw. “Do you need anything? I… I should have made sure your leg wouldn’t slip off the pillow like that, I’m so sorry, Haldir.”

Gritting his teeth against the renewed pain, Haldir pushed himself up from the bed and rested his forehead against Faramir’s shoulder. “Not your fault,” he ground out, “it was mine.I wasn’t.exactly.asleep. Gods, I’m sorry, Faramir. I woke up and saw you standing by the fire, and.you are quite simply the most stunning being I have ever seen. I forgot about my leg and.well, I tried to roll over to.conceal.certain.things. I.I think I’d laugh if my leg didn’t hurt so much.”

Faramir was shocked as Haldir sat up and rested his forehead against him, then his words shocked him further. “You… you were watching me?” he asked, trying not to grin. “I’m sorry you hurt yourself… you don’t have to conceal anything from me. We already admitted we are attracted to one another… it, well, certain things will happen from time to time,” he smiled kindly, though his face was slightly red. He felt flattered that Haldir found him to be… arousing. “I was just lucky my tunic was long while I was bathing you,” he teased and tipped Haldir’s face up to his own. “I am glad that you find me attractive, Haldir, because you are the most beautiful being I’ve ever encountered in my life,” he whispered softly before pressing his lips to Haldir’s in a gentle kiss.

Smiling as Faramir spoke and then kissed him, Haldir’s arms encircled Faramir’s waist, and the pain was pushed to the back of his mind. He’d felt horrible for spying, and when Faramir had blamed himself for the pain in Haldir’s leg, he had felt even worse. Simply having Faramir’s arms around him helped more than was logical, but nevertheless, he was able to dwell on the sweet lips that were sealed over his own and the even sweeter taste of Faramir’s tongue gently exploring his mouth. When they broke away long moments later, Haldir smiled sheepishly and buried his face in Faramir’s neck. “So.you don’t think I’m a perverted excuse for an Elf, then?” he teased.

Having Haldir’s lips against his own again felt more than wonderful. It felt right, as if they were made for one another, which was a silly idea since they were so incredibly different. When they drew apart again and Haldir spoke against his neck, Faramir laughed and shook his head. “No more perverted than I am. Here you were injured, and I was so… attracted to you that when I stepped outside earlier after washing your hair… I seriously almost threw myself into the snow,” he admitted with a shy grin.

Haldir laughed and pressed a soft kiss to Faramir’s neck. “Well, I don’t feel quite as embarrassed then,” he said. “I think I need to lie back down.but first.I have to do something. I’ve been dying to just lick your neck… right here, for hours.” As he spoke, his tongue snaked out and traced its way over the pulsing artery in Faramir’s neck. Like his kisses, Faramir’s skin was even more delicious than Haldir had dreamed it would be, and he sighed contentedly against the warm skin he’d just tasted. “Better now,” he murmured as he pulled away and grinned crookedly at the man he hoped would one day be his lover before he gingerly lay back on the pillows. “I think I can relax again. And, by the way, you taste incredible.”

Faramir felt his pulse jump as Haldir licked him so sensually. He barely realized how his breathing had sped from such a simple act. When Haldir pulled away and grinned at him he returned the grin. “I am glad you are feeling relaxed again,” Faramir whispered blushing hotly. “If you need anything at all, just let me know,” he said softly as Haldir closed his eyes for a moment. Faramir leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against his forehead before returning to finish bathing. He only had his hair left to do now and he suspected he’d have an audience for that. He grinned to himself at the thought before he leaned over the tub and began washing his hair. Once he was finished with his hair, he pulled on another of the large tunics he had found in the trunk and he washed both his clothing and Haldir’s and hung it all to dry in front of the fireplace. He wouldn’t need to go back out for firewood for several more hours, so he crossed to the bed and slid under the covers with Haldir to stay warm.

Haldir somehow managed to keep the smile from his face as he watched Faramir, this time barely even trying to conceal the fact that he was watching this time. Before long, however, he did drift back to sleep and stirred only when he felt Faramir sliding into bed next to him. He noticed how careful Faramir was not to jar his leg, and his heart filled with warmth at yet another gentle, caring gesture from the man next to him. Barely opening his eyes, he moved closer, burying his face against the warm chest before him and sliding his arm between Faramir’s arm and his side. “Much better,” he murmured sleepily. “You need rest too. You’ve had to lug around an Elf all day, you poor thing. But.the Elf greatly appreciated it, and, he will admit to enjoying it. A lot more than he should have, given the current, pathetic state of his leg.”

Faramir sighed softly when Haldir snuggled close against him and then laughed when Haldir spoke. “I did not mind, and your leg is not pathetic, only broken, and it will heal,” Faramir said softly. He pressed his lips against Haldir’s forehead and murmured. “And I enjoy taking care of you, enjoy touching you, and enjoy the way you look at me. So you can’t pity someone who enjoys something,” he teased gently as he wrapped his arm around Haldir and threaded his fingers through the golden strands of his hair. It was as soft as silk as it slipped through his fingers easily, and he closed his eyes contentedly.

Chuckling softly, Haldir closed his eyes and pressed a kiss against the hollow of Faramir’s neck. “Well, then, I don’t pity you at all. And I’m glad you enjoyed it as well.because it looks like you might have to help me and touch me and take care of me for a few more days, if you’re still willing.” His voice trailed off into another yawn and he burrowed closer still. “Sweet dreams, Faramir,” he whispered, as his hand rested against the small of Faramir’s back, and he breathed in the sweet scent that was uniquely Faramir’s own.one that would, without a doubt, be his favorite smell for the rest of his life.

Faramir laughed softly and pulled Haldir a little closer as he snuggled into him. “Sweet dreams to you, Haldir,” he whispered in return. His eyes sank closed and he listened to the slow even breathing of the slumbering Elf. I do believe I am losing my heart to you, Haldir. I certainly can never go home again. Not after meeting you and seeing for myself that my father’s law is wrong. No matter what happens in the end of all of this… I cannot go back to a country that would have me kill someone for the tiny difference of the shape of their ears and length of their life. He slipped into a light sleep himself and held Haldir in his arms the entire time.

Chapter 4

Haldir sat quietly in front of the blazing fire, his broken leg propped up on a stool, the combination of the orange flames and the blanket Faramir had tucked around his shoulders before he’d left to go hunting keeping him warm and comfortable. A small smile played on his lips as he remembered Faramir’s sweet kiss and the gentle brush of his fingertips through his hair before he turned away. They had settled into the cabin and a comfortable routine. Faramir had managed to scrounge up some vegetables, roots, and herbs that had somehow escaped the frigid cold, and, after settling Haldir in a chair and seeing to his leg, he headed out to hunt while Haldir rested and readied as much of their meal as he could. It felt… warm, cozy, domestic… and perfect.

Haldir counted the days until he could help with the hunting and everything else that Faramir did, but also felt his healing would be a double-edged sword. On one hand, his leg was getting better every day and the pain was more of an annoyance than anything else, as long as he didn’t try to put too much weight on it. When his leg healed, he knew he and Faramir could finally let things move beyond their loving kisses and gentle touches. He wanted to explore every inch of Faramir’s body, and Faramir had said more than once that he wished to do the same to Haldir.

On the other hand… when he was healed… what would happen next? Men were forbidden in the Golden Wood, and Haldir was quickly coming to realize that what he was feeling for Faramir was much, much more than simple attraction or lust. It felt… real. Like nothing he’d ever felt before. Maybe if I explained how he saved me, they would allow him passage… would allow him to live with me? Lord Celeborn would surely trust me enough, if I vouched for Faramir. Which I would do without the slightest hesitation.

Then again, Haldir knew Faramir was attracted to him, but he had no idea if it went any further than that on his part. He’d stated that he could never go back to Gondor, nor would he want to… but he hadn’t said he wanted to be where Haldir was. His every touch was tender and careful, and often, Haldir had opened his eyes to find Faramir smiling down at him as they lay in bed, gently running his fingers through Haldir’s hair and soothing him back to sleep when the pain in his leg woke him. But what did that mean, exactly?

His thoughts turned dark, and the happiness he’d felt earlier was washed away with every scenario that played through his mind. Quite simply, he didn’t want Faramir to leave. Ever. And they’d not really discussed anything beyond Haldir’s leg healing. Would Faramir simply want to make love… or… have sex and leave afterward?

Gods… I’m driving myself crazy!


With Haldir’s help the last few days Faramir had fashioned a new bow for him to hunt with, along with arrows. He’d managed to find feathers for the fletching on one of his hunts for firewood around the cabin, and it had given them something to do when it was simply too cold to even attempt to venture out of the cabin. The bow had certainly made hunting much easier and allowed Faramir to kill larger prey.

On his way back to the cabin with a deer that would feed them for at least a week since the cold showed no signs of fading anytime soon, Faramir thought about the last few days. He and Haldir had settled into the cabin and a routine that suited them both. Haldir’s leg was already starting to heal much quicker now and Faramir looked forward to the days when Haldir could accompany him when he hunted. He found that in just the few hours he spent away from the cabin he would worry about Haldir. If another party of orcs were to come through here they would see the smoke from the chimney, and Haldir had little to defend himself since his own bow wasn’t finished yet. The more Faramir thought the more he worried, and he picked up his pace going back to the cabin. When he arrived and nothing was out of sorts he breathed a sigh of relief.

He wrapped the deer in burlap and buried it under several inches of snow to keep. He shook off as much snow as he could and pushed open the door to find Haldir where he’d left him, peeling the potatoes he’d found. “The bow certainly worked,” he grinned, “we should have fresh venison for at least a week, if not longer, as long as the snow lasts.” He took off his cloak and hung it on the peg next to the fireplace.

Haldir did his best to push his dark mood away and smiled at Faramir as he walked through the door. I wish it would never stop snowing and we could stay here, like this forever… just the two of us. “I’m glad,” he said, forcing a note of cheerfulness to his voice as he shifted in his chair. “Though I’m sure your hunting skills had as much, if not more, to do with it than the bow. Either way, I can’t say that the very thought of venison doesn’t make my mouth water.”

Faramir smiled as he warmed his hands by the fire and shook his head. “Well, without the bow, my hunting skills would be pretty useless… I could track the deer and then just try and scare it to death, I guess,” he joked purposefully, trying to make Haldir laugh. It seemed that even though Haldir smiled, it hadn’t quite reached his eyes, and Faramir wondered if perhaps he was feeling uncomfortable because he wasn’t able to join him hunting because of his injury.

Haldir did laugh at Faramir’s words. When Faramir was around, it was far easier to push away the sadness that seemed to overtake him when he was alone. He was sure that part of the reason for… this… depression, or whatever it was, was his inability to help Faramir do much of anything, and his inability to show him how he felt, how much he wanted him. And it wasn’t something he could really bring himself to talk about… at least not yet. Eventually, they would have to talk about it, he knew, but for now, he was content to simply put it off until the last moment, just in case Faramir would break the news to him that he needed to tell him goodbye… forever. “I guess if I hadn’t insisted on staying clean, you could have just carried me close to the deer, and he’d have died from the scent of dirty Elf,” he teased.

Faramir snorted and shook his head. “So what were you thinking about? You seemed a bit… serious, when I first walked in?” Faramir asked, turning to look at Haldir and noticing the way his eyes seemed to flicker away from him. Faramir knew that he simply worried too much and too often, but he didn’t think he’d imagined the sadness in Haldir’s eyes. Perhaps Haldir simply missed his home and his brothers. Faramir missed his brother, Boromir, but he had already made the decision not to return to Gondor. He could not, not after he had defied his father’s orders, and certainly not after he’d discovered in the last few days that his feelings for Haldir went far further than simple attraction.

Worrying his bottom lip for a moment, Haldir turned back to the fire and sighed. “I was… just thinking how useless I feel,” he said, telling only half the truth. “I can’t wait for my leg to heal so I can help you hunt and cook, and… everything else that I can’t seem to do these days. I just feel I’m a burden. It’s nothing you’ve done… it’s just that I’m not used to letting anyone do things for me.” And, more importantly, I need to know how you feel about me, but I’m too much of a coward to ask just yet.

Faramir sighed and lowered himself into a crouch next to Haldir’s chair and took his hand. “You are not a burden, Haldir. And you have done much to help me. You helped with my bow and the arrows, and you’ve helped me cook when you could. I cannot say that I do not want you to heal and join me hunting, but not because of any other reason than I enjoy your companionship,” he said softly as he looked up at Haldir. “When I was on my way back here, in fact, I thought about having you with me to hunt. I… I miss you when I’m not here, and I worry about you as well. I have been injured before myself and unable to help and… I know it can get to you. Especially when you are accustomed to doing for yourself or even for others. You said you had younger brothers, so I’m sure it feels awkward to be the one taken care of and not the one doing the care taking. That feeling will pass once you heal more.” Faramir smiled up at him and rubbed his thumb over the back of Haldir’s hand gently as an offer of comfort.

A slow smile spread across Haldir’s face and he curled his fingers around Faramir’s hand. Their gazes met, and Haldir simply sat in silence for a moment before he found his voice. “You miss me?” he asked softly. “I… I miss you, too. From the moment you walk out that door. And that feeling doesn’t go away until you open it again and smile at me.” Bringing Faramir’s hands up to his lips, Haldir pressed his lips against each knuckle, wincing as he felt how cold Faramir’s skin was from being outside in the snow. “I just want you to relax and let me take care of you the minute I can walk again.”

Faramir felt his heart skip from the way Haldir smiled at him, and he found himself smiling in return as the Elf kissed his knuckles so tenderly. “I would enjoy that, and as quickly as you are healing already, it won’t be too much longer,” he said, still smiling. Haldir, being an Elf, had certainly shown Faramir the differences between their races. Haldir was already healing much faster than a Man would with the same injury. Faramir stayed watching him for a moment and then stood up and kissed Haldir’s forehead sweetly. “And I want you to know, that each time I open that door, and you smile at me, my heart feels lighter, Haldir. Just from your smile alone,” he whispered as he drew away.

Haldir’s smile only grew wider, and it finally touched his eyes as he gazed up at Faramir. He moved one step closer to completely losing his heart to this captain of Gondor. If the Lord Celeborn will not accept him into our lands, then… I will not return home either. I will stay by Faramir’s side for as long as he will allow it. I’m falling in love with him.. “I can’t seem to stop smiling when you’re around,” he said as Faramir pulled away. “I… I find myself enjoying our little cabin more every day. If it were safe from the orcs, I’m not even sure I’d ever want to leave.” He was tentatively feeling his way toward the bigger conversation… one that he still might not be quite ready for, but one that didn’t seem as far away as it had only a few minutes earlier either.

Faramir smiled and sat down on a chair next to Haldir. He looked around the cabin and felt his chest tighten as Haldir called it ‘our little cabin’. “I like it here as well. I grew up in a city that was beautiful, made of hard stone and beautiful white marble. As a son of the Steward our home was particularly beautiful, but it was not at all like this cabin. This… feels more like a home to me than where I grew up, if that makes sense. It is a part of the wood and has quite literally saved both our lives. I do not think that I look forward to ever leaving it, but you are right… it isn’t safe. Just the two of us here, that is probably why the owner is no longer here,” Faramir said sadly. He was grateful to whomever had built the cabin, and perhaps it would be tribute enough if the builder was gone from this world to the halls of his fathers that his former home saved two lives.

Haldir reached over and entwined his fingers with Faramir’s once again, loving the way their hands seemed to fit together so perfectly. He couldn’t help but think that their bodies would be perfect matches as well, once they were free to do more than hold hands and kiss. Elves may heal faster than men, but it’s not fast enough! “We’ll find a safe place,” Haldir said softly. “At least… until we decide where our lives will take us next.” Take us together, wherever it may be, I hope.

Faramir smiled when Haldir spoke. “We will, wherever that may be, at least we will be together,” he said without really thinking about how the words might be taken. In his own mind, he did not see a time when he wished to be apart from Haldir. He had no idea what the coming months would bring, but he knew in his heart that he wanted his life to include Haldir. Even if they never acted on their attraction with more than the most innocent of touches and kisses, he would just be happy to be by Haldir’s side, but he knew that was unfair. Haldir had a life to return to in Lórien, and he doubted that Men would be any more welcome there than an Elf would be in Gondor.

Haldir sat up straighter in his chair and swallowed the lump in his throat. Maybe… maybe it is time for that talk. Now? And… maybe it won’t be as bad as I think it will be? “I… Faramir, I…” He stopped, took a deep breath, and started over again. “So… you see us being together after… after my leg heals? You… want to… be with me, I mean?” He shook his head and held up one hand before Faramir could answer. “Because… honestly, that’s what I was thinking about when you came in. I was afraid that you’d want us to go our separate ways, and… I didn’t want that. I don’t want that.”

Faramir was slightly shocked by Haldir’s question and started to answer him, but held his tongue as Haldir continued. When he said the words that he was afraid that he would want them to go their separate ways Faramir was already shaking his head. “I don’t want that either… I have already said that I do not wish to go back to Gondor… and I have no other place in this world. If you do want me to stay, I will, because I honestly don’t wish to leave. I enjoy being with you… and… well,” he paused feeling his face flush, “I… do hope that once you are healed we… can share more than kisses.” His face burned with the admission. Even though they had both admitted their mutual attraction, neither of them had really brought up much more about it.

Haldir looked down shyly at their entwined hands and felt his face flush as well. “I hope that too,” he said softly. “My leg is… much better now. And… there are… other things we can do until… well, until we can… make love. Things that… that I would honestly love to share with you now.” After a moment, he looked up and finally met Faramir’s gaze. “But you’re wrong about one thing. You do have a place in this world. With me. We’ll find our own place together. If you would like to come back to Lórien with me, I will do everything in my power to make sure you can live there, with me, in peace and happiness. If not… then I will not be returning there. We will simply find a place where we are both accepted, where no one cares that we are a Man and an Elf.”

Swallowing hard, Faramir felt his pulse skip when Haldir spoke of the other things they could do, but then his heart seemed to simply melt within his chest when Haldir said he would have a place with him. “Together,” he whispered softly. “If it would be allowed, I would be glad to return to Lórien with you, and if not, we will find our own place. Knowing that I will never have to stand alone makes turning my back on everything I have known… easier,” Faramir said, squeezing Haldir’s hand gently. He felt touched that Haldir wanted to be with him, and he wondered if perhaps he might just feel the way Faramir did, but he was too afraid to ask. They still had only known each other for a short time, and though Faramir was certain what he felt for Haldir was much more than attraction, he wasn’t sure how Haldir felt. Perhaps over time they would be able to answer those questions.

Haldir squeezed Faramir’s hand again and, careful to rest his weight on his good leg, slid from the chair to sit on the stool his leg had been resting on. His bad leg rested against the floor, and a small smile passed his lips when he realized that the pain was minimal. Pulling Faramir’s chair closer, Haldir rested his elbows lightly on his soon-to-be-lover’s thighs and studied him seriously. It was important to him that Faramir see that he meant every word he was about to say and saw that he had no reservations whatsoever. “You will never have to stand alone,” he said firmly. “As long as you want me by your side, that’s where I will be. I promise you that. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Watching Haldir shift positions, Faramir felt a stab of worry and concern flood through him, but he sat still, afraid of making Haldir feel coddled if he tried to help him. When Haldir pulled his chair closer he smiled and looked down at him even as Haldir gazed up at him. “There is nowhere else I wish to be, either,” he whispered. Faramir raised his hand and let the back of his fingers caress Haldir’s cheek as he watched the sparkling eyes before him. He could easily lose himself in Haldir’s eyes, and his heart was suddenly tripping within his chest.

Closing his eyes and simply enjoying the gentle touch, Haldir felt loved. He didn’t have to hear the words… at least not yet. “I… I think that my leg is much better,” he said as he moved to let his hands trail up over Faramir’s thighs. “In fact, I think a bit more… activity would be good for me.” Dragging his gaze away from Faramir’s, whose eyes were steadily becoming darker, Haldir took a deep breath and nodded toward the bed. “Maybe we can move over to the bed? And… not have to stop kissing for fear of hurting me this time?”

The heat that raced through his veins was almost staggering as Haldir suggested they move to the bed. Faramir’s mouth was suddenly dry, and he swallowed hard as he nodded. Without a single word, he stood up and scooped Haldir into his arms, like so many times before, and carried him to the bed. Instead of laying Haldir on the bed as he always did, he sat down with Haldir in his lap. “I… I am afraid of hurting you, so please… tell me what you want… what will be easiest for you,” he whispered, barely recognizing his own voice. His heart was pounding in his chest, and already from just the idea of being with Haldir in that way, his arousal was growing rapidly.

Chapter 5

Haldir’s heart raced as Faramir picked him up and settled him in his lap. He could feel the warmth and firmness of Faramir’s arousal pressing against his hip, and his own erection, which had started as he’d gazed into his lover’s eyes, grew impossibly harder. His hand shook as it moved down and his palm pressed flat against the laces of Faramir’s breeches. “I want to touch you,” he whispered hoarsely. “I want to kiss you, and touch you, and taste you, and watch you as you come completely undone for me.” His hand pressed harder against Faramir’s arousal, and Haldir’ breath caught in his throat. “Please?’

Faramir sucked in a breath as Haldir’s hand pressed against him, and then his words sent fire racing through his veins. His breath hitched for a moment and he felt his arousal pulse under Haldir’s hand. “I want that too… I want to touch you, taste you, and know how your eyes will look when you lose yourself in passion,” he whispered as he leaned in and captured Haldir’s lips. Faramir’s hand tangled in silken hair as the kiss deepened. It was gentle, but driven with need and arousal. After long moments they drew apart, and Faramir breathed deeply and his fingers fumbled with the fastening of Haldir’s tunic. He’d helped Haldir remove it before for bathing or bedtime, but now his hands shook with desire as he tried to unfasten the laces.

Haldir’s erection twitched within the confines of his own breeches as their kiss deepened and Faramir’s hand moved through his hair. His own hands shook as well when his lover’s words registered in his mind, which was still spinning from their kiss. He breathlessly began trying to unfasten the laces of Faramir’s tunic. “It’s not working,” he scowled. “Here.” Leaning back, Haldir lifted his own uncooperative tunic over his head and threw it behind them, truly not caring in the least where it landed… if it landed in the fire, he wouldn’t give it a second thought. He needed to feel Faramir’s skin underneath his fingertips, NOW. He gave Faramir’s tunic the same treatment and moments later they were both finally bare-chested. “Gods, you’re perfect, love, Faramir. Absolutely perfect.” His fingers were surer now as he unlaced Faramir’s breeches and slipped his hand inside. As his hand closed over his lover’s leaking organ, Haldir leaned forward and pulled Faramir into another kiss, even as the Elf began stroking him with firm, sure strokes.

Faramir almost laughed when Haldir scowled at the lacings, but soon his humor slipped away as Haldir quickly rid himself of his tunic. They had seen one another before when bathing, but this was entirely different. When his own tunic was pulled over his head he smiled at Haldir, his face coloring from his compliment. “You are the perfect one, Haldir,” he whispered, allowing his fingers to drift down his lover’s chest. Before he could say anything more he felt Haldir tug at the lacings of his breeches and then all thought seemed to be erased from his mind as a warm hand closed around his arousal. His gasp was lost in Haldir’s mouth as he kissed him, and Faramir’s hand worked blindly on the lacings of Haldir’s breeches, wanting… no… needing to touch his lover. As their kiss continued his fingers finally managed to drag the final laces away, and his fingers wrapped firmly around his lover’s shaft, stroking him in a pace to match the one Haldir had already set. It felt as if his blood were humming in his veins as they touched one another after what felt like a lifetime of waiting.

Haldir’s hips shifted forward, and he moaned, low and deep in his chest as Faramir’s hand began to move over his aching flesh. He pulled away from the kiss only long enough to breathe and then sealed his lips over Faramir’s once again, his hand never missing a beat and his hips continuing to move of their own accord as he thrust his arousal into Faramir’s fist. It took every ounce of self-control he possessed not to come then and there, and his entire body shook with the effort to hold back. After long moments, he drew away again and slowed his movements on Faramir’s leaking organ. “Wait,” he murmured as he closed his eyes and buried his face in Faramir’s neck as he tried to regain control. “Lean back, pen velui (lovely one). Let me taste you… please.”

Faramir heard Haldir’s moan and answered it with his own. They only broke their kiss to drag in ragged breaths before their lips sealed together again. Haldir’s hips shifted to meet each stroke, and Faramir felt himself nearing the edge of his control as his lover continued to stroke his aching shaft. He could feel Haldir shaking in his arms and knew that he was in the same state. When Haldir pulled away and slowed his movements for a brief moment, Faramir worried that he was somehow in pain and then he heard his lover murmur. He gasped and then took a deep shuddering breath. “Gods, yes,” he panted. Carefully, he lay back on the bed, his eyes never leaving Haldir’s and his hand stayed firmly wrapped around Haldir’s arm to steady him.

Haldir’s leg was the furthest thing from his mind, yet, he still noticed the way Faramir somehow managed to push aside everything to make sure he was safe and didn’t hurt himself. His heart swelled with love once again, and he smiled up at his lover, knowing that everything he felt was perfectly evident in his eyes. Before Faramir could say anything, however, Haldir looked down and curled his fingers under the edges of Faramir’s breeches. Working them down over firm thighs and long legs, he managed to throw the thin garment to the floor and turned his attention back to the steadily dripping organ before him. “Gods, I’ve been wanting to do this forever, I think,” he murmured as he lowered his head and let the flat of his tongue run over the underside of the thick column of flesh. His hand moved to gently roll the heavy sacs that hung between Faramir’s legs as his tongue slowly licked at the swollen head of his lover’s arousal.

Faramir shifted his hips to allow Haldir to drag his breeches off and felt his arousal twitch as the Elf regarded him with dark eyes. The moment that Haldir’s tongue moved over his aching flesh, Faramir moaned deeply, his fingers scrabbling on the bed for something to grasp. His entire body jerked as a warm slick tongue licked him. “Gods, Haldir… please,” he breathed as he watched his lover. His hands ached to touch Haldir, and his hand sunk into his lover’s soft hair, not guiding him, just simply needing to touch him. His entire body felt as if it were on fire, and his body was damp with sweat though the cabin wasn’t terribly warm.

Haldir moaned at the sheer need he heard in Faramir’s voice and closed his eyes. His lips slid slowly over the crown of his lover’s arousal, the flesh feeling warm and full beneath his tongue, and Haldir’s own arousal jerked and began to weep onto his stomach. Moments later, his lips were are the base of Faramir’s shaft, his nose buried in soft curls, and he could feel his lover’s length filling the back of his throat. Swallowing around the leaking organ, he moved his head up, then back down again, making love to him with his mouth again and again and loving every moan and whimper that fell from his lover’s lips.

Faramir moaned and fought to keep from thrusting his hips into the incredible heat of Haldir’s mouth. When his lover swallowed around him his body trembled, and he fought the need to thrust into his lover’s mouth as he took him closer and closer to the edge with each movement. It felt incredible, having those lips around him, having Haldir loving him. It was simply more than Faramir had ever dreamed he’d feel in his life. He knew that his heart had belonged to the beautiful Elf for days now, and he was certain he would never again feel this with anyone else, nor did he want to. “So close,” he panted and then moaned as Haldir swallowed around him again. He wanted to give the same pleasure to his lover, wanted to know the texture of his skin against his tongue, feel the heat of his body against his lips.

Haldir’s hands moved to Faramir’s hips, and he encouraged him to thrust at will, wanting to see and feel the man he loved coming completely undone in every way. He redoubled his efforts, licking and sucking on the slick flesh as he took Faramir in deep time and time again. His fingers tightened on his lover’s hips to keep himself from reaching down to stroke his own erection, and he felt the organ in his mouth become impossibly thicker. Yes, love… come for me… that’s it… let go, meleth (love).

Gasping as Haldir encouraged him to thrust into his mouth, Faramir lost any hint of control as his body took over. His thoughts were scattered as he moved and he felt himself nearing the edge. His release built rapidly, and he couldn’t have stopped it if he had tried. It was as if his body, his very soul, knew Haldir’s, and after only a few moments he felt a stab of heat shoot through his body, and he cried out. His muscles tensed, and he arched up from the bed as his seed spilled hot and thick in his lover’s mouth.

Haldir swallowed his lover’s release and continued to lick at the twitching head of Faramir’s arousal, coaxing every last drop from the softening organ. His hands traveled over his lover’s bare thighs, memorizing the texture and heat of his skin, and he slowly began kissing his way back up to Faramir’s mouth. His own arousal was aching, somehow having gotten even harder as Faramir’s seed filled his mouth, and he groaned as he moved up and pressed his hips forward, grinding his erection against his lover’s hip. His lips sealed over Faramir’s, and his tongue licked languorously inside the warmth of his mouth as Haldir closed his eyes and sighed into the kiss.

Faramir was still recovering from his release, his breathing harsh and ragged as his lover moved up his body. He could feel the heat of Haldir’s arousal before it pressed against him and their lips met in a deep kiss. Tasting himself in his lover’s kiss, he moaned and wrapped his arms around Haldir, holding him close and letting his hands travel over warm damp skin. When they finally drew apart, Faramir smiled as he looked into dark sparkling blue eyes. “I wish to taste you too,” he whispered. Gently, he rolled Haldir onto his back, careful of his still healing leg and began slowly kissing his way down the amazing body under him. Haldir’s body was perfect, his smooth skin moved over taut muscles as Faramir continued kissing a trail lower and lower until he came to his lover’s leaking arousal. Slowly, his tongue flicked out to catch the fluid gathered at the tip and then his lips closed around the hard shaft, and he sank down until he felt the tip at the back of his throat. Faramir drew back and then sank down again, setting a slow but steady pace. Nothing had ever been like this, he already knew he was falling in love, and now for a brief moment his heart, his very soul, recognized its match in the Elf.

Haldir smiled as Faramir laid him onto the bed with such care and tenderness. As the incredible heat of his lover’s mouth closed over his length, his back arched up off the bed and a low moan was wrenched from deep in his chest. His body tensed and his hips shifted as Faramir swallowed around him and his fingers twisted in the blanket beneath him. “Oh, Gods,” he whimpered softly as he tried not to thrust deeper. His entire body was trembling with need and lust as he writhed beneath his lover’s talented ministrations, and he felt his cock twitch and begin to drip on the back of Faramir’s tongue. His release was building fast, and as Faramir continued to take him deep and swallow around the aching head of his organ, he simply closed his eyes and gave in to sensation.

Haldir’s soft whimper seemed to send a jolt of heat through his body, and Faramir increased his pace. He encouraged Haldir to thrust into his mouth, and
within moments he felt his lover’s release flooding over his tongue. He swallowed his lover’s release and continued to lavish the softening shaft until it was completely spent before drawing away. Dragging in a deep breath, Faramir moved up, trailing gentle kisses over Haldir’s stomach and up his chest to his lips as Haldir had done him before. He kissed Haldir deeply, letting him have the same pleasure Faramir had of tasting himself on his lover’s lips and tongue. Drawing away, he licked gently across Haldir’s lips and smiled adoringly.

Haldir’s entire body trembled in the aftermath of his release, and he moaned when he tasted himself in their kiss. When Faramir pulled away and smiled down at him, he returned the adoring gaze and wrapped his arms around his lover’s waist. “Gods,” he murmured as one hand moved to gently brush the hair back from Faramir’s forehead. “That was… that was… incredible. Even better than I imagined… and I imagined it often, I must confess.” He leaned up and nibbled on Faramir’s bottom lip and pulled his lover closer. “We fit together perfectly just like this… and I have no doubt that we’ll fit together even more perfectly when we finally make love.”

Faramir laughed when Haldir said that he imagined it often. His first thought was that he had as well, but then Haldir nibbled on his lip and pulled him closer and he simply forgot to say anything. His heart seemed to trip in his chest when Haldir said ‘make love,’ and he smiled at his lover. “I have no doubt either… not a one,” he whispered. He wanted to say more, he wanted to tell Haldir that he was falling in love with him, but he was afraid that would ruin the moment… that it would bring doubts because they were from such different backgrounds and raised with such different beliefs. Yet here they were. He tried to focus, to concentrate and decide if he should say something, but his mind was still lost in a haze from his release. He laid beside Haldir and snuggled against him, resting his head on a firm strong shoulder.

Closing his eyes, Haldir tugged the blanket over them both and, being careful not to move his bad leg too quickly, settled closer to his lover. Pressing a soft kiss to Faramir’s temple, his fingers trailed up and down the warm skin of the Man’s back, and he stifled a yawn. There was so much he wanted to say, yet, for the first time, he felt as if there would be plenty of time and opportunity to say it in the coming days. They’d both agreed to stay together, and if Faramir didn’t exactly love him yet, then maybe he would one day grow to. Breathing in the scent of his lover’s hair, Haldir smiled contentedly. “Rest, pen velui. And maybe I can wake you up early, and we can see if we still fit together as well in the morning light…”

Faramir laughed softly and snuggled closer to Haldir. “I believe that I will not mind waking up that way,” he teased gently as his arm draped across Haldir’s chest. “Sweet dreams, my love Haldir,” he whispered, and then he yawned. Faramir closed his eyes and within moments was caught up in the world of dreams, and each one of them featured an Elf with golden hair and sparkling blue eyes.

Haldir fell asleep just after Faramir, his arms wrapped tightly around this Man who had so easily stolen his heart, the Man with whom he wished to spend the rest of his life. A Man. I cannot believe I fell in love with a Man… one who was raised to hate Elves, at that! Even as he slept, the soft smile never left his lips, and his arms never loosened from around his lover, intent on keeping him close all during the night. Even in his dreams, the words that had been on his mind as he fell asleep threaded through his dreams.

Chapter 6

The day dawned with gray skies and more snow than either Haldir or Faramir had seen all winter thus far. The wind howled around their little cabin as the snow continued to accumulate. Faramir was thankful that they hadn’t needed to hunt that day, and he and Haldir used the time to replenish their arrows. Haldir also put the finishing touches on his own bow.

Haldir’s leg had healed well in the last weeks, and he told Faramir the next hunting trip would be the two of them together. Faramir looked forward to that, and he knew it would feel good to Haldir to get out of the cabin for a little while, but certainly not on a day like this. Instead they worked on the bow and arrows, and then built up the fire that afternoon and washed their clothes, which now dried near the roaring fire. Both of them were only clad in the long loose tunics the cabin’s previous owner left behind, and they were cuddled under the quilt with the blanket from the bed under them in front of the fireplace.

It was warm, cozy, and comfortable, Faramir thought as he shifted slightly under the quilt and rested his head against Haldir’s thigh. He stared into the fire for a few moments and smiled. “I used to love staring into the fire as a child… my father said it was bad for my eyes, but it seemed as if I could see images there. You know, like my own imaginary world dancing in the flames,” he said softly as he turned slightly to look up into Haldir’s eyes.

Haldir smiled and carded his fingers through Faramir’s hair as he too, gazed into the fire before them. In any other time or place, he would have felt stifled, having been forced to stay indoors for several weeks, but here and now, he was actually grateful for the heavy snowfall. He’d never felt as content and happy as he was at this moment, and if there was anything at all that worried him, it was only the thought of how and when he could finally confess how he felt to the Man he’d fallen in love with. As Faramir spoke, Haldir couldn’t help but wonder if he would have second thoughts about never seeing his father again. He’s giving up so much for me. I hope he never regrets that. “Well,” he said as his gaze drifted away from the fire, “I think your imaginary world must be an incredibly beautiful place. Sometimes, I feel like I’m already in it.”

Faramir smiled and reached up from under the quilt, trailing the back of his fingers down Haldir’s cheek. It was sometimes like it was their own world; somehow everything else seemed unimportant except just the two of them. “Maybe in a way we both are, our own little world in this wood and this cabin,” he whispered as he looked up into sparkling blue eyes. The firelight danced across Haldir’s face, and his hair shone like gold in the shimmering light. “Sometimes it takes my breath away how incredibly beautiful you are.”

Haldir smiled and leaned down to gently press his lips to Faramir’s. “You have no idea how many times I’ve thought the same thing about you,” he said as his tongue slid out to lick at the seam of his lover’s lips as he thought that he never, ever wanted to leave this world they’d created… it was even more breathtakingly perfect than his beloved Lórien, simply because Faramir was here in his arms and smiling up at him with the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen. “When I think how easy it would have been for you to simply walk away and leave me in the ravine, or to have killed me then… and I remember that for the first time ever, I have found goodness and beauty and light in the last place I would have thought to look. In the heart and soul of a Man who by all rights should hate me.” The Elf pulled away only enough to rain soft kisses over Faramir’s face as his fingertips trailed along his jaw and down his neck. “Gods, Faramir, you have no idea, none at all, how happy I am that you followed your heart instead of your father’s laws. I thought I was ready to go to the Halls of Mandos, but the mere thought that I could have missed out on the joy and happiness of being with you breaks my heart.”

Faramir returned the kisses, at least as many as he could, and smiled sadly. It could have all happened so differently for them. “I am happy that I didn’t follow his laws either. I… just the thought of you leaving this world saddens me. It would truly be a darker place without your light and soul in it. I do not think I could have ever found happiness in this world like I’ve found here with you,” he whispered. Moving slightly, Faramir leaned up and captured Haldir’s lips with his own. Even though he initiated the kiss, he quickly surrendered to his lover as his fingers sank into soft golden hair that fell around them like a silken curtain. I love you. Gods, I love you more than anything or anyone.

Gently cradling his lover’s head, Haldir closed his eyes and let his tongue delve into the warm cavern behind Faramir’s perfect lips. His free arm slid beneath broad shoulders, and he shifted until he held Faramir steady and lovingly in his arms, never breaking the kiss. A soft sigh fell from his lips, and he pulled away only long enough to draw in a shallow breath before resuming the kiss and pulling his lover even closer. His hand slowly slid down Faramir’s back until his fingertips brushed over the fire-warmed skin of his thigh, where he simply rested his hand and reveled in the feeling of touching the Man he had fallen so quickly in love with. Thus far, they’d explored each other’s bodies, making love with hands and mouths, Faramir afraid of hurting Haldir, and Haldir remembering the pain of his injury and shying away from anything more strenuous. This time, however, the Elf didn’t want to stop. He wanted to know Faramir in every way and wanted to give himself just as fully. He moaned again and deepened the kiss as his hand continued to move over his lover’s body.

Completely giving himself to his lover, Faramir wrapped his arms around strong shoulders as Haldir deepened the kiss and perfect hands moved over his body. His every nerve ending seemed charged and each touch sent off sparks throughout his body. His body responded to his lover as it always had, and he moaned into the kiss. He’d never known anything like Haldir’s touch; it was as if his soul spoke to Faramir’s in some way, as if they were simply made for each other. The idea was ridiculous since they weren’t even of the same race, but it still felt that way. As Haldir pulled away for breath, Faramir stared into lust-darkened eyes and licked his bottom lip, still tasting his lover’s unique sweetness. “You make me want,” he whispered. He pressed a gentle kiss against Haldir’s kiss-swollen lips.

Haldir’s heart skipped a beat as Faramir spoke, and he felt as if all the blood in his body rushed to his groin in a flood of warmth. “You make me want, too,” he whispered as his hand moved up and pressed gently just below his lover’s navel. “More than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my entire life.” His lips trailed down to gently mark his lover’s skin at the juncture of his neck and shoulder as his free hand moved further down, ignoring the swollen arousal that rested against Faramir’s stomach to gently cup the heavy sacs that hung below. “I think,” he continued between kisses, “that my leg has healed. And that it is finally time we know each other… fully, pen velui.”

Faramir’s entire body shuddered when Haldir’s hand moved down his body and touched the sensitive sacs. His breath caught in his throat, and his blood seemed to hum in his veins as Haldir kissed him. When Haldir’s words registered in his mind, Faramir moaned softly. “Please… I want to feel you inside me, Haldir. I’ve wanted you for so long, love,” he whispered hotly against warm soft lips. Their lips sealed together again in a deep soul-searching kiss, and Faramir knew without a single doubt that he would never know a love like this again. Haldir was everything he’d ever wanted, ever dreamed of.

Haldir’s erection jumped at his lover’s words, and a single, thin drop of fluid seeped from the already aching tip. His entire body shivered with desire as he shifted and removed Faramir’s tunic, then laid him back on the blanket carefully, as if he were made of glass. “Gods, yes,” he murmured as he moved to lie down beside his lover, stopping only long enough to reach for the small lamp that lay on the small table beside the fireplace. With shaking hands, he quickly removed the globe from the top of the lamp and dipped his fingers in the warm oil surrounding the wick. He wanted nothing more on all of Arda than to be inside his lover, but he was determined to make this last as long as possible, not wanting their first time to be hurried or clumsy, though, already, he knew it would be over far too soon. Gods, Faramir, I love you. And I’m not sure how much longer I can keep from saying the words. His hand gently parted his lover’s legs and slid behind the full sacs that hung below his arousal as he leaned forward for another deep kiss. One slick finger slowly circled the small puckered entrance that he ached to be buried in, then slowly and carefully slid inside as he drew Faramir closer with his free arm.

Faramir felt treasured from the gentle way that Haldir laid him back on the blanket. His lover’s eyes were dark with desire, and Faramir felt a tremor race through him as he gazed into his lover’s eyes. He caught his bottom lip between his teeth as he watched his lover’s body settle next to his own. Spreading his legs further for his lover, Faramir jumped slightly when a slick digit pressed against him. When Haldir pulled him closer, he buried his face against Haldir’s neck and sucked at the smooth skin there, marking him as his hips shifted, granting his lover more access. He’d never wanted anyone like this, not often in his life had he been taken, but he wanted this with Haldir. Wanted to share everything with him, his heart, his life… everything.

Haldir held his lover close, his lips and the hand that rested on the back of Faramir’s neck moving over his skin with all the love and gentility that was in him. He could tell both by Faramir’s slight tremble and by how very tight the guardian muscle was that was gripping his finger, that it had been a while since anyone had taken him, if indeed, he had ever been taken before. Pressing his finger in even deeper, he searched for the one spot inside that would lead Faramir to push aside the uncomfortable, full feeling and experience nothing but pleasure.

What Faramir felt with Haldir was equal parts rapture and love. His muscles clamped around his lover against his will, and he fought to relax. It had been a long time since he’d been taken, but he wanted this… needed this. When Haldir’s finger slipped further inside and then brushed against his sweet spot, Faramir moaned and shifted his hips slightly. His breath came in soft gasps and he moved with his lover, inviting more. “Please don’t stop,” he whispered shakily. With that Haldir drew back and added a second finger, stretching and opening him to more, and Faramir moaned again. His head fell back and he gazed into Haldir’s eyes as his lover prepared him so tenderly. Gods, I love him.

Haldir regarded his lover with lust-darkened eyes and nodded. His fingers continued to twist and scissor as Faramir relaxed around him. After long moments, he pulled his fingers away and added more oil before pushing them back in slowly, then adding a third digit. He pressed in deep, then back out, again and again, loving the soft moans that fell from his lover’s lips and the way Faramir writhed beneath him. His own arousal leaked in earnest now, and he gazed into the beloved blue eyes that looked up at him. “Are you ready for me, pen vuin (dear one)?” he asked breathlessly as he brushed the hair back from Faramir’s forehead.

Faramir whimpered as Haldir drew away, but soon he was filled again and his body relaxed even more. His arousal was so hard he ached as it leaked against his stomach. “Gods, yes… please, love… please,” he panted as he moved helplessly under his lover’s ministrations, not even recognizing the endearment. His heart pounded rapidly in his chest as Haldir’s fingers drew away again, and he felt lost for a moment before his lover shifted. Faramir spread his legs wider and shivered in anticipation. He’d wanted this for so long, and his mind attempted to etch each moment into his memory.

With a hand that was shaking once again, this time from the pent-up desire that raged through his veins, Haldir quickly slicked his arousal, his eyes never leaving those of the Man before him – the Man he loved with all his heart, and the Man who was giving himself so freely and passionately. The sweet endearment made his heart swell even more, even as he wondered if Faramir realized what he’d said. Haldir wanted to know if Faramir loved him, if he felt the same longing and tenderness and protectiveness that Haldir felt every time he looked into his lover’s eyes, but right now, he simply couldn’t form coherent thoughts. Soon. I need to know if he feels for me even half of what I feel for him. Gods, I want his love more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. As he settled between Faramir’s widespread legs, he pressed the tip of his erection to the stretched and quivering entrance before him and slowly pushed forward, moaning loudly as his length was engulfed in the most delicious warmth he’d ever known.

Drawing in a quick shuddering breath Faramir felt the tip of his lover’s arousal press against him, and his eyes locked with Haldir’s as his lover breached him. The thick arousal slid slowly inside him, his body stretching to accommodate the thick length as it delved within until it was buried deep inside him. Haldir’s moan made Faramir’s heart leap in his chest from knowing that his lover was getting as much pleasure from their joining as he was. His legs wrapped around a slender waist as Haldir paused to allow his body to adjust. “You feel perfect within me,” he whispered as shaking fingers rose to thread through soft golden hair.

Haldir pressed in deep, stopping only when he was sheathed completely inside his lover, and he felt the tight muscle surrounding him relax and pull him in impossibly further. “And you, gûren, (my heart),” he whispered as his hips shifted back, then pressed forward again, burying him to the hilt once more, “you feel perfect wrapped around me like this. Ech pân i olthannen, (You are all I dreamed), pen velui.” Even as he spoke, his hips shifted, his cock thrusting slow and deep, countless moans of pleasure falling from his lips as he lost himself in his lover’s gaze. Haldir rested his weight on one arm and slid his free hand between them to wrap around Faramir’s heavy shaft. The Elf’s breath came in soft pants as he moved, and it took all his concentration to stroke his lover’s organ in time with his own thrusts, which were becoming faster and deeper with every passing moment.

Haldir’s breathlessly spoken words in Elvish touched Faramir’s heart, even though he didn’t know their meaning. His body moved under his lover’s, his muscles clenching and releasing as they moved as one. When Haldir shifted over him and then a strong hand wrapped around his arousal trapped between them, Faramir cried out softly and arched into the touch, only to thrust back onto the thick shaft moving within him. It was perfect, every touch, every movement… all of it was perfect, and Faramir felt his release building rapidly as their pace increased. Thrusting his hips forward into the tight grip of Haldir’s hand and back to impale himself again, he cried out, spilling his release between them, and before he could check his words, they fell breathlessly from his lips. “I love you.” The words seemed to echo inside his mind as Faramir realized what he said. His eyes closed in fear of seeing Haldir pull away from him. He did not want to hear the words that he did not feel the same.

Already tight muscles clenching even tighter around him made Haldir lose all control, and he thrust forward one final time, his release spilling deep inside his lover even as his fingers were covered with Faramir’s seed. Faramir’s words rang in Haldir’s ears as his body trembled in the aftermath of his release, and a soft smile touched his lips. Realizing that Faramir’s eyes were firmly closed, and he couldn’t possibly see all the love and tenderness that shone clearly in Haldir’s eyes, Haldir leaned down and pressed his lips to his lover’s in a gentle kiss. He could easily guess why Faramir refused to look at him… he was almost assuredly feeling the same thing that Haldir himself would feel if he’d let those three words that had threatened to fall from his lips so many times before fill the air around them. “Meleth,” he whispered against soft lips. “Meleth… look at me, please.”

Faramir felt Haldir spill within him, and his body continued to move with his lover, though his eyes remained closed. He was terrified of seeing what he thought he might in Haldir’s eyes… sympathy and desire, but not love. When suddenly his lips were pressed against Haldir’s, he melted into the kiss, but he was still unsure what he should do. Then soft words brushed against his lips, and he opened his eyes slowly. Faramir swallowed hard and reluctantly gazed up into Haldir’s eyes, not seeing what he thought he might. He felt his heart start beating again. “I…” His words caught in his chest as he simply stared up at Haldir.

Haldir slid one arm underneath Faramir’s neck and licked at his lips until his lover gave him a tentative smile. “Melin chen,” he whispered. “That means ‘I love you.’ I’ve loved you for a long while now, but I’ve been too afraid to say the words in case you didn’t feel the same way.” Carefully shifting his legs, he leaned back and pulled Faramir into his lap as he looked adoringly up into the most beautiful blue eyes he’d ever seen. “I love you so much I can barely think sometimes.”

Faramir continued to watch Haldir’s eyes and when his lover said ‘I love you’ his heart leapt in his chest. Before he could say anything he was pulled upwards into Haldir’s lap and his strong embrace. He smiled as his lover looked into his eyes and wrapped his arms around Haldir’s shoulders. “I feel the same. I love you, have loved you… so much I ache when I’m away from you for only a short time. I… I’ve been so afraid to say the words,” he whispered and pressed his lips to Haldir’s happily. “I’ve been foolish,” he said, shaking slightly.

Haldir’s arms wrapped around his lover’s waist, and he sighed into the kiss as he pulled him closer still. “No,” he whispered, as his hands moved over the smooth, warm skin of Faramir’s back. “Never foolish. Only afraid, just like I have been for so long… ever since I realized that I would give my very life to be by your side forever. And, before you even think it, it’s not because you spared my life or nursed me back to health. I love you because you are the kindest, gentlest, most incredible person I have ever known… because of the way you look at me, the way you smile at me, the way you touch me, and the way you make me feel like the happiest creature in Middle-earth when I hear your laughter.” Letting his gaze meet Faramir’s, Haldir lifted one hand and let the back of his fingers caress his lover’s face. “I love you, Faramir. I adore you, and I will never, ever, stop loving you, or wanting you or needing you.”

Faramir felt his heart skip in his chest as Haldir spoke, and realized that the Elf did love him every bit as much as Faramir loved Haldir in return. “I have never known anyone in my life, Haldir, that made me feel the way you do. My heart leaps in my chest every time you smile at me, each time I gaze into your eyes I am completely lost,” he whispered, sliding his fingers through silken hair. “And the fact that you love me in return… I am eternally blessed. I will never stop loving you either… ever, Haldir,” he whispered. Faramir leaned forward and pressed his lips to Haldir’s in a deep, loving kiss that stole his breath.

Haldir’s fingers tangled in Faramir’s hair as his eyes fell shut and he gave himself over, body and soul to the Man he loved. He knew that he was the one who was eternally blessed, not Faramir, and in that instant, he swore to himself that he would do everything in his power to make sure Faramir felt how very much he was loved every moment of every day. His spent arousal had stayed buried inside his lover as they’d shifted positions, but as they kissed, he felt the softening organ slowly begin to fill and lengthen once again. The tight guardian muscle around him clenched, and he fought the urge to thrust as they finally broke away from the kiss, both completely breathless. “Oh, Gods, meleth,” he whispered as he gave one small thrust into tight heat before slipping out completely. “I need you again already… only… I want to feel you inside of me this time.”

Their kiss was deep and loving and filled with passion as they clung to one another. Faramir was amazed as he felt himself begin to stir and then felt Haldir’s spent arousal lengthen and harden once again. His muscles automatically tensed around him, and Faramir’s heart rate seemed to speed in his chest. Drawing away from the kiss, he dragged in a breath and moaned softly as Haldir thrust within him and then pulled away. “Yes, love. I need you too… Gods, I love you so much,” he whispered as Haldir lay down and pulled Faramir on top of him. Kissing his lover again, Faramir moved down his body, kissing and touching everywhere he could. “No one has ever made me want this way,” he said against warm smooth skin. Shifting to settle between Haldir’s legs, he reached for the lamp and slicked his fingers and then himself, knowing he might not be able to stop later. His hand moved between his lover’s legs and pressed against the tight entrance, circling slowly before dipping within the tight heat.

Haldir’s hands moved over his lover’s skin, and his legs automatically spread wider in invitation as he nodded in silent agreement. No one had ever made him want this way either, had made him feel like he would lose his mind if he couldn’t be loved by Faramir, couldn’t be touched by him, or simply see his laughter every morning when he opened his eyes. His arousal was already leaking onto his stomach even before the slick finger slid deep inside him, and his eyes became even darker as he watched Faramir’s face. Moaning softly, his back arched up as first one, then two fingers stretched him, twisting and scissoring, and his cock ached so badly it was if he hadn’t come in weeks. “Meleth, please,” he breathed even as he bore down and drew the fingers in deeper. “Please take me.”

Faramir carefully and lovingly prepared his lover, his own arousal already aching to feel the tight heat that was wrapped around his fingers. When Haldir’s soft pleas filtered through, Faramir nodded. “Gods,” he gasped as he withdrew his fingers and pressed his shaft against his lover. He paused for a brief moment before pushing past the tight muscle and sinking into tight heat. His eyes locked with Haldir’s as he slid deep within his lover, and he took a shuddering breath. “I love you,” he whispered as he rested his weight on one hand and brushed his fingers through soft hair. “I love you so much,” he said softly, almost unable to stop saying the words now that he had. When Haldir’s body moved against him, he began to draw back and plunge forward again setting a slow and loving pace.

Haldir gazed up at his lover and smiled. “I love you too, seron vell,” he whispered. “And I think I have searched for you for all of my life.” His body met each deep thrust as his legs wrapped around Faramir’s waist and pulled him in impossibly deeper, keeping the slow and steady pace, but knowing that they would both be losing control before much longer. Gently pulling Faramir down for another kiss, Haldir smiled and let his last words drift against his lover’s lips. “I’m so glad we finally found each other, my love. I was beginning to wonder where you were.”

Faramir felt his heart skip as Haldir spoke, and he moved with his lover, their pace gradually increasing with each deep thrust and soft moan. When Haldir pulled him down for another sweet kiss, the words Haldir whispered to him made his eyes nearly tear from the emotion that washed through him. No one had ever spoken so sweetly to him, no one had ever looked at him the way Haldir did, and Faramir knew that he was home. Haldir was all he would ever need, and he would never regret leaving Gondor. He kissed his lover again, his tongue thrusting past soft lips to tease and taste as their bodies moved together at the rapidly growing pace. He knew his release was building, but he couldn’t hold back anything from Haldir.

As Faramir moved within him, Haldir felt as if their very souls moved together in a dance as old as the Elves themselves. He’d heard of a love so deep, so pure, that once the lovers shared themselves completely, they would never want or need or even think of loving anyone else for all eternity. And there was not the faintest doubt that what he was experiencing with Faramir was just that… a bond of love that was pure and rare, the mingling of two faers in a loving joyful dance that would never end. Each thrust angled to hit his sweet spot, and his cock began to leak in earnest as his release drew ever closer. “Close,” he murmured as he clenched his inner muscles around the organ buried inside him as he felt his balls draw up between his legs.

Drawing back, Faramir’s hand slid between their bodies to wrap around Haldir’s leaking arousal. Stroking it in tandem with their rapid pace, he felt as if he were completely one with his lover. His blood hummed in his veins and pounded in his ears as they moved, and he knew he wouldn’t last much longer either when Haldir whispered. He thrust deeply one last time and cried out as he spilled within his lover, feeling the already tight passage clench around him. He sealed his lips against Haldir’s, and a soft moan was lost between them as they kissed.

As Faramir’s release filled him, Haldir cried out and wrapped his arms around his lover. His lover’s organ pulsed deep inside him, and Haldir’s release hit him hard, his own sex swelling in Faramir’s hand and shooting out thick jets of his seed between them. His legs tightened around Faramir’s waist as loving fingers continued to coax every drop of his release from him and Haldir could do nothing more than whimper and tremble beneath his lover’s touch. His arms and legs slowly relaxed their grip on the man he loved so dearly, and he simply pulled him closer, burying his face in Faramir’s neck. “I love you so much,” he whispered. “And I am yours all eternity, meleth.”

Faramir turned slightly and kissed Haldir’s cheek sweetly and smiled. “As am I yours, Haldir. For all time, my love,” he whispered. He laid on top of Haldir for a few moments, enjoying the way their bodies felt pressed together, warm and intimate and slick with their sweat and sex. Dragging in a deep breath he shifted and slipped from his lover’s body and then lay down beside him. “Gods, I was so frightened when I said I loved you… and now I can’t believe that I was ever able to keep from saying those words,” he said, smiling and snuggling against his lover. Nothing in his life had ever been more perfect than what he’d just shared with Haldir this cold winter day.

Haldir held his lover close and pressed a kiss to his temple. “I would have slipped and said it myself if you hadn’t,” he smiled as his fingers carded through sweat-damp copper-colored hair, and he gave a content sigh. “Say it again?” he whispered.

Faramir smiled, leaned into his lover’s touch, and looked up into his lover’s eyes. “I love you, Haldir. I will always love you,” he whispered before pressing his lips gently to Haldir’s. “And I will say it often, and I will always mean it.”

As his body finally stopped trembling, Haldir tucked a loose lock of hair behind his lover’s ear. “And I will say it often, too, and always mean it just as much.” Gazing back into the fire, he felt his eyes grow heavy. His fingertips slid over warm, wet skin, and he fought back a yawn. Grabbing the corner of the blanket behind them, he gently cleaned them both and curled around Faramir as he closed his eyes. “In the eyes of the Elves, we are bonded,” he said softly. “Informally, of course, but… nevertheless, we are as one. I felt it as we made love. I don’t know if you felt it too, but… I have no doubt that that’s exactly what happened.”

Faramir’s eyes widened slightly as Haldir spoke of them being bonded and then smiled happily. “I… I felt something, as if we were one… something I’d never felt before,” he said with the wonder evident in his voice. “Will… is… well, I suppose it is possible, since it happened,” he said, laughing because he’d wondered how it was even possible for an Elf and Man to be bound. He snuggled against his lover and closed his eyes with a smile still on his lips. “I love you, Haldir… and I am honored to be… bound to you formally or informally,” he whispered sleepily.

Nuzzling his lips against Faramir’s hair, Haldir smiled and nodded slightly. “I love you too, meleth,” he whispered. “I should have asked you first, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. Maybe… though… maybe now that it has happened, we should make it formal as soon as we find the place we wish to make our home…” His last words were lost in a deep yawn, and he struggled to stay awake. “If… if you’d want that… that is…” Before Faramir could answer, Haldir snored softly, curled tightly up against his lover and feeling happier than he ever dreamed he’d be.

Faramir started to answer yes when he heard his lover’s soft snore and laughed softly to himself. “I would love nothing more than to be bonded formally… but I can tell you that later, love,” he whispered, pressing his lips gently to Haldir’s. He settled down next to his lover, snuggled close against him and pulled the quilt over them as he stared into the fire, watching the dancing flames. He soon fell into a deep, contented sleep.

Chapter 7

Faramir and Haldir spent the rest of the winter in the little cabin in the woods, watched all the snow melt away, and felt the weather warm. With the coming of spring they were able to get out of the cabin more and even used what few seeds were left in the cabin to plant a small garden. Since it was still early in the season though, they still had to hunt for food, and more often because there was no snow to keep the food fresh.

They discovered a small stream that wasn’t far from the cabin to draw water from as well and settled into a routine, just the two of them in their own little world, it seemed.

Having finished the last of a stew the night before, they decided to go hunting for the day and set out early from the cabin. Faramir found – just as he thought he might – that he enjoyed hunting with Haldir at his side. They walked through the leaves still damp with morning dew as silently as possible when they stopped near a clearing where they had seen rabbit tracks the day before.

“If we aren’t able to get anything today, we can always pick some of those berries we spied earlier,” Faramir whispered as he looked over at his lover.

Haldir smiled and nodded. In all his years, he’d never been happier than he had been since he’d been with Faramir. The only worry in his heart was that Lord Celeborn would refuse to allow Faramir to live in Lórien. That, in itself, wasn’t the most horrible thing that could happen. Not being allowed to live in the Golden Wood would be nothing compared to the look he could imagine on Faramir’s face at being turned away from the very race he had learned so much about in the past months and was willing to live among in the coming years.

He had trouble dragging his eyes away from Faramir and reached out to rest a hand on his lover’s back. “I hear something, but it’s too far away for me to tell what it is exactly,” he whispered. “The forest is… eerily silent around us, for some reason. I think those berries are sounding better and better.”

Faramir turned slightly to look at Haldir and though he tried to listen, he knew his hearing wasn’t as good as his lover’s, but Haldir was right. It did seem… odd. When they’d first set out from the cabin, the normal noises of the wood had surrounded them. Birds chirping, the fresh green leaves dancing in the breeze, but now… it seemed like a blanket of silence had fallen over the wood. “I think you’re right, love. Why don’t we head back? It does feel strange today. Maybe a storm is brewing?” he added offhandedly since he couldn’t quite place what was wrong. He thought perhaps he imagined the silence until Haldir had mentioned it.

Haldir reached for his lover’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Could be,” he agreed, as his eyes searched the trees around them. “I just… something doesn’t feel right. Maybe we can just go back home and eat our berries, at least until this… storm, or whatever it is, passes.” Slowly, he brought his gaze back to the blue eyes before him. His heart pounded in his chest, but he couldn’t say why, exactly. He tried to keep his smile light, even as he gently tugged Faramir down the path they’d just taken. “We should… hurry, love. Just… in case.”

Faramir could tell that Haldir sensed far more than he could, and he turned with his lover as they walked quickly back toward their home, hand in hand. Though something seemed odd… he wasn’t sure what it was. Moving alongside his lover he kept his voice quiet. “Can you hear anything?” he asked. His own ears could pick up nothing, and that was what worried Faramir the most. There should be sounds in the forest, but there simply were none besides their own footsteps on the damp leaves.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Haldir listened carefully. The silence was still heavy around them, yet at the same time, he thought he could hear… something at the very edge of the forest. Pulling Faramir closer, he stood perfectly still and closed his eyes, concentrating on the noises in the distance. With every passing moment, the noise grew louder, though it was still far away. “Orcs,” he whispered breathlessly as he opened his eyes and stared at his lover. I will not lose you, meleth… I just found you, and I cannot live without you by my side. I will die before I let them hurt you. “We need to run… quietly and quickly. They are coming this way!”

When Haldir pulled him close, Faramir held his breath for a few moments while Haldir attempted to listen to the virtual silence around them. When he whispered the word ‘orcs’, Faramir felt his heart nearly stop in his chest. He had been lucky to survive unscathed his last encounter with the foul creatures, and Haldir had been badly hurt. He wouldn’t allow that to happen again. He nodded as Haldir whispered, and they began to run through the woods as silently as they could. Faramir did not have the advantages that Haldir had in being able to travel through the leaf-strewn forest in silence. His heart seemed to be beating twice as fast as it should for their speed, and he knew it wasn’t from exertion – it was from fear. Fear of losing Haldir.

Haldir kept a firm grip on Faramir’s hand, urging him along as fast as he possibly could go. “Hurry, love,” he whispered, his breath ragged – not from exertion, but from fear. “They’re gaining on us.” His leg throbbed at the memory of this last encounter with an orc… but it was a fate he’d gladly suffer again if only it meant they wouldn’t harm Faramir.

Faramir sped his pace to match Haldir’s as they ran. Suddenly he felt Haldir’s hand tighten on his, and he looked up to see smoke billowing through the trees from the direction of the cabin. He swallowed hard as the realization hit him – they were surrounded. If there were orcs at the cabin and behind them… it was just like it had been the day his men had been ambushed. “We cannot run forever,” he whispered even as his breath seemed to catch in his chest. All winter and this early part of spring they’d seen no one, no hunters, no orcs, no one at all in the forest around them until now. It seemed like something out of a nightmare as he realized they could both die today. He was tempted to suggest they split up, and he could lead the orcs away from Haldir, but he knew from the look in his lover’s eyes that he would never agree to such a thing.

Haldir closed his eyes for a moment and nodded in resignation. Faramir was right. They couldn’t keep running. As much as he prayed to the Valar to spare the small cabin they’d been calling home, he knew it would mean nothing if they weren’t together. He slowly opened his eyes and gazed around them, stopping when he saw a large boulder just to their right. Tugging his lover toward the stone, he leaned back against it and listened closely. They were surrounded… and the orcs, though still a few minutes away, had blocked any path of escape. He wrapped both arms around Faramir’s waist and held him close, breathing in his scent and trying to convince himself that they could fight their way out of this. “I love you, meleth,” he whispered. “And I will not let them part us.”

Faramir sank into his lover’s embrace and fought to catch his breath from their sprint through the forest. “I love you too,” he whispered in return and let his hands move along his lover’s back for a moment feeling the strong muscles tense with anticipation. “We… will get through this together, love,” he said, pressing his lips to Haldir’s briefly, wanting his last memory to be of his lover if they should be killed. He shivered at the thought and drew away to look into Haldir’s eyes, which were lit with the same fear he knew was in his own.

Blinking back his tears, Haldir nodded and lifted one hand to let the back of his fingers brush over his lover’s face. “Together,” he repeated, leaning forward and resting his forehead against Faramir’s. “Be careful. We have to save our strength, meleth. We have a long walk to Lórien ahead of us since those vile creatures have destroyed our home.”

Faramir almost startled when Haldir mentioned walking to Lórien. He still doubted that he would be accepted there, but now they had no other choice. Going back to Gondor was simply not an option, and now that their home was destroyed, they had no other choice left. They could rebuild here or somewhere else, but they would always be at risk of coming under attack. There was always safety in numbers, though he feared how the Elves of Lórien would react to him. His hands moved up to cradle either side of Haldir’s face, and he smiled sadly. “You be careful, love… and I will be by your side,” he whispered. In life or death, Haldir. I’ll be by your side. They could hear the orcs moving closer and regretfully he pulled away to make ready for the coming battle.

Haldir had to bite his lip to keep from begging Faramir to simply slip away, to try and hide from the approaching horror. He knew his lover would never leave him, even if Haldir wanted nothing more in life than to keep him safe. “As I will be by yours, seron vell,” he said softly, reaching behind him for an arrow and getting a firm grip on his bow. He took a deep, steadying breath and moved to stand with his back against Faramir’s. “Here they come,” he whispered as the first creature came at them through a break in the trees.

Faramir took a deep breath as he readied himself and heard Haldir’s whispered words. He sent a silent prayer to the Valar that Haldir would be safe as he drew back and loosed his arrow into the first orc to come into range. The orc screamed and twisted as it fell and the other foul creatures trampled it as they moved forward. The battle seemed to go by in a blur as the two of them fought back to back, dropping the dark creatures one by one. Faramir’s hope was that if they both could not leave this wood today, that at least Haldir would. He still had a home to return to in Lórien should Faramir fall.

The orcs continued to fall from the arrows that sped from both Faramir and Haldir’s bows. These particular orcs, thankfully, weren’t as cunning as the ones that had attacked both the Elven party and the Rangers months before. These relied on brute strength and power and did little other than charge at the pair in small groups. They were armed with only short swords, clubs, or maces and needed to fight close to their enemy… something both Faramir and Haldir were determined not to let them do.

There were many, but by the grace of the Valar, both Man and Elf were able to protect each other as the forest turned from its eerie silence to embrace the sounds of dying orcs and arrows slicing through the air without pause. Finally, after countless arrows were spent and their supply was low, Haldir realized that the two orcs charging them seemed to be the last two alive. By the Valar, we might survive this after all! Thank the Gods he is safe!

Quickly, both orcs were slain, the one on Haldir’s right by an arrow through its neck, the other by Faramir’s arrow just underneath its left arm, no doubt buried in whatever passed for its black heart. Haldir stood breathing heavily for a moment as both he and his lover wearily leaned against the rock. The forest was silent around them once more, and he reached behind him to reassure himself that Faramir was safe. “I think… I think they are gone,” he whispered.

Faramir found himself grateful that these orcs had not been as smart as he first thought them to be. As he and Haldir worked together to protect one another, the forest floor was littered with dead and dying orcs, and it seemed that once the last two were slain they were safe. Faramir breathed a sigh of relief and moved to rest against the large rock with his lover safely at his side. His arm ached from the battle after long months of not using a bow for more than hunting. He turned to face his lover. He had one last arrow in his hand, his quiver was empty and Haldir’s only held a few unspent arrows as well. “I did not think they would ever stop coming,” he said softly as he braced himself against the large rock and felt the tension begin to drain from his body. He smiled at his lover for a moment, grateful that they were both unharmed, yet sad that they no longer had a home.

Haldir returned Faramir’s smile and wiped the sweat from his brow. “We have very few arrows left,” he said quietly. “I was afraid they would outnumber our ammunition.” Moving closer, he closed his fingers around his lover’s wrist as they looked around the small clearing that was now littered with disfigured bodies and stank of blood. “You are quite the warrior,” he continued, even as his eyes moved to scan the forest for more of the creatures.

Faramir smiled at his lover and shook his head. “As are you, love. And you have more arrows left,” he grinned. They’d both started with the same amount. Looking sadly toward the smoke coming from where their cabin once stood he sighed. “I wonder if there is anything left to salvage?” he said softly. His eyes were drawn away toward the smoke, and he did not see the injured orc approaching from his blind side.

Just as Haldir opened his mouth to answer, he heard the shuffle of feet behind them. One of the larger orcs that had attacked them had somehow managed to pull the arrow from his stomach and had crawled behind the rock they were sure had sheltered them from harm. Too late, Haldir turned and saw the creature lifting a thick club over Faramir’s head, his eyes gleaming with malevolence even as he drew a breath that gurgled with blood deep inside him. The club began its descent in the blink of an eye, and before Haldir could even think, he pushed Faramir to the ground and felt the club hit him squarely in the chest. Everything went black around him as he reached blindly for the bloodied monster, trying to bring him down as well and at least give his lover a chance to find cover. “Run, meleth!” he gasped before the darkness swallowed him completely and he knew no more.

Faramir heard something, but before he could move or even think, Haldir shoved him aside. As he hit the ground and rolled, the sight made his heart stop in his chest. Haldir’s body crumpled to the ground, and a huge orc almost fell on top of him. The creature stumbled and stood over Haldir with his weapon held in front of him and a triumphant sneer. In a fit of heartbreak and rage, Faramir barely had time to even think before he rushed at the creature. Dodging a clumsy attack and forcing the orc back and away from Haldir, Faramir drew up the final arrow in his hand like a dagger and sank it deep into the creature’s neck. The orc made a strangled sound as the arrow went through his throat and fell, almost dragging Faramir down with him. Breathing heavily, Faramir backed away from the dead orc, not even realizing the tears streaming down his face. He raced back to his lover’s side. He drew Haldir’s seemingly lifeless form up into his arms and clutched him against his chest as tears dampened golden hair. “You cannot die now… you cannot.” He repeated the words over and over again as his heart seemed to be ripped from his chest. “Please, love, don’t leave me now,” he whispered as he hugged his lover’s body against him. Leaning down, he kissed Haldir’s lips gently, lovingly and whispered words of love against them again.

The blackness settled around Haldir, and try as he might, he could not manage to move even a single finger, nor draw the slightest of breaths. Pain radiated from his chest, filling every space inside him, and he could do absolutely nothing to dampen or push it aside. He heard the sound of a body falling to the ground… surely heavier than Faramir, so it must be the orc, he thought, as even his hearing began to fail him. Haldir knew he would be seeing the Halls of Mandos soon, without doubt – something he had always thought himself prepared for, as most warriors were. But he was now fighting with all his might so he could stay by his lover’s side. Strong arms lifted him gently, and though he could no longer hear the words, he somehow felt them with every fiber of his being. Goodbye, love. I’m sorry…

Chapter 8

Just as suddenly as everything had gone black around him, Haldir slowly began to feel… soft pressure on his lips, warm tears from his lover’s eyes falling against his skin, loving arms holding him so carefully. He was able to imagine just how he would feel if it were him holding Faramir’s lifeless body in his arms. He would not survive that… and his greatest fear was that Faramir would not either. With every ounce of strength he possessed, he struggled to breathe, and though his lungs refused to draw in air, Faramir’s soft, warm breath passed his lips and pushed the darkness away. With every kiss, every breath, every whispered plea, Haldir’s mind cleared and the pain slowly dwindled to a more tolerable level. As Faramir continued to rock him in his arms, he drew in the shallowest of breaths, sharing the very air his lover breathed, and his eyes slowly fluttered open. Meleth.

Faramir’s entire world was right there in his arms – everything he loved, everything he cherished – and he felt that somehow he had failed Haldir. When he suddenly felt the softest of breaths against his lips, he drew back with tears still coursing down his face in hot streams. “Haldir? Oh Gods, I thought I had lost you,” he whimpered as he pressed his lips to his lover’s forehead. His shaking hands brushed golden hair back from Haldir’s face, and he felt his breath hitch as deep blue eyes he thought he’d never see again opened to gaze into his own. “I love you,” Faramir whispered, the words seeming to fall from his lips over and over again as he rocked his lover in his arms. With each breath he felt his lover take, his heart grew lighter, and he drew back again to look into Haldir’s eyes. “I was so afraid I’d lost you.”

Haldir gazed up at his lover and wished he had the strength to reach up and wipe the tears from the beloved blue eyes above him. Each breath came easier than the last, yet his chest still hurt, and he could do little but relax into Faramir’s embrace. After a few moments, he licked at his dry lips and managed a small smile. “You didn’t lose me,” he whispered hoarsely. “You saved me, love. I… I was dead. You… you brought me back.”

Faramir shuddered when Haldir spoke and shook his head. His mind screamed that it was impossible while his heart seemed to somehow know. “I… you saved me. You saved me, you protected me, and by coming back to me… you saved me again. I could not have survived without you, Haldir. I would not want to,” he whispered, pressing his lips against Haldir’s forehead again. They sat that way for a long time, Faramir cradling Haldir in his arms, simply clinging to one another.

Faramir’s words tore at Haldir’s heart, yet he knew they were true. Knowing that Faramir would not want to live without him had given him the strength to fight… it had been the only thing on all of Arda that could have kept him from dying. Slowly, his strength returned to him bit by bit, and he wound his arms around Faramir’s neck and pulled him closer. He simply closed his eyes and breathed in the beloved scent that was Faramir’s alone as his lover continued to hold him close. “I love you,” he whispered as his fingers curled in Faramir’s hair, and he tried his best to soothe away the trembling that still wracked his lover’s body. “And I would not have wanted to survive without you. There would be nothing left for me on Arda if I didn’t have you, and I will never, ever let you go, seron vell.”

“Nor I you, love,” Faramir whispered in response. “I have never been so frightened in my life,” he admitted as they held one another. After long moments, Faramir looked around, seeing they sat surrounded by the bodies of the fallen orcs. Without asking his lover, Faramir simply scooped him into his arms and stood, carrying him away from where they had fought. He carried Haldir to the stream and they settled together there under one of the trees. The sounds of the forest had returned, and Faramir breathed a final sigh of relief. “We can rest here for a while,” he said as he leaned against the broad trunk of the large tree.

Haldir smiled as Faramir lifted him and moved through the forest. When they finally settled down, he curled up in his lover’s lap and relaxed, still trying to will the pain away each time he took a breath. “I think I will have to carry you all the way to Lórien,” Haldir teased, “and still, it won’t equal all the times you’ve carried me.”

Faramir laughed and shook his head. After everything that had happened, Haldir could still tease him and make him laugh. After a moment he sobered and drew Haldir’s hand up to his lips, kissing it tenderly. “You have carried me far more often than you think, my love,” he whispered, meaning it in more than the physical sense. He could see Haldir was still in pain and frowned. “Where are you hurt, love? I… I didn’t see what happened,” he said, still angry with himself for being distracted.

“I’m fine,” Haldir said softly. “It just… hit me in the chest, the filthy beast. But… don’t you worry. I hear nothing but silence now, and if you’ll just sit here and hold me for a while longer, we’ll make our way back to the cabin and see if there’s anything we can save. Then… I guess we’ll be off to our new home in the Golden Wood.” Ignoring the pain in his chest, he leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to Faramir’s lips. “As much as I will miss our little cabin, in Lórien we will have a place of our own, built the way we want it, safe and comfortable and… ours. We won’t have to worry about orcs or hunters or anyone else trying to take it away from us, my love.”

Faramir returned the gentle kiss and smiled despite his worry about how they would be received in Haldir’s home. What would the other Elves think? But they did need to have a safe place among other people, or they would always be at risk like they had been today. “I admit I am worried about what your brothers and the other Elves will think… I doubt they will be pleased to see me there. But we have no other choice,” he said softly. They indeed had no other choice – unless they parted ways, and Faramir desperately did not want that. “When you are feeling better, we can go see what we can find at the cabin, and then you can lead me to Lórien.”

Haldir nodded and snuggled closer to his lover, wishing with all his heart that he could assure Faramir that he would be loved and accepted among the Elves. But, of course, had Haldir been guarding the borders, and an Elf – any Elf, really – dared to bring a Man to Lórien, Haldir would be beyond furious. Pushing that thought aside, he closed his eyes and buried his face in Faramir’s neck for a few moments, waiting for the soreness in his chest to recede. “Please, meleth,” he whispered against his lover’s skin, “try not to worry. No matter what, we will find our happiness. If not in Lórien, then somewhere else.”

Faramir’s arms tightened around his lover as Haldir spoke, and he nodded. “I will try,” he said with a small smile, “but as far as I am concerned, I have found my happiness.” When Haldir tilted his face up to look at him, Faramir smiled a bit more. “I found you… that is all that matters. The rest will come in time, I suppose,” he whispered, pressing his lips to Haldir’s. “You should rest, love… we both should,” he added before Haldir could tell him that he should do the same. He wished they hadn’t lost everything in the cabin… but it was by chance that he’d found Haldir, maybe it wasn’t so hard to leave all the rest to chance as well.

Smiling into the kiss, Haldir rested his forehead against his lover’s. “I have found my happiness as well,” he whispered. “And the incredible, beautiful Man that I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.” They had no place to go, and he still wasn’t feeling well enough to walk just yet, so he simply settled more comfortably in Faramir’s lap and held him close. “The forest is quiet, meleth. Let’s rest for just a while, then we can go.” It still hurt to breathe, but slowly, he was feeling better, especially now that Faramir’s arms were around him. Only moments later, he dozed.

Faramir smiled and nodded. “Yes, love,” he said softly. After a few moments Haldir fell asleep with his head tucked under Faramir’s chin. Listening to his lover’s soft intakes of breath and the sound of the leaves in the breeze, Faramir slipped into sleep as well. His last thoughts were of how much he loved Haldir and couldn’t possibly stand to be parted from him. Today had proven that… so no matter what their future held, he hoped that they would be together.



They walked for almost a fortnight before they arrived at the outskirts of the Golden Wood. Faramir was struck by how beautiful it was as they approached across the open plain before it. Haldir explained that he had been a Marchwarden, a guardian of the wood, and that others would be watching them from the trees as they approached. He felt his anxiety grow the closer they got to the beautiful forest. Though Haldir assured him that Lórien had no law such as Gondor’s, Faramir worried. Even if they did not kill him… what if they took him prisoner, thinking he was a spy and had somehow manipulated Haldir? That was certainly how his father would see it, no matter how much he would protest. He knew that Haldir would never be welcome in Gondor, not as long as his father was Steward.

Faramir glanced over at Haldir and tried to smile. “It is truly beautiful,” he said, referring to the wood ahead of them. It was… but as beautiful as it was, he feared what lay ahead.

Haldir kept a weary eye on the trees around them, spotting more than a dozen graceful Elven bodies moving silently through the branches. He knew they’d been spotted long ago, and that the only reason they hadn’t been confronted yet was that he was being careful to keep his arm around Faramir’s waist and hold him close as they’d walked the last few leagues. “I think you will love it here,” he said softly. “We will find a bigger and better talan than the one I lived in before. Or we can build a cabin of our own, like the one where we fell in love.”

Faramir smiled as Haldir spoke, noticing that his lover’s eyes kept scanning the trees as they approached. He could not see nearly as well as his lover, but he had been told that the Golden Wood was heavily guarded, not only by Haldir, but by others in the past. “I don’t care where we live, as long as we are together,” Faramir said honestly. When they slowed to a stop he watched in amazement as three graceful Elves he had not noticed at all descended from the trees and approached with the bows at the ready. His hand tightened at Haldir’s waist, and he looked at his lover and back to the approaching Elves.

Haldir stiffened immediately and narrowed his eyes at the approaching Elves. “There is no need for weapons,” he said, keeping his voice perfectly calm as he met each of their gazes. He had trained these very Elves centuries ago, and he knew well their prowess with their bows. “This Man is under my protection, and you will not harm him without killing me first. He is not our enemy… he is, in fact, my husband by rights.”

Faramir stood silently, not wanting to move or say anything that might make the Elves who lowered their weapons in what looked to be shock to change their minds.

Gildor’s mouth went slack when Haldir said ‘my husband’ about the copper-haired Man. He blinked in stunned silence for a moment and then motioned for the others to lower their weapons. They were equally stunned by Haldir’s announcement. “Your… husband? Haldir…” he said, stepping forward, “But… he’s a Man.”

“Yes,” Haldir said firmly. “He is a Man. A brave, honorable Man, who saved my life not once, but twice, and whom I happen to love with all of my heart. We were bound together informally months ago, and if you dare raise your weapons against him again, you will have to shoot through me to get to him.” He tugged Faramir closer, thinking that the Elves would not dare to hurt them, especially since they had left their weapons far behind. But he was unsure of what changes might have occurred during his long absence. “We wish to speak with Lord Celeborn. Now… let us pass, my friends. We have traveled for many days and nights and are in need of rest and food, as well as our Lord’s blessing.”

Faramir’s heart swelled in his chest as Haldir spoke, and though his lover had just spoken of him so proudly, he felt slightly childish simply holding onto Haldir as he was. He knew better than to speak and upset the delicate balance of things though, so he simply watched as the three guardians exchanged looks.

“We will let you pass, Haldir, but you know the rules. No Man is to set foot within the wood, even if he is your husband,” Gildor said sternly.

“Gildor,” Haldir said, with a slight edge in his voice. “Do not presume to tell me the rules! Do you not remember who taught you that rule, not to mention how to hold a bow and ride a horse and fight hand to hand? Now step aside. He means no harm to you, and I will not step one foot further into our forest without him. Do you really want to be the one to tell Lord Celeborn you turned me away? Or better, yet, Lady Galadriel, who, no doubt, has already sensed our presence here?”

Gildor sighed heavily and looked down for a moment. “Haldir…” he trailed off and shook his head. “If he must enter Lórien, then his eyes will be bound. It is the only solution,” he said, looking up at Haldir whose eyes narrowed again.

Faramir was afraid this would happen, already he could sense that there were more Elves gathered in the trees ahead, and he worried that even if they allowed him to pass it may not turn out well. If they bound his eyes… then he would have to trust them, and the only Elf he knew and trusted was Haldir. “Maybe… maybe this is not the best idea, love,” he whispered softly to Haldir. He had no other ideas, no other place he could think of for them to go, but perhaps it would be better if they simply left. Or… if he left. It broke his heart to think of that, and he knew he wouldn’t survive it, but maybe it was best for Haldir to just return to his home… his brothers and family… without him.

Haldir turned his back on his kinsmen and rested both his arms around his lover’s waist. He pushed aside his anger at Gildor, though he knew that he was only doing his job. “Do you want to leave, meleth?” he asked softly. “I would understand, considering the welcome you’re getting from my so called ‘friends’, who don’t seem to trust me enough to take my word on this.” One hand gently moved to brush over Faramir’s face as Haldir leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “We can go now if you like. We will find our home elsewhere.”

Faramir felt his stomach knot as Haldir asked if he wanted to leave, and he found himself leaning into his lover’s touch. “I… maybe it would be best if I leave. You… you can return home to your family and I will… perhaps go to Rohan or… or somewhere else,” he said sadly. Tears stung his eyes, and he tried not to allow them to fall. His heart was shattering with the thought of leaving Haldir, but it wasn’t fair of him to take away everything the Elf knew. This had been Haldir’s home for centuries… Faramir had no right to take that from him.

Feeling his heart aching in his chest, Haldir shook his head at once. “You… you want to leave me?” he asked softly as his voice wavered. In the back of his mind, he knew that Faramir was doing this for him, but at the same time, he wondered if maybe he was more trouble than Faramir had bargained for. If he did go to Rohan, Faramir would never have to tell anyone that he was bound to an Elf, something most Men would be ashamed of, he was sure. “I… I thought you wanted… wanted us to be together. That… Gods. I’m sorry, Faramir. I just… I don’t want you to go. If you want to, I will try to understand, and I will not hold you to our bond. But… if you are offering this for me, then the answer is no. If you are not welcome here, then neither am I, and I will walk away from Lórien with no regrets whatsoever.”

Faramir swallowed hard and looked into his lover’s eyes. “I don’t want to leave you, Haldir. I… I only want what’s best for you. I have no right to take you away from your home and your family here… I love you, and I only want you happy. You shouldn’t have to make a choice between what has been your home for centuries and a Man who will one day pass from this world. I don’t want to leave but… they don’t want me here,” he said inclining his head toward Gildor and the other guardians.

Haldir’s shoulders sagged in relief, and he tangled his fingers with Faramir’s, giving them a gentle squeeze. “Meleth,” he said softly, “what’s best for me, without the slightest doubt, is for us to be together. The only place I ever, ever want to be is by your side, and when the day comes that you do pass from this world, I will pass with you. I simply have no wish to continue without you, and I would fade from sorrow anyway.” Pressing his index finger over Faramir’s lips, Haldir shook his head and continued. “It is what I want, gûren (my heart).” He had all but forgotten the Elves surrounding them and startled when he heard a sharp intake of breath from several of the warriors behind them.

Faramir gazed into Haldir’s eyes and the tears he had fought to hold back slipped down his face. “I do not want to be apart from you either… it would kill me. I just… don’t know where else we can go,” he said sadly.

At that moment Gildor approached the pair and looked down at the ground for a moment before looking up at the couple. “We will take you both to the Lord and Lady to let them decide or advise. I… I hope I do not regret this,” he said, looking directly at Haldir.

Haldir nodded gratefully to Gildor before turning back to his lover and gently taking Faramir’s face between his hands. He leaned forward and kissed away each tear as he fought back his own and took a deep breath. “Lord Celeborn will not send us away without cause,” he assured Faramir softly. “If even the warriors around us can sense our love, then I have no doubt that my Lord and Lady will sense it as well and offer you a home.”

Faramir nodded, feeling a blush stain his cheeks as the warriors around them grinned at Haldir’s gentle kisses to the distraught man. “Maybe so, love,” he whispered, giving Haldir a soft smile and hoping that his lover was right. He waited for the one who had spoken to blindfold him, but instead he strode away toward the trees. Faramir wasn’t about to question it, however, and he took Haldir’s hand as they started walking. A small party of the guardians escorted them as they entered the forest.

Haldir was more grateful than he could say to Gildor, but he held his tongue as they traveled toward the center of the Golden Wood. Already, he could sense Lady Galadriel gently probing his mind, making sure, no doubt, that Haldir hadn’t somehow been bewitched by this Man beside him. As soft as a whisper, she was gone, apparently having satisfied herself that Haldir was of sound mind, and, most likely, sensing a peace and happiness that she had never before encountered in him in all the centuries Haldir had served her and her husband.

They walked over long, winding trails, and Haldir spoke softly to his lover, pointing out the trees he’d played in as an Elfling and streams he’d swam in only last year. He was doing his best to distract Faramir from the nerves the Man must have been feeling, knowing that he was coming face to face with who he had no doubt been taught was a powerful witch or sorceress.

Faramir felt a strange feeling come over him for a moment as they walked into the wood. Haldir was describing everything around them, telling him of his life here in this beautiful place, but for some reason he suddenly felt dizzy, and then just as suddenly the feeling went away. He squeezed Haldir’s hand as the feeling washed over him, and he blinked a few times. “I’m sorry, love. I… missed the last few things you said. I suppose those berries we had this morning have long since worn off,” he grinned. “Was the strangest feeling…” he trailed off as Haldir simply smiled at him. They continued along the path until their leader stopped ahead of them.

Haldir knew very well what had happened, but figured it best to explain everything when they were alone. There was much to explain about the Lady of the Golden Wood, and even Haldir didn’t know or understand everything himself after all these years. “Here we are, seron vell,” he whispered. “Don’t be nervous. I have the feeling that we will be in my old talan in only a few hours, making plans for our own place as we climb into bed and make up for all these cold nights of sleeping on the ground we’ve suffered through lately.”

Faramir smiled despite his misgivings. “A bed will be very welcome,” he said softly. The forest was truly more beautiful than he could have ever imagined it to be, and he was surprised by this city within the trees. It was like nothing he had ever dreamed of, even though as a child he had dreamed a lot. More than his father thought was practical, in fact. He squeezed Haldir’s hand gently as the Elf led him toward a large tree with a spiraling staircase that seemed to simply be a part of the tree itself.



Despite Haldir’s assurances, it was, in fact, early the next morning before Haldir and Faramir left the company of the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. Haldir steadfastly refused to leave his lover’s side as he told first Lord Celeborn, then Lady Galadriel of his last few months by Faramir’s side, though he was sure she was already aware of everything that had happened long before they’d stepped into the forest.

Galadriel regarded them silently, even as Celeborn shook his head and said again that it simply did not feel like a wise decision to allow a Man to live within the borders of Lórien. Haldir kept his voice calm and steady, agreeing that in most instances, he would be right, however, Faramir was not an ordinary Man. He again reminded Celeborn of Faramir’s choice to nurse him back to health, a choice that assured him that he could never return to his home or his family. Finally, Haldir reminded him of a certain Man who had been raised in Rivendell, under the tutelage of Lord Elrond, who had already made a name for himself as a friend to all races, and a Man who, like Faramir, was both honorable and great.

Celeborn was momentarily speechless. Haldir, seeing the indecision in his eyes, stood, bowed, and met his gaze. “I understand your hesitation,” he said respectfully. “But my home is with Faramir. If he is not allowed to make his home here, then neither will I. It has been my pleasure to serve you, my Lord, but I must now take my leave.”

Celeborn’s face flushed. He wasn’t sure whether he was angry or hurt that Haldir, his most faithful warrior and guard, would choose a Man over his duty. But then, Galadriel put a steadying hand on Celeborn’s arm and nodded toward the couple before them.

Faramir was offering once again to leave, to let Haldir live in his beloved forest in peace. Haldir, shaking his head firmly, was reassuring Faramir that they would not be parted under any circumstances. As Haldir gently leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his lover’s lips, Celeborn felt his resolve waver and shook his head in defeat.

“You may both stay,” he said softly. “Faramir, if you have earned the love and devotion of Haldir, then I would not presume to stand in your way. I hope you will find your happiness here with your husband.”

After conveying their deepest gratitude, Haldir and Faramir made their way quickly back to Haldir’s talan. They were exhausted, happy, and relieved beyond words.

“Meleth,” Haldir said as they reached the top of the talan they would share until they built a larger one, “welcome home.”

Faramir had remained silent during the meeting with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. It had taken many hours to convince the Lord of the Golden Wood to allow him to stay, and at points, he wondered if he were truly worth the trouble Haldir was going through. He had offered again to leave, though it nearly broke him to do so. When they finally agreed to allow him to stay, he felt grateful beyond words, and as they left, he’d smiled brightly when Lord Celeborn referred to him as Haldir’s husband. When they finally made it to Haldir’s talan he smiled tiredly when Haldir welcomed him to his home. “It is truly lovely,” he said. He could see Haldir’s imprint upon the neatly kept home and smiled to himself at how the two of them shared such common tastes. He wished he weren’t so exhausted, but the days of walking and the entire night without sleep had caught up with him.

Haldir, seeing that Faramir was even more exhausted than he was, led his lover over to their bed. Urging Faramir to sit down on the edge of the mattress, Haldir gently pulled his feet up and begin removing the heavy boots from his husband’s feet. When he was finished, he quickly toed off his own and pulled his tunic over his head as Faramir did the same. “Let’s rest, seron vell,” he said softly, his voice hoarse from hours and hours of pleading with Celeborn. “We have plenty of clothes now, unlike in our cabin, but I’m hoping you’ll still prefer to sleep without a sleeping shirt. I must confess, I’ve grown used to feeling your skin against my own.”

Faramir felt loved and cherished as Haldir helped undress him, and he smiled at his lover. “I do not believe I would ever choose a sleeping shirt over feeling your skin against mine, love,” he teased. Standing up, he removed his breeches and then crawled into bed and watched silently as Haldir did the same. Leaning on his elbow and resting his head in his hand, Faramir simply enjoyed watching his husband undress. “I love watching you. You are so beautiful and graceful,” he whispered . Even as exhausted as he was, it was still easy for him to become aroused just watching Haldir. He smiled when Haldir slipped into bed beside him and wrapped his arms around his husband. “I have to admit I’ve been looking forward to this… just the two of us alone in a nice soft bed.”

Haldir pulled Faramir closer and closed his eyes. “Our nice, soft bed,” he said with a smile as he ran his hands over his lover’s back. “Gods, I can’t tell you how good this feels. Just lying here, with my beautiful husband who makes me happier than I ever dreamed of being, in our home, knowing that we don’t have to constantly be looking over our shoulders and worrying about being attacked by orcs…” With a soft sigh, Haldir buried his face against Faramir’s hair and pressed a kiss to his temple. “I love you, meleth, more than you will ever know.”

Faramir snuggled against his lover and smiled. “It is nice to feel safe after so many months,” he whispered. His heart seemed to leap in his chest just from the gentle kiss, and he moved slightly to catch his husband’s lips with his own. Pressing a light kiss to those soft lips he couldn’t seem to get enough of, Faramir smiled. “I love you too… more than I ever thought was possible. And I’m so glad to be here in our bed.” He grinned, closed his eyes for a moment, and took a deep breath. It did feel good to know that they could sleep and just be together without the fear of being attacked.

Haldir shifted until Faramir lay on his back, one of the Elf’s arms underneath his lover’s head, and Haldir could simply gaze down at his husband’s serene visage. He rained countless kisses over Faramir’s face and neck as his free hand lightly ran over every beloved plane of his body, loving the way every inch of Faramir’s skin felt beneath his fingertips. “It has been a long day,” Haldir whispered between kisses. “I think we should put a note outside our door, letting everyone know that we do not wish to be disturbed for at least a fortnight. We could catch up on our rest, and I could refamiliarize myself with every single inch of your body.”

Faramir’s eyes sparkled as Haldir spoke and loving fingers and kisses moved over his body. “Only a fortnight?” he teased, slightly breathless. His arms circled his lover, and he pulled Haldir down for a deep kiss, their tongues dancing together as each breath lost between them seemed to drive their passion higher. Faramir’s arousal pressed against his lover’s hip, and he could feel the warm hard length of Haldir’s arousal prod him. “I love you,” he whispered as they drew apart. Faramir looked up into Haldir’s eyes, which were dark and sparkling, and smiled. This was what he could look forward to for the rest of his days, being with Haldir and loving him. He could not dream of anything better.

Haldir gently brushed Faramir’s hair back from his temple, and he nibbled at his lover’s bottom lip. “And I love you, meleth,” he whispered as his hips shifted almost of their own accord, and a soft sigh fell from his lips. “I know we both need rest, but… do you think I could possibly interest you in holding off sleep for just a little longer? I want our first night in our new home to be one you’ll always remember.”

Faramir gasped as Haldir’s body moved against his own, and he laughed softly. “Possibly interest me? Oh… I think you can already feel how interested I am, love,” he whispered teasingly as he shifted his hips and pressed his arousal against his lover firmly.
Haldir chuckled softly and leaned forward for another kiss, gently letting his tongue explore his husband’s mouth as his fingers began to stroke the thick organ that lay heavily against Faramir’s stomach. Faramir’s arousal was dripping against his skin, and Haldir swirled the tips of his fingers in the thick fluid as he continued to stroke the rigid length, slicking it from root to tip with Faramir’s own juices. With a final kiss to beloved lips, Haldir turned over in the circle of Faramir’s arms and pressed his backside against the rigid organ, needing to feel his lover inside him now. He relaxed his muscles and pressed his hips back as he reached behind him and entwined their fingers. “Take me, meleth,” he whispered. “You won’t hurt me… just go slow.”

Haldir’s touch forced Faramir to draw in a deep shuddering breath, and he fought for a moment not to thrust into the hand wrapped around him. Then when Haldir turned over and pressed back against him, Faramir gasped. The words his lover spoke seemed to spiral through him, and it seemed as if all his blood suddenly rushed to his groin. His lips pressed against his lover’s shoulder as his hips shifted. He pushed forward slowly, not wishing to hurt his lover, and paused as the head breached the tight guardian muscle. Faramir continued to lick and suck the warm skin at the back of Haldir’s neck before slowly pressing forward just a little bit more. The heat and tightness was incredible, and his hand gently moved over Haldir’s chest as he waited for his lover to adjust a little more. It took every ounce of self-control he could muster, but he refused to ever hurt Haldir.

Relishing the feeling of being filled so completely, Haldir felt Faramir’s swollen length stretch him little by little. The thick organ continued to press in slowly, moving deeper with each shift of his husband’s hips, and he found himself pushing back, crooking his legs up toward his chest as he gave himself fully to the Man he loved. Haldir’s hand rested over Faramir’s as it moved over his chest, and the small talan was soon filled with low, deep moans that Haldir was surprised to recognize fell from his own lips. Within moments, he was fully impaled, Faramir’s length rock hard inside him, as Haldir’s body quickly adjusted and pulled him in further. The tight muscle that allowed him inside clenched and released around Faramir’s flesh, and Haldir turned his head to the side to press his lips to his lover’s neck. “Please, meleth,” he breathed.

Faramir moved slowly as Haldir’s body shifted back against him, and after long moments he was buried deep within his lover. Slowly he began to move within his body as he felt gentle kisses pressed against him. “I love you,” he whispered as his body moved with Haldir’s. His heart skipped in his chest each time his lover moaned and he soon realized his own moans mingled with Haldir’s. Faramir’s hand skimmed over Haldir’s skin, feeling the taut muscles flex under his fingers, and soon his hand wrapped around his lover’s leaking arousal. Slowly, he stroked the hard length as he moved within his lover, drawing back and sliding forward over and over again, the pace building gradually. Faramir’s lips moved against the warm skin of Haldir’s neck, and he marked the pale skin gently as they moved.

“Oh Gods, love,” Haldir moaned as strong arms surrounded him. hHe felt more loved and treasured than he’d ever experienced in his entire life. He arched back onto the thick length buried inside him, then forward, into his lover’s fist, his own cock leaking and twitching every time Faramir nudged his prostate. Murmuring softly as his husband marked his skin, Haldir knew without the slight doubt that he would never, ever want anyone but Faramir for as long as he lived. Everything about him was perfect, exactly what Haldir had longed for his entire life – his touch, his laughter, his sparkling eyes and gentle manner, the way their bodies fit so perfectly together as if the Valar had created them as one, then separated them to see if they could find their way back to each other.

As Faramir continued to thrust deep inside him, Haldir felt heat gather in the pit of his stomach, and his breathing became ragged. “Close, love,” he murmured as he continued to move back on Faramir’s length and against his hand. The words were barely out when his release slammed into him, causing him to cry out loudly as he widened his legs and moved back, hard, one final time. His seed spilled over Faramir’s fingers and onto the bed sheets as he continued moving, drawing out his release until he was completely spent.

The way they fit together, the way they moved as one, was almost too much for Faramir. Never in his life had he known anything like what he had found with Haldir. Though he desired his husband more than anyone he’d ever known, it was more than lust, so much more. Though they came from such different worlds, they were one another’s match. Faramir’s breath was ragged and shallow as he continued moving with his lover, and when Haldir cried out and pressed back against him, the feeling of his husband’s muscles clenching and his seed spilling over Faramir’s fingers triggered his own climax. Faramir cried out and thrust deeply one last time as he followed his lover into ecstasy. His body trembled as he slowly came back down from his release, and his arm wrapped tighter around Haldir, feeling his heart pounding just as fast as Faramir’s.

Haldir moaned and pressed back against his lover as he felt Faramir’s release pulsing inside him. With a blissful sigh, he curled up in the safety of strong arms and closed his eyes. He nibbled lightly on Faramir’s forearm as it rested beneath his head and reached back to let his fingertips trail over his husband’s damp skin. “Melin chen,” he whispered. “I love you.”

Holding his lover close against him, Faramir tried to catch his breath and smiled when Haldir whispered. “I love you, too,” he whispered in return. Gently he licked and kissed the damp skin of Haldir’s neck and shoulder, and he trembled as their bodies still moved together with the aftershocks of their releases. Shifting his hips, his softening arousal slipped from his lover’s body, and he moved back slightly as Haldir rolled over to face him. He smiled as he looked into shimmering eyes and pressed a gentle kiss against Haldir’s lips. “I truly am blessed by the Valar to have found you,” he whispered seriously.

Haldir reached up and slowly caressed his husband’s face with the back of his fingers. “It is I who have been blessed, meleth,” he said softly, studying Faramir’s beloved eyes evenly. “You have given up so much for me – your family, your home, everything you have known in your life. I am honestly not sure I’m worth it, but I promise to do everything in my power to make sure you never regret your decision.”
Faramir shook his head as Haldir spoke. “No, love. You are worth it. My life… my life before you was not what I would call a happy one. I am far happier now than I was before. I will miss my brother, but in the end it is best for my family to think that the orcs killed me. Going back simply wouldn’t be an option now. Even before… I would have severely reprimanded for having allowed my Men to be ambushed. My father… he sees things the way he wishes to, no matter what is right,” he explained.

Haldir’s eyes narrowed as Faramir spoke, and he wished he could have just one moment alone with Faramir’s father to tell him what a fool he was for treating his son with anything less than the love and respect he deserved. But Faramir’s eyes held no malice or real sadness, and before long, Haldir relaxed once again. “Well, I promise you’ll be happy here,” he said softly as he pressed a gentle kiss to his husband’s lips. “My brothers will be your brothers, and my friends your friends. You will lack for nothing and have everything you could ever wish for.”

“I already do have everything I could ever wish for,” Faramir said softly as he returned his lover’s kiss. “I have you. That is all I could ever want,” he whispered as his fingers trailed through soft golden hair. His eyes felt heavy and his earlier fatigue seemed to return suddenly. “The only thing I want now is to fall asleep with my husband in my arms.”

“Well,” Haldir whispered as he buried his face against Faramir’s chest and pulled him closer, “I think that I can help you there. Since I happen to be your husband, and I happen to be in your arms, all that’s left is for you to go to sleep, my love.” Leaning up to press soft kisses against his lover’s eyes, Haldir smiled and burrowed down against Faramir once again. “Sweet dreams, gûren (my heart).”

Faramir smiled as Haldir kissed him so sweetly and snuggled against him. “Sweet dreams, love,” he whispered in return and pulled Haldir just a little closer. Now that they were in Lórien, safe from the dangers they’d faced in the little cabin, and they were together, nothing else seemed to matter. They could both rest and love one another for the rest of their days. As sleep began to overtake him, Faramir’s memories replayed the way they’d met and the time they spent together in the little cabin discovering their love for one another.

Haldir watched his lover as he drifted off to sleep, looking forward to their future and reminding himself to thank Lord Celeborn once again for giving them this gift. No matter where they made their home, Haldir had no doubt that it would be happy, but being able to stay here in Lórien made things all the easier for them both.He, too, laid remembering how they’d met, how Faramir had pushed aside everything he’d been taught and took a chance on loving someone he had every right to fear and loathe. On the surface, they seemed to have little in common, but underneath, where it mattered, they both knew that they’d each found the most important thing a Man or an Elf could ever desire… true, everlasting love that would never fade over time. And that was something everyone, Man and Elf alike, knew was a rare and incomparable treasure… a treasure that Haldir would guard with his very life for as long as he drew breath.

“Good night, my love,” he whispered before drifting off to sleep next to the Man he would love for all eternity.

The End.

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4 Comment(s)

LOVELY!!!!!!!!!!!

— Marti    Wednesday 9 August 2006, 11:21    #

I read this one when I was depressed, it was beautiful so lovely! I loved the idea of Haldir suffering, not because I like the idea of him suffering, but because he was defendless and had to rely on Faramir the whole story because of his broken leg. And It was so painful when they arrived to Lothlorien and there was this Elf who didn’t want Faramir to pass, and Haldir told him that he was the one who had thaught him those rules of not let anu man enter. It was wonderful! I read that story two times :) It was beautiful!

— LoretoW    Thursday 25 March 2010, 5:35    #

Yet another wonderful story from the two of you :-) Great work. Your descriptions of persons and invironment are so alive :-) love it

— blondie    Saturday 14 December 2013, 19:02    #

I love this fiction, its amazing.Its so alive.. Do you have a website or other sites where I can read more?

— Sofia    Tuesday 6 June 2017, 17:22    #

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