Lotr Fanfic "In the Course of Time 04/07"
In the Course of Time - PART 4
***
A knock at the door made Éomer groan. When it happened again, he untangled himself from Haldir, got up and put on his trousers before he answered the door. A young Gondorian soldier stood in the corridor.
“You are awaited in the Tower Hall, Lord Éomer.” the young man said. “I was told to ask you to pass this message on to Captain Haldir of the Elven Archers as well.”
“I will do so. Thank you.” Éomer answered and the soldier bowed before he disappeared into the corridor. Éomer closed the door and turned towards the bed. Haldir lay spread between the sheets, hair flowing over the pillow in a silvery mass, glowing where the morning sun touched it. His Elf was a magnificent creature, the Man thought with a fond smile, he was beautiful beyond measure, strong and fierce. Once you got to know him, it was easy to look behind his protective arrogant outer shell and to see how caring, loyal and compassionate he was.
“What are you thinking about?” the Elf asked. Éomer found the blue eyes fixed onto him and felt a blush rise into his cheeks.
“That must have been a very interesting thought.” A teasing smile hovered over the Elf's lips.
“We were asked to come to the Tower Hall.” Éomer averted his eyes and started to look for his clothes. He knew Haldir guessed what he had thought about when he heard the Elf laugh gently behind him.
“We should get dressed, then.” the Elf said, got out of the bed and gathered the garments that were wildly spread all over the room. They had not really paid any attention to undressing yesterday evening, Éomer mused while putting on his boots. When Haldir stepped up behind, wrapped one arm around his waist and held a shirt in front of the Man's eyes, Éomer looked at the one in his hands and found it to be Haldir's.
“It could lead to wild suspicions if we arrive at the Tower Hall in each other's clothes.” Haldir whispered into his ear and Éomer could hear the teasing smile in his voice.
“Indeed, it might.” Éomer could not help laughing gently when he took his shirt from Haldir and returned the Elf's.
Haldir placed a kiss in his neck before he let go and finished dressing. This small gesture made goosebumps spread all over Éomer's skin. It was one of those small things you did when you deeply cared about somebody. While he dressed, the Rohirrim thought about what that meant about this thing between him and the Elf. He had know from the beginning that it was not a one night thing, but now he was not sure if he had the right to call it what he thought it might be.
“Are you ready to leave?” Haldir stood by the door, sheathing his swords.
“Aye.” Éomer closed the buckle of his sword belt and walked over to the door. Instinct as well as a need he did not want to acknowledge made him lean over to brush a gentle kiss over the Elf's lips. When he pulled back, he saw surprise in Haldir's eyes, but it was the happy little smile that convinced Éomer he had done the right thing.
“Let us go, meleth.” Haldir opened the door and they left the room and walked over to the Tower of Ecthelion. When they entered the Tower Hall, Gandalf and Aragorn were already waiting. Shortly after Éomer and Haldir had arrived, Legolas and Gimli joined them and the Dwarf closed the doors behind him.
Éomer stood next to Haldir and listened to what Aragorn suggested they should do. Walking to the Black Gates was as good as a death sentence for their men, he knew that as well as any other commander in this room. But if they stayed here, in the relative safety of the city, it would only be an illusion of safety, because the forces of Mordor would come, sooner or later. The only real solution was for Frodo to destroy the Ring, and if dying in a distraction manoeuvre meant they could give him the opportunity to do so, then it was the only route they could take.
When they left the Tower Hall, Éomer was deep in thoughts. He did not like to send his Men to certain death right after they had just survived the battle of the day before, but he saw the necessity. They would leave tomorrow early in the morning for the journey to the Black Gates would take about a week and they had to arrive as quickly as possible. The Hobbit was likely to need their diversion.
“I will go visit my sister.” Éomer said when they arrived at the House of Healing.
“Wish her all the best from my part.” Haldir said and turned towards the gate. “I will go to my Elves and organise what is left of my troops.”
Éomer nodded and watched the Elf disappear through the gate before he entered the gardens that surrounded the House of Healing. The rooms were filled with the sick and injured, many healers worked at the sickbeds and hasted from one spot to the next. It did not take him long to find his sister who still lay at the same place as last night, obviously peacefully asleep. Éomer sat down next to her and watched her for a while before he took her hand into his.
Éowyn moved slightly under the blanket and then opened her eyes. He smiled at her and caressed her cheek. “How are you, little one?”
She returned the smile. “You have not called me such since we left childhood.”
“I know. But you earned the title again.” He continued to touch her cheek to let her know he was not really angry.
“I am sorry I worried you.” his sister said after a moment, eyes sincere.
Éomer sighted. “You scared me to death, Éowyn. I never expected to find you lying motionless on the battlefield.”
“I can only apologise for the pain I caused you, but not for what I did. I would do it every time again.” Her voice was quiet, but firm.
“I know.” Éomer looked at her. “I understand you, even though I cannot say I am happy about it.”
She held his gaze. “That will be enough for me.”
“I only want you to become better.” He smiled teasingly. “You are my little one, after all.”
A smile appeared on her face that made Éomer feel better. “Then I will do everything to heal.”
“Good.” Éomer saw her stifle a yawn and decided it was time to let her go back to sleep.
In the same moment a healer approached them. “I beg your pardon, my Lord, but your sister needs to rest. You can visit her later today again.”
Éomer nodded to the middle aged man and patted Éowyn's hair. “Rest well, little one. I come by later again.”
She gave him a tired, but happy smile and he turned to leave. The rest of the day was spend in organising the Rohirric forces and repair whatever weapon and armour needed it. One day was a very short time to prepare a seven days journey to a battle that was most likely certain death. Éomer ran from one place to the other, tried to organise and motivate his men at the same time. The loss of their King was not the best precondition to keep up their spirit and Éomer refused to be called King of Rohan as long as his uncle was still warm and he himself had not been properly proclaimed. So he told Háma who just nodded in silent understanding and took care of the men.
At the end of the day, Éomer felt physically and emotionally exhausted, but also realised that Haldir had been right with what he had said last night. It was obvious that the men would follow Éomer into battle, they respected his word and followed his lead. Éomer had no time to think about his new position, he just did what he had done before and took the new responsibility as an inevitable change.
But when, long after dark, he entered the room he shared with Haldir, he felt all the discipline that had kept him going during the day fall away. He had not even managed to eat a proper dinner, he had just shared some bread and wine with his men sitting at a fire before running off to the next task at hands. With slow steps he carried himself over to the bed that stood empty in the corner, sat down and removed his boots and his outer tunic. He wanted to wait for his lover to come back, but the moment his head touched the pillow, he fell asleep.
When he heard the door open, he was back to full alert within a split second, but the moment his senses realised it was Haldir who had entered the room, he relaxed and slid back into sleep. He just felt how the Elf came into bed and cuddled up behind him, one arm wrapping loosely around the Man's waist. Content to have his lover near, Éomer snuggled closer and let sleep take him again.
When the morning came, he was woken by the gentle voice of Haldir and a soft touch to his face. “Wake up, meleth.”
Éomer fought his way out of sleep, it was so much harder to wake up than normal and that alone told him how exhausted he had been. But once he had opened his eyes, he stretched and his mind was fully awake. “Morning.”
“Not yet.” Haldir gave him a small kiss on the lips. “It is still some time to sunrise, but we need to ready our troops.”
“Will there ever be a quiet morning in bed with all time to spend as we wish?” Éomer asked with a sigh when he followed his lover's example and got up.
Haldir had his back turned to him and seemed pause for a moment, but his voice was casual when he spoke. “Do you want there to be?”
Instinct told Éomer this was not a simple question, so he walked up behind the Elf and pressed a lingering kiss to his bare shoulder. “I wish for it.”
Haldir leaned back against him. “Then we will have one.”
“I am looking forward to it.” With another brush of lips against the Elf's soft skin, Éomer let go and started to dress and put on his armour. Haldir did the same, they were both warriors to the core and knew what needed to be done this morning before they would ride. Once they had all their weapons sheathed and all their things gathered up, Haldir stole a kiss before they left the room and their privacy. The journey would be long and hard, there would be no time for quiet moments together and they both knew it.
They left the building and overlooked the scene in front of them. The courtyard was filled with horses and riders, some foot soldiers and servants in between, everybody preparing the ride. Éomer and Haldir separated to take care of their own preparations and of their forces. When the sun rose over the planes, the Host of the West was ready to leave for the Black Gates.
“You can ride with me, Master Hobbit.” Éomer said with a bow when he saw Merry stand in the courtyard next to his friend Pippin who was about to join Gandalf on Shadowfax. “If you are inclined to accept me in my sister's stead.”
Éomer knew he owed the Hobbit for giving his sister the possibility to kill the Witch King. Haldir was right, there had been no way to keep Éowyn out of that battle, and it was only thanks to the Hobbit and his courage that she was still alive.
Merry seemed to be very surprised. He looked up at the Man, then returned the bow. “I gratefully accept, my Lord Éomer.”
“I owe you for my sister's life, Master Hobbit.” the Rohirrim said firmly. “It is me who is grateful to you.”
The Hobbit flushed. “Lady Éowyn is very courageous and I owe her more than I can ever repay. It was my honour to do what ever I could to serve her and Rohan.”
Éomer would not admit it, but he was touched by the honest and sincere admiration the Hobbit showed for his sister. He gave Merry a small nod to acknowledge his words, then he mounted Firefoot and helped the Hobbit up to sit behind him. Then he joined Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, Gandalf and Haldir who were about to ride through the city and out onto the Pelennor Fields. With every metre they rode, more and more riders and foot soldiers joined them, forming disciplined rows and following the leaders.
The next days were spent in travelling, only disrupted by the night camps that were always broken again before sunrise. There was a certain atmosphere of urgency over the whole forces, it seemed as if everybody was aware of the importance and of the finality of this march. Éomer could not help himself to feel an icy shiver run down his spine when they finally came into sight of the massive structure of the Black Gate. It was not here that the fate of Middle Earth would be decided, but their fate. He only hoped their sacrifice would give the other two Hobbits the time they needed to complete their task.
They let their forces take position, a joined army of Gondor, Rohan and Lothlorien. When nothing happened, no reaction at all, Éomer felt a mix of nervousness and anger. He and the other leaders followed Aragorn when he rode towards the gate and challenged the Black Lord. The horses danced nervously and Éomer found himself hating the creaky sound the gate made when it was opened, it was a sound that he had the impression to feel straight in his bones.
The creature that rode out of the crack that had formed between the two massive wings of the gate was not any less loathsome. It was not difficult to identify the rider as the Mouth of Sauron, even though Éomer had only heard stories about him, but never seen him. The hands of the Hobbit who sat behind him on Firefoot tightened on his sides and the Man could feel the halfling's fear and disgust at the creature.
With stony silence Éomer listened to the despiteful words the creature had as an answer to Gandalf's demands. When it pulled out the chain mail and all the other leaders as well as the two Hobbits reacted to it with despair and pain, it was clear to the Rohirrim it must have been in the possession of the Hobbits who were inside Mordor. He did not want to believe the halflings were caught, that this would be the end of the Middle Earth he knew. But that even the always restrained and wise Gandalf showed signs of guilt and despair made him doubt.
It was then that Aragorn rode up next to the creature, all his disdain and hate plain in his face and posture. With a single blow from the sword the creature had just mocked, he beheaded the evil.
“I do not believe it! I will not!” There was a strength and conviction in Aragorn's voice and his face that made Éomer believe him.
Then the gates opened wider and showed the forces of Sauron marching towards them. The leaders pulled back to their troops and Éomer could feel how the Men wanted to throw their weapons and run, how much they feared the battle they knew they could not win. Again it was Aragorn who pulled them together and gave them the strength to draw their swords for this last battle.
The forces of Mordor outnumbered their army by several thousands and spread quickly to surround them in a circle that was drawn smaller and smaller. Everybody watched the enemy in silent anticipation, the certainty of death giving them the strength of those who had nothing to loose. When Aragorn stepped forwards and then ran against the superior enemy, the army of Gondorians, Rohirrim and Elves followed him with all power they had.
It was when the Eagles came into sight through the clouds, lunging at the Nazgul that were about to attack, that Éomer was certain that this was the final battle for Middle Earth.
***
Aragorn felt for the first time in ages free to breath when he saw the tower fall and the earth swallow the evil forces. It was over, it was done, the evil was defeated. He felt it more than he knew it, but one look into Gandalf's face told him it was true.
“No!” The scream filled with fear and pain made him turn. He saw Éomer run, than stop abruptly and fall to his knees. “Haldir!”
Now Aragorn noticed the bright blond hair of the person Éomer pulled into his arms. The scene reminded him intensely of the moment after the battle of the Pelennor Fields when the Rohirrim had found his sister and thought her dead. This time, though, Éowyn was safely at Minas Tirith and the person to trigger Éomer's panic was the captain of the Elven archers.
“No, No, No, No, No!” Aragorn heard the Rohirrim repeat constantly and saw him brush his hand over the long blond hair that was now filthy with Orc blood and dirt. Haldir's eyes were closed and he lay limb in the Man's Arms when Aragorn reached them. He fell to his knees and began a quick check of the Elf's injuries. He did not feel like loosing a friend on the verge of winning the war. Not now.
“Éomer, you must let go of him.” Aragorn looked up when his words did not earn the reaction he had asked for. Instead, the other man held the Elf closer in a rather protective gesture.
“Éomer! I need to check him for injuries!” Aragorn gave his voice deliberately a more urgent tone than he would normally have used to assure that it reached the other man. After a moment, the Rohirrim nodded and let Aragorn take over.
“He has a nasty gash on his back.” the future king of Gondor remarked after some minutes. “I think he is unconscious due to the blood loss. We need to bring him to the camp and clean and bandage his wounds.”
“I will bring him.” Éomer's voice sounded amazingly firm and Aragorn understood that the other man would not let go of Haldir, so he nodded in acceptance.
“Let us ride. I do not want to loose any time to tend to him.” Aragorn got up and waited to see the new king of Rohan carefully lift the Elf and cradle him in his arms. His face was unguarded for a split second, enough for Aragorn to read worry as well as deep tenderness. He suppressed a sigh. The Rohirrim was already in far deeper than he himself realised. This would become complicated, Aragorn thought when he turned to his horse. He was certain Éomer would follow him, so he just rode as fast as his horse could for the encampment to set up a sickbed and get his herbs before the Rohirrim and Haldir would arrive.
When Éomer entered the tent where the sick were taken care of, Aragorn had already set up everything he needed. “Lay him in the bed, but on his stomach. I need to get access to his back.”
The Man silently obeyed and settled the Elf carefully onto he sheets. He helped Aragorn to loose the fastenings of the armour and removed the protective shields. Aragorn cut off the remains of the blood-stained tunics and lay open the gash that ran over Haldir's back. He carefully cleaned the wound and assessed the amount of damage while washing off the blood.
“How bad is it?” It was easy for Aragorn to hear the pure fear and deep worry in the other man's voice even without looking at his face where it was plainly written.
“Bad. But he is an Elf and his healing ability is far better than a Man's.” Aragorn took a needle and a thread and began to sew the skin together. He was glad the Elf was unconscious and did not feel the pain of the procedure. “He will need time to recover, though.”
“But he will recover?” Aragorn raised his gaze for a moment and found Éomer stare at Haldir with a deeply worried expression on his face.
Aragorn turned back to sewing. “If he survives the night, the chances are good.”
“I will stay with him.” The tone of the other man's voice left no space for discussion.
“I know.” Aragorn answered simply and finished sewing the wound. Then he washed the remaining blood away and applied a bandage with a mix of healing herbs. When he had finished on the main injury, Aragorn took care of the several small cuts and bruises of the Elf before he turned to the Man.
“Let me take care of your own wounds, Éomer.”
The Rohirrim looked up from where he had been staring at the Elf. “I am fine.”
Aragorn sighted impatiently. “You do him no good if your injuries remain untended. So remove your armour, you do not need it in here anyway, and let me bandage your wounds.”
The Rohirim seemed to react to the tone as much as to the logic and finally opened the fastenings of his armour and put it aside, then removed the chain mail. Aragorn found only several cuts that run deeper than he liked, but nothing serious when he checked the other man. He carefully bandaged the wounds, used some herbs where he deemed them helpful and then left the Rohirrim alone to take care of the other injured who just started to arrive from the Black Gates.
When he returned to his Elven patient some hours later, he found Éomer sitting next to the sickbed, one hand holding the Elf's, the other unconsciously playing with a strand of Haldir's hair, face still worried. Aragorn watched them for a while and wondered how deep their connection ran. Finally, he turned to find a place where he could get some sleep, tomorrow they would start the long journey back to Minas Tirith.
It was shortly before sunrise when Aragorn entered the tent that sheltered the injured. He walked through the lines of makeshift beds and checked wounds and remade bandages until he arrived at Haldir's bed. Éomer had fallen asleep sometime during the night, his head pillowed on the edge of the bed, his hand still firmly holding the Elf's. With a gentle shake to the Rohirrim's shoulder, Aragorn woke him up and sent him outside to get something to eat and prepare his horse for the ride, promising him to not leave Haldir's side until he returned. While the Rohirrim was gone, Aragorn took care of the bandage, removed it and checked the back injury. He was worried to see that the flesh had not started healing, it meant something must be wrong and it would make the transport more difficult.
When Éomer came back, Aragorn told him about his plan to move Haldir to Minas Tirith on Firefoots back in front of the Rohirrim and explained him how he was to hold the Elf so his back injury would not get worse. The Rohirrim listened carefully and followed the instructions in all detail as Aragorn noticed over the next days. They rode all day, but they were slow due to several injured who were taken along. Aragorn watched Éomer take care of Haldir, how he washed the Elf's injuries carefully and learned to redo the bandages with the right herbs. That Haldir did not regain consciousness during their ride apart from some short delirious moments worried Aragorn, but he had already guessed that the blade that had caused the Elf's back wound had been poisoned and the course of healing only confirmed his speculation. Haldir was in a very deep healing sleep and maybe it was better that he did not wake and suffered the pain of the travel on horseback.
When Minas Tirith came into sight, Aragorn was overwhelmed by relief. He had been taking care of most of the injured for the last week and had not had any time to rest himself. Here he could transfer his responsibilities to the healers in the House of Healing. It was only his friend Haldir who he wanted to continue to take care of, so he had him settled into a private room in the King's House, and of course it was Éomer who accompanied the Elf.
Aragorn opened the bandages of the Elf's back. All his other wounds had long since healed and when he washed the herbs away, Aragorn found the gash had nearly closed and the poison appeared to have been defeated. The Elf breathed regularly and some colour had returned into his skin, all signs that he was going to be fine.
“He will heal. The poison left his body and the cut has nearly closed.” Aragorn stated with relief in his voice. How could he have enjoyed victory against the Evil Lord if it had cost his friend's life?
He heard Éomer let out a deep sigh. “Thank Gods.”
It was then that the Lady of Rohan came into the room, face set in an expression of firm determination that reminded Aragorn of her brother. She came over, gave the Rohirrim a hug and then started to talk to him. Aragorn retreated, he felt like it was not up to him to hear her words. She had been there for some time when her brother nodded tiredly and got up to leave the room. She watched him for a moment with a concerned expression, then she came over to Aragorn.
“How did you manage that?” the Man asked astonished. Nobody had been able to make Éomer depart from the Elf even for a moment.
“I have my ways.” Lady Éowyn replied with a secretive smile. “One of them was to promise him I would stay with Master Haldir.”
“I will leave you then, I have to look after my men.” Aragorn excused himself and left.
Later that day, around early evening, Aragorn came back into the Elf's sickroom and found his patient awake and talking to Lady Éowyn. Haldir seemed to be well, he sat in the bed and discussed the difference of Elven and Human swords with the Lady. Aragorn watched them with a smile before he cleared his throat to make his presence known.
“My friend, it is good to see you awake.”
Haldir gave him a small smile. “I have finally left my healing sleep, mellon. And I fell very well.”
“That is good to hear. We worried about you, for you were gone for nearly a week.” Aragorn walked over to the bed and looked over the Elf. He seemed to be quickly recovering.
“So the Lady told me. I am sorry I caused you any worry and trouble.” Haldir replied with a sincere expression on his face.
“Do not worry, my friend. We are all glad to see you back on your feet. Still, I would like to check your bandages to see how well you are recovering.”
“I will let you take care of his wounds then.” Lady Éowyn got up in one graceful motion and smiled to Haldir. “It was a pleasure to talk to you, Master Haldir. I will see you around in the next days, I hope.”
“The pleasure was mine, my Lady.” The Elf bowed his head. “And I will be well enough soon to take part in the normal dinner again.”
“I hope so. Get well soon.” With a smile she took her leave.
***
Aragorn made Haldir lie down on his stomach and began to remove the outer bandage. After a while, when the Elf remained silent, Aragorn made a guess. “You wonder where Éomer is.”
Haldir flinched a little, but did not say anything.
“He never left your side.” Aragorn remarked silently while he removed the last of Haldir's bandages. “He even set quarters next to you.”
Haldir frowned and watched his friend as if to find out if he was telling the truth. Knowing Aragorn, he was certain, though, that every word was indeed sincere. “He was not here when I woke up.”
“When it was certain that you were all right, his sister managed to drag him away to get him to bath and sleep himself for a few hours.” A small smile lingered around Aragorn's lips. “She had to fight with all means, though.”
Haldir felt himself smirk. Yes, he could believe that. He had just talked for over an hour with the Lady of Rohan and thought her strong in mind and body. She had proven herself in the battle of the Pelennor Fields and he knew she cared for her brother as deeply as he cared for her. She was aware when she had to be strict, especially when it concerned her stubborn brother. “She was probably the only person to be able to do it, though.”
Aragorn chuckled. “Aye, that is true.”
After a moment, the Man made a content sound. “Your injury looks good, it is nearly gone. I will pull the threads out, that might hurt, but you know that.”
“Indeed, I do.” Haldir said dryly, he had had so many wounds that had needed to be sewed that he had given up counting them.
Aragorn began to pull at one side of the thread and Haldir gritted his teeth at the pain that swept over the whole of his back. He did not let any sound escape, he was used to pain, and he had learned a long time ago that voicing it did not always help. It took the Man several minutes to extract the whole thread, but when he had finished, Haldir felt a cold wet cloth on his skin washing away the blood the must have oozed out when the thread was pulled out.
There was silence for some minutes, then Haldir heard the Man clear his throat. “What are you going to do about him?”
Haldir did not even pretend that he did not know what his friend was talking about. “What can I answer to that, my friend? There is nothing I can do.”
“What makes you think that?” Aragorn finished checking the skin for remaining traces of blood before he sat back on his heels watching the Elf.
“Things have changed, Estel.” Haldir said quietly. His voice sounded tired and defeated. “Who am I to claim a King of Men?”
“So you will let him leave.” Aragorn sounded disapproving.
“Aye, Estel. That is the only possible way.” Haldir did not want to explain himself when he knew that the course of action was obvious.
“And for the time being?”
Haldir gave him a sad smile. “I will enjoy the moments I am given with him as long as we are still here.”
Aragorn watched him with an undefinable gaze. Then he nodded and changed the topic. “I have to leave to take care of Frodo.”
Haldir remembered the little hobbit with the frightened eyes. “How is he?”
“As well as can be expected after what he went through.” Aragorn collected the old bandages and put them in a cloth bag. “He has some very good friends who will help him a lot to recover, though.”
“Greet him from my part.” Haldir said with a little bow. “We owe him more than we can even estimate.”
“Aye, we do.” Aragorn nodded and left the room, pulling the door closed behind him. Haldir lay back onto his belly and let his head rest on the pillow. So his Man had stayed at his side the whole time? He was well aware that there was more to it than Aragorn had told him. If his friend was able to tell that Haldir and Éomer were more to each other than friends, it meant that they had either been quite obvious or that the Rohirrim must have been so worried that his behaviour during Haldir's unconsciousness had clearly shown his feelings. Whatever it was, Haldir was even more certain now that Éomer might share the affection he had for the Rohirrim.
“You are awake!” Haldir turned at the voice of his lover behind him. He saw Éomer standing in the door, handle still in the hand, an expression on his face that was a mix of relief and honest joy and his voice reflected those feelings. Haldir let his gaze wander over the Man, he looked like he had washed, the strands of his hair hung in wet curls around his face. He must have gotten clean clothes as well and even though he seemed tired he looked like he had gotten some hours of sleep.
“How do you feel?” Éomer came into the room and closed the door behind him, then he came over to the bed and sat down on the edge.
“I am fine. Aragorn just removed the thread from the injury on my back and it is as good as healed.” Haldir enjoyed it when he felt the Man's hands brush over the skin on his back, carefully stroking the long silver hair aside so he could look at the injury.
“It is amazing, your back in nearly completely healed.” Éomer's voice was filled with awe. “It looked so bad not even three days ago.”
“Elves heal much faster than Men.” Haldir explained. He could see that his lover still wore several bandages.
“I know. Aragorn told me.” Éomer did not stop his caresses to Haldir's back and the Elf closed his eyes to simply enjoy the touch. It had been a long time since he had had a lover whom he trusted enough to simply welcome every touch without feeling any need to be alert. He could let go with Éomer and he took deep pleasure in this trust.
He felt Éomer bend over, first the wet curls touched his skin, then the Man's lips and then he heard him whisper: “It is so good to see you awake and well again.”
The words sent a shiver down Haldir's back. The rough voice was filled with emotions that were not expressed in words and would not be because they both knew there was no future. It did not keep them from trying to use the limited time they had together in the best way possible, though, and Éomer's fingers and lips told what his mouth would not say.
Slowly, the Man sat back up, but kept on stroking gently over the Elf's back. “Do you want something to eat? You need to get some nourishment to regain your strength.”
Haldir stretched and began to sit up. “Aye, I think it would be a good idea if I ate something. My stomach certainly asks for it.”
“I will have the servant bring some bread, cheese and a soup.” Éomer rose from the bed and walked to the door to catch a servant in the corridor. Some moments later he came back into the room and closed the door. “Some food will be brought in a while.”
Éomer stood by the door and appeared to be at loss of words. Haldir looked at him and gave him a smile. “Will you stay with me tonight, meleth?”
The Man slowly came over to the bed, he almost appeared hesitating. “Do you want me to?”
Haldir looked him straight into the eyes and replied steadily. “Aye, meleth. I would very much like that.”
A gentle smile appeared on Éomer's lips. “Then I will gladly do so.”
Haldir watched the Man sit down onto the edge of the bed and moved closer to him, letting his fingers find the wet curls and tangle into them. He gently pulled Éomer towards him into a soft kiss, trying to let the Man know he really wanted him to stay. Somehow it seemed important to make him understand he was not alone with these unexpected, strong feelings.
It was then that they heard the knock on the door and Éomer walked over to let the servant in. The young boy put a tray filled with half a loaf of bread, a goblet of wine and a bowl with soup and set it onto the wooden table. When the door had closed behind the boy, Éomer brought the bowl and the bread over to Haldir who sat on the bed.
“This smells like chicken soup. It should do you some good.” the Man said with a little smile. “Even though you look like you are mostly recovered.”
“I am.” Haldir returned the smile. “But it is still nice to have somebody care for me.”
“Do you not have somebody, like family or friends, who care for you?” The Man's voice sounded surprised.
“Of course I do. My two brothers guard the woods with me.” Haldir replied and thought with a fond smile of Rúmil and Orophin. “But Elves are rarely ill and wounds normally heal very quickly on their own. We do not often need to be taken care of.”
“You have two brothers?” There was curiosity in the Rohirrim's voice. “Were you always together?”
“Most of the time.” Haldir started to eat the soup, from time to time dipping pieces of bread into it. “Most Elves do not leave the Elven world. But I have always been fascinated by Men, so I left Lorien to learn about them and to achieve knowledge of the common tongue.”
Éomer was silent for some moments and Haldir looked at him, curious to see what the Man thought. To his surprise, he seemed to be embarrassed. “What is it, meleth?”
“May I ask you something, Haldir?” Éomer requested hesitantly.
“Of course.” There was hardly anything that made Éomer look embarrassed, and if it was something the Man wanted to know about him, it made Haldir very curious. Furthermore, he just loved it when Éomer said his name for he still used it so rarely.
“How old are you?” To give the Man credit, he looked the Elf straight into the eyes when he asked.
For a moment Haldir was surprised by the question. Age was not very important for Elves, time had a different value than it had for Men for it was basically unlimited. Still, over the years he had spent with Men, Haldir had come to understand the importance of age for a race that was very aware of their limited time on this world.
“You do not have to answer that question.” Éomer said when the Elf did not reply. “I am sorry if I offended you in any way...”
“Nay, meleth, do not worry.” Haldir interrupted Éomer's flustered speech with a little smile. “I was merely surprised. I do not often get asked such a question.”
“I had no right...”
Haldir set the empty bowl aside and used his free hand to caress Éomer's face. “Your question was no offence at all. Age just has far less importance for Elves, for we do not expect to die.”
“That is very different for Men.”
Haldir ate the last of the bread, then he put his arms around Éomer and pulled him back until the Man leaned against him. He was pleasantly surprised that the proud Rohirrim let himself be held without any resistance. “I know. I have spent enough time with Men to understand that time is very valuable when it it is limited.”
After a moment, Éomer let his head rest on Haldirs shoulder. “I cannot imagine it not to be limited. I have never felt different.”
“I understand that.” Haldir replied while letting his hand play with a drying curl of the wild blond hair. “For me, death is not foreign, for I am a warrior and I have known much death. But it is not part of Elven life, that makes it appear so cruel to us.”
“For me it is as much part of every day as is sleeping or breathing.” Éomer turned his head slightly to nibble the skin of Haldir's neck. “You did not answer my question, though.”
“That it true.” Haldir chuckled. “I am four-thousand and three-hundred twenty-four years.”
The Man's lips stilled at Haldir's neck. “Oh.”
The surprised sound made the Elf laugh. “That must appear ancient to you.”
“It does.” Éomer kissed the skin under his lips. “But it also just seemes to be a number, not something... real.”
“May I ask you for your age in return, meleth?” Haldir asked, even though he had a general idea what to expect.
“I am twenty-eight of age.” The Elf could hear Éomer chuckle against his neck. “That must appear infantile to you.”
Haldir could not help laughing. “Indeed, it does. But I understand that human time is different from Elvish time. I am far from thinking of you as a child.”
“Good.” Haldir felt Éomer's hand wander over the outer side of his thighs and the Man's lips sucking gently on his neck. “I do not think I want you to treat me as a child.”
Haldir made a small, purring noise. “Oh, do not worry, meleth, there is no risk of that happening.”
“That is good to know.” Éomer murmured while he licked along the Elf's jaw.
Haldir felt desire rise in him. Having his Man that close had a certain effect on his lower region and he was grateful that his back injury had healed so he could engage in some pleasant activities with the Rohirrim. He let his hands skim over Éomer's tunic until he reached the hem, slid under the garment and touched the warm skin underneath, finding a nipple and playing with it. On his neck, Haldir could feel his lover gasp as much as he heard the soft sound, and he decided to go further. Slowly, his hands wandered south until he found the fastenings of the Man's trousers and opened them enough to let his hand slip inside and grasp his erection.
“Oh Gods...” Éomer spread his legs a little bit to grant better access and arched back against Haldir. “Are you well enough for this?”
“Definitely.” Haldir chuckled and moved his hand with a little bit more pressure. “Or do you want me to stop?”
The Man's breathing had changed and his head rested on Haldir's shoulder now, eyes closed and mouth slightly open. “No, how could I?”
Haldir laughed gently, then began to kiss the neck in front of him. He enjoyed how the Man reacted to his touch, how he arched back into him and let out theses gentle little noises that drove Haldir crazy. It was not the first time he was with Éomer, but he felt like there was a new dimension to their touch now, as if Haldir's injury had changed something. It was strange, but at the same time the Elf was certain he welcomed it.
Haldir moved his hand a little faster on his lover's member and used his other hand to turn Éomer's face to kiss him deeply. The Man returned the kiss with enthusiasm and thrust into the Elf's hand at the same time, breath fast and irregular when he pulled back to take in some air.
“Take me.” The low, rough voice made Haldir shiver as well as did the way Éomer's back arched against him.
“Are you sure, meleth?” Even though he wished to be inside his lover, he wanted reassurance.
“Haldir.” Éomer bent his head back and nibbled at the Elf's ear, knowing the effect very well. “Make me yours.”
A low moan escaped Haldir's lips at the words as well as at the stimulation and he pressed his lips onto the soft skin of the Man's neck. “I will, melamin.”
Haldir let go of Éomer's member and let his hands pull the Man's tunic over his head. When the Rohirrim leaned back again, Haldir took pleasure in the contact of skin against skin, letting his hands slide all over the Man's chest, caressing the skin and making his lover moan gently. He opened the fastening of Éomer's trousers completely and with the Man's help removed the clothing. His Man was just beautiful, Haldir thought when he finally had Éomer naked in his arms. His skin, even though there were several scars visible, was soft to the touch, his hair reflecting in various shades from blond to brown in the light of the fire, the expression on his face one of pure pleasure and desire. Haldir kissed Éomer's neck, biting and sucking a little to leave a mark. This Man was his.
“I need to get rid of my trousers, meleth.” Haldir managed to say between two kisses and made the Man give him enough space to remove the thin garment. Once the Elf was done, he sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed. Without a word, Éomer straddled him, bringing their bodies in full contact. The Man's hands found their way into Haldir's hair, twisting into the strands and demandingly pulling the Elf into another kiss. Haldir willingly obeyed the gesture, finding their position to be perfect for him to touch the Man about everywhere. His hands travelled over the broad back up to the wide shoulders, caressing all the skin he could reach, then they wandered down to the narrow hips and even lower to cup the nice backside. Éomer moaned into the kiss, deepening it and pressing into the touch of the Elf's hands at the same time.
Haldir felt inebriated by the Man's reactions to his touch, by their kiss and the sensation of Éomer's erection rubbing against his. One hand left the Elf's long hair and travelled between their bodies, then Haldir felt the Man wrap his hand around both of their members with a grasp that was of exactly the right pressure.
“Oh Valar!” Haldir felt his head fall back and a moan escaped him when the Man began to move his hand. “Éomer...”
Next to his ear, the Elf could hear the rugged breath of his lover, then the Man took Haldir's chin in his hand and turned it to kiss him again, lips hot and open. His tongue invaded the Elf's mouth, hard and demanding, in the same rhythm of his hand.
“I want you.” Éomer said when he let go of Haldir's lips for a moment. “Now.”
The breathy voice let the Elf shiver with anticipation and he sealed the Man's lips again with his own. With his eyes closed, Haldir let his hand slide over the bed to the little table that stood next to it and where he remembered Aragorn having left a little flask with oil he was supposed to use for the healing skin on his back. Well, it would be used in another way now, Haldir thought and had to smile into the kiss. Once he had found the flask, he returned his attention to his lover.
“How?” Haldir did not feel capable to say more, but his lover seemed to understand what he asked perfectly well.
“As we are.” Éomer's answer was equally short, his breath hot against the Elf's skin. To reinforce his point, he moved his hips at the same time with his hand and created a delicious friction on their erections.
Haldir groaned and wordlessly opened the flask, spreading some of the oil on his hand and letting his fingers find his lover's entrance. He circled the opening, then slowly let one finger glide in, always paying attention to spread the oil well. Éomer's breathing quickened against his neck, his hand let go of their members and clung to Haldir's shoulder. The Elf gently moved his finger, satisfied when he heard the Man moan out loudly and felt him starting to pant. He added another finger with some more oil, stretched his lover while hitting that spot again and again. Éomer was writhing on his lap, his eyes closed and his mouth wide open, making those little noises again that made Haldir go wild.
The Elf decided his lover was well prepared and pulled his fingers out, settling his erection at the Man's entrance, applying even more oil before he slowly pushed upwards. He felt Éomer still for a moment, then the Man's hands clawed into his shoulders and he sank down, meeting the Elf halfway with a low groan.
Haldir had his eyes closed, forcing himself to remain still to let Éomer adjust to him. When the Man slowly began to move, the Elf immediately followed him, thrusting into the body on top of him. Haldir was about to loose his control, and he knew it. Éomer seemed to find a rhythm and an angle he liked because he was panting hard and moving frantically. Then he grabbed the Elf's face and pulled him in a deep kiss. It took away the remains of control Haldir had left and his mind narrowed down to his erection inside the Man, to their tongues battling, to their hands grabbing each other. He could only feel, loose himself in the sensation.
He was pushed rapidly over the edge when he felt Éomer's lips close over the tip of his left ear and gently bite down. He heard himself cry out in such a guttural way he was certain he had never done before and then he already spilled his seed in his lover. With the last shred of consciousness, he grabbed Éomer's member and gave it some strokes that seemed to be enough to make the Man follow him in climax. He felt Éomer bite down hard into his shoulder, then hot semen covered the Elf's hand.
All strength seemed to leave his body and Haldir sank back against the headboard of the bed in a boneless sprawl. Éomer just sagged down on top of him, head falling on the Elf's shoulder, his breathing very fast. Haldir felt like he wanted to pass out, he could not remember to ever have been so overwhelmed by a sexual encounter. He lifted his hands to rest them on Éomer's back in a loose embrace and kissed the Man's forehead. Only the irregular, fast rising and falling of Éomer's chest told him the Man was still awake. Without being able to control it, Haldir felt taken over by sleep, such a strong urge as he had never known apart from when he had been injured.
The sun had already trespassed the horizon when Haldir opened his eyes again. He felt his lover snug against his side, the Man's head on his shoulder and one arm possessively thrown over his chest. There was no feeling of stickiness, the Man must have cleaned both of them after Haldir had passed out. The Elf smiled and kissed the top of the head that was right under his chin and caressed Éomer's back with his hand. The Rohirrim stirred and slowly woke up, stretching a little and then yawning.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, meleth.” Haldir answered quietly and let his other hand stroke the wild blond mane. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did.” Éomer chuckled. “I am a little bit sore in places I am not used to be, but it feels good.”
“I hope I was not to wild last night.” Haldir felt slightly guilty. He was aware he tended to loose control over himself when he was with his Man.
“Oh no, do not worry.” The Man kissed the skin of Haldir's chest under his lips. “I have not let anybody ride me in a long time, but I certainly enjoyed every minute when you did it.”
“So did I.” Haldir cupped his lover's face with one hand and made the Man look into his eyes. “Thank you.”
Éomer stretched his neck and pressed a chaste kiss on the Elf's lips. “You are most welcome.”
Then he chuckled again, his fingers tracing Haldir's shoulder. “I think I left a mark.”
The Elf turned his head as far as he could and saw a quite decent bite mark on his left shoulder. “Indeed.”
“Do you mind?” The Man sounded a little bit insecure and his fingers slowly caressed the skin he had bitten the night before.
“No.” Haldir smiled and gently kissed his lover's forehead, then he just lay back and enjoyed the closeness of the Man and the peace of the morning. He would leave the sickbed today for he was fully healed and he would have to go back to all the duties that needed to be fulfilled. His Elves needed to be taken care of, the future course of action had to be defined and the city of Minas Tirith needed reconstruction. This would be one of the few quiet mornings they would have.
It was some time later that they left the bed and dressed, foregoing their armours in favour of light tunics that would render the tasks at hand easier to comply. When he stepped out of the King's House and walked towards the edge of the seventh level to overlook the city, Haldir felt his breath stop. He had seen Minas Tirith in all its beauty, but now there were but destroyed buildings, in between were men and women working to rebuilt their houses. It hurt Haldir to see the such fine handiwork turned into ruins.
“It will take some time to rebuilt the city.” Haldir said quietly and let his gaze wander over the levels of the city.
“The attack left massive destruction.” Éomer agreed, face serious. “It hit Gondor harder than Rohan. Edoras is unharmed, but Minas Tirith lies in ruins.”
“The whole of Middle Earth will need time to recover from the rule of the Evil Lord.” Haldir added and gave Éomer a long glance. “But it is the world of Men that was affected the worst.”
“What will you do, now that the war is over?” Éomer had turned away to look over the city and Haldir thought he looked concerned.
“I will stay in Minas Tirith at least until Estel has finally accepted the crown of Gondor.” Haldir kept his gaze on the Man. “I do not know what I will do after that. I will probably return to Lorien and guard the border of the woods as I have done for centuries.”
“You must have been at this point several times already.” Éomer mused quietly.
“Not exactly at this point.” Haldir replied with a serious voice. Éomer picked up the tone and looked into his eyes. There was no need to phrase what he meant, Haldir saw in the Man's gaze that he had understood. They were both at a point they had never been at before.
“Neither have I.” Éomer answered gently.
“What will you do?” Haldir asked and held the Man's eyes.
“I will stay for Aragorn's coronation as well. But then I will have to return to my country and set it back into order.” Éomer made a short break and his voice was grave when he went on. “And I have to bring my uncle back to bury him next to Theodred in the line of our ancestors as he deserves.”
“It is a hard duty.” Haldir looked him firmly in the eyes. “You are King of Rohan now.”
Éomer sighted deeply. “I know.”
“You do not wish to rule.” It was not a question.
“No, I do not. It is my duty, though, and I will do whatever it takes to make my people and my land prosper, but I never wanted the responsibilities that are bound to the crown. I never wanted to loose the freedom that came with being only a marshal.” Éomer held Haldir's gaze to let him know what responsibilities he meant. The crown demanded certain actions from its King and Éomer could hardly avoid those if he wanted to rule his country in peace and prosperity.
“I understand.” Haldir returned the gaze and smiled sadly. “You will do what is right for Rohan for I know you love your people.”
Éomer's smile was equally sad. “I hope I will make the right choices.”
***
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***
***
A knock at the door made Éomer groan. When it happened again, he untangled himself from Haldir, got up and put on his trousers before he answered the door. A young Gondorian soldier stood in the corridor.
“You are awaited in the Tower Hall, Lord Éomer.” the young man said. “I was told to ask you to pass this message on to Captain Haldir of the Elven Archers as well.”
“I will do so. Thank you.” Éomer answered and the soldier bowed before he disappeared into the corridor. Éomer closed the door and turned towards the bed. Haldir lay spread between the sheets, hair flowing over the pillow in a silvery mass, glowing where the morning sun touched it. His Elf was a magnificent creature, the Man thought with a fond smile, he was beautiful beyond measure, strong and fierce. Once you got to know him, it was easy to look behind his protective arrogant outer shell and to see how caring, loyal and compassionate he was.
“What are you thinking about?” the Elf asked. Éomer found the blue eyes fixed onto him and felt a blush rise into his cheeks.
“That must have been a very interesting thought.” A teasing smile hovered over the Elf's lips.
“We were asked to come to the Tower Hall.” Éomer averted his eyes and started to look for his clothes. He knew Haldir guessed what he had thought about when he heard the Elf laugh gently behind him.
“We should get dressed, then.” the Elf said, got out of the bed and gathered the garments that were wildly spread all over the room. They had not really paid any attention to undressing yesterday evening, Éomer mused while putting on his boots. When Haldir stepped up behind, wrapped one arm around his waist and held a shirt in front of the Man's eyes, Éomer looked at the one in his hands and found it to be Haldir's.
“It could lead to wild suspicions if we arrive at the Tower Hall in each other's clothes.” Haldir whispered into his ear and Éomer could hear the teasing smile in his voice.
“Indeed, it might.” Éomer could not help laughing gently when he took his shirt from Haldir and returned the Elf's.
Haldir placed a kiss in his neck before he let go and finished dressing. This small gesture made goosebumps spread all over Éomer's skin. It was one of those small things you did when you deeply cared about somebody. While he dressed, the Rohirrim thought about what that meant about this thing between him and the Elf. He had know from the beginning that it was not a one night thing, but now he was not sure if he had the right to call it what he thought it might be.
“Are you ready to leave?” Haldir stood by the door, sheathing his swords.
“Aye.” Éomer closed the buckle of his sword belt and walked over to the door. Instinct as well as a need he did not want to acknowledge made him lean over to brush a gentle kiss over the Elf's lips. When he pulled back, he saw surprise in Haldir's eyes, but it was the happy little smile that convinced Éomer he had done the right thing.
“Let us go, meleth.” Haldir opened the door and they left the room and walked over to the Tower of Ecthelion. When they entered the Tower Hall, Gandalf and Aragorn were already waiting. Shortly after Éomer and Haldir had arrived, Legolas and Gimli joined them and the Dwarf closed the doors behind him.
Éomer stood next to Haldir and listened to what Aragorn suggested they should do. Walking to the Black Gates was as good as a death sentence for their men, he knew that as well as any other commander in this room. But if they stayed here, in the relative safety of the city, it would only be an illusion of safety, because the forces of Mordor would come, sooner or later. The only real solution was for Frodo to destroy the Ring, and if dying in a distraction manoeuvre meant they could give him the opportunity to do so, then it was the only route they could take.
When they left the Tower Hall, Éomer was deep in thoughts. He did not like to send his Men to certain death right after they had just survived the battle of the day before, but he saw the necessity. They would leave tomorrow early in the morning for the journey to the Black Gates would take about a week and they had to arrive as quickly as possible. The Hobbit was likely to need their diversion.
“I will go visit my sister.” Éomer said when they arrived at the House of Healing.
“Wish her all the best from my part.” Haldir said and turned towards the gate. “I will go to my Elves and organise what is left of my troops.”
Éomer nodded and watched the Elf disappear through the gate before he entered the gardens that surrounded the House of Healing. The rooms were filled with the sick and injured, many healers worked at the sickbeds and hasted from one spot to the next. It did not take him long to find his sister who still lay at the same place as last night, obviously peacefully asleep. Éomer sat down next to her and watched her for a while before he took her hand into his.
Éowyn moved slightly under the blanket and then opened her eyes. He smiled at her and caressed her cheek. “How are you, little one?”
She returned the smile. “You have not called me such since we left childhood.”
“I know. But you earned the title again.” He continued to touch her cheek to let her know he was not really angry.
“I am sorry I worried you.” his sister said after a moment, eyes sincere.
Éomer sighted. “You scared me to death, Éowyn. I never expected to find you lying motionless on the battlefield.”
“I can only apologise for the pain I caused you, but not for what I did. I would do it every time again.” Her voice was quiet, but firm.
“I know.” Éomer looked at her. “I understand you, even though I cannot say I am happy about it.”
She held his gaze. “That will be enough for me.”
“I only want you to become better.” He smiled teasingly. “You are my little one, after all.”
A smile appeared on her face that made Éomer feel better. “Then I will do everything to heal.”
“Good.” Éomer saw her stifle a yawn and decided it was time to let her go back to sleep.
In the same moment a healer approached them. “I beg your pardon, my Lord, but your sister needs to rest. You can visit her later today again.”
Éomer nodded to the middle aged man and patted Éowyn's hair. “Rest well, little one. I come by later again.”
She gave him a tired, but happy smile and he turned to leave. The rest of the day was spend in organising the Rohirric forces and repair whatever weapon and armour needed it. One day was a very short time to prepare a seven days journey to a battle that was most likely certain death. Éomer ran from one place to the other, tried to organise and motivate his men at the same time. The loss of their King was not the best precondition to keep up their spirit and Éomer refused to be called King of Rohan as long as his uncle was still warm and he himself had not been properly proclaimed. So he told Háma who just nodded in silent understanding and took care of the men.
At the end of the day, Éomer felt physically and emotionally exhausted, but also realised that Haldir had been right with what he had said last night. It was obvious that the men would follow Éomer into battle, they respected his word and followed his lead. Éomer had no time to think about his new position, he just did what he had done before and took the new responsibility as an inevitable change.
But when, long after dark, he entered the room he shared with Haldir, he felt all the discipline that had kept him going during the day fall away. He had not even managed to eat a proper dinner, he had just shared some bread and wine with his men sitting at a fire before running off to the next task at hands. With slow steps he carried himself over to the bed that stood empty in the corner, sat down and removed his boots and his outer tunic. He wanted to wait for his lover to come back, but the moment his head touched the pillow, he fell asleep.
When he heard the door open, he was back to full alert within a split second, but the moment his senses realised it was Haldir who had entered the room, he relaxed and slid back into sleep. He just felt how the Elf came into bed and cuddled up behind him, one arm wrapping loosely around the Man's waist. Content to have his lover near, Éomer snuggled closer and let sleep take him again.
When the morning came, he was woken by the gentle voice of Haldir and a soft touch to his face. “Wake up, meleth.”
Éomer fought his way out of sleep, it was so much harder to wake up than normal and that alone told him how exhausted he had been. But once he had opened his eyes, he stretched and his mind was fully awake. “Morning.”
“Not yet.” Haldir gave him a small kiss on the lips. “It is still some time to sunrise, but we need to ready our troops.”
“Will there ever be a quiet morning in bed with all time to spend as we wish?” Éomer asked with a sigh when he followed his lover's example and got up.
Haldir had his back turned to him and seemed pause for a moment, but his voice was casual when he spoke. “Do you want there to be?”
Instinct told Éomer this was not a simple question, so he walked up behind the Elf and pressed a lingering kiss to his bare shoulder. “I wish for it.”
Haldir leaned back against him. “Then we will have one.”
“I am looking forward to it.” With another brush of lips against the Elf's soft skin, Éomer let go and started to dress and put on his armour. Haldir did the same, they were both warriors to the core and knew what needed to be done this morning before they would ride. Once they had all their weapons sheathed and all their things gathered up, Haldir stole a kiss before they left the room and their privacy. The journey would be long and hard, there would be no time for quiet moments together and they both knew it.
They left the building and overlooked the scene in front of them. The courtyard was filled with horses and riders, some foot soldiers and servants in between, everybody preparing the ride. Éomer and Haldir separated to take care of their own preparations and of their forces. When the sun rose over the planes, the Host of the West was ready to leave for the Black Gates.
“You can ride with me, Master Hobbit.” Éomer said with a bow when he saw Merry stand in the courtyard next to his friend Pippin who was about to join Gandalf on Shadowfax. “If you are inclined to accept me in my sister's stead.”
Éomer knew he owed the Hobbit for giving his sister the possibility to kill the Witch King. Haldir was right, there had been no way to keep Éowyn out of that battle, and it was only thanks to the Hobbit and his courage that she was still alive.
Merry seemed to be very surprised. He looked up at the Man, then returned the bow. “I gratefully accept, my Lord Éomer.”
“I owe you for my sister's life, Master Hobbit.” the Rohirrim said firmly. “It is me who is grateful to you.”
The Hobbit flushed. “Lady Éowyn is very courageous and I owe her more than I can ever repay. It was my honour to do what ever I could to serve her and Rohan.”
Éomer would not admit it, but he was touched by the honest and sincere admiration the Hobbit showed for his sister. He gave Merry a small nod to acknowledge his words, then he mounted Firefoot and helped the Hobbit up to sit behind him. Then he joined Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, Gandalf and Haldir who were about to ride through the city and out onto the Pelennor Fields. With every metre they rode, more and more riders and foot soldiers joined them, forming disciplined rows and following the leaders.
The next days were spent in travelling, only disrupted by the night camps that were always broken again before sunrise. There was a certain atmosphere of urgency over the whole forces, it seemed as if everybody was aware of the importance and of the finality of this march. Éomer could not help himself to feel an icy shiver run down his spine when they finally came into sight of the massive structure of the Black Gate. It was not here that the fate of Middle Earth would be decided, but their fate. He only hoped their sacrifice would give the other two Hobbits the time they needed to complete their task.
They let their forces take position, a joined army of Gondor, Rohan and Lothlorien. When nothing happened, no reaction at all, Éomer felt a mix of nervousness and anger. He and the other leaders followed Aragorn when he rode towards the gate and challenged the Black Lord. The horses danced nervously and Éomer found himself hating the creaky sound the gate made when it was opened, it was a sound that he had the impression to feel straight in his bones.
The creature that rode out of the crack that had formed between the two massive wings of the gate was not any less loathsome. It was not difficult to identify the rider as the Mouth of Sauron, even though Éomer had only heard stories about him, but never seen him. The hands of the Hobbit who sat behind him on Firefoot tightened on his sides and the Man could feel the halfling's fear and disgust at the creature.
With stony silence Éomer listened to the despiteful words the creature had as an answer to Gandalf's demands. When it pulled out the chain mail and all the other leaders as well as the two Hobbits reacted to it with despair and pain, it was clear to the Rohirrim it must have been in the possession of the Hobbits who were inside Mordor. He did not want to believe the halflings were caught, that this would be the end of the Middle Earth he knew. But that even the always restrained and wise Gandalf showed signs of guilt and despair made him doubt.
It was then that Aragorn rode up next to the creature, all his disdain and hate plain in his face and posture. With a single blow from the sword the creature had just mocked, he beheaded the evil.
“I do not believe it! I will not!” There was a strength and conviction in Aragorn's voice and his face that made Éomer believe him.
Then the gates opened wider and showed the forces of Sauron marching towards them. The leaders pulled back to their troops and Éomer could feel how the Men wanted to throw their weapons and run, how much they feared the battle they knew they could not win. Again it was Aragorn who pulled them together and gave them the strength to draw their swords for this last battle.
The forces of Mordor outnumbered their army by several thousands and spread quickly to surround them in a circle that was drawn smaller and smaller. Everybody watched the enemy in silent anticipation, the certainty of death giving them the strength of those who had nothing to loose. When Aragorn stepped forwards and then ran against the superior enemy, the army of Gondorians, Rohirrim and Elves followed him with all power they had.
It was when the Eagles came into sight through the clouds, lunging at the Nazgul that were about to attack, that Éomer was certain that this was the final battle for Middle Earth.
***
Aragorn felt for the first time in ages free to breath when he saw the tower fall and the earth swallow the evil forces. It was over, it was done, the evil was defeated. He felt it more than he knew it, but one look into Gandalf's face told him it was true.
“No!” The scream filled with fear and pain made him turn. He saw Éomer run, than stop abruptly and fall to his knees. “Haldir!”
Now Aragorn noticed the bright blond hair of the person Éomer pulled into his arms. The scene reminded him intensely of the moment after the battle of the Pelennor Fields when the Rohirrim had found his sister and thought her dead. This time, though, Éowyn was safely at Minas Tirith and the person to trigger Éomer's panic was the captain of the Elven archers.
“No, No, No, No, No!” Aragorn heard the Rohirrim repeat constantly and saw him brush his hand over the long blond hair that was now filthy with Orc blood and dirt. Haldir's eyes were closed and he lay limb in the Man's Arms when Aragorn reached them. He fell to his knees and began a quick check of the Elf's injuries. He did not feel like loosing a friend on the verge of winning the war. Not now.
“Éomer, you must let go of him.” Aragorn looked up when his words did not earn the reaction he had asked for. Instead, the other man held the Elf closer in a rather protective gesture.
“Éomer! I need to check him for injuries!” Aragorn gave his voice deliberately a more urgent tone than he would normally have used to assure that it reached the other man. After a moment, the Rohirrim nodded and let Aragorn take over.
“He has a nasty gash on his back.” the future king of Gondor remarked after some minutes. “I think he is unconscious due to the blood loss. We need to bring him to the camp and clean and bandage his wounds.”
“I will bring him.” Éomer's voice sounded amazingly firm and Aragorn understood that the other man would not let go of Haldir, so he nodded in acceptance.
“Let us ride. I do not want to loose any time to tend to him.” Aragorn got up and waited to see the new king of Rohan carefully lift the Elf and cradle him in his arms. His face was unguarded for a split second, enough for Aragorn to read worry as well as deep tenderness. He suppressed a sigh. The Rohirrim was already in far deeper than he himself realised. This would become complicated, Aragorn thought when he turned to his horse. He was certain Éomer would follow him, so he just rode as fast as his horse could for the encampment to set up a sickbed and get his herbs before the Rohirrim and Haldir would arrive.
When Éomer entered the tent where the sick were taken care of, Aragorn had already set up everything he needed. “Lay him in the bed, but on his stomach. I need to get access to his back.”
The Man silently obeyed and settled the Elf carefully onto he sheets. He helped Aragorn to loose the fastenings of the armour and removed the protective shields. Aragorn cut off the remains of the blood-stained tunics and lay open the gash that ran over Haldir's back. He carefully cleaned the wound and assessed the amount of damage while washing off the blood.
“How bad is it?” It was easy for Aragorn to hear the pure fear and deep worry in the other man's voice even without looking at his face where it was plainly written.
“Bad. But he is an Elf and his healing ability is far better than a Man's.” Aragorn took a needle and a thread and began to sew the skin together. He was glad the Elf was unconscious and did not feel the pain of the procedure. “He will need time to recover, though.”
“But he will recover?” Aragorn raised his gaze for a moment and found Éomer stare at Haldir with a deeply worried expression on his face.
Aragorn turned back to sewing. “If he survives the night, the chances are good.”
“I will stay with him.” The tone of the other man's voice left no space for discussion.
“I know.” Aragorn answered simply and finished sewing the wound. Then he washed the remaining blood away and applied a bandage with a mix of healing herbs. When he had finished on the main injury, Aragorn took care of the several small cuts and bruises of the Elf before he turned to the Man.
“Let me take care of your own wounds, Éomer.”
The Rohirrim looked up from where he had been staring at the Elf. “I am fine.”
Aragorn sighted impatiently. “You do him no good if your injuries remain untended. So remove your armour, you do not need it in here anyway, and let me bandage your wounds.”
The Rohirim seemed to react to the tone as much as to the logic and finally opened the fastenings of his armour and put it aside, then removed the chain mail. Aragorn found only several cuts that run deeper than he liked, but nothing serious when he checked the other man. He carefully bandaged the wounds, used some herbs where he deemed them helpful and then left the Rohirrim alone to take care of the other injured who just started to arrive from the Black Gates.
When he returned to his Elven patient some hours later, he found Éomer sitting next to the sickbed, one hand holding the Elf's, the other unconsciously playing with a strand of Haldir's hair, face still worried. Aragorn watched them for a while and wondered how deep their connection ran. Finally, he turned to find a place where he could get some sleep, tomorrow they would start the long journey back to Minas Tirith.
It was shortly before sunrise when Aragorn entered the tent that sheltered the injured. He walked through the lines of makeshift beds and checked wounds and remade bandages until he arrived at Haldir's bed. Éomer had fallen asleep sometime during the night, his head pillowed on the edge of the bed, his hand still firmly holding the Elf's. With a gentle shake to the Rohirrim's shoulder, Aragorn woke him up and sent him outside to get something to eat and prepare his horse for the ride, promising him to not leave Haldir's side until he returned. While the Rohirrim was gone, Aragorn took care of the bandage, removed it and checked the back injury. He was worried to see that the flesh had not started healing, it meant something must be wrong and it would make the transport more difficult.
When Éomer came back, Aragorn told him about his plan to move Haldir to Minas Tirith on Firefoots back in front of the Rohirrim and explained him how he was to hold the Elf so his back injury would not get worse. The Rohirrim listened carefully and followed the instructions in all detail as Aragorn noticed over the next days. They rode all day, but they were slow due to several injured who were taken along. Aragorn watched Éomer take care of Haldir, how he washed the Elf's injuries carefully and learned to redo the bandages with the right herbs. That Haldir did not regain consciousness during their ride apart from some short delirious moments worried Aragorn, but he had already guessed that the blade that had caused the Elf's back wound had been poisoned and the course of healing only confirmed his speculation. Haldir was in a very deep healing sleep and maybe it was better that he did not wake and suffered the pain of the travel on horseback.
When Minas Tirith came into sight, Aragorn was overwhelmed by relief. He had been taking care of most of the injured for the last week and had not had any time to rest himself. Here he could transfer his responsibilities to the healers in the House of Healing. It was only his friend Haldir who he wanted to continue to take care of, so he had him settled into a private room in the King's House, and of course it was Éomer who accompanied the Elf.
Aragorn opened the bandages of the Elf's back. All his other wounds had long since healed and when he washed the herbs away, Aragorn found the gash had nearly closed and the poison appeared to have been defeated. The Elf breathed regularly and some colour had returned into his skin, all signs that he was going to be fine.
“He will heal. The poison left his body and the cut has nearly closed.” Aragorn stated with relief in his voice. How could he have enjoyed victory against the Evil Lord if it had cost his friend's life?
He heard Éomer let out a deep sigh. “Thank Gods.”
It was then that the Lady of Rohan came into the room, face set in an expression of firm determination that reminded Aragorn of her brother. She came over, gave the Rohirrim a hug and then started to talk to him. Aragorn retreated, he felt like it was not up to him to hear her words. She had been there for some time when her brother nodded tiredly and got up to leave the room. She watched him for a moment with a concerned expression, then she came over to Aragorn.
“How did you manage that?” the Man asked astonished. Nobody had been able to make Éomer depart from the Elf even for a moment.
“I have my ways.” Lady Éowyn replied with a secretive smile. “One of them was to promise him I would stay with Master Haldir.”
“I will leave you then, I have to look after my men.” Aragorn excused himself and left.
Later that day, around early evening, Aragorn came back into the Elf's sickroom and found his patient awake and talking to Lady Éowyn. Haldir seemed to be well, he sat in the bed and discussed the difference of Elven and Human swords with the Lady. Aragorn watched them with a smile before he cleared his throat to make his presence known.
“My friend, it is good to see you awake.”
Haldir gave him a small smile. “I have finally left my healing sleep, mellon. And I fell very well.”
“That is good to hear. We worried about you, for you were gone for nearly a week.” Aragorn walked over to the bed and looked over the Elf. He seemed to be quickly recovering.
“So the Lady told me. I am sorry I caused you any worry and trouble.” Haldir replied with a sincere expression on his face.
“Do not worry, my friend. We are all glad to see you back on your feet. Still, I would like to check your bandages to see how well you are recovering.”
“I will let you take care of his wounds then.” Lady Éowyn got up in one graceful motion and smiled to Haldir. “It was a pleasure to talk to you, Master Haldir. I will see you around in the next days, I hope.”
“The pleasure was mine, my Lady.” The Elf bowed his head. “And I will be well enough soon to take part in the normal dinner again.”
“I hope so. Get well soon.” With a smile she took her leave.
***
Aragorn made Haldir lie down on his stomach and began to remove the outer bandage. After a while, when the Elf remained silent, Aragorn made a guess. “You wonder where Éomer is.”
Haldir flinched a little, but did not say anything.
“He never left your side.” Aragorn remarked silently while he removed the last of Haldir's bandages. “He even set quarters next to you.”
Haldir frowned and watched his friend as if to find out if he was telling the truth. Knowing Aragorn, he was certain, though, that every word was indeed sincere. “He was not here when I woke up.”
“When it was certain that you were all right, his sister managed to drag him away to get him to bath and sleep himself for a few hours.” A small smile lingered around Aragorn's lips. “She had to fight with all means, though.”
Haldir felt himself smirk. Yes, he could believe that. He had just talked for over an hour with the Lady of Rohan and thought her strong in mind and body. She had proven herself in the battle of the Pelennor Fields and he knew she cared for her brother as deeply as he cared for her. She was aware when she had to be strict, especially when it concerned her stubborn brother. “She was probably the only person to be able to do it, though.”
Aragorn chuckled. “Aye, that is true.”
After a moment, the Man made a content sound. “Your injury looks good, it is nearly gone. I will pull the threads out, that might hurt, but you know that.”
“Indeed, I do.” Haldir said dryly, he had had so many wounds that had needed to be sewed that he had given up counting them.
Aragorn began to pull at one side of the thread and Haldir gritted his teeth at the pain that swept over the whole of his back. He did not let any sound escape, he was used to pain, and he had learned a long time ago that voicing it did not always help. It took the Man several minutes to extract the whole thread, but when he had finished, Haldir felt a cold wet cloth on his skin washing away the blood the must have oozed out when the thread was pulled out.
There was silence for some minutes, then Haldir heard the Man clear his throat. “What are you going to do about him?”
Haldir did not even pretend that he did not know what his friend was talking about. “What can I answer to that, my friend? There is nothing I can do.”
“What makes you think that?” Aragorn finished checking the skin for remaining traces of blood before he sat back on his heels watching the Elf.
“Things have changed, Estel.” Haldir said quietly. His voice sounded tired and defeated. “Who am I to claim a King of Men?”
“So you will let him leave.” Aragorn sounded disapproving.
“Aye, Estel. That is the only possible way.” Haldir did not want to explain himself when he knew that the course of action was obvious.
“And for the time being?”
Haldir gave him a sad smile. “I will enjoy the moments I am given with him as long as we are still here.”
Aragorn watched him with an undefinable gaze. Then he nodded and changed the topic. “I have to leave to take care of Frodo.”
Haldir remembered the little hobbit with the frightened eyes. “How is he?”
“As well as can be expected after what he went through.” Aragorn collected the old bandages and put them in a cloth bag. “He has some very good friends who will help him a lot to recover, though.”
“Greet him from my part.” Haldir said with a little bow. “We owe him more than we can even estimate.”
“Aye, we do.” Aragorn nodded and left the room, pulling the door closed behind him. Haldir lay back onto his belly and let his head rest on the pillow. So his Man had stayed at his side the whole time? He was well aware that there was more to it than Aragorn had told him. If his friend was able to tell that Haldir and Éomer were more to each other than friends, it meant that they had either been quite obvious or that the Rohirrim must have been so worried that his behaviour during Haldir's unconsciousness had clearly shown his feelings. Whatever it was, Haldir was even more certain now that Éomer might share the affection he had for the Rohirrim.
“You are awake!” Haldir turned at the voice of his lover behind him. He saw Éomer standing in the door, handle still in the hand, an expression on his face that was a mix of relief and honest joy and his voice reflected those feelings. Haldir let his gaze wander over the Man, he looked like he had washed, the strands of his hair hung in wet curls around his face. He must have gotten clean clothes as well and even though he seemed tired he looked like he had gotten some hours of sleep.
“How do you feel?” Éomer came into the room and closed the door behind him, then he came over to the bed and sat down on the edge.
“I am fine. Aragorn just removed the thread from the injury on my back and it is as good as healed.” Haldir enjoyed it when he felt the Man's hands brush over the skin on his back, carefully stroking the long silver hair aside so he could look at the injury.
“It is amazing, your back in nearly completely healed.” Éomer's voice was filled with awe. “It looked so bad not even three days ago.”
“Elves heal much faster than Men.” Haldir explained. He could see that his lover still wore several bandages.
“I know. Aragorn told me.” Éomer did not stop his caresses to Haldir's back and the Elf closed his eyes to simply enjoy the touch. It had been a long time since he had had a lover whom he trusted enough to simply welcome every touch without feeling any need to be alert. He could let go with Éomer and he took deep pleasure in this trust.
He felt Éomer bend over, first the wet curls touched his skin, then the Man's lips and then he heard him whisper: “It is so good to see you awake and well again.”
The words sent a shiver down Haldir's back. The rough voice was filled with emotions that were not expressed in words and would not be because they both knew there was no future. It did not keep them from trying to use the limited time they had together in the best way possible, though, and Éomer's fingers and lips told what his mouth would not say.
Slowly, the Man sat back up, but kept on stroking gently over the Elf's back. “Do you want something to eat? You need to get some nourishment to regain your strength.”
Haldir stretched and began to sit up. “Aye, I think it would be a good idea if I ate something. My stomach certainly asks for it.”
“I will have the servant bring some bread, cheese and a soup.” Éomer rose from the bed and walked to the door to catch a servant in the corridor. Some moments later he came back into the room and closed the door. “Some food will be brought in a while.”
Éomer stood by the door and appeared to be at loss of words. Haldir looked at him and gave him a smile. “Will you stay with me tonight, meleth?”
The Man slowly came over to the bed, he almost appeared hesitating. “Do you want me to?”
Haldir looked him straight into the eyes and replied steadily. “Aye, meleth. I would very much like that.”
A gentle smile appeared on Éomer's lips. “Then I will gladly do so.”
Haldir watched the Man sit down onto the edge of the bed and moved closer to him, letting his fingers find the wet curls and tangle into them. He gently pulled Éomer towards him into a soft kiss, trying to let the Man know he really wanted him to stay. Somehow it seemed important to make him understand he was not alone with these unexpected, strong feelings.
It was then that they heard the knock on the door and Éomer walked over to let the servant in. The young boy put a tray filled with half a loaf of bread, a goblet of wine and a bowl with soup and set it onto the wooden table. When the door had closed behind the boy, Éomer brought the bowl and the bread over to Haldir who sat on the bed.
“This smells like chicken soup. It should do you some good.” the Man said with a little smile. “Even though you look like you are mostly recovered.”
“I am.” Haldir returned the smile. “But it is still nice to have somebody care for me.”
“Do you not have somebody, like family or friends, who care for you?” The Man's voice sounded surprised.
“Of course I do. My two brothers guard the woods with me.” Haldir replied and thought with a fond smile of Rúmil and Orophin. “But Elves are rarely ill and wounds normally heal very quickly on their own. We do not often need to be taken care of.”
“You have two brothers?” There was curiosity in the Rohirrim's voice. “Were you always together?”
“Most of the time.” Haldir started to eat the soup, from time to time dipping pieces of bread into it. “Most Elves do not leave the Elven world. But I have always been fascinated by Men, so I left Lorien to learn about them and to achieve knowledge of the common tongue.”
Éomer was silent for some moments and Haldir looked at him, curious to see what the Man thought. To his surprise, he seemed to be embarrassed. “What is it, meleth?”
“May I ask you something, Haldir?” Éomer requested hesitantly.
“Of course.” There was hardly anything that made Éomer look embarrassed, and if it was something the Man wanted to know about him, it made Haldir very curious. Furthermore, he just loved it when Éomer said his name for he still used it so rarely.
“How old are you?” To give the Man credit, he looked the Elf straight into the eyes when he asked.
For a moment Haldir was surprised by the question. Age was not very important for Elves, time had a different value than it had for Men for it was basically unlimited. Still, over the years he had spent with Men, Haldir had come to understand the importance of age for a race that was very aware of their limited time on this world.
“You do not have to answer that question.” Éomer said when the Elf did not reply. “I am sorry if I offended you in any way...”
“Nay, meleth, do not worry.” Haldir interrupted Éomer's flustered speech with a little smile. “I was merely surprised. I do not often get asked such a question.”
“I had no right...”
Haldir set the empty bowl aside and used his free hand to caress Éomer's face. “Your question was no offence at all. Age just has far less importance for Elves, for we do not expect to die.”
“That is very different for Men.”
Haldir ate the last of the bread, then he put his arms around Éomer and pulled him back until the Man leaned against him. He was pleasantly surprised that the proud Rohirrim let himself be held without any resistance. “I know. I have spent enough time with Men to understand that time is very valuable when it it is limited.”
After a moment, Éomer let his head rest on Haldirs shoulder. “I cannot imagine it not to be limited. I have never felt different.”
“I understand that.” Haldir replied while letting his hand play with a drying curl of the wild blond hair. “For me, death is not foreign, for I am a warrior and I have known much death. But it is not part of Elven life, that makes it appear so cruel to us.”
“For me it is as much part of every day as is sleeping or breathing.” Éomer turned his head slightly to nibble the skin of Haldir's neck. “You did not answer my question, though.”
“That it true.” Haldir chuckled. “I am four-thousand and three-hundred twenty-four years.”
The Man's lips stilled at Haldir's neck. “Oh.”
The surprised sound made the Elf laugh. “That must appear ancient to you.”
“It does.” Éomer kissed the skin under his lips. “But it also just seemes to be a number, not something... real.”
“May I ask you for your age in return, meleth?” Haldir asked, even though he had a general idea what to expect.
“I am twenty-eight of age.” The Elf could hear Éomer chuckle against his neck. “That must appear infantile to you.”
Haldir could not help laughing. “Indeed, it does. But I understand that human time is different from Elvish time. I am far from thinking of you as a child.”
“Good.” Haldir felt Éomer's hand wander over the outer side of his thighs and the Man's lips sucking gently on his neck. “I do not think I want you to treat me as a child.”
Haldir made a small, purring noise. “Oh, do not worry, meleth, there is no risk of that happening.”
“That is good to know.” Éomer murmured while he licked along the Elf's jaw.
Haldir felt desire rise in him. Having his Man that close had a certain effect on his lower region and he was grateful that his back injury had healed so he could engage in some pleasant activities with the Rohirrim. He let his hands skim over Éomer's tunic until he reached the hem, slid under the garment and touched the warm skin underneath, finding a nipple and playing with it. On his neck, Haldir could feel his lover gasp as much as he heard the soft sound, and he decided to go further. Slowly, his hands wandered south until he found the fastenings of the Man's trousers and opened them enough to let his hand slip inside and grasp his erection.
“Oh Gods...” Éomer spread his legs a little bit to grant better access and arched back against Haldir. “Are you well enough for this?”
“Definitely.” Haldir chuckled and moved his hand with a little bit more pressure. “Or do you want me to stop?”
The Man's breathing had changed and his head rested on Haldir's shoulder now, eyes closed and mouth slightly open. “No, how could I?”
Haldir laughed gently, then began to kiss the neck in front of him. He enjoyed how the Man reacted to his touch, how he arched back into him and let out theses gentle little noises that drove Haldir crazy. It was not the first time he was with Éomer, but he felt like there was a new dimension to their touch now, as if Haldir's injury had changed something. It was strange, but at the same time the Elf was certain he welcomed it.
Haldir moved his hand a little faster on his lover's member and used his other hand to turn Éomer's face to kiss him deeply. The Man returned the kiss with enthusiasm and thrust into the Elf's hand at the same time, breath fast and irregular when he pulled back to take in some air.
“Take me.” The low, rough voice made Haldir shiver as well as did the way Éomer's back arched against him.
“Are you sure, meleth?” Even though he wished to be inside his lover, he wanted reassurance.
“Haldir.” Éomer bent his head back and nibbled at the Elf's ear, knowing the effect very well. “Make me yours.”
A low moan escaped Haldir's lips at the words as well as at the stimulation and he pressed his lips onto the soft skin of the Man's neck. “I will, melamin.”
Haldir let go of Éomer's member and let his hands pull the Man's tunic over his head. When the Rohirrim leaned back again, Haldir took pleasure in the contact of skin against skin, letting his hands slide all over the Man's chest, caressing the skin and making his lover moan gently. He opened the fastening of Éomer's trousers completely and with the Man's help removed the clothing. His Man was just beautiful, Haldir thought when he finally had Éomer naked in his arms. His skin, even though there were several scars visible, was soft to the touch, his hair reflecting in various shades from blond to brown in the light of the fire, the expression on his face one of pure pleasure and desire. Haldir kissed Éomer's neck, biting and sucking a little to leave a mark. This Man was his.
“I need to get rid of my trousers, meleth.” Haldir managed to say between two kisses and made the Man give him enough space to remove the thin garment. Once the Elf was done, he sat up and leaned against the headboard of the bed. Without a word, Éomer straddled him, bringing their bodies in full contact. The Man's hands found their way into Haldir's hair, twisting into the strands and demandingly pulling the Elf into another kiss. Haldir willingly obeyed the gesture, finding their position to be perfect for him to touch the Man about everywhere. His hands travelled over the broad back up to the wide shoulders, caressing all the skin he could reach, then they wandered down to the narrow hips and even lower to cup the nice backside. Éomer moaned into the kiss, deepening it and pressing into the touch of the Elf's hands at the same time.
Haldir felt inebriated by the Man's reactions to his touch, by their kiss and the sensation of Éomer's erection rubbing against his. One hand left the Elf's long hair and travelled between their bodies, then Haldir felt the Man wrap his hand around both of their members with a grasp that was of exactly the right pressure.
“Oh Valar!” Haldir felt his head fall back and a moan escaped him when the Man began to move his hand. “Éomer...”
Next to his ear, the Elf could hear the rugged breath of his lover, then the Man took Haldir's chin in his hand and turned it to kiss him again, lips hot and open. His tongue invaded the Elf's mouth, hard and demanding, in the same rhythm of his hand.
“I want you.” Éomer said when he let go of Haldir's lips for a moment. “Now.”
The breathy voice let the Elf shiver with anticipation and he sealed the Man's lips again with his own. With his eyes closed, Haldir let his hand slide over the bed to the little table that stood next to it and where he remembered Aragorn having left a little flask with oil he was supposed to use for the healing skin on his back. Well, it would be used in another way now, Haldir thought and had to smile into the kiss. Once he had found the flask, he returned his attention to his lover.
“How?” Haldir did not feel capable to say more, but his lover seemed to understand what he asked perfectly well.
“As we are.” Éomer's answer was equally short, his breath hot against the Elf's skin. To reinforce his point, he moved his hips at the same time with his hand and created a delicious friction on their erections.
Haldir groaned and wordlessly opened the flask, spreading some of the oil on his hand and letting his fingers find his lover's entrance. He circled the opening, then slowly let one finger glide in, always paying attention to spread the oil well. Éomer's breathing quickened against his neck, his hand let go of their members and clung to Haldir's shoulder. The Elf gently moved his finger, satisfied when he heard the Man moan out loudly and felt him starting to pant. He added another finger with some more oil, stretched his lover while hitting that spot again and again. Éomer was writhing on his lap, his eyes closed and his mouth wide open, making those little noises again that made Haldir go wild.
The Elf decided his lover was well prepared and pulled his fingers out, settling his erection at the Man's entrance, applying even more oil before he slowly pushed upwards. He felt Éomer still for a moment, then the Man's hands clawed into his shoulders and he sank down, meeting the Elf halfway with a low groan.
Haldir had his eyes closed, forcing himself to remain still to let Éomer adjust to him. When the Man slowly began to move, the Elf immediately followed him, thrusting into the body on top of him. Haldir was about to loose his control, and he knew it. Éomer seemed to find a rhythm and an angle he liked because he was panting hard and moving frantically. Then he grabbed the Elf's face and pulled him in a deep kiss. It took away the remains of control Haldir had left and his mind narrowed down to his erection inside the Man, to their tongues battling, to their hands grabbing each other. He could only feel, loose himself in the sensation.
He was pushed rapidly over the edge when he felt Éomer's lips close over the tip of his left ear and gently bite down. He heard himself cry out in such a guttural way he was certain he had never done before and then he already spilled his seed in his lover. With the last shred of consciousness, he grabbed Éomer's member and gave it some strokes that seemed to be enough to make the Man follow him in climax. He felt Éomer bite down hard into his shoulder, then hot semen covered the Elf's hand.
All strength seemed to leave his body and Haldir sank back against the headboard of the bed in a boneless sprawl. Éomer just sagged down on top of him, head falling on the Elf's shoulder, his breathing very fast. Haldir felt like he wanted to pass out, he could not remember to ever have been so overwhelmed by a sexual encounter. He lifted his hands to rest them on Éomer's back in a loose embrace and kissed the Man's forehead. Only the irregular, fast rising and falling of Éomer's chest told him the Man was still awake. Without being able to control it, Haldir felt taken over by sleep, such a strong urge as he had never known apart from when he had been injured.
The sun had already trespassed the horizon when Haldir opened his eyes again. He felt his lover snug against his side, the Man's head on his shoulder and one arm possessively thrown over his chest. There was no feeling of stickiness, the Man must have cleaned both of them after Haldir had passed out. The Elf smiled and kissed the top of the head that was right under his chin and caressed Éomer's back with his hand. The Rohirrim stirred and slowly woke up, stretching a little and then yawning.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, meleth.” Haldir answered quietly and let his other hand stroke the wild blond mane. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did.” Éomer chuckled. “I am a little bit sore in places I am not used to be, but it feels good.”
“I hope I was not to wild last night.” Haldir felt slightly guilty. He was aware he tended to loose control over himself when he was with his Man.
“Oh no, do not worry.” The Man kissed the skin of Haldir's chest under his lips. “I have not let anybody ride me in a long time, but I certainly enjoyed every minute when you did it.”
“So did I.” Haldir cupped his lover's face with one hand and made the Man look into his eyes. “Thank you.”
Éomer stretched his neck and pressed a chaste kiss on the Elf's lips. “You are most welcome.”
Then he chuckled again, his fingers tracing Haldir's shoulder. “I think I left a mark.”
The Elf turned his head as far as he could and saw a quite decent bite mark on his left shoulder. “Indeed.”
“Do you mind?” The Man sounded a little bit insecure and his fingers slowly caressed the skin he had bitten the night before.
“No.” Haldir smiled and gently kissed his lover's forehead, then he just lay back and enjoyed the closeness of the Man and the peace of the morning. He would leave the sickbed today for he was fully healed and he would have to go back to all the duties that needed to be fulfilled. His Elves needed to be taken care of, the future course of action had to be defined and the city of Minas Tirith needed reconstruction. This would be one of the few quiet mornings they would have.
It was some time later that they left the bed and dressed, foregoing their armours in favour of light tunics that would render the tasks at hand easier to comply. When he stepped out of the King's House and walked towards the edge of the seventh level to overlook the city, Haldir felt his breath stop. He had seen Minas Tirith in all its beauty, but now there were but destroyed buildings, in between were men and women working to rebuilt their houses. It hurt Haldir to see the such fine handiwork turned into ruins.
“It will take some time to rebuilt the city.” Haldir said quietly and let his gaze wander over the levels of the city.
“The attack left massive destruction.” Éomer agreed, face serious. “It hit Gondor harder than Rohan. Edoras is unharmed, but Minas Tirith lies in ruins.”
“The whole of Middle Earth will need time to recover from the rule of the Evil Lord.” Haldir added and gave Éomer a long glance. “But it is the world of Men that was affected the worst.”
“What will you do, now that the war is over?” Éomer had turned away to look over the city and Haldir thought he looked concerned.
“I will stay in Minas Tirith at least until Estel has finally accepted the crown of Gondor.” Haldir kept his gaze on the Man. “I do not know what I will do after that. I will probably return to Lorien and guard the border of the woods as I have done for centuries.”
“You must have been at this point several times already.” Éomer mused quietly.
“Not exactly at this point.” Haldir replied with a serious voice. Éomer picked up the tone and looked into his eyes. There was no need to phrase what he meant, Haldir saw in the Man's gaze that he had understood. They were both at a point they had never been at before.
“Neither have I.” Éomer answered gently.
“What will you do?” Haldir asked and held the Man's eyes.
“I will stay for Aragorn's coronation as well. But then I will have to return to my country and set it back into order.” Éomer made a short break and his voice was grave when he went on. “And I have to bring my uncle back to bury him next to Theodred in the line of our ancestors as he deserves.”
“It is a hard duty.” Haldir looked him firmly in the eyes. “You are King of Rohan now.”
Éomer sighted deeply. “I know.”
“You do not wish to rule.” It was not a question.
“No, I do not. It is my duty, though, and I will do whatever it takes to make my people and my land prosper, but I never wanted the responsibilities that are bound to the crown. I never wanted to loose the freedom that came with being only a marshal.” Éomer held Haldir's gaze to let him know what responsibilities he meant. The crown demanded certain actions from its King and Éomer could hardly avoid those if he wanted to rule his country in peace and prosperity.
“I understand.” Haldir returned the gaze and smiled sadly. “You will do what is right for Rohan for I know you love your people.”
Éomer's smile was equally sad. “I hope I will make the right choices.”
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