Haldir, after finding out that I carried a child, regained his eagerness for learning how to walk again. Rúmil, Orophin and Celeborn helped to steady him, while I coaxed him forward.

Every evening, we would poke his feet with a very thin darning needle, and at first, he felt nothing, but once he started to feel the slight pricks, Celeborn hauled him up by his arms and put him on his feet for the first time in a month.

At the moment, he had his arms braced upon his brothers. Celeborn stood behind him, his hands lightly placed upon his back, and I stood in front of him, my hands held out in case he lost his grip.

“Hey, are you holding up well, Haldir?” I smiled at him while he slid his foot in front of him. “You are walking better… Or should I say shuffling.”

I heard Celeborn’s snort of laughter as I backed up a step.

Haldir’s face was contorted in concentration and pain. His muscles were stiff having not been used for a month, and trying to walk was torture. “I… will walk by the end of this month.”

“Listen to Haughty Haldir. Let us see if he can do this.”

He lifted his head, his eyes sparkling in fire. “Dina!” he snarled, gnashing his teeth in frustration.

I laughed gently and shook my head. “I know you will, Haldir. I just enjoy teasing you.”

Orophin looked at me and then dipped his head, speaking softly in the March Warden’s ear. He laughed when Haldir’s head shot up, locking eyes with me before he lowered them shyly, his face becoming red.

Celeborn gave a soft laugh, and gently stopped Haldir’s shuffling steps with a firm touch upon his back. “Let us stop for the moment, Haldir, as you have nearly walked the length of the talan, and soon Vendea would be out of room. Indeed, she would be upon the steps, which I am not sure you wish to navigate.”

Rúmil laughed. “She should not be –“

I cut him off. “You and your middle brother are being unbearable pests when it comes to me. I shall be fine as your brother is watching out for me, as is Lord Celeborn.” I gave a long suffering sigh. “As is the Lady, so rest assured that I am within quite capable hands.”

Orophin laughed as he and Rúmil lowered Haldir back among the pillows, Celeborn drawing some water from my carafe to wash Haldir down with.

“Mani?” I asked crossly as I walked over to kneel behind Haldir. “The Lady will not allow me to go gallivanting around anymore, so I am forced to stay in my talan, and the Lady will send up things she believes I need.” I brushed the back of my fingers against Haldir’s cheek. “Little does she realize that I only need this one here…” I leaned over in front of him, and fitted my lips to his with precision.

I pulled back, my eyes shining as Haldir’s were. “I need no other.”

The brothers laughed at us when Celeborn came back with two bowls of water, one that was cool water, the other had Athelas in the water to steep.

“We will wash you down with cool water, and then bathe you in Althelas.” With soft fingers, Celeborn washed down his back and arms, while I gently took another cloth to wash his front and face.

Haldir sighed, his head leaning against my shoulder as I gently ran the cloth over his face. “See? Getting cared for is not that bad.”

“Not when it is your soft hands,” he whispered as he caught my hand in his and gently kissed my palm.

I laughed, flexing my fingers in his hand. “As I recall, not to long ago you fought me.”

His lips trailed over my wrist and I shivered. “My apologies, lirimaer,” he whispered as he gently took my wrist between his teeth and nipped.

Shuddering, I smoothly pulled my wrist from his grasp. "A'mael," I whispered. "Now is not the time..."

"Indeed," Rúmil laughed. "She should ashamed of herself for thinking such thoughts when you are in such a state!"

Orophin threw a pillow at his younger brother. “Leave them be, brother.”

“But why? Is it not fun to see them squirm?” Rúmil asked, holding his hands up in defense.

“Just because it is fun to make them uncomfortable, does not me that you do it all the time, Rúmil,” Celeborn’s cool head prevailed. “Allow them to touch one another without restraint. Your sister carries a child, and your brother is in a far more playful mood than before. Allow them this.”

Orophin’s hands settled behind him as he sat, stretching down to his toes. “Besides, Haldir can care for any needs she might have.” He smiled, mischief twinkling in his eyes.

“Somehow, that does not bother me as much as it should,” I replied with a smile, swiftly braiding back Haldir’s silver hair into a long plait. I paused and thought for a moment. “You two are beyond doubt unruly.” I turned and smiled at them, my fingers finally finishing off his braid. “However, I do not believe I would be able to live anymore without either of you.” I laughed slightly. “I have grown attached to you.”

“That is sweet of you to say,” Orophin laughed slightly, coming over to brush his fingers across her cheek.

We tried very hard to ignore the darkness that crept around the world, keeping in touch with the great trees, keeping them strong and making them happy that we were still here for the moment.

I felt Haldir sigh, pressing his forehead against my neck, his hand settling against the swell of my belly.

This little life was a hope for all who knew, and it kept us thinking, believing and hoping that the little hobbit would survive and would triumph.