Author's Notes: This takes place sometime in between the prologue and first chapter of 'Reasons To Fight, Reasons To Wed'. This fic contains eventual Haldir/Glorfindel slash and verbal and physical abuse! The focus is on Glorfindel and Haldir, not Aragorn and Legolas, though both will have a brief mention at some point in this fic. Elvish is in ' '. Only the unknown characters belong to me!

Delusions

Part 1. Arriving

A single, lone Elf walked silently through the forest of Lothlorien.

The numerous trees were lit up with the sunlight that beamed down on them, illuminating them. The rowan, ash, pine, and hemlock trees shone with perfect health and the natural light of Lothlorien, and their different leaves were mostly green, though a few pine needles were a burnt red. The ground beneath the Elf's feet was soft and springy, as only fresh, green grass could be, and the flowers nearby gave off a sweet smell, lightening his spirits.

The solitary Elf was handsome to behold, with a strong profile and long, golden hair, which currently was pulled back with a clip, keeping it off of his face. His skin was pale, as most Elves' skin tended to be, and his ears, which showed clearly, were pointed. Right now, a brooding expression was in his deep, blue eyes.

His clothes were fine and smooth, made of some of the finest cloth produced in Rivendell, as befit an Elven lord. The perfectly fitting shirt was the color of the new leaves, a shade of green, while the tunic he wore over it was light in color; a pale blue-grey. His low-fitting leggings were a teal color, but not so bright that they would attract unwanted attention, and his boots were a dark grey. A sword hung low at his waist, attached to the black belt that he wore, and a bow was slung across his back, along with a quiver full of arrows. His firm muscles showed clearly through the clothes that appeared to cling to his body, outlining every move or gesture that he made.

Glorfindel knew that he was being watched; he was not a young, impatient Elf and easily distracted. He merely continued walking, ignoring the eyes that watched him, for the Elven lord knew that if it was an enemy that watched him, he would already have been attacked. And Glorfindel also knew that no enemies traveled this far into Lothlorien without being executed or sent away by the Galadhrim.

Sure enough, as Glorfindel ventured deeper into the forest, heading for the heart of the beautiful woods in Lothlorien, two Elves confronted him.

'State your name, stranger,' a voice said from the shadows.

A second voice added, 'Before we decide that you are no Kin.' His voice was haughtier than the other voice.

'Show yourselves first, so I may know who I am identifying myself to,' Glorfindel countered, feeling a twinge of annoyance.

Two Elves stepped forward.

One was dark-haired, which was surprising,, considering that most Elves in Lothlorien had pale hair. His skin was light, but it was his eyes that drew Glorfindel's attention. They were sharp, calculating, and dark, which made the Elven lord feel slightly uneasy.

Instead of the customary colors that the 'Lorien Elves wore, he wore dark, rusty, red leggings, with a black shirt on. The color perfectly matched his dark hair, which was long; long enough to hang lower than his shoulders. Black boots were on his feet, and he wore no tunic. As Elves go, he was not unpleasant to behold, but the faint, slightly cold smile on his face was enough to turn any away. The same could not be said for his companion.

An obviously younger Elf than the other one, this Elf was much more handsome to behold. A sly smile was on his face, but it added to his pleasant features. Pale, blond hair flowed freely past his shoulders, the exact same shade as Glorfindel's own. Amused azure eyes met the slightly darker blue eyes of the Elven lord, and a grin appeared on his face. He wore light, grey leggings, and a green tunic, with a tan shirt. His boots were green as well and shifted slightly. The clothes he wore followed every graceful movement he made.

Glorfindel was surprised to find himself intently looking at the other blond Elf, until a smirk appeared on his face, for he had been caught staring.

'Who are you?' the other one demanded, stepping possessively between Haldir and the strange Elf that had just come.

Haldir was amused that the admittedly very attractive Elf had been caught staring at him, though he was glad that he had not been caught staring as well. Haldir had not seen such a striking Elf before in Lothlorien, save for Lord Celeborn and Rissan, who was scowling currently at the stranger.

Haldir was annoyed that Rissan was treating him like a child, as if he needed protection. After all, the new Elf was not threatening them in any way so far.

'I am Glorfindel of Imladris, known also as Rivendell,' Glorfindel answered.

Rissan frowned, trying to remember an Elf by that name.

Haldir exclaimed, 'Let him be, Rissan! He is an Elven lord.' Haldir took a better look at the Elven lord, for he had heard his name many times by the other Elves in Lothlorien.

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow at the interested look that the young one was giving him. He was taken aback when a wink was given to him, before the two Elves offered their names.

'I am Rissan,' the dark-haired Elf said abruptly, as if his mind was on other things.

Haldir murmured, 'And I am Haldir. I hope that your stay in Lothlorien will be pleasant, Lord Glorfindel.' He was genuinely curious about the Elven lord, for he had been told many tales of this Elf by the older Galadhrim, and he wondered if all of the stories were true.

Glorfindel merely nodded, not liking the way Haldir had emphasized 'Lord'.

Rissan was annoyed when he saw the two staring at each other again. 'Would you like an escort to see the Lord and Lady?' he offered, hiding his annoyance.

'That is not necessary,' Glorfindel stated flatly.

'We insist, don't we, Rissan,' Haldir said, giving them both a broad grin. A mischievous look appeared in his eyes, making him appear very fey. 'Our Lord and Lady would be upset if we did not perform our duty and take you to them.'

Glorfindel's annoyance grew at Haldir's boldness. Why were the young so bold and arrogant, he wondered. It never failed to irritate him, for Glorfindel had seen many, many millennia, and he needed no guide to where Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn waited. To his vague surprise, Rissan seemed to echo his exasperation. That Elf Glorfindel disliked already, though he had no reason to. But his feelings were usually right, so Glorfindel stored his perception away for now.

Rissan grudgingly nodded, annoyed because he and Haldir had come out here to be alone, not to escort visitors around. It wasn't even their turn to patrol, although obviously, whoever's turn it had been had failed in their duty.

Glorfindel firmly stated, 'I would know my way around Lothlorien blind, young ones. You must have better things to do than lead someone around who has been here many times.'

'Must we?' Haldir teased. 'You are well known in Lothlorien, though I do not recall hearing that you learned your way around blindfolded.'

'I was not blindfolded,' Glorfindel informed Haldir, trying not to insult him, but his irritation was growing.

Haldir jested, 'Then how would you know your way around 'Lorien blind?' A triumphant look appeared in his eyes when Glorfindel didn't answer. He shot a grin over to Rissan, but his smile faded at the scowl on his lover's face. 'Rissan, is something wrong?'

'Nothing, Haldir, except that we have plans this afternoon, remember?' Rissan pointedly said.

'Then let me not keep you from them,' Glorfindel interjected. He didn't want to hear about any plans that the two younger Elves had made, because jealousy, for some insane reason, was a sharp, bitter taste inside of him right now.

Rissan was pleased to hear those words, and they lessened his grievance with the Elven lord before them. He looked at Haldir, who simply shrugged. 'Then we should go, Haldir,' Rissan impatiently said.

'I suppose we must be denied the pleasure of your company then, Lord Glorfindel. Do enjoy yourself while you are here, for there are many delights to be had in Lothlorien,' Haldir teased, before he turned to Rissan. 'Let's go, my friend, lest Lord Celeborn call us in to do something else.'

The two Elves walked off together, leaving behind a relieved Elf, who continued walking the instant they were out of sight.

That young one- Haldir- actually had the audacity to tease him, Glorfindel scornfully reflected. He had no patience for foolish young Elves, who did nothing more than dally around with whomever their current partner was, and who delighted in being arrogant. It was obvious to Glorfindel that Haldir knew just how eye-catching he was, for his self-assuredness and unwavering gaze spoke volumes. As for that other one… Glorfindel would waste not time thinking of him. He had more important things to do.

The Elven lord eventually reached the heart of 'Lorien, where he was warmly greeted by Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.

'I am here for two reasons, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel,' Glorfindel told them, his tone respectful and courteous.

Lady Galadriel said dispassionately, 'Speak, Glorfindel.' Her eyes never wavered from the Elf who stood before her and Celeborn.

Glorfindel stated, 'It has been confirmed that Gondor's King and Queen have fallen, and the heir to the throne now resides in Imladris, being raised by Lord Elrond himself as his son, until such time as Aragorn can take the throne.'

Celeborn sighed, and said, 'It is as we feared, then. Our allies in Gondor are deceased.'

'Yes, Lord Celeborn. The people of Gondor managed to keep the Kingdom itself from falling, and Elrond's spies have learned that a Steward is going to take charge of Gondor, at least until Aragorn is old enough.'

'So it will be,' Galadriel murmured. 'Aragorn is a mere child now and cannot rule. Why else have you come?'

Glorfindel bit back his own sigh. 'Lord Elrond feels that it would be beneficial for me to spend some time away from Imladris, since I have not done so these two millennia past. It is his will that I stay here for at least a few months, preferably a year.'

Celeborn nodded. 'Make yourself at home, Glorfindel. We gladly welcome you.'

Those words reminded Glorfindel of what Haldir had said to him earlier about him being well known in Lothlorien. Flustered, the Elven lord requested that he be taken to a suitable talen to rest. The journey from Rivendell to Lothlorien had been tiring, though he was loath to admit it.

Galadriel turned to one of the Elven servants. 'Fetch Rissan or Haldir,' she said, in her non-demanding voice, though authority echoed in it.

The servant bowed and left to find one of the two.

Glorfindel inwardly groaned. Either Haldir or Rissan was to find him a place to sleep? He didn't relish the thought at all, but he knew that he needed rest. His fatigue forced him to hide back the yawns he struggled to stifle.

In a relatively short time, Haldir walked in, led by the servant. His hair was messier than it had been earlier, and his clothes were slightly wrinkled.

'You wanted to see me, Lady Galadriel?' Haldir questioned, before respectfully kneeling before her and Lord Celeborn. Part of him resented being dragged away from his time with Rissan, but he knew his duty too well.

'Escort Lord Glorfindel to one of the empty talens, Haldir,' Galadriel said neutrally.

Haldir nodded and looked at Glorfindel. 'Follow me, please,' he requested.

The Elven lord did so silently, as the appealing younger Elf easily glided through the low branches and bushes, leading the way towards the guest talens. Haldir occasionally glanced back to ensure that Glorfindel was keeping up, for he didn't want to leave the Rivendell Elf behind.

'Are you still with me, Lord Glorfindel?' he questioned, a teasing glint in his eyes, when he saw that the Elven lord was falling behind slightly. 'I would not like having to tell my Lord or Lady that I lost you.'

Glorfindel merely frowned his disapproval of Haldir's antics.

Haldir's grin grew wider. 'You don't like me, do you?'

'I haven't known you long enough to decide that,' Glorfindel carefully answered. Though he had decided that while he was put off by the younger Elf's slight arrogance, there was something strangely appealing about him.

'Don't you mean, you don't know me well enough?' Haldir countered, before he stopped underneath an empty talen. 'Do enjoy your rest, Lord Glorfindel.' The 'Lorien Elf walked away, before the other Elf could say anything. Though the crimson flush that had appeared on that handsome face was most attractive…

Glorfindel muttered, 'Foolish young one.' He climbed up the tree and into the talen and, after removing his shoes, lay down on the mattress. He could hear the faint echo of laughter as Haldir walked away, obviously very amused at his response to his pointed statement.

Glorfindel's opinion had changed. No, he did not like Haldir, when the younger Elf did naught but tease him and laugh at his expense. When he had been younger, Glorfindel remembered, young Elves had not been so impish and outspoken. To say such words like that to an Elven lord was unheard of!

'I don't like him,' Glorfindel stated aloud, before he let himself drift into sleep.

To be continued