Haldir: *walks quietly through the woodlands, to a clearing he knows well, along the riverbank. Watching the man who was/is his bondmate. Standing there for a long moment before finally coming closer.*
Faramir: *is aware of another's presence, something tickles at his mind, a familar feel. He turns and regards the elf. Nodding, feeling this is no threat, he indicates a place next to him*
Haldir: *sits down beside the man, watching him, freezing his features into his memory. Very lightly tracing a hand along his face, hesitant, barely audible whisper.* I love you.
Faramir: *smiling at the touch, eyes blinking as he hears a familiar voice, veil lifting at the words* I love you too, Haldir. *studies your face, the expression* You came to say goodbye. You wil not seek me in the woods any longer?
Haldir: *trying to breath from the pain in his chest, hand still on Faramir's face. Just watching, voice still quiet and trying not to break though it wavers.* You will not be here if I come back, will you.
Faramir: If you feel I will not be here, then I suppose I may not. I seem to remain for those that wish me to. Another came yesterday, he may still be in the caves. A woman came last week, she tried to bring me back with her, I think. I remained. And now you come. My heart knows you. When I go, that brand will remain. I do not understand anything more than that. You have marked me, and that will remain forever.
Haldir: *trying hard to keep his hands from shaking, tucking a loose lock of Faramir's hair behind his ear.* An eternity alone. I do not wish that. But I will .... I will hope... *long quiet* I will hope that I see you again... another place perhaps. *suddenly looking very old and tired, placing a hand over Faramir's heart* You will always hold my heart, it was claimed, my soul was claimed by you and will always be yours no matter what the future holds. I thought ... I thought we would have more time. To finish things... to complete things... perhaps I was wrong... I was wrong. *eyes stinging, trying to blink back tears* I am so sorry.
Faramir: Why are you sorry, Haldir? You have done nothing wrong. Time takes its own path, and we must go where it takes us. I do not wish this for you, but what can I do? *fingers touching the skin next to your eyes, feeling the dampness* Do not apologize for being everything to me. All else is gone, but I know you. And when I am alone, I will still be yours. It can be no other way for me. *notices the ring still on my finger* It still shines, it has not tarnished at all.
Haldir: *not speaking, breathing raggedly as he watches the man, taking his hand and holding it to his face, pressing against it with eyes squeezed shut* As mine will never tarnish. It still shines just as brightly if not brighter.
Faramir: *quietly, gripping your hand hard* Then perhaps they will be beacons to guide our way. This thought comforts me. You comfort me. *letting my tears spill unnoticed down my cheeks* Haldir.... I have been at peace, the quiet has soothed away much heartache. But now that it is all gone, and all I have left is you, and I realize we are parting... I am frightened. How will I know you are safe, that you thrive? Our bond...
Haldir: *swallowing hard, feeling the bond what was once renewed faded to the quiet burn that was always there, even when I knew you within another face and another time so long ago. A deep shuddering breath, still difficult to remain steady. The pain in my chest, worse than any arrow wound.* I am frightened too. I would rather face a Balrog than face this, but we have no choice in the matter. *teeth still clenched, wanting to hold you close but wanting to continue taking in the sight of you* The bond will...diminish but always remain to be renewed, given new life. Only put to sleep to be awakened. My soul will always recognize yours. Always. *finally grabbing you, pulling you against me tightly* I love you. I love you my fironnín, my love, my life, my breath. I love you.
Faramir: *clutching at your back, pulling so close to be almost painful, grateful, thankful, clarity of mind returned in matters such as this* Only going to sleep. This is fitting. I am a man who must dream, my dreams are who I am. I may dream a new life, and I may awaken to find you again. I will hold this hope in my mind, and my heart. I wish it. Haldir, I wish it, I love you beyond this lifetime. I will prove that to be true.
