breaking the ice

Chapter terninrning comes

Erestor blinked when the first rays of the day caressed his face. He sat up puzzled by his surprisingly peaceful sleep. He looked around his room but nothing had changed. He shrugged his shoulders and quickly dressed himself. He had a lot of work to do before breakfast.

He hurried to the door and pulled it open, only to jump back when a bundle of elf fell backwards. His eyes widened in horror as he saw Rumil sprawled before his feet, shaking his head to get rid of the remnants of sleep. Their conversation returned to Erestor and he suddenly felt a great admiration towards Rumil. Sleeping outside a door could not be comfortable. And at the same time his fear for him grew.
He did not return the smile Rumil gave him but stepped over him in one fluid motion.

Rumil was on his feet in less than a second and followed Erestor. “Where are you going? It’s too early for breakfast?” Erestor did not answer but continued walking. Rumil sped up and came into step beside him, noticing Erestor’s sharp intake of breath.
He held his silence for a while but noticed Erestor’s sideways glances and the relieve at finding him still present. But he also saw the fear. It was a combination that puzzled him. He wished Galadriel or Celeborn were here to talk to. Certainly they knew how to proceed.

“I guess I have to go to my brothers this afternoon. And you are coming with me. I don’t want Haldir to think I am giving up, or in.”
Erestor shook his head. “I’m busy.”
“With what?”
“Work.”
Rumil smiled. “Then let me help. Two can get more work done and I’d like to help. Tomorrow I will return to the attic.”
Erestor shook his head again. “I’m sure Elrohir has something planned for you.”
“I am sure he does but I prefer spending my time with you. Besides, I still haven’t forgiven them, so I cannot possibly go spend time with them. No, we stuck with each other, I’m afraid.”

Suddenly Erestor stopped and looked straight at him, his head cocked to the left side. This pose was new to Rumil and he wondered what to expect. He waited patiently for Erestor’s next move.

Just as suddenly Erestor turned and continued walking, never uttering a word.
Rumil shrugged his shoulders as he fell into step beside him.

Erestor entered the room and sat behind his desk, fully intend on working through this morning’s load. Rumil looked around in wonder. The place seemed disorganized and yet within a weirdly system of its own.

“Do you need something sorted out?” Erestor continued working as if Rumil weren’t even there. Rumil shrugged his shoulder. “I’ll take that as a no. Want me to read something out?” No reply.
“Or to take notes?” Silence.
“I could also thi things up for you.” Erestor only dipped his quill in the ink and started writing on a new document.
Rumil smiled mischievously. “I could tell you of my childhood.” Usually that remark was returned with the kind inquiry whether or not it had ended. But Erestor voiced nothing.

Rumil rubbed his nose and nodded to himself. “Ok, I’ll just think of something myself.” He paused for a moment and started talking on some embarrassing moment of his youth. Erestor never gave any indication he was aware of Rumil’s presence or chattering but Rumil noticed Erestor’s slight tremble and the quick hidden glances his way.

He poured himself some water and filled a second glass as well. Without asking he came to a halt before Erestor. He knew Erestor was aware of his location and waited for the other to stop writing. Only then did he extend his hand with the glass. “Would you like a drink?” Erestor didn’t say or do anything. Rumil set the glass down where it hovered, in the centre of the table. If Erestor wanted to continue he had to touch it.

But Erestor did not. Instead he raised his head and glared at Rumil who smiled back. He had expected, rather hoped, for such an action. “Do you want something filed?” Erestor’s eyes turned to glass and then back to Rumil: a silent order to remove it.
Rumil played ignorant. “You want me to remove the glass?” His posture told Erestor he would not do so without a confirmation. Sighing he turned and grabbed the glass. Rumil smiled. “I find the water here better than at ‘Lóriën. I’m sure you’ve noticed the differences too. I’ll pour you a second.”

He retrieved the pitcher and returned to Erestor’s side only to find Erestor standing, the glass still full. “Not thirsty?” He was surprised to see Erestor throw the water at him in answer. Before he was aware of what was happening Erestor had grabbed the pitcher and emptied it over Rumil.

When the water shower was over Rumil blew a wet lock out of his face and grinned. “If you wanted me to take a shower, you could have asked you know. Or do you prefer me wet?”
“I’d prefer you silent.”
Rumil grinned, glad he finally had evoked some words from Erestor. “Sorry, Erestor, no can do. I’d do a lot for you and I would certainly try holding my tongue for you, if that would please you, but I cannot do that. Everybody keeps telling me my mouth never stops. And according to Phin sn’tsn’t even connected to my brain. Sometimes I think he’s right and I know you think the same. What about our game, we never finished it because Haldir showed up. And I still haven’t apologized for his behaviour to you. First the twins and then Haldir and all because of me. I am sorry, Erestor, I really am, but they are blind and don’t see beyond their noses.”

Erestor grinned at those words and he smiled at Rumil when he looked at him questioningly. “I just saw Elladan and Elrohir with noses the size of mountains.” He continued grinning and smiled as Rumil started laughing at that image.
He shook his head and closed his eyes defeated. /What is happening? Why can’t I control this? Him? Myself?/ “You’re like an elephant. Just as thick-skinned and impossible to talk to.”
Rumil smiled. “So everybody tells me.”
Erestor sighed. “Take a seat then and I’ll tell you what to do.”

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Glorfindel woke to the sensation of someone caressing his hair. He smiled as he looked at Elrond’s hair and shoulder. He didn’t move, partly because he enjoyed it too much and partly because he was afraid Elrond might vanish if he did.

Elrond smiled sadly when he noticed. “Good morning, meleth nin. You are gorgeous in you sleep as well.”

Glorfindel raised his head to meet Elrond’s eyes and smiled. The fact that he also blushed was very alluring to the Peredhel. He wanted nothing more than to kiss him right now but there was something they needed to address first. “Will you tell me what scares you? Fear practically seeps from you.”

Glorfindel closed his eyes and swallowed, fully intending to fight this and put up a brave front. “Nothing’s wrong. Just some left over anxiety from last night.”
But Elrond wasn’t having it. “Is it me?”
The blond opened his eyes with alarming speed. “Nay.” Elrond’s eyes twinkled, the message bright and clear. There -was- something bothering the blond and it -wasn’t- about last night.

Glorfindel sighed and closed his eyes. He didn’t wish to see the loathing in Elrond’s eyes when he told him. “I do not know what to expect next and I… I don’t want to find out this isn’t real. I know it’s not a dream but still….” He just didn’t want to disappoint Elrond.

The Peredhel smiled in understanding and tightened his embrace. “Neither do I, Glorfindel.” His smile warmed when Glorfindel looked at him. “I also don’t know what to expect, Glorfindel. You are my first male lover and all I know is that it differs from loving a woman.”
He sniffed. “And the only real experience I’ve had there is Celebrían and I didn’t even love her as much as I love you.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m also afraid, Glorfindel. Afraid of disappointing you.”
Glorfindel silenced him with a fleeting kiss. “You could never disappoint me, Elrond.”
“Then why don’t you kiss me properly or touch me? You just lie there, hardly returning my embrace. Do I have to order you to love me or do you really love me?” Before he knew it his body was pressed back and Glorfindel possessed his mouth in a passionate kiss.

When it ended he voiced his love for Elrond and kissed him again. “I fear you were right last night. It had its effects on me. I’ll fight them but..”
Elrond nodded. “I’ll help you and I have all the patience in the world.” Seeing the blond raise his eyebrows, indicating Elrond was anything but, he grinned. “Only with you.”

He claimed Glorfindel’s lips again, raising his hips to let Glorfindel know he wanted him. Glorfindel gasped and pulled back. “Melamin?”
Glorfindel swallowed and looked shy. “I’m sorry Elrond. I don’t know what to do.”
Elrond squinted his eyes. “What do you mean?”
Glorfindel fought to keep his breathing normal. “You’re also my first and I’ve never……I don’t want to hurt you.”

He looked surprised to see Elrond laughing. The Peredhel quickly sobered and caressed Glorfindel skin. “You had no trouble taking me last night.” He smiled understandingly. “You had me writhing, Glorfindel. I desire you, your touch, your kisses, -you-. I take it you were acting out your dream.”
At the blond’s nod he smiled seductively. “Feel free to act out your fantasies on me. I’m your willing subject.”

Glorfindel’s eyes widened at those words. He was certain Elrond would not be saying that if he knew his fantasies. But Elrond smiled. “I know your fantasies, Glorfindel, for I share them. I want to make love with you everywhere.”
Glorfindel smiled back, knowing Elrond spoke the truth. He had always fantasized more about the places than the act itself.

He leaned in to kiss his lover but stopped when he saw Elrond’s wicked smile. “You know what I look forward too?” Glorfindel shook his head. “Finding out what our favourite positions will be.”
Elrond smiled at Glorfindel’s blush and he caressed his cheek. “Never stop blushing, melme. It’s so sexy.”

Glorfindel smiled and kissed Elrond, jumping up when he touched something sharp, before following Elrond in a serious laughter. He had leaned on a pineapple, that had somehow made its way inside the room and bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“But what is wrong?”
Haldir was growling at the twins, who had led them to the healing house, but had continuously avoided answering their questions.

Orophin was panting hard, but a smile surfaced. “His pain is lessening.” Then he frowned. “But he still cries out for help. I do not understand this.”

He leaned on the servant as they approached the bed, though he now could walk unaided. His own actions surprised him. When he was seated on the bed he smiled gratefully at him. “Thank you, mellon nin, for taking care of me. But I don’t even know your name.” He ignored Haldir’s look of disapproval that flashed towards him.

But Elladan smiled as he sat down besides Orophin. “Well, let me do the formal introduction then. This is Sílagalad and you already know Orophin, don’t you? He hails from my grandparents’ realm and is one of the best Galadhrim. And Sílagalad, or Silcalon in Quenya, though originally it was Fainacalon, but you can see why it has been changed. But he’s one of father’s best smiths.”

Orophin grinned at Elladan’s enthusiasm, though he did not understand why the Peredhel acted this way. “Then why are you working at the manor as a servant?”
Elladan laughed and jovially answered, ignoring the other’s reddening cheeks. “He’s had an unfortunate accident some months ago and father forbade him to be around hot fire for at least a year. So he took him on to make up for the loss. He does have a wife and son to take care of.”

Orophin smiled. “I see. But you are successfully steering my attention away. Where is Ru and what’s wrong with him?”
Elrohir grinned. “Relax, Orophin, or your leg will never heal and you’ll never be rid of father’s fussing. Do you promise to rest if I go see if I can find Rumil?”
Haldir growled. “I’ll make sure he rests.”

Orophin shook his head. “O no, you don’t. I don’t know what is going on, but I don’t trust either of you Peredhel at the moment.”
Elladan raised his hands in mock offence. “But Orophin, father said” Orophin shook his head. “I don’t care, Elladan. I need to know Ru is all right.”

He looked at the servant. “Four names…. Which one do you prefer I use?”
“Everybody calls me Sílagalad, my lord.”
Orophin waved the title away. “We’ve already discussed that I will not be addressed thusly. Well, Sílcalon, will you please find my other brother and ask him to come. And then take rest or something. Visit your wife and child.”

Haldir shook his head at Orophin’s choice and the shock on the servant’s face. “Don’t worry, Phin here always needs to stand out and be different. Only logical he uses a different name as well. He’s right; please see Rumil is all right. I’d do it myself but someone has to keep an eye on these three.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Erestor had enjoyed working with Rumil. It had made the time pass by quicker than normal and he already looked forward to spending more time together. And that realisation terrified him.

Rumil noticed the probing glances Erestor kept sending his way and he continued working, forcing his thoughts not to stray from the task at hand. He could not help a blush from spreading though. Erestor’s proximity and looks were warming him.

Erestor wondered about that blush. At first he had thought it to be from fear and that Rumil was just better at hiding it than everybody else. But he had already established the fact Rumil would never fear him so he had dismissed it instantly. But now he wondered what did cause it and why. The longer he looked at Rumil and the more he thought about it, the less he understood. When he was finally convinced he should address the door opened.

Elrond walked inside smiling warmly at the two other elves. Erestor detected a different air about him and he nodded in greeting. “Erestor, Rumil. I came here to see if Erestor might know where you were, Rumil, but here you are. I’ve just been informed Orophin is here and is worried about you.”

He sat down casually on the desk and touched Rumil’s shoulder. “Will you see him?”
Rumil stood and nodded. “Where is he?”
Elrond returned his warm smile and read his fear. “In his rooms, with Haldir. And when I heard the twins were there as well.” Seeing Rumil tremble a little his smile saddened. “Would you like some company?”

Rumil nodded. He felt little and insignificant that he was too afraid to face his brothers alone right now. Elrond rose and approached him. “Well, it’s almost breakfast time anyway. Why don’t we all go to the dining room from there. Erestor?” Erestor understood Elrond’s intentions and rose to his feet. Together the three elves made their way to Orophin and Haldir.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Haldir and Orophin looked towards the door when it opened and were glad to see their brother entering after Elrond. Orophin noticed Haldir’s eyes darkened when Erestor entered as well.

Rumil swallowed. Now that he was here he was suddenly afraid and tempted to run away. But then he felt a calming and supporting hand in his lower back and he relaxed. He was grateful Elrond understood.

The Peredhel addressed the two Galadhrim. “Orophin, Haldir, I wish you a good morning and hope you’ll join us for breakfast. I heard Orophin was in some amount of pain? You seem to have recovered.”
Orophin nodded. “Aye.” He looked at Rumil and wondered why his brother wasn’t yet hugging him and shouting at him for worrying him.

Elrond smiled and approached him. “I’d like to take a look at it now and in the meantime you can explain your behaviour of last night, Haldir.” His eyes briefly settled on Haldir, showing the March Warden he would not appreciate another scene.
Haldir, on the edge of another breakout held back. He could see Elrond would have no trouble separating him from his brothers if need be.

As Rumil saw Elrond walk forward he wondered why his hand was still on his back. But then he realised it hadn’t been Elrond’s hand thatthat Erestor had reached out to comfort him. He looked sideways and to throw him a grateful glance but Erestor’s eyes were fixed on something else. Rumil could see hatred in them.
He followed his look and saw Erestor was staring at Haldir, daring the Galadhrim to make a scene. He didn’t understand and looked puzzled, making Orophin frown but then he realised it was yesterday’s result. /He really -is- my friend. He’s just afraid to admit it./

He cleared his throat, not really knowing what to say. What Haldir had done was practically unforgivable and he had no desire for another fight. After drawing in some breath he made his way over to the bed, taking comfort in Elrond’s presence to prevent any fights.

“Phin, what happened?”
Orophin shrugged. “You tell me, its your pain.” He hissed when Elrond probed his wound a bit too hard. “Yesterday, at the Bruinen I sensed your emotional despair. Haldir came here did he not?” Haldir growled at the insinuation.
Rumil nodded. “Then what happened? After he left I mean? Your pain nearly killed me Ru. I want to aid you but I am useless with Elrond forbidding me to use my leg.”

Elrond shook his head at the words but remained silent, purposefully taking a long time examining the leg. He was certain Orophin could run again in a few days.

Haldir placed his hand on Rumil’s shoulder, intended to ask what had happened. He was sure Erestor was the source of Rumil’s pain.
Rumil shook it off. “Don’t you touch me. I am no longer your brother, remember? Your words, not mine.” He shook in anger and his eyes shot daggers at Haldir.

Orophin jumped up, not caring that he knocked Elrond to the ground with the action. He pulled his younger brother close. “What? Ru, what are you saying? Haldir?” Neither of the others spoke and Orophin feared this might get out of hand. “Can someone please tell me what is going on?”

He was surprised to hear Erestor’s voice. “Haldir thinks he is Rumil’s keeper, that’s what’s going on. Your elder brother is a walking menace, especially to Rumil. And I wont allow it.” Elrond had to hold back a chuckle at the words.

Haldir glared at Erestor. “Excuse me? You have nothing to say. You may be Elrond’s chief counsellor and just about the worst enemy any elf could wish for, but that doesn’t mean I will stand by and watch you hurt my brother.”
Erestor snorted. “The only one doing the stabbing is you, Haldir.”

He turned to Elrond. “My Lord, I will not be attending breakfast for I still have to write lord Celeborn a letter, taking him to let us bask in the charm that is their realm.” He turned to go but Haldir forced him around, grabbing his shoulders. “Are you insulting me?”
Erestor’s cold and unnerving eyes settled on Haldir. “If you feel that description does not suit you it says more of how you see yourself than it does of my opinion towards you. Now kindly release me.”

He stepped back and walked to the door. Before he left he turned. “What I don’t understand about you, Haldir of Lothlóriën, is why you strife on insulting your brother? For that is all you seem to be doing.” With that he left.

Elrond now came to stand before Haldir, firmly grasping his shoulders. “Erestor is right. You might act out of care and love, your actions are hurting Rumil. Erestor did not hurt Rumil.”
Haldir snorted. “Not yet, but he will.”
Elrond smiled at him. “Are you saying that because this is Erestor or because love has hurt you?” He planted a parental kiss on Haldir’s forehead. “Come, Rumil, Orophin, we shall leave your brother to do some thinking on his own. I think he needs some solitude right now.” He guided the other two out of the room.

In the corridor he smiled at Rumil. “Don’t worry. Haldir will overcome his grief and rejoice your love.” Wide eyes fastened on him and he smiled. “I have ways of finding things out. Don’t give up on him.” Rumil knew Elrond meant both Haldir and Erestor and he nodded. He had no intention of doing so.

End chapter 10
TBC

Translations

Sílagalad & Silcalon both mean he who shines (lit: shines white or silver light) The first is Sindarin and the second Quenya, as you could have read.
Fainacalon means he who shines (only now it’s normal light and not silver or white)