Silent Song

Hi all, sorry for the delay on this chapter, was burned out after all those Christmas fics!

I've also written a prequal of sorts for this fic, which takes place shortly after the brothers parents died:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2169442/1/

Chapter 12

Rúmil adjusted the collar of his formal tunic, ensuring the high collar covered the scar on his throat. Most of the scars had faded, but this particular one and a few on his back had yet to disappear. Lord Elrond had assured him it was but a matter of time; however he had no desire to let them be seen, save by Lindir.

"You look wonderful." Lindir said, coming up behind him. Rúmil was dressed in white and gold, the colours of Lothlórien, and his hair was braided elaborately. Yet for all that he looked the guest of honour he was supposed to be, his heart was heavy. Tomorrow he would return home with his brothers and leave Lindir behind. Turning, he wrapped his arms around the minstrel, burying his face in the long hair.

"I know." Lindir murmured. "I don't want you to go either." He held tightly to the Galadhrim, wanting to hold on to him forever. Yet he had to release him, to finish getting ready, lest they be late.

Lindir was wearing pale blue, the colour that Rúmil had made it clear he liked best on him. The formal robe was embroidered with silver and the minstrel had braided a matching ribbon into his hair. He was a vision of beauty, one that Rúmil fully appreciated.

//He is so beautiful; his love is indeed a gift from the Valar.// He thought. //How I wish I could remain by his side.// He smiled sadly as Lindir pulled out of his embrace to slip his shoes on, completing his outfit. As he did so, Rúmil added the last item to his own attire, a small cylinder containing a roll of parchment and a charcoal pencil. It hug off of his belt so that he could get to it easily should the need arise. It had been a gift from Lord Elrond a few days ago and Rúmil had already found it extremely useful.

Lindir straightened, quickly smoothing down his robes and looking at Rúmil.
"Are you ready to go?" He asked.
Rúmil nodded in response and held out his hand. Lindir took it, and together they left the room and headed towards the Hall of Fire.

***************************

Rúmil looked around him, at all the people who had come to bid their farewells to he and Orophin. There were more than he would have expected, he had forgotten just how many people he had come to know since arriving in Imladris. It was with a heavy heart that he realised just how much he would miss them all.

//They have become such good friends, all of them.// He thought. //It is hard to know I must leave them on the morrow.// Looking over to the fireplace, he saw Lindir talking with Erestor. //But one will be harder than all others. Lindir... I wish I could tell you how much I love you and how it breaks my heart to leave you. I cannot write such feelings down; I can only hope you see what's in my heart. You are everything to me.//

"Rúmil!" he was jolted from his thoughts by the arrival of Glorfindel, who clasped his shoulder and handed him a glass of wine. He smiled at the Balrog-slayer and accepted the proffered glass, inclining his head in thanks as he did so.

"It seems as if our lovers have run off with each other!" Glorfindel laughed, waving to Lindir and Erestor and then draping his arm casually over Rúmil's shoulders. "Maybe we should do the same! He planted a loud kiss on Rúmil's cheek, causing the galadhel to slap him lightly upside the head, though more in amusement than real irritation. The two had become good friends since Rúmil's retraining and the balrog-slayer's naturally outgoing nature had helped Rúmil's self-esteem a great deal.

It was Glorfindel that Rúmil had approached with his concerns of Lindir's wellbeing after his departure, for the minstrel had no family in Imladris and would not have the kind of support that Rúmil would get from his brothers. Glorfindel had set Rúmil's mind at ease, promising to be there for Lindir. Though it was cold comfort compared to being there himself, he felt a little better knowing that Lindir would have friends nearby after he was gone.

He leaned comfortably in Glorfindel’s friendly embrace, enjoying the companionship of one who was dear to both he and his lover, as he let his gaze continue to scan the room. Every so often he would smile and nod as a friendly face passed by, almost glad that he did not have to engage them all in conversation.
Orophin, however, had not been so lucky and he smirked as he saw his younger brother caught in what appeared to be an extremely boring conversation, judging by the glazed look on Orophin’s face.

Looking past Orophin, to the far corner of the room he saw two other elves in an almost isolated spot, one sitting, and the other standing. His face lit up in delight as he recognized them both.
Excusing himself with a gesture and an affectionate squeeze of Glorfindel's shoulder, Rúmil caught Lindir's eye and pointed to where he was going. Lindir smiled and quickly hurried over, after a quick word with Erestor.

Rúmil waited as Lindir walked over to him, pulling him into a quick embrace as soon as he was close enough. Then he took the minstrel’s hand as they walked over to the two elves in the corner.

Thaliatar smiled as they approached, as did Mellachion, who sat in the chair nearby. Mellachion was still very weak and would be a long time in recovering, but recover he would. All had been shocked but delighted when he had regained consciousness just one day before Elrond was going to stop treatment and let him slip peacefully into Mandos' Halls. Since then he had improved daily and all were heartened by the progress he kept making.

He had improved to the point that, after some begging on Mellachion's part, Elrond had agreed to let him come to the party, so long as he did not over exert himself. Thaliatar had promised to look after him and so Elrond had relented.
Now he bore Thaliatar's fussing in good humour, knowing that it was his lover's way of reassuring himself as much as anything else.

"Rúmil, Lindir!" He extended a pale hand to them both, which Rúmil clasped first.
"How are you?" He asked; his gaze on Rúmil.
Knowing that the injured elf was probably not up to trying to understand his gestures and expressions, Rúmil reached for the parchment, quickly writing down that he was well, though sad to be leaving.

Mellachion nodded as he read the note, as did Thaliatar, who was reading it over his shoulder.
"You will be missed here." Thaliatar said. "But once Mella is fully healed, I hope we will be able you visit you in Lórien."
Rúmil smiled brightly, quickly taking the note back to add to it.
//I would like that, very much// He wrote.
“As would I,” Mellachion said, “I have never seen the Golden Wood, though I have longed to.” He smiled broadly. “Maybe we’ll even bring Lindir here with us.”

At that, Rúmil leaned forward and hugged Mellachion as hard as he dared, while Lindir expressed his own delight at that suggestion by embracing Thaliatar. Both of the guards laughed, though it was a sound tinged with sadness at the impending separation.

It was as Rúmil pulled back, his eyes bright with gratitude, that a loud gong sounded, followed by the summons to dinner.
“At last,” Thaliatar said with a grin, moving to help Mellachion to his feet, “I’m famished!”
“You’re always hungry!” Mellachion teased and then groaned as he stood. Rúmil stepped forward, concerned, but Mellachion waved him off.
“I’m fine,” He assured him, “I just feel like an elderly human!”
They all laughed at the comment, fussing over and teasing Mellachion as they moved slowly towards the dinner table, where the others were waiting for the guest of honour.

***************************

The chatter round the dinner table was happy and relaxed and Rúmil listened contently as he ate, contributing where he could, though this was limited, as it was tricky to write and eat at the same time.

Once the meal was over, plates had been cleared and glasses refilled, Elrond stood, raising his glass and looking at Rúmil.

"Rúmil, when you came to us, we feared for your life. So terribly hurt, we thought you would never recover. I am most pleased to have been wrong. You have shown remarkable courage and strength, proving yourself as a warrior time and again. You have rebuilt your life, become stronger than before and touched all our hearts in the process. Though, I think one heart has been touched more than the others." Elrond bestowed a warm smile on Lindir, who was sitting at Rúmil's side. "Tomorrow, on the orders of Lord Celeborn, you follow your brothers back to your home in the Golden Wood. Yet I would have you know that you and your family will always be welcome in Imladris and sincerely hope that it is not long until our paths cross once again.
I raise my glass to you, Rúmil of Lórien, may your future be bright."

Rúmil blushed as the toast was drunk, to cheers and clapping. When the noise settled down he rose, his own glass in hand and nodded briefly to Orophin. As Rúmil faced the room, Orophin gave voice to his brother's thoughts.

"I speak for my brother, who has asked me to convey this message to you." He said, pausing for a moment before continuing.

"My friends, when I first awoke here I thought my life was over. I thought I had no reason left to live. But your friendship and kindness never wavered, even in the depths of my despair. You stood by me, supported me and helped me. In you, I found a light in the darkness, one light shining brighter than all the others." Orophin smiled as Rúmil laid a loving hand on Lindir's shoulder. "I will miss you all and will never forget the kindness and love I found here in Imladris. Thank you."

Rúmil drank the toast, nodding his thanks to his brother, as applause even louder than before echoed round the hall. He really was going to miss this place and the people who had taken him in.

The party continued until long after midnight. Elladan and Orophin had slipped away early, Orophin having assured himself that Rúmil was well and that Lindir was by his side. He wished to spend one last night in Elladan's arms; he knew that Rúmil would wish for the same with Lindir, when they finally escaped.

*******************

Lindir looked down at Rúmil as he slept, his hair fanned out on the pillow. Moonlight still filled the room and as he caught sight of the travel pack lying ready by the door, he thought his heart would break.

They had made love again before going to sleep, but reverie evaded Lindir. In just a few hours, Rúmil would leave Imladris while he remained. When would he see him again? It was impossible to tell. Most likely Lord Celeborn would keep him in Lórien for a good while, until he was convinced of Rúmil's ability to perform his duties as one of the Galadhrim.

He was not as fortunate as Elladan - the twins often visited Lórien and Orophin would probably see his lover reasonably regularly. But he was no warrior. He had no reason to leave Imladris, nor did he have the skill to travel so far and protect himself. He would have to wait until Rúmil could return to him and he closed his eyes in pain, wondering how he could bear such a separation.

Opening his eyes again, he raised them to the heavens and prayed for a solution.

*****************

Morning came all too soon.

Rúmil awoke slowly, wishing to stay in the dreamland rather than having to face the day and the pain it was sure to bring. But as the sun rose higher in the sky his sense of duty took over and he reluctantly sat up.

Lindir was still asleep beside him, his face peaceful in slumber. Not wishing to disturb his lover’s peace any sooner than necessary, he did not wake him, but slipped out of the bed as carefully as he could, moving quickly to the bathroom to wash and dress.

For the first time in months he was wearing the uniform of the Galadhrim, though it wasn't new, but rather one of Orophin's that had been altered to fit him. Still, it felt good to wear the familiar greys again; the uniform of the Imladris Guard he'd worn for a while had never felt quite right. This was who he was and despite his pain at leaving Lindir, he knew that Lothlórien was where he belonged.

Once he had dressed, he slipped the last couple of items into his bag and tied it, before moving to sit on the edge of the bed. Leaning forward, he kissed Lindir softly, sitting back as he waited for him to wake.

Lindir blinked, roused from his slumber, and gazed into Rúmil's blue eyes.
"It's morning already?" He asked groggily, as he sat up.
Rúmil nodded, smiling sadly as he did so.
The minstrel sighed and looked away, not wanting his lover to see the tears in his eyes. But Rúmil reached out, cupping his face in his hands, then leaning forward to kiss away the tears that Lindir couldn't hold back.

It was almost too much. "You should go," Lindir whispered. "Orophin will be looking for you. I - I'll see you at breakfast."

It saddened Rúmil that Lindir did not wish to spend this last morning with him, but at the same time, he understood. They had grown so close over the previous months, that to say goodbye was heartbreaking.
Bowing his head, he placed a light kiss on Lindir's lips, before leaving the room with his bag in his hands.

Only when he was gone and the door had closed, did Lindir really allow himself to cry.

**************************

Orophin stood in Elladan's embrace, unmoving, unwilling to part. He held tightly to the eldest son of Elrond, who had become so dear to him.
"I'll come and visit soon, I promise." Elladan said softly, his hands pressing against Orophin's back as the Lórien elf leaned against him.

"Make sure you do." Orophin muttered as he pulled Elladan even closer against him. "I love you."
"I love you too." Elladan replied, leaning up to kiss him gently, both of them oblivious to everyone else.

Rúmil could see the couple from where he stood with Haldir, but he took little notice. His eyes darted around all those present, searching for Lindir.

His lover had not come to breakfast and now, as they made ready to leave, there was still no sign of him.
Noticing his brother's distress, Haldir wrapped an arm around Rúmil's shoulders.
"There's still time yet." He said comfortingly. "I'm sure he'll be here."

But Lindir did not come.

Time moved on and eventually, Haldir knew they could delay no longer.
"Rúmil, I'm sorry - it's time to go," he said gently. "We risk running into dangers if we wait much longer."
The silent Galadhel did not look at Haldir, though he knew he was right. They had to make a certain point by nightfall, if they were to avoid unnecessary risks.
Slowly, he walked towards his waiting horse, trying not to show his emotions.

//Why?// He thought. //Why has he not come to say goodbye? He has always been by my side, I do not understand why he would desert me now.//
Looking over his shoulder one last time, he saw Orophin reluctantly backing off from Elladan’s arms and he couldn’t help but feel jealous.
//At least he gets to say goodbye.//

With a heavy heart, he placed his hands on the animal’s back and sprang up, grasping the mane lightly to steady himself. He kept his eyes down; not wanting to see the looks of pity that he knew was getting. He’d already had enough pity to last a lifetime.
Shaking his head, he guided his mount towards the gates.

A moment later a desperate cry stopped him in his tracks.
“RÚMIL! Rúmil, wait!”
He whipped his head around at the voice, his heart leaping in his chest as he saw Lindir running towards him. In an instant he was off the horse and opening his arms to the minstrel.

Lindir almost flew into his embrace, wrapping his arms around Rúmil’s neck and sighing in relief.
“I thought I was too late.” He whispered.
Rúmil shook his head and held tightly onto Lindir, savouring these last few moments.

“Oh, Rúmil,” Lindir whispered, feeling the tension in the arms that held him, “Relax, it’s alright now.”
Pulling back slightly, Rúmil shook his head; it was not alright, not at all.
“But it is.” Lindir smiled, knowing what Rúmil was trying to say. “I realised this morning that there was no way I could let you go, that some things are more important than others. So while you were at breakfast, I went to Lord Elrond and asked him to release me from his service – and he agreed! I’m free Rúmil, free to go to Lórien with you – if you’ll have me.”

Shocked and delighted, Rúmil could only stare at Lindir for a long moment – and then he scooped him up and swung him round in sheer delight, before capturing the minstrel’s lips in a crushing kiss.

When Rúmil finally put him down, Lindir took a step back, looking up at his lover apologetically. “I am so sorry if I worried you; I needed the time to pack.” He said; gesturing to the bag he had dropped when he’d seen Rúmil leaving.
The galadhel only pulled him into his arms again, for it did not matter now. All that mattered was that Lindir was coming with him, that the parting he had feared was not going to happen.

As the two stood in each other’s arms, their friends and family indulged them, readying a horse for Lindir and collecting his dropped bag.

********************

So it was that Lindir and Rúmil both left Imladris, to face whatever the future held in the best way they knew – together.

THE END


Well, that's it! I can't belive it's done, I've really enjoyed writing it! Feels like the end of an era to me!

Tux