breaking the ice

Chapter thirteen Accidents happen

Erestor wondered about Rumil’s sudden hesitance. “Is something wrong?”
Rumil shrugged. “I hope not.” Catching Erestor’s frown he smiled doubtful. “I just don’t think Haldir went to Elladan.”
Erestor grinned. “Where else could he have gone too?”
Rumil lowered his eyes. “My room.”
Erestor laughed, a sound Rumil feared he might never hear again after tonight.

They had reached his rooms and he looked around but there was no trace of Haldir. Filled with dread he opened his door and stepped inside. Everything looked normal and he released a relieved sigh.

Erestor followed him. “I take it that bed is for me?”
Rumil nodded, still looking around for any hidden traps, but finding none.

“Would you like to use the bathroom first?”
Erestor shook his head. “I’m afraid I would only fall asleep in the tub.”

While Rumil was in the bathroom Erestor readied himself for a difficult night. He removed his boots and his outer robes and sat down on his bed, but immediately flared back up. His eyes wide in disbelief. With one jerk he removed the blankets to see the mattress completely soaked. “Rumil!” His voice was angry and filled with loathing.

Rumil hurried out thehroohroom, wearing nothing but a towel and gasped when he saw Erestor’s bed. “I knew it! He didn’t go to Elladan. Just wait till I get my hands on him.” He was angry with his brother and didn’t know what he preferred: Haldir not approving or Haldir approving. “I’m sorry, Erestor.” His own anger and his ern ern towards Erestor calmed the counsellor down who s his his head. “Why did he do that? Does he prefer me sleeping on a chair?”

Rumil growled. “I’m getting a mattress from another room.”
Erestor’s hand held him back. “Don’t bother. The door’s closed. I fear Haldir locked us in. I wondered what that scraping sound was, but now I know it was a chair.”
Rumil’s eyes betrayed his anger. “Well, that settles it. You take the bed and I’ll sleep on the chair. Just let me get some blankets to keep me warm. Yours are soaked.” Rumil opened the wardrobe but found no spare blankets. He searched everywheut rut retrieved none. He even looked in the bathroom.

When he came back from the bathroom again he saw Erestor holding a phial of scented bathing oil and his eyes widened in horror. /Haldir, you are going to pay./ Erestor’s gaze settled on him and it had hardened. “Would you please explain this?”
Rumil thought quickly. “I don’t know what Haldir is thinking, Erestor.”
Erestor cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. Rumil knew him well enough to know it showed Erestor wasn’t buying it. He blushed. “I had no idea he was going to do this. Honest, Erestor.”

Sensing Erestominoming closer he looked up, seeing an unreadable expression in the dark orbs and he gazed into them, completely lost in their dept. “But why did he feel the need to do this?”
Rumil’s blush intensified and he wanted to avert his eyes but he was unable to do so. “I think he wants to make up for his mistake.” Erestor made no movement and showed no sign of anything and Rumil understood more was required. “He knows I’m attracted to you.”

He saw Erestor narrow his eyes buthinghing else happened. He swallowed, deciding that, since he was already telling the truth, he would tell everything. “I instantly liked you, Erestor. You look different than everybody I’ve seen and your eyes are like the dark lakes I love so much. And during the last days I got to know you better and my feelings have grown.” He trembled slightly, knowing everything depended on the next moments.

Erestor looked at him and read his eyes. He was surprised to see inside Rumil, really see inside him. None had ever completely opened up to him, not even when voicing their feelings towards him, afraid he would sneer at them, which he always did.

“And?”
Rumil looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Erestor turned and walked to the chair. “You love me and that’s it?”
Rumil shrugged. “What else do you want me to say? Do you expect me to beg? Or to avoid you for the duration of our stay? I won’t for I’m not like that. And I will not act on my feelings unless they are returned. And I know they are not. I settle for being friends Erestor.”

Erestor was silent for a moment and then shook his head. “Try the truth.”
Rumil’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I -am- telling you the truth. I -am- in love with you.”
Erestor nodded. “That I believe, but why make up the story about Haldir. I am not saying he didn’t take the blankets or soak the second bed or vandalize the bedposts, but I do not believe you knew nothing about it.”

Rumil’s eyes showed his disbelief and the Galadhrim went to the bed, expecting it, shaking his head when he found Erestor’s words true. He had to grant Haldir was determined. But tactful was something his big brother was lacking at the moment and now he risked losing Erestor’s friendship. He looked up at the counsellor, tears wetting his eyes.

Erestor had moved again and now stood before him, blocking his path.
Rumil sat down on the floor, defeated. He was slowly losing hope. “You take the bed, Erestor and I wsleesleep on the floor.” His eyes were closed.
Erestor nodded. “That would be best.” Without another word he stepped inside the bed, keeping his eyes on Rumil.

Rumil stood and dressed himself again, aware of Erestor’s stare, but he could not blame the counsellor. /Tomorrow he will shout at me. I am sure of it./ He turned his back to the counsellor and laid perfectly still. Slowly the tears left his eyes and he started crying. Just when they had begun to become friends Haldir had ruined it. It didn’t last long or his body was shaking.

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Glorfindel yawned when he entered his room. He would take a long luxurious bath and than he would turn in. After he closed his door he halteds mos mouth fell open and his eyes widened when he saw his room.

Hundreds of candles illuminated the room, his fireplace was lit, a romantic corner created in front of it. He vaguely wondered where all those pillows had come from. He saw millions and millions of leaves coverihe rhe room; every bit that wasn’t already covered seemed to have a leave on it, roses mainly. His nostrils were caressed by the fragrances released by hidden pouches.

Blinking his eyes several times he wondered who had arranged all this. /Elrond?/ He looked around but saw nobody. He also didn’t see a note. He hoped it was Elrond’s doing. Not only would he have hated turning down whoever else might have done this, but also his lover would have gotten extremely jealous. The Peredhel jealowas was famous.

He noticed the door to the bathroom standing open and he quickly crossed the distance, hoping to find someone there. But the bathroom was empty except for some delicacies that needed to be kept cool. He didn’t touch them and walked back into his room, closing the door behind him.

He decided to check the window next. He half noticed his wardrobe door standing open but ignored it for now. As he walked past it two arms encircled his waist. Taking a deep sniff he immediately smelled his lover. “I thought you were busy, Elrond.” He turned and crossed his arms.

Elrond smiled at him. “I’m sorry but I had to lie in order to surprise you. And I have been wishing to do this for years.”
Glorfindel cocked his head. “Leave food in my bathroom?”
Elrond’s eyes widened. “There’s food in the bathroom?”
Glorfindel nodded. “Looks tasty too.” Then his eyes narrowed. “You didn’t do this.” It was a statement.
Elrond nodded. “Nay, one of the servants did. She had no idea who would be visiting you though. I could hardly do it myself during dinner, now could I?”
Glorfindel shook his head. “We should let her lose on Erestor’s room. Not even he can remain indifferent when seeing this.”

Elrond smiled and leaned against his lover, who steered them to the fireplace. “And what do you hope for, my love?”
Elrond curled his lipso beo be in your arms tonight. To make love. You?”
Glorfindel planted a kiss on Elrond hair. “Well, I’d like to eat those snacks later and take a bath.” He kissed Elrond’s ear and continued. “Together. And I don’t know where to make love first.”

Elrond shivered at the thought of making love more than once this night. He pressed closer. “The fireplace looks nice.”
Glorfindel nodded. “Would you mind sleeping there? All those pillows look so tempting for that.”
Elrond nodded. “This night is yours, meleth. Your every wish will be my command.”

Glorfindel looked Elrond in the eye and smiled. “Do you want to know my desire?”
Elrond nodded, lost in the sensation of the blue eyes. Glorfindel’s look intensified before he continued. “I wish to rumble those beautiful silk sheets before taking a bath together. The snacks we shall eat near the fire, feeding each other and we shall sleep there contently.”

He caught the disappointed look in Elrond’s eyes and felt insecure. “Does this not please you?”
Elrond hurried to reassure his lover, realising how fragile Glorfindel was. “Yes, yes, of course it does. It’s just a little disappointing after your hinting at several rounds of love making. But I like the sound of your plans for tonight a l


Glorfindel smiled, claiming his lovers lips. When he released them he placed his forehead against Elrond’s. “I was planning on making out three times tonight.” Elrond’s joy at these words were readable in his eyes. Glorfindel grinned. “I take it you approve.”
Elrond nodded. “O yes, I do.” Hiss mis misted over at the thought. “But I do hope I get to claim you too. Otherwise I won’t be able to walk tomorrow.”
Glorfindel nodded. “I would like that, but…” He trailed of, unsure how voice this. Elrond smiled understandingly. “I will prepare you properly, my love. In the tub.”

He claimed Glorfindel’s lips in a demanding kiss. When it ended he smiled seductively at the blond, already walking backwards to the bed. “How do you want me, my beautiful slayer?”
But Glorfindel returned the question. “How do you want me to take you?”
Elrond’s eyes misted over. “Anyway you wish.”
Glorfindel kissed him passionately. “Naked for a start.”

Elrond smiled, pushed his lover down on the bed, took a few steps and started a slow, highly seductive striptease. Once he was fully naked he stepped in, bringing his lover’s hands to his body and while Glorfindel caressed Elrond’s body the Half-Elf started disrobing the blond. When Glorfindel tried to help Elrond brought his hands back to his body. “Tonight is about you. Let me please you.” Glorfindel nodded.

When he was naked Elrond gently pushed him on his back, straddling him. The look in the blue orbs electrified him. He started kissing and caressing his lover, constantly batting away Glorfindel’s hands. Sitting up Elrond realised there was no oil in the immediate vicinity and he left the bed to retrieve some, ordering the blond not to move. When he was back he also held some ribbons in his hand.

He reclaimed his former position, placed the oil next to him and claimed the blond’s lips. Glorfindel felt slightly worried now that Elrond had those ribbons. What did he have in mind? Elrond read his fear and locked eyes. “I want to pleasure you right now. I don’t want you to do anything. Will you let me bind your hands?”
Glorfindel’s eyes widened at the words. He was slightly afraid what might happen but his trust in Elrond made him nod. Elrond kissed him and then brought Glorfindel’s arms above his head, binding them together. “Tell me if they are too t.” t.”
Glorfindel tested the bonds and found he could easily break free if he wanted and he smiled. “They’re not.”

Elrond claimed his lips again and started lavishing the blond’s body, working his way down. Glorfindel found himself writhing beneath the Half-Elf and when the dark head went lower he felt the urge to bury his hands in the mane. But moving one arm brought along the other and he groaned. He had forgotten about the bonds. So he simply laid them on his chest. He bucked when Elrond paid special attention to his member.

Smiling at his lover he grabbed the oil and generously coated his lover. Glorfindel’s eyes widened when he finally realised what Elrond was going to do and he bucked in want. Elrond rubbed him soothingly and raised himself, only to lower himself onto Glorfindel’s erection. He placed his hands on Glorfindel’s and used them to support himself as he set a rhythm, which build up in speed.

Feeling the blond reach climax first made him come as well. He tumbled on his lover, hissing when the lax member left his body.

Glorfindel freed his hands and held his lover close.

About to suggest they move to the bath Elrond heard a knock on the door. He closed his eyes in annoyance. “There better be some suicidal orcs near the borders.”
Glorfindel grinned and called out. “What is it?”
The voice from the other side sounded relieved to find him in. “My Lord Glorfindel, I am sorry to disturb your rest but Lord Elrond can’t be found.”
Elrond groaned as he heard this and Glorfindel soothingly kissed him. “Is he needed?”
“Aye, sir, he is. One of the Galadhrim is injured. Lord Elrohir is going nuts now that Lord Elrond has disappeared.”
Glorfindel sighed. “Where are they?”
“The healing house, my lord.”
“Very well, tell everyone to go to bed. If Lord Elrond doesn’t show up soon, I’ll track him myself.”
“Thank you, my lord.”

Elrond’s face was stern. “Why can’t I just lock out the whole world for one night? Just one undisturbed night? I was looking forward to claiming you and now we get interrupted.”
Glorfindel pulled his lover up. “Don’t be grumpy. It doesn’t suit you. Now come on before Erestor dispatches a search party.”

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Erestor’s thoughts were reeling. He suddenly understood so much now. Seeing Rumil turn his back on him hurt him. He knew the other was slowly crying and he felt awful, knowing it was his fault. He knew he could never forgive himself if he allowed Rumil to become like him. It was better if he got hurt instead.

His mind made up he left the bed and approached the sad figure. If Rumil noticed his approach, he did not show it. Erestor knelt and gently touched his shoulders.

Rumil stiffened and slowly turned round to face him. Thinking Rumil was too shaken and too blurry-eyed to notice Erestor did not stop his emotions from showing. But Rumil did see. He saw Erestor’s concern, his pain, his fear, his hope, his love and many more emotions. He managed a weak smile, which Erestor returned.

“The floor is no place to sleep on.”
Rumil wiped away his tears. “Haldir destroyed the second bed and locked us in. I prefer the floor to the chair. I’ll be fine.”
Erestor shook his head and extended his hand. “I cannot give you what you want, Rumil. Please don’t be as stubborn making me your lover as you were making me your friend.” His voice was pleading.
Rumil didn’t take the offered limb but he did come off the floor.

“You do not mind me sleeping in the same bed as you?”
Erestor tensed but shook his head.
Rumil smiled and followed Erestor to the bed.crepcrept in and fell asleep almost instantly.

Erestor smiled bitterly. “I cannot return your feelings, warrior of the woods, for I refuse to hurt you.” He planned to watch over Rumil’s sleep but instead lost himself to reverie as well. In his sleep he cuddled closer to Rumil who returned the gesture. In the end Erestor was sleeping atop Rumil, his head resting on his chest.

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Orophin flared up as something disturbed his dreams but he had no idea what it was. Straining his hearing he heard someone in the room next to his. But that room was empty and he cursed.

He silently left his bed and armed himself. He walked to the other room and threw open the door, his bow drawn.

Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his wounded leg and he screamed, releasing the arrow. He could hear someone jumping and coming closer, but he had no idea who they might be. /I should have brought my dagger as well./ Now he was defenceless.

Suddenly his attacker stood beside him, growling. “Orophin? By the Valar, what were you doing? I could have killed you.” The body hovering above him knelt and started tending to his wound. Tired, healing and wounded Orophin passed out, after catching a glimpse of the dark hair. /Beautiful. And it isn’t an orc./

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Rumil stirred awake and blinked his eyes. He winched when he remembered what had happened and had to force back his tears.

/Orophin!/ What if Orophin had sensed his pain? This was the third time he was adding to his brother’s discomfort and he groaned.

He decided he would go sleep the rest of the night on the floor. He didn’t want to risk Erestor’s wrath in the morning.

About to stand up he felt his movement restrained. He smiled when he realised Erestor had snuggled closer to him and was now pressed firmly against his back, his arms around Rumil’s belly and chest.

As Rumil didn’t want to disturb Erestor’s sleep he had no choice but to restrain his movements. He placed one hand on the arm pressed against his chest and went back to sleep.

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Elrond stormed inside the healing house, dragging Glorfindel along. He was not going to let the blond go this night. When he opened another door he halted. Glorfindel almost bumped into him.

“Elrohir?” Elrond ran forward, highly concerned for the younger twin.
Elrohir threw himself at his father, his eyes wet with tears. “I didn’t mean to…”
Elrond saw the bed contained a sleeping Orophin and groaned when he saw the blood seeping from the already injured leg. The healers were still working on him.

“What happened?” He sat down on a chair, pulling his son on his lap.
Elrohir rested his head against his chest and took comfort in the fact his father was now here. “I don’t know. He suddenly showed up. I didn’t mean to.”

Glorfindel knelt next to the Peredhil and brushed Elrohir’s hair. “Why don’t you start at the beginning, pen-neth? Did he have an accident in the stables?”
Elrohir shook his head, not lifting it from Elrond’s chest. “Nay. I thought he was an enemy and..” Elrond rubbed his back soothingly and didn’t intervene the incoherent ramblings.

When Elrohir relaxed a little he asked Elrohir to tell him precisely what happened, where and how.
Elrohir drew in a breath, still sobbing a little. “They didn’t want me in the stables anymore. But I didn’t want Erestor to think I was dodging work so I decided to clean some empty guestrooms. I know he’s been complaining about that.” He received a proud nod from both elders. “I was just busy in the third when the door was kicked open and all I saw was a drawn bow. I thought an orc or another enemy came to attack and I wanted to be the first so I threw my dagger. I then I heard Orophin scream in pain. I really didn’t mean to hurt him. I didn’t know it was him. He is going to be all right, won’t he?” He looked at his father for confirmation.
Elrond smiled at him. “Oh, Elrohir. You’ve always been the more impulsive one. But I have to see for myself before I can give you any guarantees.” He lifted Elrohir off his lap and headed for the bed.
Glorfindel acted immediately and hugged the twin tightly. “Don’t you worry, Elrohir.”

Elrond quickly checked with the healers and examined the Galadhrim himself. He smiled at Elrohir. “Well, you didn’t hit any nerves or the damage would have been severe. As it is now he will recover, though he will not look forward to more rest. I’m afraid his healing abilities are weakened.”
He hurried to soothe his son when he saw Elrohir’s panicked expression. “His leg was already injured, from which he was still healing. Having felt Rumil’s emotional storms has drained him too. He’s physically and mentally exhausted, ElrohHe hHe had to take care of both his brothers lately.”

Elrohir nodded. “Can I do something?”
Elrond smiled. “You could make sure he takes his rest.”
Elrohir nodded. “I will be his personal slave.”

The healer approached them. “My lords, I am sorry to interrupt, but it appears our patient is waking up.”
Elrohir immediately dashed to the bed, grabbing Orophin’s hand.

A few groans and the eyelids fluttered open. He needed a few moments to get over his blurry vision. He wondered where he was and how he had got there. Then the pain in his leg registered and he yelped. His other injury hadn’t pained him so. Gentle hands pushed him to lay back down and he smiled at Elrohir’s face, squinting his eyes when he saw tears running down his cheeks.

Elrond’s voice made him leave the twin’s face to settle his gaze on Elrond’s. “Welcome back, Orophin. How are you feeling?”
Orophin looked somewhere between insulted and annoyed. How could he ask him how he was feeling when it was quite obvious he wasn’t feeling too good? He shrugged. “My leg.” /Again/
Elrond smiled. “Aye, you keep hurting that leg. I’m afraid this lengthens your resting period, my friend.”
Orophin groaned at the thought of having to spend even more time in bed.

“Excuse me, but the patient needs to drink this.”
Before anyone could stop him Elrohir grabbed the glass from the healer and helped Orophin drink it, smiling at Orophin’s face. “I know. Medicines never taste good. Be glad it isn’t the stuff ata makes us drink whenever we have gotten a cold.”
He hadn’t released Orophin’s hand and gently rubbed the knuckles. “You scared me. I thought you were an orc or something and I just threw my dagger and then I heard you scream and I’m so sorry.”

Orophin wanted to lift his hand, but realised Elrohir had a tight hold on it. He frowned because he hadn’t noticed it before. He lifted his other hand to brush away some of hir’hir’s tears. “I shouldn’t have kicked the door open or walk in with my bow drawn.”
He hissed when his leg throbbed. “It’s all right, isn’t it?”
Elrohir smiled and nodded. “It’s there.” He cocked his head to indicate it’s position. “I know one should never separate a Galadhrim from his bow. I’m so sorry, Orophin. I really didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Suddenly Orophin laughed, occasionally hissing when his movements caused his leg to hurt. The other’s looked at him in worry, which served to fuel his laughter.

Shaking his head Elrond took his leave. “We shall leave you now.” He grabbed Glorfindel’s hand and dragged him along. Elrohir grinned. “Well, you don’t have to ask who’s in charge of that relationship.”

When Orophin was done laughing the twin brushed away some wayward strands. “Would you like some water?” Orophin nodded.
Elrohir went to get it and when he returned he immediately claimed Orophin’s hand again.

When he had finished his drink Orophin settled his smug look on Elrohir. “So, is this part of that plan you and Elladan have conjured up?”
Elrohir’s eyes widened and he blushed. “How did you…?” Orophin grinned at his expression. Elrohir shook his head. “I’m sorry. I feel so guilty now for even thinking of doing that. And now I’ve also hurt your leg. I’m really sorry. I’m going to take care of you until you are well enough to ride a horse again.”
Orophin’s eyebrows rose and Elrohir swallowed. “That’s no plan or joke or something. I really want to help. I caused the injury so I should see it heal as well.”

Elrohir was about to ramble on but Orophin placed his fingers on his lips. “I know it’s not. Erestor heard your scheming and warned us.” He grinned at Elrohir’s expression. “We already had a counter plan worked out.”
Elrohir’s eyes widened at that. “You do? You knew? Now I understand my stable duty. You know, they kicked me out. Afraid Erestor would say I was loafing I went to cleaning some guestrooms. I was working on the third whens has happened. I’m.”
Again Orophin’s fingers silenced him. “Don’t be.”

He yawned. “Maybe you should go. I’m afraid I’m going to fall asleep and”
Elrohir smiled but shook his head. “Nay, I am not leaving your side until you’re healed. Someone has to make sure you rest.”
Orophin groaned. “Just what I need. Another keeper. Suit yourself.” His eyes closed as a healing sleep took hold of him.

Elrohir smiled and continued to hold his hand, never stopping his caresses to Orophin’s hair. His own actions momentarily puzzled him but then he shrugged.

End chapter 13
TBC