breaking the ice

Chapter eighteen Galadriel arrives

Elrond rushed down but halted when he saw Haldir and Elladan carrying an unconscious Elrohir. “Haldir, Elladan, what happened?” His eyes roamed the younger twin’s body, searching for injuries. “Why isn’t he sitting with Orophin?”
Elladan shrugged. “I don’t know ata. He brushed past us, fully armed and eager to kill orcs. Because he can’t kill elves. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. He wasn’t acting normally, ata. Haldir had to knock him out cold to make sure he wasn’t leaving.”

Elrond shook his head and looked at Haldir for answers who shrugged. “I don’t know. All I can safely say is that Elrohir has developed a sudden anger towards Galadhrim, but I don’t know why. I was thinking of asking Orophin.”
Elrond sighed. Things were slowly getting out of hand. “I was looking for you Haldir. Galadriel has just crossed our borders. I thought you might like to know.”

Haldir beamed and nodded gratefully. “Maybe she might be able to talk to Elrohir?”
Elrond nodded. “I shall ask her. Now I have to go inform your brothers of her arrival.”
Haldir nodded. “Come Elladan, let’s go find some suited soldiers to help us guard this one.”
Elladan grinned and led the way. “I think Erestor might like some diversion.”
Haldir nodded. “Let’s go then.”

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Rumil smiled at the girl who insisted on doing everything for him. She had already fetched him an extremely overdone lunch and now she was making him drink herbal tea. “Come, young one, no good staring out a window. I will go get you some books to read. What kind do you prefer? And I want you warming yourself by that fire when I get back.” She walked out the door without even waiting for a reply and went to the library. She cast a funny glance when she saw Erestor walking past her but ignored him.

Rumil sighed blissfully now that he was alone. /And I thought Haldir to be fussing./ He shook his head and went over to the fire. Something told him it wasn’t wise to disobey this woman. He had the feeling she would intensify her pampering if she found him staring out the window upon her return.

He sat down on the chair and pulled his legs beneath him. He fixed his gaze on the fire, allowing the flames to hypnotize him. As he did so he could not help but wonder what an image like this would do to Erestor.
Slowly the flames made way for the counsellor’s face and he sighed longingly.

Erestor stood in the doorway, staring at Rumil’s back. He didn’t seem as eraterate and lonely as Erestor had pictured him to be. Suddenly he was pushed aside and he saw the blasted she-elf walk in.

“I’m back. I hope I’ve brought some nice ones.” She shook her head when she saw Rumil sitting on his own legs. “O no, young one, that will not do at all. I do not want you sitting on your own legs. As a warrior you should know that it cuts of the blood flow, making your legs weak when you stand up. Now sit properly.”
Rumil laughed warmly. “I never thought I would say this, but I think I missed you just now. I could get used to this.”

She laughed and shook his head at his appearance. “Rumil, what have you been doing while I was away? I swear your hair is a mess. Where is your comb? It needs to be re-braided.”
Rumil laughed. “Really, Ariësúrë, I can braid my own hair. I do possess two hands, you know. And nobody’s going to see it anyway.”

He shook his head as he felt two agile hands removing his braids and combing his hair. He sighed contented. “I forgot how a small thing like that could feel.” He closed his eyes and leaned back.

She smiled and settled behind him. “You are way to skinny, Rumil. It’s all that running about. But don’t you mind. We’ll fatten you up.”
Rumil shook his head. “I’m a warrior and need to stay slim in order to run faster. And the lighter one is the less track he leaves behind.”
She snorted. “That might be, but you are a guest of Lord Elrond’s and I cannot allow you going back to your home looking like this. What would they say? My honour is at stake here, young one.”

She cocked her head when she sensed the boy before her was softly crying. Leaning forwards she found herself correct and worried. “Rumil, what is wrong? Should I get Lord Elrond?”
He shook his head. “Please leave me alone.” His voice was shaky and begging.
She caressed his hair before she stood. Something told her she should leave now. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”
He nodded and drew his legs closer, hugging himself.

Erestor stepped aside to let her pass, glaring at her as he did so.
All words got stuck in her throat and she hurried out the room, away from that dangerous counsellor. She re-decided her decision and went to hovering the corridor. There were bound to be some hard words and she needed to stay close and comfort the little one.

Erestor silently approached the trembling figure and wondered what to do.

Hearing something behind him Rumil steadied himself enough to speak. “Ariësúrë, please leave me alone.”
He flinched when he heard Erestor’s voice. “I’m not her. I came to apologize and to thank you. Glorfindel and I have talked about Gondolin. Together we can help each other fight our nightmares.”
Rumil settled his watery eyes on Erestor and actually managed a smile. “That’s good. I’m glad for you.”

He turned his head away and resumed his rocking motion.
Erestor was torn between leaving and comforting Rumil. Misery seeped from him and yet he could sense the Galadhrim wanted to be alone. Thinking of himself he refused to leave and settled down beside the crying elf, without touching him, granting him his privacy and yet giving him his support.
Rumil smiled at the action but shook his head. “Please don’t. I’d rather be alone now.”
Erestor looked at him. “That’s what I’ve been thinking for millennia but now I know better. I know it is impossible to face your demons alone.”
Rumil shook his head. “This isn’t a demon. Please leave me alone. Please.”
Erestor sighed and stood. “I’ll lock the door behind me, so you won’t be disturbed.” His voice carried pain, but it wasn’t his own pain. Rumil heard pain for himself in Erestor’s voice. It made him look at the counsellor and smile. “I’ll look you up.”
Erestor inclined his head. “It would surprise me if you didn’t.” He left, closed the door and locked it with his own key.

Seeing the girl hover around he took out his agitation at her and she ran to the kitchen as fast as she could, far away from a deadly Erestor.

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Glorfindel smiled when he saw Haldir and Elladan carrying Elrohir inside. Elladan hurried to explain before the blond could be worried. “Elrohir has gone nuts. Something happened between Orophin and he to make him lose it. Haldir actually had to hit him to make him stay here. And how could you have gotten hurt?”
Glorfindel shrugged. “I wasn’t thinking of those blasted orcs when we fought them. My attention was elsewhere and one orc actually was smart enough to notice. Should teach me not to think of my lover so much.”
Haldir grinned at the words. “I’m really sorry to dispose on you, Glorfindel, but Erestor is rather illusive right now and I am eager to get rid of Elrohir here. My lady is coming and I…”
Glorfindel nodded his head. “Leave him here. Elladan and you go greet her. I’ll make sure this Peredhel stays. Place him on my other side and then go.”

Elladan cocked his head. “Are you sure. He was quite dangerous earlier and only Haldir was capable of holding his gaze.”
Glorfindel nodded. “I’ve helped raise the two of you. And he can’t be more dangerous than a Balrog. And besides, I don’t think he will risk his father’s wrath by adding to my injury.” His eyes went to his chest, where the bandage was visible.
Haldir shook his head. “We always wondered where the twins got all their plans from. Now I know.”

After placing Elrohir next to Glorfindel they left and hurried to the courtyard. They could already hear horses.

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Elrond smiled as he approached his mother-in-law. “Galadriel. I can’t say I’m not pleased to see you.”
She quickly dismounted and hugged him tight. “Things got out of hand?”
Je nodded. “Apparently everybody has gone insane.”

He turned and led her inside. “Orophin is in the healing house. He got injured by accident in the same leg. According to Elladan his twin has lost his senses and Haldir had to knock Elrohir out cold. Please don’t ask, I don’t even know everything of that.” He shook his head. “And then there is Glorfindel, who managed to get himself injured fighting orcs and neglected to tell me.” His eyes darkened as he remembered how he had found out.
Galadriel smiled. “He probably didn’t want to worry you. Relax, Elrond, and tell me of your other problems for you sound gravely troubled.”

Elrond nodded and threw her a grateful smile. “Haldir is finally seeing he needs to let his feelings out, but doing so will be hard on him, is hard on him. And it doesn’t make him the most favourite person to be around. Rumil is pushing all the right buttons in Erestor, but before it can get better it gets worse and it happens to be now.”
Galadriel placed a calming hand on his shoulder. “Everything in its own time, Elrond. Orophin and Haldir will heal. Erestor will see Rumil’s love and they will both fight their darkness together. I suggest we focus on Elrohir first.”

She smiled when she saw Haldir running towards her. She opened her arms to embrace him and he happily flung himself at her. “I missed you. Why is Celeborn not here?”
She smiled. “Someone has to rule our realm and you know he hates to let others do it. He hardly lets me help.”
He grinned and nodded. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She nodded. “So I’ve been told.”

She extended one arm to hug her grandchild and Elladan smiled against her chest. “We need you nona.”
She planted a loving kiss on his hair and continued to walk, hugging Elladan close. “What’s this I hear about Elrohir losing his mind?”
Elladan shrugged and told the tale again.
She nodded. “Well, we won’t know for sure what happened unless we ask them. So, I suggest we split up here. Elrond and you will go keep your twin company whilst Haldir and I talk to Orophin.”
Elladan nodded. “Glorfindel’s watching him. He said he’d use his injury as leverage. He said Elrohir wouldn’t possibly risk your wrath, ata, by making it worse.”

Elrond blushed and coughed. He had not yet informed Galadriel on their changed relationship. The lady of the woods laughed. “Go, Elladan, take your father to his lover.” She smiled at Elrond’s dumbfound expression. “Yes, we know. Celeborn and I have long wondered when one of you would stop being so blind. And it seems at last one of you has. Your eyes sparkle with a light not even my daughter managed to kindle. I am happy for you Elrond.”
He inclined his head in thanks and took Elladan with him.

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“Come on, won’t you at least tell me what is wrong? I might be a good healer, but not even Lord Elrond can cure something without knowing what is wrong. And I’ve not seen any new wounds on you, nor was the old one poisoned, so that’s not it either.”

The healer was getting frustrated. Lord Elrond had been impossible to find and he had been unable to draw any words from the warrior. It unnerved him.

He shook his head and started pacing. “Now look what you make me do. I never pace but now I pace. And I can’t even go look for your elder brother, because I am not leaving you alone. Who knows what might happen than.”

And so the healer walked through the room, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, his irritation and annoyance rising.

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When they arrived at the Healing house Haldir walked in first and snickered when he saw the healer pacing. “And since when do you pace like a caged animal?”
The healer stopped and growled. “Since that one is bugging me. Where’s Lord Elrond?” The tone was demanding.
“In his room, but hes nes not wish to be disturbed.”
The healer was about to brush past the Galadhrim and ignore his words when Galadriel entered after him. She stopped the elf from leaving. “Why don’t we see if we can’t make him respond first.”
The healer snuffed. “Good luck with that.”

Haldir approached the bed and claimed a chair. “Phin, will you tell me what happened? Between you and Elrohir I mean. I actually had to hit him out cold to prevent him from hunting orcs. And o, Galadriel has just arrived.”

Orophin’s eyes settled on him but he gave no other indication he was aware of Haldir or what he said.

Galadriel sat down on the bed and cradled one of his hands in her own. “Orophin, my child. I came here to visit you and I find you apathetic in bed. It pains me to see you so. Will you not say what is wrong? What pains you?”

Orophin’s eyes now settled on her but he didn’t speak. Galadriel sighed. “I would rather not do this, Orophin, but if you maintain your silence you give me no choice. I shall greet everyone else but I’ll be back.”

She stood and indicated for Haldir to come with her. In the corridor he addressed another healer to stay with Orophin.

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Glorfindel smiled when Elrohir groaned and reached consciousness. “Mmmwhat?”
“Welcome back, young one. Keep your sword sheeted please, no orcs or other foul creatures here. Just you and me.”

Elrohir made to move but stopped when Glorfindel yelped. “Careful, I’m injured and your father already scolds me enough as it is. Don’t you add to it.” In fact the twin hadn’t even come near his injury but the blond had yelped none the less and was pleased to see Elrohir taking the bait.

Instantly an concerned expression entered the eyes and Elrohir reached for the water, offering the blond a drink. “Ah, so you become my new nurse now? O well, if it’ll keep Elrond of my back.”
Elrohir shook his head. “What happened?”
Glorfindel shrugged. “I got distracted and one orc showed he possessed a brain and knew how to use it too. And what’s wrong with you? Another breech in our defences?”

Elrohir shook his head and tears welled in his eyes. He eagerly rested against the blond when Glorfindel signalled for him to do so and he smiled when he felt the ancient warrior caress his hair. “Now, Elrohir, I might not be your father but I do have a shoulder and an ear at your disposal. Will you confide in me?”
Elrohir clung himself to Glorfindel, who stifled a hiss when the twin accidentally brushed his injury. Insthe the tightened his hold and allowed Elrohir his cry.

He smiled when he saw Elladan and Elrond enter and beckoned them closer. Elladan sat down beside his twin and gently touched his shoulder. Elrond’s first glance was for the bandages but he saw no blood so he deemed it safe to postpone the check-up. He kneeled before Elrohir and took his hands in his own. “Pen-neth, what has happened? Orophin?”
Elrohir nodded. “I hate him and never want to see him again.”
Elrond squished his hands while Elladan brushed away Elrohir’s tears. “But why?”
Still sniffing, Elrohir told them everything. “He kissed me and pretends to love me.” Elrond nodded, waiting for the rest. “He said he would end his job for love. But that’s a lie. How can he be so careless? How can he pretend to love me? To think he won’t forget about me once he’s back?”
Elrond wrapped his arms around his son and started rocking him. His eyes met Glorfindel’s and he read his own feelings and thoughts in them. They had to do something.

After a knock came Elladan quickly went to open it, smiling when he saw Haldir and Galadriel. The lady of the woods entered and smiled at Glorfindel. “My dear Glorfindel. I heard you managed to get yourself injured.”
Glorfindel shrugged. “I’m sure you also heard how.”
Galadriel nodded. “I did. You really should be more careful. I don’t want to see my son unhappy because his lover carelessly got himself killed.” She smirked at his dumbfound expression and walked to the other side of the bed and sat down.

“What’s wrong with Elrohir?” Her voice was casual.
Elrond locked their eyes and shook his head. “Pen-neth, Galadriel is here.” Elrohir clung closer to his father and ignored her presence.
Galadriel caressed his hair. “Elrohir, my grandson, what is it? Is there anything I can do to help?”
Elrohir nodded meekly. “Take those blasted Galadhrim back. Now!” His voice was demanding and if it weren’t for his tears it could have controlled an army.
Galadriel smiled. “Not while Orophin and Haldir still need your father’s care. Have they offended you? Or one of your loved ones?” She glanced at Haldir, silently ordering him to silence and he nodded.

Elrohir removed himself from his father and glared at Galadriel. “Fine, but I refuse to have any more to do with them. Rumil is all right, but he is their brother and I will not get him involved in this.”
Elrond shook his head. “Involved in what?”
Elrohir shook his head. “I don’t want them here and if they stay I go.”
Galadriel shook her head. “Nobody is going anywhere. Not until we’ve sorted this mess out.”
Elrohir rolled his eyes. “There’s nothing to sort out! They stay, I go.”

Haldir’s look prompted Galadriel to nod, wondering what he was thinking of. Haldir, still standing near the door, silently opened it before clearing his throat, earning himself an approving glance from the bedridden warrior. “Excuse me for interrupting, my lords, my lady, but I was hoping I could ask Elrohir a question?”
Before Elrohir could answer Elrond nodded and signalled the warden in, playing along. “What is it, Haldir?”
Haldir respectfully bowed. “Forgive me, Elrohir, for hitting you out cold, but no one in this room would have forgiven me if I hadn’t. But could you please come to the Healing House?”
Elrohir snuffed. “You’ve got a too high opinion of yourself. You did not hit me that hard.”
Haldir smiled. “I’m glad. No, I was referring to my brother Orophin. He’s apathetic, or so it seems. He’s not responding to anything, no sounds, no noise, no indication he’s aware of anybody’s presence, no nothing.”

Elrond jumped up and grasped Haldir’s shoulders. “What?? Why wasn’t I informed? How long has he been like this?”
Haldir shrugged. “I know not, my lord. The healer found him like that when he came to check. I was hoping Elrohir might shed some light on this.”

Galadriel smiled wickedly, already catching on. Glorfindel, who was blissfully ignorant, shook his head. “What could have happened to cause this to him?” Elrond threw him a glance of annoyance and shook his head.

Elrohir staggered back. “Orophin is what?”
Haldir smiled and approached him. “Not interested in this world anymore. And seeing how we had to force you to stay here, I can only assume you had a fight. About what?” His eyes were pleading.
Elrohir started panting and his eyes filled with tears. “But… but… but that’s impossible.”
Galadriel hugged him close. “Love sometimes is, my sweet. It knows no boundaries or realms. Perhaps I have to go home alone after all.”
Haldir shook his head. “I don’t know about Phin or Ru, but I am definitely going back home.”

Elrond nodded. “But not without my say so. And Elrohir? Why should you and Orophin have any troubles? You’re both skilled warriors and not dirty of a travel. Give it time, Elrohir.” He silently prayed to the Valar to give his son the much needed strength.
Galadriel shook her head when there was no reply. “It seems he’s fallen asleep.”
Haldir grinned. “Just a suggestion but maybe we should place him in the Healing House?”
Elrond raised one eyebrow. “In a certain bed, I assume? Prefect idea. And someone will tell your brother this conversation as well. Otherwise this might still turn out wrong.”
Galadriel smiled when Haldir lifted him. “Come, Elladan, we will do that together.”
Elladan nodded and eagerly claimed one of her arms around his shoulder.

When they were gone Glorfindel closed his eyes and counted to ten. “Now can you please tell me what happened here?”
Elrond shook his head. “I’m beginning to think Erestor was right and you really are dense.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “My good thinking left with the lost blood.”
For a second Elrond eyes darkened but then he easily retaliated. “You weren’t hit in the head.”
Glorfindel smiled innocently. “Ah, but didn’t you know my brain is located at my side? Or was located is more appropriate.” He grinned and opened his arms, eager to hold his lover.

Elrond eagerly obliged him and smiled contented. “I’m getting too old for this, meleth. I wish they’d settle down.”
Glorfindel grinned. “That’ll never happen. Who would want those two monkeys?” He lovingly caressed Elrond’s hair, knowing it would sooth his lover. “You cold always send them to Valinor, to Manwë’s house.”
Elrond laughed freely. “He would send them back within the year. Not even Súlimo will be able to handle them.”
Glorfindel smiled, pleased his plan worked. “Than you are doing a great job. You should be grey all over and with fragile bones, but you are anything but old.”

His eyes darkened, thinking of his talk with Erestor. He knew he was bound to have nightmares and he knew they would be bad. He felt guilty for bringing that to Elrond in this state. “I spoke to Erestor earlier and I think it helped us both. He even talked to me about Rumil.”
He smiled at Elrond’s changing expression, which went from hurt to glee, and shook his head. “Don’t ask. I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone.”

Elrond nodded. “Erestor will not know you broke that if you told me in your sleep. Who knows what you will say in your sleep?” He remembered a night not so long ago when he found out, a night he would remember and cherish forever.
Glorfindel smiled ruefully. “Nothing pleasant I’m afraid. I don’t think my night will be peaceful.”
Elrond gasped. “Aiya, Glorfindel, how careless of me. Maybe I can keep them at bay?” He really hoped so.

Glorfindel shook his head. “Nay, even awake the images torment me and I need to face them. But maybe you shouldn’t stay? Ask someone else to sit with me if you’re afraid of leaving me alone.” Elrond’s gaze saddened and Glorfindel realised his mistake. “Forgive me, my love, I didn’t mean it like that. I’d prefer for you to be here, but you’re already shaken and…”
Elrond shook his head, silencing the blond. “I want to be there for you, Glorfindel. Now and always. Don’t you ever ask me to leave.” /It would break my heart./

In the last moments he had finally begun to understand Elrohir’s torment and pain and he vowed to help his son as much as he was able. Glorfindel pulled him close for a kiss. “I could never do that, Elrond. To be without you would be to die.”
Elrond’s eyes watered at the words and instantly released his being into Glorfindel, who gasped at the sensation.
He felt Elrond’s spirit lift his and they spiralled and merged in an ancient and powerful dance. His eyes widened when he realised what was happening and he sensed Elrond as he never had before. He smiled and only when the dance was completed could he speak again. “I had no idea this was possible.”

Elrond smiled and Glorfindel closed his eyes as he heard the silent answer in his mind. /Because I am half-Elven? I don’t know if Elladan or Elrohir will be able to do this. But they should. I think it is the maia blood in me that made this possible. I’m sorry for springing it on you like this, but…/
Glorfindel shook his head. /I’m pleased, Elrond. Tremendously so. I should thank that Maia that made this possible. Nothing can ever break us apart now for we are one./

Elrond leaned in close and kissed him. Glorfindel was right. The dance had intertwined their souls and their mutual desire had kept it together even when the dance ended. Elrond had no doubt that he could undo this should the blond wish so. /Don’t even think along those lines, Elrond./ came the berating thought.
Elrond smiled and deepened the kiss. /Now we won’t have to break our kisses to talk. But I should not far speak for a while, unless we want to announce this connection to the world./
Glorfindel waited before answering and shrugged. /I don’t know, Elrond. I’ve known this existed but I have no knowledge on it. Can it harm you if this comes out?/
Elrond smiled but shook his head. /I don’t know. But even without this connection I would be hurt anyway if anything happened to you./

End chapter 18
TBC
Translations:
Súlimo is another name for Manwë, who is the most powerful Vala.