breaking the ice

Chapter two Lunch

Rumil didn’t wait for the refreshments to arrive but headed straight for his brothers rooms, almost immediately after Erestor had left him. He memorised the route he took so he’d be able to find it back.

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Upon hearing a jovial ruffle on the door to his room Haldir groaned.
Orophin, who had found the door that joined their rooms together, flung it open and grinned at him. “I don’t know why Lord Elrond bothered. A single room is wasted on our brother.” He walked to the door to open it before Rumil would break it or alert every elf he wanted to enter a room. “Why Rumil, what a nice surprise to see you here.” But he stopped speaking when he saw the other’s face.

Worried he pulled him in and steered him towards the bed. “What’s wrong?”
Haldir flung his towel he had just picked up back on the floor and growled. “What did they do?” He was sure it was the twins. They had used to trick him as well before he learned they had different walks.
Rumil looked up, frowning. “What did who do when?”
This made Haldir raise his eyebrows. “You mean Elladan and Elrohir did nothing?” He shook his head in disbelief.

Rumil grinned. “I believe Elladan intended to show me my room, but Erestor interrupted. He send Elladan to the stables and Elrohir to the library to do some copying.” Now that he had his sense back he grinned at the utterly horrified expression on their faces. “Mind you I’ve never seen…”
Haldir interrupted him. “How did they respond to that?” Something nagged him and his instincts to protect his little brother went into overdrive. Rumil shrugged. “Not happy, but who is when reminded of a punishment in front of a stranger.”
Haldir’s face became grim. “Than I can safely say Elladan wasn’t Elladan, and Elrohir wasn’t Elrohir.”
Rumil shook his head. “Elladan addressed me, remember.”
Orophin nodded. “Aye, but the twins enjoy playing pranks on others. Especially with their names, making you mistake Elladan for Elrohir at the worst occasions. I daresay Elladan was really Elrohir. For Elrohir hates the stable and thinks horses are a necessary evil and Elladan stays far away from libraries and books. No, brother, if they hated their sentences they were not who they claimed to be.”

Only now did Rumil register the intonation Erestor had placed on the names. His face lit up and became lost as he went over the elf’s beautiful features again.
Haldir and Orophin noticed and looked at each other, a silent communication going on between them. At last Haldir spoke up. “Rumil.” Rumil jolted out of his reverie. “Yes, Phin, you are right. Our baby brother is in love.” His face contorted. “Don’t tell me it’s one of the twins.” Just the thought of having either Elladan or Elrohir as a new brother made him sick to the bones.

Rumil blushed. “Nay, it isn’t. Will you help me?”
Orophin released a happy scream. “How can you ask that? Of course we’ll help. Anything. Now, who is he? No, wait, let me guess.” Orophin started deducting. “We’ve already established it’s not one of the twins. That leaves Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor. And we all know you don’t go for blonds. That excludes dear Glorfindel, leaving only Elrond and Erestor.”
He looked at Haldir, who shrugged. “Our brother has fallen for Elrond, Phin. That’s perfectly understandable. But it does limit our help a lot. We don’t even know if Elrond would welcome a male lover. I’ve only known about Celebrían. And we can’t go to Celeborn or Galadriel for help. Not when it comes to seducing their son-in-law. But don’t you worry, Rumil, we’ll figure something out.”

Rumil shook his head and laughed. “Typical, you two. You can read a month old track like a book, but when it comes to logic, it abandons you.”
Haldir raised his eyebrows. “What are you talking about? It had to be one of them and he’s the only possibility.” Rumil shook his head. “Trust me brother. Lord Elrond has not caught my eye.”

Orophin’s mouth fell open and Haldir slid of the bed. They looked at each other in pain. “N man man návan? Nan……”
Haldir was the first to get back his wits. “Rumil, á pustat. Er endaracië póla hotulë sin.” He looked at his younger brother with pain in his eyes.
Rumil blinked. “What do you mean? How can you say that? You don’t even know Erestor? I came here to ask you if you knew anything and”
Orophin interrupted him and placed his hands on his shoulders. “I’m really sorry, little one, but Haldir is right. You came here to learn aborestrestor? Then listen, though you will not like hearing it.”

He sat down besides his brother, embracing him. Haldir kneeled before him and gathered Rumil’s hands in his. At the moment he was cursing everything and everybody. He cursed Galadriel and Celeborn for sending Rumil with them. He cursed Rumil for being so fragile. He cursed himself for not noticing. He cursed Erestor for drawing his attention.

Orophin shook his head, realising he had to tell it alone. “I know we’ve only been here a few times and neither of those were long but it’s long enough to hear things and to find them true when watching closely.” He sighed, hating to crush his brother’s hopes, but he preferred it to the long pain. “Erestor is cold, uncaring and distant. I know you will say it’s just a façade, but it’s true. Every elf that dares to court or even appr him him gets a cold shower. He humiliates them and laughs at them in front of everybody. Rumil, don’t give him your heart, for he isn’t worth it.”

Rumil’s eyes filled with water, when listening to his brother. “You probably know best. I shall stay away from him then.”

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Elrond looked from Erestor to the twins. He had intended to preach them himself but Erestor was already taking care of it, and the advisor went to extremes.

Elladan snorted. “O, come on, Erestor. It’s not as if we’d hurt his feelings or anything. You’re just upset by what Galadriel and Celeborn will hear. The only thing you care about is what people say of Imladris. And that’s the sole reason behind your interference. Elrohir, come on, we’re going to the dining hall, perhaps we’ll be able to -introduce- ourselves to him.”
Elrohir giggled. “I doubt Haldir will let him out of his sight. You’ve heard the stories.”
Erestor stopped them. “Quiet, the both of you. One must not always believe what one hears. Gossip is dangerous if you don’t know fact from fiction. And you two certainly don’t. I’m beginning to wonder why we tried teaching you. It’s a complete waste of time.” He brushed past them and headed for the dining hall.

Elrond grinned and followed. “Come on, you two. And don’t give me that look. Erestor is right, though he expresses himself rather harsh. Promise me you two will behave around Rumil.”
Elladan widened his eyes. His father had never before asked him that. “Why?”
Elrond sighed. “Because they’ll be here for quiet a while and Haldir and Orophin are protective of him. And for a good reason too. Rumil is highly sensitive, Elladan, and easily hurt. And Erestor presents enough danger for me to allow you two to have your go at him as well. Who knows what would happ
E
Elrohir was hurt. “But ata, we would never...” Elrond silenced him. “I know. Not willingly. But this one is too delicate, I fear. And according to Galadriel he hides his pain. They’ve not just come to deliver a message, you know.”

The twins looked stunned. What had they missed?
Elrond smiled at them. “Your grandparents have far-spoken to me a couple of days ago, asking me if I would be willing to aid them.”
Elladan’s curiosity was roused. “Aid them with what?”
“Well,t I t I tell you stays silent,” his voice made it clear it was not debatable, “but Haldir is grieving a lost lover, Orophin is injured and Rumil is here to make sure they stay.”

Elrohir now felt guilty for attempting to tease the elf. “I’m glad Erestor interfered.”
Elladan snorted. “He could have done it differently. I hate books.” “And I hate stables. That you willingly do that daily. Yagh.”

By now the three elves had entered the dining room and approached their seats. Elrond was pleased to see the three brothers already seated and at his table, Rumil safely wedged between his brothers. Glorfindel seated next to Haldir and on Elrond’s right. Erestor had seated himself on Elrond’s other side forcing the twins to occupy the chairs next to the counsellor, opposite their guests.

Feeling guilty Elrohir immediately spoke, well aware of Erestor’s cold glare directed at him. “Rumil, did Erestor show you your rooms? Or did he feel the need to drag you to the library first? I find it a fascinating place, but since my brother here hates it, I can understand if you do too.”
He threw the young elf a supportive smile and reached for some bread. “I’m Elrohir, which makes him Elladan.” He ignored Rumil’s suspicious look. “If we can show you around, we’ll be pleased. We’d invite your brothers, but they’ve been here before, so a first tour can’t really apply to them, can it?”

Elladan kicked him, making him yelp softly. He glared at his brother. “What you do that for?”
Elladan ignored his twin and addressed the brothers in stead. “Forgive my rambling twin. I fear ata gave all the brains to me. And don’t feel ashamed for staring at us when you arrived, Rumil, many do when they see us first. I believe your brother manages to separate us by our walk.” He grinned. “Though there are easier ways, if you know them.”

Erestor cleared his throat. “What does an elf have to do to have a silent meal?”
Glorfindel cocked his head. “I don’t know, meldir. Get sick?”
Erestor k hik his head. “Nay. I remember you trying that once. I believe the children were so concerned about your welfare they even took to sleeping there.”
Glorfindel grinned. “They’ve always come to me when it stormed. Why, Elladan, I remember you running in scared. Telling me to order the growling Balrogs to stop for it frightened Elrohir.”
Elrohir pouted. “Was not. Elladan said it were dragons, not thunder.”

Rumil liked the discussion. It sounded so homely and cosy. It made him feel welcome. For the others to have no troubles with them listening in on this obvious family occasion. But he couldn’t help watching Erestor. He made sure to look elsewhere, anywhere, whenever Erestor might look his way though. He had no desire to get humiliated by him.
But he started doubting his brothers’ words. For if Erestor really was what they said he was he would not have come to his rescue. He had felt threatened by the twins and hadn’t known what to do or say. And then Erestor had easily steered the conversation into a different direction. Using no more than one simple remark.
He had been determined to heed his brothers’ advice but now he was curious about Erestor chief advisor and constantly looked his way bserbserve him.

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Orophin closed the door behind them. Haldir had gone with Elrond because he had the letter and Orophin hadn’t wasted a second in dragging his younger brother to his rooms. Now that they were alone he addressed him.

“Rumil, what do you think you are doing? You’re lucky Erestor didn’t notice your stares and puppy dog eyes. Are you insane?”
Rumil shook his head. “Nay, I am not. Didn’t you see what he did? He steered the conversation away from me, saving me from humiliation.”
Orophin sighed and sat down. “Rumil, I thought you smarter than this. That was only co-incidentalf hef he would have done what you think he did he would have had to have feelings. Erestor has none.”
Rumil shook his head. “Te ná raica! Ilya Elda háryëa elwen sa palpa.”
Orophin stared his brother in the eye. “Every elf, save this one. Erestor’s heart is as cold as ice. Have you not seen his eyes? They are cold and indifferent.”
Rumil shook his head. “They are dark and mysterious like the deep lakes.”

Orophin sat before him. “Rumil, Haldir and I care about you and we do not wish to see you get yourself hurt. Erestor is no elf to lose your heart to.”
Rumil shook him off. “How can you say such a thing without even knowing him. You are judging without knowing. But I will stay away if it pleases you.”
“It would.”

Rumil left, his face set grim, and Orophin felt reassured. Whenever Rumil wore that expression he did what he had in mind. He wouldn’t be so relaxed if he knew what went on inside his brother’s head.

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Elrond lowered his head on his desk and groaned defeated. “Well, that went rather well.” His voice was mocking.
Glorfindel smiled. “Can you blame him? I think he took it extremely well.” Elrond looked at the blond mockingly. “You think?”
Glorfindel nodded. “Just try to imagine my reaction had you send me to ‘Lóriën with a message that contained nothing more than the order to keep me.”
Elrond shook his head. “I would never do that to you.”
“And you think Galadriel and Celeborn enjoyed hurting his feelings like this?”
Elrond sighed. “You know they don’t. But I get your point. I only hope Haldir won’t marsh right back. Galadriel was right. He is fading and the time spend here will do him good.”
Glorfindel nodded. “Though I think idleness doesn’t become them.”
“One step ahead of you, my friend. Maybe you can use them.”
Glorfindel nodded. “Even a wounded Orophin, but wasn’t Celeborn’s specific request Rumil stops doing this?”
Elrond sighed and nodded. ad gad gone over and over about all possible solutions to the problem, but it had served him no good. “Perhaps Erestor might be able to help there.”

“Help where?” The counsellor stood in the doorway, eyes shining in wonder.
Elrond never stopped wondering about the raven-haired advisor. /When will you ever show the true you, meldir? When will you let someone close? Loneliness doesn’t suit you./ But he wisely held his tongue, knowing only too well how Erestor thought on the matter.
During the long millennia in which they had become friends Elrond had seen Erestor build and perfect his walls. He knew to everybody Erestor seemed cold and distant, ruthless even, but he also knew that was what the elf wanted everybody to see.

Erestor’s repeated question took him form his musings and he shook his head to clear it. “We were just talking about the three brothers. I will go see Orophin in a few moments and see if I can’t fully heal him. He and Haldir can join the forces for they’ll be staying a rather long time as you already know. But both Galadriel and Celeborn have requested we try to get Rumil to do other things.”
Erestor sat down. “Why? If he’s as good as we’ve been told it doesn’t make sense.”

Elrond nodded. “Because that’s not what he could excel in, Erestor. Apparently he used to spend a lot of time in the royal library and according to the scribes there he showed much talent for one so young. They had told Celeborn Rumil had every potential of becoming a well skilled diplomat. Then one day he went to the practise range to bring Orophin his lunch. And that changed everything.”
Erestor and Glorfindel looked expectantly. “You must understand he has never seen weapons, combat or practise before. Haldir and Orophin had seen to that. When he arrived at the practise field Haldir was sparring with his partner. Thinking his brother was in danger Rumil acted instantly and charged Haldir’s partner. Amazingly enough he held his own and even managed to knock the sword from the elf’s hands. The elf in charge complimented Rumil on his skills and when he learned Rumil had never seen a weapon before he said Rumil must be a natural.
“And so Rumil enlisted. Nothing his brothers said could convince him to stop. Not even Galadriel had managed to change his mind and they watched with sad eyes as Rumil turned his back on the library and welcomed a life as a guard. Celeborn never forgot the potential he himself had seen in Rumil as well. Though Rumil is a highly skilled warrior, he would have been an even better diplomat.”

Glorfindel nodded. “But he might not like it. And he loves what he does now.”
Erestor sighed. “Why is it that blond males are always so dense? That’s precisely the reason why we must let Rumil do different things. If he doesn’t like it than at least he knoIt wIt will not be permanent.”
Elrond smiled appreciative at him. He rose to check Orophin’s wound. Glorfindel’s words made him stop.

“And who will tell them?” Elrond sighed and shrugged. “I will. Haldir already hates me. It’s only fear I be the one to deliver this blow as well. But where do I send Rumil to, Erestor?”
“Elrohir might be able to use him. And he’ll keep him from brooding.” Elrond nodded and hastily left.

End chapter two
TBC

Translations:
Návat man návan? Nan……means are you thinking what I’m thinking? But….
Rumil, á pustat. Er endaracië póla hotulë sin means Rumil, stop it. Only heartbreak can come from this.
Te ná raica! Ilya elda háryëa elwen sa palpa. Means You are wrong ! Every elf has a heart that beats (In normal words: every elf has feelings)