Starry Sky

A/N: A big thank you to everyone who has been reading and encouraging me. I am sorry to keep anyone who has been waiting for chapter 2. I leave you on a hook at the end of this chapter; I'm truly sorry! But, I am in the midst of writing and reviewing chapter 3 as fast as I can. As I have an important test this coming Monday, it will be about a week before the next chapter is up. Patience please, it will be up soon!

/ / denotes thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~ denotes changes in scene or POV.


Chapter 2: Galadhrim
Summary: While on patrol, Orophin muses quietly about the last time he saw Elrohir and encounters the party from Imladris.

It had been a fairly quite morning in the Golden Wood. There was nothing particularly exciting going on; nothing dangerous was trying to sneak its way past the Galadhrim, thank the Valar. Though it was their duty to keep Lothlorien safe from unwanted visitors, it could not be said that the patrols always enjoyed their jobs. They were more than happy to have an uneventful day every now and then. Such days gave them time to relax and recollect their thoughts, though, of course, they never ceased their constant watch over their beloved home. If there was a skirmish, the Galadhrim would never hesitate to take up arms and race into battle. But, more than enjoying an uneventful day, they looked forward to being off-duty now and again.

Orophin stretched in the early afternoon sun as he perched on a thick tree limb high off the ground. His days and nights of patrolling had been relatively quiet, as this morning had been, and soon he would be having a few days off to relax. His youngest brother, Rumil, would be taking over for a time when he left the patrol for his rest. And, of course, Haldir was constantly on patrol, whether he was supposed to be taking time off or not. Orophin was greatly looking forward to just relaxing and strolling through Caras Galadon for a few days, without having to worry about the borders. There was little trouble with Orcs and other dark servants as of late; Elladan and Elrohir had done their job well of making sure the passageways were safe for traveling.

Elrohir. Orophin smiled faintly as he recalled the younger twin. It had been some years since Elrohir and his twin had visited Lothlorien last. The Galadhrim missed his friend, but understood the oath the sons of Elrond had taken upon their mother’s departure. Elrohir had been Orophin’s closest friend since they were both children; even as they grew older, their friendship had endured, and grown stronger through the years. There were times when the patrol guard would worry as he thought about the twin riding alone in the wilds of Middle-earth, with no other companion, save his double. And, each time Elrohir had visited Lorien, even if the visits were few and far between, Orophin had felt a sense of relief wash over him at seeing the dark-haired elf safe.

Unconsciously, one hand wandered from his bow to the front of Orophin’s tunic, clutching the mithril ring that hung from a chain over his heart through the gray garments. It had been the first, and last, thing that Elrohir had given him, nearly a hundred years ago. The Galadhrim had kept it safe, always close to him, as a reminder of the night they had once shared. It was also a reminder of the feelings he harbored for the twin, feelings he never shared, but kept sealed in his heart. Time and time again, Orophin would try to come up with the appropriate words to speak of his feelings each time he saw Elrohir. Each time, the emotions he had worked so hard to put into coherent thought would die on his lips. In the end, he resigned himself and kept silent, finding solace in the company of the bonding ring the twin had given him. The time wasn’t right to tell Elrohir how he felt, but the time would come one day. He would just have to be patient a bit longer.

The sound of horses approaching alerted Orophin, drawing him out of his thoughts and memories. A faint rustle of leaves to his right let him know that his brother, Haldir, had asenssensed the nearing riders. Along with a handful of other Galadhrim, the brothers waited, scanning the forest floor for the riders, bows drawn and ready to fire. When a familiar dark head appeared, followed by another, the Galadhrim relaxed. It had been more than thirty years since they last visited, but the twins were no strangers to the border patrol, even if their companions were.

“Mae govannen, Elladan, Elrohir,” Haldir called, jumping down from the trees to nimbly land before the twins’ steeds. “It has been long since you have paid a decent visit to the Wood.”

“Mae govannen, Haldir,” Elladan replied, inclining his head before dismounting, Elrohir and the Mirkwood siblings follow suit. “I see we have not been forgotten, at least among the Galadhrim.”

“It is hard to forget a pair such as yourself and Elrohir, meldir. But, who are your companions? Judging by their statures and clothing, I shall venture to say they are from the Greenwood.”

“That they are,” Elrohir replied. “Might I introduce the children of King Thranduil of Mirkwood. Tis Arondil, and his brothers, Celeron and Legolas. And the fair princess, Nimriel. They are fostering a year with us, and frequently expressed wishes to visit Lorien.”

“Tis a pleasure,” Arondil greeted, bowing, his siblings following his lead.

“Welcome to Lothlorien, children of Thranduil,” Haldir greeted, bowing to them in respect. “I am the March Warden, Haldir. This is my brother, Orophin.” He stepped forward, bowing as Haldir introduced him. For a moment, Orophin caught Elrohir’s eye. They stared at each other in silence as Haldir finished the introductions; their locked gaze broke when Haldir addressed the party again. “Please, follow me. I am sure the Lord and Lady have already known about your arrival. They will be eager to meet our kin from the North.”

“Aye, and we ourselves are eager to see the fair Lord and Lady of this land,” Arondil replied. With another bow, Haldir turned on his heels, beginning to lead the group through the forest. Elrohir lingered behind a moment before following his brother and friends. As he passed, his hand brushed against Orophin’s, their fingers embracing for a mere moment. To others, it would have been a casual brushing, perhaps accidental. For Orophin, the touch spoke words they had no time to express at the moment. Later, they would meet, and become reacquainted.

~~~~~~~~~~

Though he loved his grandparents dearly, and was fond of his companions from Mirkwood, Elrohir felt the usual introductions between the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien and the children of Thranduil were taking far longer than they needed to. Or, so it seemed to Elrohir. He was tempted just to turn and leave to explore the realm he had missed much in recent years. But, the glances Galadriel frequently turned his way forced the twin to still his climbing anxiety, and keep still.

“It is good to see our kin from the North,” Celeborn said as he greeted Arondil. “We seldom have visits from the elves of Mirkwood these days. It is a pity visits from your people are not more frequent, but it is refreshing to hear any news elves of the Greenwood may bring. How fairs your father’s land in these times?”

“Well, and yet still very much encompassed by the dark,” the first prince replied. “Skirmishes between our kinsmen and servants of the dark break out now and again. Our attentions are foc focused on our own lands than those of others. Still, our father works hard to dispel fear and keep peace in the land.”

“Lord Thranduil is a wise leader, and a caring one,” the Lady Galadriel said in a sagely tone. “He loves his people, doing what he believes to be right and just. There are times where he may seem rather harsh, but that is only a façade to hide Thranduil’s more gentler side. He has raised his children to be much like himself, I am glad to notice.” The four princes and princess bowed deeply to her for her compliment.

“If I may say so, my lady,” Legolas began, gazing around him at the wonder of Caras Galadon, “the Golden Wood is more beautiful than Elladan and Elrohir describe it to be. And, they have often spoken of this land, the birthplace of their mother.”

“That has been often indeed,” Celeron muttered softly, throwing his sister a pointed look. Galadriel’s musical laughter filled the air as Nimriel began to blush in embarrassment.

“I thank you for your words, Prince Legolas. I dearly hope you enjoy your stay here. For the moment, I suppose you would all like a bit of rest after your journey. I shall have servants show youtalatalans you may use during your stay.”

“Thank you, grandmother,” Elladan said, bowing to his parent’s nt bnt before servants came to lead the younger elves to a place of rest. Elrohir made to follow them, but stopped when he felt a gentle hand rest upon his shoulder. He turned to find Galadriel’s kind eyes smiling at him. The Lady then began to lead the twin in a different direction.

“It has been long since you and your brother have visited the Wood,” she said as they strolled the grounds together. “I was beginning to think I might never see the both of you again. Is your father well?”

“Very well, grandmother,” the younger twin replied. “He expressed feelings of visiting Lorien someday soon himself before we left. How is Arwen?”

“Well. She will be pleased to know you have arrived safely.” Elrohir nodded. Though it had only been a few months since Arwen had left for the Golden Wood, and there were times when the twins would go a full year without seeing her, Elrohir still missed his sister. “But,” Galadriel’s voice spoke again, drawing him back to the present, “your sister is not what--or should I say, who--is occupying your mind at the moment, gwenneth.”

“What do you mean?” Try as he might, Elrohir found it difficult to contain the blush that threatened to color his cheeks. Galadriel smiled, and pretended not to take notice.

“There is another resident of these woods whom you think about.”

“Grandmother, I…”

“You know exactly what I am saying, Elrohir. Do not try to hide the truth from me. I know you very well, in case you have forgotten.” He sighed; he should have known better than to try to hide things from her. Galadriel was much older, and far wiser, than many of the elves of Middle-earth. Of course she would have known about Orophin and himself; perhaps she had always known, even before they themselves realized.

“Forgive me, grandmother,” he said softly. “I did not intend to hide anything from you.”

“And, please, do not try.” He nodded once before she spoke again. “What do you feel towards him, Elrohir?”

“I…I am not entirely sure.” It was the truth. Elrohir knew he felt something that went beyond mere friendship for Orophin, but as to what that feeling was he was not entirely sure of at the moment. He wanted to bond to the Galadhrim; but, was it out of love, or something else?

“Is it not love?” Galadriel asked as if reading his thoughtsDo yDo you not feel for Orophin what your brother feels for Prince Legolas?”

“It is difficult to say. We have been friends for so long, grandmother, that I am afraid to test that friendship. If I do, and the test fails, I could well lose the closest friend I have.”

“Indeed, it is a risk.” Galadriel ceased walking; her white robes rustled faintly as she turned to face her grandson. Slender, pale hands cupped his face as she stared deep into his gray eyes. Her blue gaze was piercing, but Elrohir dare not flinch. “But, pen-neth, it is a risk we all take when we fall in love. It is a risk I dared, as did your father and brother. You must ask yourself if you are willing to take the same risk as we did, and if you can face the consequences. If you feel that he returns your love, even just a fraction of what you feel, then I advise you to voice what your heart desires.”

“I do not know if I can.”

“Then, you must discover if you can.” She sighed, releasing him. A t smt smile illuminated her beautiful face. “Please consider my words, gwenneth.”

“I will, grandmother.”

“Now, go and rest. There will be time for more discussion later.” With a deep bow, he turned and left her, heading back the way he came to join his brother and companions.

While he walked, Elrohir heard her words echoing within his mind. Galadriel had spoken of the fears that laid within his heart, the fear of rejection from one of the people he cared about the most. He had warred with himself on the matter of whether he loved Orophin or not, and, if he did, whether he should speak of the matter, or love in silence. Elrohir found the matter rather confusing at times; he often wondered where Elladan had gotten the courage to tell Legolas about his love for the prince, and if his brother had ever felt as torn as he did now.

/She is right,/ he thought to himself. /I will have to speak of this matter soon. But, not now. Not yet. I am not ready. I fear I never will be./ Elrohir sighed quietly to himself, noting the falling of the sun. Arien was descending, casting long shadows across the ground. He had forgotten the passage of time during his talk with Galadriel; servants would be calling for the evening meal soon. He decided to politely pass the meal when asked to attend; there was too much going on in Elrohir’s mind at the moment.

He had almost reached the talan Elladan and Thranduil’s children had been escorted to when a warm arm snaked its way about Elrohir’s waist from behind. Startled, the younger twin’s survival instincts took hold for a moment; he struggled as he felt himself being pulled back, his shoulders pressing against another’s chest. He relaxed at the kiss planted in his hair, and the familiar voice whispering into his ear.

“I have missed you, mellon-nîn.”

Translation:
Mae govannen, Elladan, Elrohir-Well met, Elladan, Elrohir
Meldir-Friend
Gwenneth-Younger twin
Pen-neth-Little one
Mellon-nîn-My friend