Blind Perception

It was another twenty years before Bronwen saw Rumil again. The very next day after the disastrous dinner date, he requested a long-term assignment to the borders. He was gone when Celebrian left with her entourage and married Elrond, taking Bronwen with her.

The intervening years were a time for reflection for Bronwen. She need not have worried for Celebrian’s happiness, as Rivendell’s Lord seemed absolutely infatuated with his new bride, and she with him.

Bronwen herself developed friendships in her new home, particularly among the young scribes fostered under Erestor’s exacting eye. However, as much as she may have wished it otherwise, none caught her eye or her heart as much as one stubborn elf from the Golden Wood.

~~~

The Last Homely House was in an uproar. Its Lady had delivered her children barely a week before. Given Elrond’s family history and the size his Lady had grown during her pregnancy, few had been surprised when she delivered twin heirs.

And today, the Lady’s family was expected to arrive. Nervous and edgy, Bronwen spent most of the day with her new charges and their exhausted mother. The delivery had not been an easy one, and Celebrian struggled to regain her strength.

Bronwen was sitting in the windowsill, cooing to a fussy Elrohir when Rumil saw her. He stared, realizing something that had never dawned on him before.

Bronwen was beautiful.

He had always acknowledged her as being passably pretty. All ellith were. But, perhaps it was knowing her his entire life, seeing her on a nearly daily basis, or maybe that his eyes were always focused on his Lady love, but he had never noticed that Bronwen was more than passing fair.

The sight of her with an elfling in her arms, looking so young and happy, struck a chord deep within the stunned warrior. Swallowing, he approached the distracted elleth. "So this is my newest nephew. He is beautiful."

Bronwen started, jarring the rarely quiet elfling. He let out a loud, indignant cry, quickly echoed by his brother from across the room. A frustrated, exhausted groan joined them.

Bronwen cooed at the wailing Prince, shooting an impatient glance at her companion. "Well? Make yourself useful and grab an elfling. The Lady needs her rest."

Laughing softly, Rumil went over to where Celebrian hovered over a cradle. "And what do you think YOU are doing, dear sister? Back to bed with you. NOW."

Celebrian shot him a dirty look, but did as she was told. He chuckled and lifted the fretting infant. "Here now, what is all of this about then?" He held the elfling close and bounced gently. "Such a fussy little prince you are, wearing your Nana out like this." He offered the elfling his finger.

Distracted by her own crying bundle, it took Bronwen several moments to realize the other cry had been silenced. She looked up and saw Rumil standing next to her, little Elladan sucking on his finger. Elrohir’s own crying stopped abruptly.

Bronwen sighed. "It always amazes me how Elrohir can sense his brother’s presence the way he does. He only really cries when he is separated from Elladan, and Elladan cries because Elrohir cries. Unfortunately for them, I can only handle one at a time."

"There are few who could understand the bond between twins. I imagine being away from his twin is like being parted from half of his soul. I cannot say as I would be fond of it, either."

The stood in companionable silence until it was time for the royal nap. They placed the two elflings in their cradle and made to leave the family to its rest.

"Rumil, wait…"

He waited for Bronwen to leave before approaching the bed and sitting next to the exhausted Lady. "Sister, if I may say so, you look horrid."

She snorted indelicately. "You are no raving beauty yourself, little brother," came her sleepy reply. She seemed to fall asleep, her eyes half-lidded.

Rumil smiled and kissed her forehead. He made to leave.

"You still do not see it, do you?"

He paused. "See what, dear one?"

"She loves you, fool."

Rumil smiled and shook his head. "I think you are overtired. She does not love me. Or if she does, it is as a child, not as a mate."

"Rumil, all of Lothlorien knew of her love for you. Except for you."

"You are mistaken, Celebrian," he insisted. "If she loved me as you say, why did she offer to help me pursue you?"

"Is that not a true sign of love? To place another’s happiness over your own?"

He turned to leave, stopping at the door. "Sleep, Celebrian. You are tired, and Lord Elrond would have my innards if I let you overtax yourself." He disappeared through the door.

"Fool of an elf," she muttered irritably.

~~~

A grand celebration was held that night, both to commemorate the visiting elves from Lorien and to formally introduce the newborn sons of their Lord and Lady.

Elrond and Celebrian sat at the head of the table during dinner. Just before the dancing began, Elladan and Elrohir were brought down and presented to the waiting elves, who gathered around, eager to meet the young heirs.

Suppressing a yawn, Celebrian whispered something into her husband’s ear. He smiled and nodded, chuckling. "Unfortunately," he announced, "my Lady is still weakened from her trial and wishes to retire."

"But, my Lord," Lindir called out, "who will open up the dance?"

His smile broadened. "Rumil, will you do the honors?"

Unable to find a polite way to decline, Rumil bowed politely in acceptance. "It would be my pleasure, my Lord." He met Celebrian’s remarkably clear, energized gaze. His nod was brief, barely perceptible.

He looked around the room and smiled, approaching the corner where Bronwen stood, chatting with Melpomaen. He clicked his boot heels sharply and bowed to her, extending his hand. "My Lady. May I have this dance?"

~~ tbc ~~