Emerald Orbs and Mithril Waves

A/N: Finally I am able to put this part up. I had been waiting for Lalaith to return from Greece to beta read the last two sections, but she hasn't returned yet and I didn't want to keep anyone waiting. All except the two sections at the end have been beta'd so any mistakes at the end are entirely mine.
I began work on this story's partial sequel, 'The Message Runner,' that focuses on Lindir's past; it will probably be uploaded around the same time I finish my Thranduil/Elrond story since I'm writing them together.
This story part originally was to carry the NC-17 rating for the story, but I couldn't get into the mood. The last part (either 3 or 4, haven't decided how long this story will be) will carry the rating for the entire story.
Hope you all enjoy! And sorry to keep you waiting!


As they walked through the star-filled night, Rúmil was beginning to feel embarrassed without quite knowing why. He walked slightly ahead of Lindir as he guided the other through the trees, hoping the blush he felt upon his cheeks wasn’t too obvious. He tried desperately to keep his breathing calm and his footsteps even. Why did love have to be so complicated? Wait, this can’t be love! Rúmil refused to even think such a thing. Love at first sight was something you read about, heard from your friends, not experience it yourself.

/But what if, just what if it happens?/ a little voice in the back of his mind asked. /What if it happens? Just this morning you were saying how tired you were of Haldir playing matchmaker, how you wanting things to run their own course. How you wanted to find love on your own. What if this is what? What if you’ve found it? What will you do then…/

“I don’t know.”

“Did you say something?” Rúmil nearly jumped at the sound of Lindir’s voice, and so close to his ear. He hadn’t realized he had spoken aloud, and felt incredibly embarrassed, more so than he was before.

“ ’Tis nothing,” Rúmil replied trying furiously to contain the darkening stain of his cheeks. “I was lost in thought and hadn’t realized I spoke aloud. It is nothing for you to be worried about.” He smiled to reassure Lindir, not quite sure the minstrel bought his hasty explanation. The Galadhrim sighed in relief as Lindir nodded just as they reached the flet appointed to him. “Here we are.”

“Thank you, I shall not endeavor to get lost again.” Lindir’s smiled as Rúmil released a slight chuckle at the jest. “Rúmil?”

“Hm?”

“May I see you again tomorrow?” Wrong choice of words the minstrel soon realized as Rúmil’s eyes went wide with shock. “I have hardly been to Lórien before; Gildor visits more often than I do. I am afraid I do not know the lay of the land very well, and would very much like to move around the city with ease if I may. Would you kindly act as my guide?”

Rúmil swallowed thickly at the request. Him, act as a guide? He knew Caras Galadhon well despite being constantly on patrol. His greatest fear was not giving a suitable tour of his home, but rather his behavior around the other Elf. Rúmil was finding it more and more difficult to keep his composure the longer he was in Lindir’s presence. And now the minstrel wanted him to be a guide. It was all too much! Yet he couldn’t refuse. “Of course. Shall we begin with a walk after the morning meal?”

“That sounds delightful. I shall bid you good night with wishes to see you in the morning.” With another bright smile, Lindir began the ascent to his flet. Rúmil watching him climb the short flight of stairs until the door closed; only then did he turn with a soft sigh and headed back to the talan he shared with Haldir and Orophin when the three were off-duty.

/What’s happening to me? What is this warm feeling? It can’t be love, but maybe it is. I’ll have to wait and see, and pray to the Valar that I don’t embarrass myself in the near future./

~~~~~~~~~~

It had been a week since the party from Imladris had arrived in Lothlórien. Elrond and Celebrían had intended to stay a good two months, leaving Erestor in charge of the valley; Glorfindel would leave in another week to return and help the advisor. The rest were to stay in the Golden Wood through the summer season, leaving just as the mellyrn leaves turned gold and began their descent. Rúmil was ecstatic about the prospect; for one thing, the lengthy stay would allow him to get to know Lindir better. He was enjoying the minstrel’s company a little more each day.

On this particular day, Rúmil had suggested they take a walk through some of Galadriel’s gardens. The Galadhrim had purposefully ignored Haldir’s smug smile and the Lady’s soft giggling as he and Lindir had passed the arched entrance. He wasn’t about to say anything to either of them about the matter for a long while, knowing full well that they would either tease him or question him incessantly for a lengthy period of time.

“You are thoughtful.” Lindir’s voice cut through Rúmil’s thoughts. The young Galadhrim turned and saw his companion bent over a bed of elanor growing next to the path they were walking. The minstrel’s silvery hair gently brushed the golden flower petals as he bent to inspect them, a small smile on his face. Rúmil found the sight enchanting, especially with the sunlight highlighting the gold in Lindir’s hair. It had only been a day since Rúmil had come to terms with the fact that he was indeed in love with the other Elf, and he found himself falling more and more as they spent the day together. “Is there something on your mind?” Lindir asked.

“Now that you mention it,” Rúmil began, blushing as he tried to sort out the words in his mind before speaking them. “That song you played when you arrived, what was it?” /All right, not too bad of a start. Not quite what I wanted to say, but at least it’s going somewhere./

“Did you like it?” Lindir smiled when he observed Rúmil nodding. “I created it years ago, but I’ve only sung it once before in Lord Elrond’s court.”

“Did you write it for someone?”

“Someone? Nay, I wrote it because I wanted to. I was sitting in Lady Celebrían’s garden when day when it came to me. I sang without really knowing what verses I was speaking. When I had finished, I felt warm and comforted. Almost immediately I raced to the library and asked Erestor for some parchment and a quill; I had to get the words down before I forget them.”

“You said you sang it for the court?”

Lindir nodded. “Aye. It seems the Lady heard me that day and asked if I would perform at the feast in the evening. A little reluctantly I agreed.”

“Why?” The Galadhrim had found the song beautiful when he heard it and couldn’t imagine why Lindir wouldn’t want to share it with others.

“I’m not quite sure. It just seemed at the time that it wasn’t something I should readily be sharing with others. I don’t entirely know why, but the song feels rather…private to me. It felt like something I shouldn’t just sing for the sake of performing, but rather something to be shared with others when my heart was content and joyful.”

“Then why did you sing it the night of your arrival?” Rúmil found himself blushing again when Lindir turned his emerald gaze upon the Galadhrim. He swallowed thickly as he waited for the minstrel’s reply, which came slowly and in what seemed a hushed whisper.

“Because I was content that night, like I’ve never been before in years. Aye, I’ve always been happy, never had any reason to feel otherwise. But, somehow that night was different and I haven’t yet been able to determine why.”

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” The words tumbled from Rúmil’s lips before he could put a stop to them. He gasped and covered his mouth with a slender hand as an incredulous look etched across Lindir’s face. The pair stood gazing at one another for a few moments, Rúmil’s skin feeling hot in his embarrassment, before either spoke again.

“Did you feel it?” Lindir asked, taking a step closer as his voice dropped to a whisper. “The day we met. Did you feel something between us?”

Not knowing how to reply, Rúmil simply nodded and held his breath as Lindir took another step closer. He was so close that the Galadhrim could inhale his scent each time he breathed. He took a deep breath and felt like he was drowning in the light scent of mint that seemed to permeate and linger around Lindir’s person. Blue eyes closed as Rúmil felt warmth radiating from the form in front of him. When next he opened his eyes, he discovered Lindir smiling at him, emerald eyes winkling in the light. “What is it?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

“Can you not tell?”

“Tell?”

“We share something, you and I. Something that pulls at each of our souls since the moment we met. It tugs each more with the passing days. Do you not feel it?”

Rúmil found Lindir’s words to be rather confusing. But when he closed his eyes and searched deep within him, he found them truthful. He did feel something that pulled, drawing him closer to the one standing before him. Slowly, Rumil opened his eyes as, boldly, he wrapped his arms around Lindir’s neck and pressed his lips lightly to the other’s. It was a tentative kiss, intended to test the waters; the Galadhrim pulled back hastily, searching his companion’s eyes for any reaction. The emerald orbs danced and glittered in both amusement and excitement as the minstrel drew Rúmil closer for another kiss.

The second kiss was less hesitant, more bold as the pair pressed against one another. Rúmil submitted to Lindir, parting his lips and teeth when a questing tongue flickered across his lower lip, asking for entrance. A rush of warmth flooded his body as he felt a warm tongue gentle explore the caverns of his mouth before chasing his around. They dueled for a bit, neither getting the upper hand, before the need to breathe became apparent. Reluctantly they pulled away, cheeks flushed with a touch of arousal.

Rúmil leaned forward, resting his head upon Lindir’s shoulder as he steadied his breathing; his eyes fluttered closed as gentle fingers wove into his hair. The Galadhrim sighed deeply and sought to press himself evermore against the warmth that encircled him. He smiled as a faint kiss was placed upon his brow. “I’ve been looking for this,” he whispered.

“Looking for what?”

“For this.” As if to prove his point, Rúmil used the tip of his finger to begin tracing the silver vines embroidered on Lindir’s white robes. “For this. And this too.” Tenderly he allowed his fingers to follow the curve of the minstrel’s cheekbone below an emerald eye, and then a slightly swollen lip. “For you.”

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”

Rúmil giggled, snuggling closer into the warmth around him. “I don’t mind. I wouldn’t have minded waiting for ages if it meant I could have you in the end.”

“Why, melme, I’m touched by your statement of affection.”

“You better be.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Perhaps.” Rúmil giggled again, and blushed faintly as Lindir placed a tender kiss upon his brow. The pair stayed enfolded in the other’s arms for what seemed like forever, neither releasing the other until the sun had sunk below the horizon and the chimes announcing the evening meal sounded.

“I presume we will be taking this slow?” Lindir asked as they walked back to the city’s center hand-in-hand.

Rúmil nodded. “Aye. No sense in rushing things when time is stretching out before us.”

“Slow it is then, lirimaer.” He smiled as wrapped an arm about Rúmil’s slender waist as the Galadhrim rested his head upon Lindir’s shoulder, a soft sigh of contentment leaving his lips. Neither were aware of silent giggles and gleeful glances following them as Galadriel and Haldir observed the pair before following them back towards the inner city.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Lindir?”

“Hm?”

“You said your mother is a Nando Elf. How did she and your father meet?”

Lindir’s hands ceased their movement, fingers hovering over the strings of his harp which he had been tuning. Slowly he turned to Rúmil and wondered how to answer the Galadhrim’s question. The pair were spending the rainy day indoors inside Lindir’s guest talan. Rúmil had enthusiastically related stories about his early childhood, stories that involved his parents, his brothers and some of the other Galadhrim. Lindir had listed to each tale intently, smiling at Rúmil’s dreamy gaze as he relived fond memories. The question about his family caught him slightly off-guard.

“Why are you asking, lirimaer?” the minstrel asked his young lover. “Curiosity?”

“A bit.” Rúmil was stretched out upon his stomach on the talan floor at Lindir’s feet; the Imladrian Elf occupied the bed, one leg curled underneath him. “I was wondering how they met. Elves of Círdan’s people don’t often meet the Elves of Imladris, do they?”

“No, they don’t.” Lindir thought on the matter a moment before placing his harp in its case; shifting on the bed, the minstrel took a similar prone position as Rúmil, his head rested on his crossed arms. “My mother used to call it a rather romantic story whenever she told it to me as a child.”

“Romantic?”

Lindir nodded. “I happened towards the end of the Second Age. My mother was one of the Teleri who resided in Lindon during the time that Círdan and Gil-galad were both there. She hadn’t been there long when she met my father, a Noldo who served under the High King’s herald. My father was very loyal to Lord Elrond and the High King; he was one of the people who traveled to Eregion with Lord Elrond and later settled in Imladris.
“My parents met after Imladris had been founded. My mother says that she had seen my father many times in Lindon, but had never gotten the courage to speak to him. She had fallen in love with him in Lindon and prayed for his safety when he left with Lord Elrond. After hearing of the sack of Eregion, she feared for my father and traveled with some others to Imladris.”

“Your mother sounds like a very courageous woman,” Rúmil commented. He blushed faintly as Lindir smiled at him warmly; the minstrel’s hair spilled over his arms and the edge of the bed, tickling the backs of the Galadhrim’s hands.

“I always thought so as well.”

“So, what happened then?”

“My mother arrived at Imladris and was overjoyed to find that my father had survived Eregion without injury. She resolved to approach him the night of her arrival, but was pleasantly surprised when my father sought her out. My mother learned then that my father had fancied her since the day she arrived in Lindon. After that, he took the time to properly court her, and they were later married. It was some time before I was born, and my parents were very happy during their time together.”

“Where are they now?”

Lindir sighed, brushing some strands of hair out of his eyes. He paused for a mt ast as if to collect his thoughts. “After the Last Alliance ended and the Third Age began, my mother longed for the Sea. My father felt the same; he told me that he grew weary of wars and battles and wanted to live in peace. They returned with Círdan to the Gray Havens, but then sailed for Valinor shortly afterwards.”

“They left Middle-earth.”

“Aye, they did.”

“You didn’t wish to go with them?”

“Now if I had done that,” Lindir said as he reached out, twining a silver lock of Rúmil’s hair about his finger, “I wouldn’t be here, with you, would I?”

“Then, I am glad you did not go.”

“As am I.” Lindir smiled, leaning over far enough to place a kiss on the very tip of Rúmil’s nose. He was pleasantly surprised when the Galadhrim tilted his head upward and captured Lindir’s lips with his own instead.

The kiss was languid and long, neither rushing nor in any hurry to end the caress. Feeling bold, Rúmil slowly shifted to his knees then his feet and moved closer to the bed, his lips never leaving his lover’s. Smiling playfully into the kiss, he proceeded to push Lindir back onto the bed u the the minstrel was lying flat on his back, white hair fanning out around him.

“You are exquisitely beautiful, melethron,” Rúmil whispered in a seductive voice as he gently nipped at an ear tip.

“Why thank you, aier.” Lindir tried to keep a straight face as he watched Rúmil’s body stiffen before the Galadhrim pulled back to stare down at him.

“Aier?!”

Lindir burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter at the furious look that became etched across Rúmil’s pretty features. He felt something soft strike him across the face sharply as Rúmil grabbed the nearest pillow and proceeded to knock some sense into his lover, which of course only brought about more laughter from the minstrel. Helpless against the onslaught of an annoyed Galadhrim, Lindir could only raise his arms as a weak defense as his amusement continued to issue from his lips. The noise seemed to infuriate Rúmil further as he continued to torment the minstrel.

“I am not little! Not even Haldir calls me little!”

“Then I daresay I should feel honored that I am allowed to do so.”

“Why you…” More pillow bashing ensured, followed by the combined laughter of the lovers. Soon the pillow was wasted; with his weapon gone, Rúmil flopped onto the bed next to Lindir amid the scattered feathers and remnants of the pillow, silent giggles causing his body to tremble. “Don’t you ever, ever tell Haldir I’m letting you call me little,” he demanded, glaring at Lindir from the corner of his eye.

“Never,” the white-haired Elf promised as he turned onto his side and propped himself up on an elbow.

“You really are beautiful,” Rúmil whispered, twining a strand of gold and silver hair about his finger.

“So are you, lirimaer.” He smilt Rút Rúmil’s amused snort. “You are.”

“I will have to disagree with you on this matter. I am nothing special. Few people take notice of me when I am in the company of my brothers.”

“You are blind to all the longing gazes that are thrown your way then, nîn bain. You do not see the looks of admiration for your beauty, nor do you see the lustful gazes turned your way when you walk by.”

Rúmil frowned, tugging slightly on his lover’s hair. “Lust is not what I desire. I do not seek a one-time partner, nor do I wish to engage in a liaison that leaves me breathless yet empty.”

“Then what is it you wish?” Lindir was quick to catch the faint sigh that escaped the Galadhrim’s lips. For For a lasting love. I want a partner who will not leave me because something better comes along; I don’t want a partner that will leave me at all. I desire someone who can love and cherish the person that I am. They do not have to be someone who can rival or surpass my skills in the woods. Many think that in order to win me, they must first beat me at what I do best. I am not looking for a hunting companion, I have plenty of those as is. I’m looking for a companion of the heart, someone who will be able to understand me.”

“A kindred spirit?” A nod was his answer as blue eyes stared up questioningly at Lindir.

“Have I found such a person? Or am I fooling myself in thinking I have? Because if I have not, then I do not believe I shall survive the heartache afterwards.”

“You doubt me?”

Rúmil found that he could no longer meet Lindir’s gaze; it seemed too piercing. Looking down at his hands, he began to speak in a softer tone. “Forgive me if I say I do even just a little. I am still young in age, and still somewhat inexperienced in the ways of the heart. But I know what it is I want and search for it. Yet when I find it, I tend to doubt.”

“Lirimaer, look at me.” Lindir waited until he had gotten his lover’s full attention again. As he spoke, he gazed deeply into the doubt ridden blue eyes, one hand gently caressing a pale cheek. “Do you believe I will hurt you in any way?”

“Nay, I do not. I have not know you long, but you have done nothing to make me believe you are anything but what you appear towards others.”

“Then trust me. Trust that I will not hurt you.”

Slowly, Rúmil nodded. “I do.”

Lindir smiled, lowering his head until their lips met again. This kiss was as slow as its predecessor, full of trust and the growing love they shared. But soon slow movements became more frenzied as the pair sought to feel more of the other against him. Hands wandered to clasps and fastenings, the kiss became more demanding and passionate with each passing moment. It felt right to be doing this, it was time. Just when they resolved themselves…

“Rúmil!”

“Valar!” Rúmil exclaimed when Lindir had pulled away. “I will kill Haldir! He has the worst timing of anyone I know!”

Lindir had the decency not to laugh as his annoyed lover disentangled himself, stood and straightened his clothes. He moved into a sitting position, legs crossed, as Rúmil made for the doorway, stopping just before stepping over the threshold.

“Can you meet me tonight?” the Galadhrim asked in a timid voice. “At my talan, so we can finish our…conversation?”

The minstrel smiled and nodded. “Of course, lirimaer. Tonight after the evening meal?” His smile widened at Rúmil’s eager nod before his lover left. Lindir sat a moment upon his bed, listening to the sounds of retreating footsteps shortly followed by a pair of voices speaking from the ground below. He was able to catch pieces of the conversation, learning that Haldir had come to collect his brother for a hunt. As they walked away, Lindir sighed and got to his feet to prepare himself for the evening. Galadriel had insisted he perform yet again that night, and Lindir couldn’t refuse his kinswoman. At least he had something to look forward to.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was quiet as Lindir made his way up the steps to the talan Rúmil shared with his brothers. Far off he could still hear the faint laughter and singing coming from the feast that was still taking place. When he had seen Rúmil excuse himself from the feast, Lindir had bided his time before making his excuses and leaving the feast. Galadriel had shot him a knowing look when he had passed her seat, but Lindir brushed it off. He often felt that his kinswoman was far to perceptive for his liking at times.

His steps were soundless as Lindir made his way up the stairs to the shared family talan. Rúmil had told him earlier that the brothers rarely used the large talan; they only time the brothers actually used this particular flet was during the summer months, when there were less patrols to attend due to longer daylight hours. Normally each brother took his own talan near the borders of Lórien. Rúmil had assured Lindir earlier in the evening that his brothers had other engagements for the night and wouldn’t return until the next morning. That left them the entire night alone, without any interruptions.

Reaching the main entrance, Lindir tapped gently upon the door, opening it when he heard a small sound on the other side. It was a spacious home, he noted as he stepped inside. It was large enough for the three brothers though slightly smaller than some of the other family talans. And it was sparsely furnished; Lindir thought it was so due to the brothers’ prolonged absences from the home.

“I thought you’d never come.”

Lindir smiled and turned to the much loved voice. “I couldn’t leave right away.”

“I know,” Rúmil replied, stepping up to the minstrel and wrapping his arms around his lover’s neck. “I did tell you my brothers won’t be in tonight?”

“I believe you made that quite clear this evening.”

“I thought so.” Rúmil gave a smug smile before leaning forward.

Lindir caught his lips easily and pulled him closer. The kiss lasted longer than they had anticipated, so long that they had to hurriedly pull back as stars began to swim before their eyes from lack of air. Only a moment’s hesitation passed before Lindir bowed his head forward, and began to gently suck on the skin of his lover’s neck. There came a soft moan before the minstrel felt Rúmil pull away; he gazed at his lover questioningly but understood when Rúmil took his hand and began leading him towards one of the bedrooms.

Once the door to the neatly furnished bedroom had been closed, Rúmil turned back to Lindir, beginning to unfasten the front of the minstrel’s mint green robe. “This is an appropriate color,” he whispered.

“Why is that?” Lindir asked, his arms wrapping loosely about the Galadhrim’s slender waist was he watched his lover’s movements.

“It compliments you. And I always thought you smelled of fresh mint after a summer rain.”

Lindir laughed musically. “How very eloquent, lirimaer.” He leaned forward and kissed Rúmil’s brow as his robe was pushed away, leaving him in the gauzy shirt he had worn underneath.

They began to work at one another’s clothes, slowly undoing clasps, buttons and belts. Before long their clothes were resting in two small heaps upon the talan floor as they stared to undo the other’s braids. Once their hair had been loosened, the lovers took a moment to admire one another.

Rúmil, to Lindir, was perfect and just as he imagined him with his pale skin stretched gracefully over a lean form. The Galadhrim, however, was a little more startled by what he saw. Lindir was more built than he had imagined; the minstrel was still lean and willowy in nature, but he had taut muscles in places only one accustomed to running long distances for great lengths of time should have. Rúmil began to wonder what Lindir did in Imladris when he wasn’t composing music, but brushed the thoughts aside as they made for his bed.

“Is something wrong?” Lindir asked as they laid on their sides facing one another.

“Nay, ‘tis nothing.” Rúmil smiled and shifted closer, sighing in bliss as Lindir wrapped warm arms around him. “Have you had lovers before?”

“Once. Only once.”

“Any preferences?”

“My past experience was with a male.”

“And?”

“I was young then. Naturally I took the submissive position.” He smiled at Rúmil’s slight frown. “I do not expect you to do the same, aier.”

“There goes the ‘little’ again,” the Galadhrim grumbled. He sighed before snuggling a little closer. “Actually, I‘ve had partners before, but I took a different position with each one. I think, though, that I want you to take me. I just wanted to know if you had any preference.”

“Do you?”

“Well…it depended with the partners. I don’t know you that well yet, so I’ll have to wait and see.”

“Experimenting, are we?”

“Mmhmm. Do you mind?”

“Not at all.”

Rúmil smiled angelically before tugging slightly on Lindir’s hair, bringing them together for another kiss. As their tongues played and sparred, he rolled onto his back, taking Lindir with him so that the minstrel was lying atop him. He moaned into the kiss as Lindir’s hands brushedtherther light over his body, exploring and tasting as they moved. The Galadhrim arched his back, seeking to press more of himself against his lover.

Lindir was enchanted by the sight of his lover before him. The pale skin and silvery hair glimmered in the moonlight, giving Rúmil an unearthly glow to his ethereal beauty. It was simply stunning, and he been otherwise engaged, Lindir felt tempted to write a composition about what he was seeing. But that would wait until later. “Lirimaer,” he whispered, planting a gentle kiss against Rúmil’s temple. Lindir smiled seeing his lover at a lose for words, and dipped his head for another kiss.

The sensations were almost overwhelming, and Rúmil gladly drowned in them. He felt warmth spread from where Lindir touched him pool together and cause his body to react. A short gasp of surprise left him when he felt their bodies slide against one another, causing the most sensitive parts of their anatto bto brush together. He felt alive and loved; none of his previous partners had ever made him felt so. Rúmil knew, had known Lindir was different from the others he had felt attracted to the moment they met.

The night passed blissfully for them as they made wondrous music together. Hands wandered, lips explored and endearments were whispered lovingly. The pair learned the young Galadhrim had a rather sensitive patch of skin just above his left hip; Lindir felt no guilt about exploiting such knowledge, sometimes tickling his lover to no end. The laughter that issued, as well as the following moans, was swallowed by their kiss as their bodies joined.

Rúmil could not remember ever feeling as alive as he did when Lindir was moving inside him. Closing his eyes to better savor the feeling, he sighing blissfully and pressed back against the minstrel, grinning as he heard the resulting groan. He felt complete, as if he had found a missing half of him he hadn’t realized was not present. As his orgasm through him over the chasm he had been teetering on the edge of, Rúmil moaned once as he spilled himself over his lover’s hand. Reaching up, he tugged Lindir forwards, stifling the white-haired Elf’s cry of release with a kiss as the Galadhrim felt his innards coated with something smooth and warm. He gathered his lover into his arms as Lindir fell forward and gently pulling out.

In silence they lay, for they needed no words. Shifting slightly, Lindir managed to roll them onto their sides; wrapping his arms tightly around Rúmil and planting a kiss upon his brow. The Galadhrim stifled a yawn and smiled as he felt the minstrel humming softly, lulling him to sleep. He listened for a time before his eyes became vacant and he allowed the pleasant lull of dreams consume him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rúmil awoke to the feeling of being warm. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he stretched, enjoying the feel of the morning sun against his back; he soon discovered a pair of arms around his waist. Noticing who was sharing his bed, Rúmil smiled and stared down at the sight of Lindir in sleep, his hair a white shimmering halo in the light. Unable to resist the sight before him, the Galadhrim leaned forward to give his slumbering lover a kiss. He smiled when he heard a stir and felt his kiss returned.

“Such a beautiful sight to awaken to,” Lindir said when they parted.

“I highly agree,” Rúmil replied, twisting a lock of Lindir’s hair about his fingers. “Seems my brothers didn’t return last night.”

“Does that bother you?”

“Not in the least. They are their own people with their own agendas. Besides, had they returned, we would not have enjoyed ourselves as much last night.”

Lindir laughed, drawing Rúmil closer. “That is true, lirimaer. So very true.” He tilted the silvery head back and claimed another kiss, which was eagerly replied to. So engrossed in the kiss were they that neither realizing the door was opened until a voice spoke.

“Up, gwanur!” came Haldir’s voice sounding very cheery. He stretched languidly as he stepped into his youngest brother’s room; behind him followed Orophin, who immediately stopped and turned away from the threshold. Haldir didn’t seem to notice what his eldest brother had, and preceded to roam about Rúmil’s room. “’Tis a fine morning, and you promised to continue the hunt with us today. Up with you, lazy bones, and let us give ch…” His words were cut off as something soft and fluffy hit him squarely in the face.

“Valar! Haldir!” Rúmil was blushing in a mix of embarrassment and annoyance as he drew the sheets high over his body, covering Lindir’s in the process. Blindly he fumbled for another pillow and, upon finding one, tossed it again at his brother. “Do you not have the sense to knock anymore?!”

“What did I…oh dear.” Haldir squeezed his eyes shut and started to backpedal towards the door. “So sorry, gwanur. Didn’t know you weren‘t alone. Er…I’ll just wait outside.” He slammed the door shut just as another pillow was thrown at him. His embarrassment mounted as he heard Lindir laugh through the door and saw the odd look Orophin was giving him. “What?!”

“Don’t tell me you didn’t see them,” Orophin commented dryly as he observed Haldir fidgeting with one of his sleeves.

“Well…no, I didn’t.” uddeuddenly glared at his brother, who seemed unmoved by the gesture. “Why didn’t you warn me Rúmil wasn’t alone?!”

“Would you have warned me?”

“No! I mean yes! I mean…ugh!” Throwing his hands up on the air, Haldir stomped off. Orophin watched him go, trying not to laugh as long as Haldir was in earshot. With his back to the door, the eldest brother could hear Rúmil fumbling around in his room trying to get ready as he gave some hurried apologies to his lover. This day, Orophin mused, is just going to get more interesting.

Translations:
Melme-Love
Lirimaer-Lovely one
Melethron-Lover
Aier-Little one
Nîn bain-My beautiful one
Gwanur-Brother