breaking the ice

Chapter twenty two Close encounter

Orophin smiled as he saw Elrohir bring in the largest lunch he’d ever seen. “Man nát cária?”
Elrohir grinned. “Making sure you have enough to eat. You don’t mind me joining you?”
Orophin shook his head. “Not at all. But I hope lunch isn’t the only thing that brought you here?” He caressed Elrohir’s cheek and smiled warmly when the twin blushed and averted his eyes. He knew the road to recovery was a long one and he was willing to wait.

He worked himself into a sitting position and pulled the twin closer to kiss him. “It smells delicious, Ro. It looks like you raided the kitchens. Perhaps you should make up camp here and hide.”
Elrohir’s eyes twinkled as he laughed. “Nay, I merely told them I was having lunch with you. They always make more for the injured. What do you want first?”
Orophin shrugged. “Surprise me.”

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Elrond frowned when he noticed six empty seats at the table. He nearly jumped when Glorfindel placed a hand over his arm. “Stop that, melmë. If you want music, Lindir will oblige you.”
Elrond looked at him funnily but then smiled and shook his head. “Aiya, it finally happened.”

He grinned when Erestor and Rumil walked in together. “Finally! I was beginning to think Glorfindel and I had to eat alone.”
Rumil laughed warmly and sat down. “I am sure it can be arranged should you two desire it. Erestor and I can eat in my room, or the patio, or even in the kitchen, if you really desire to be alone.”
Erestor looked appalled. “I do -not- eat in the kitchen!”
Rumil grinned. “O, come on, not even to please your lord? I’m sure I can keep your mind of off the kitchen and on more enjoyable things. And before I forget. Lord Elrond, I found some weapons in the attic. They look good and steady, but I don’t know what to do with them and to walk around with them was out of the question. Way too many for me alone to carry and I’d like to see tomorrow.”
Glorfindel shook his head at the rattling and he stopped the elf before he could continue. “I shall come with you after lunch and take a look at them. And no, you and Erestor eat here, with us. Where are the twins and your brothers?”

Rumil jumped up and both Elrond and Erestor glared at the blond who looked questioningly back. “Aiya, I am sorry, didn’t you know???? Elladan took Haldir out riding, and when my brother goes riding it can take the entire day. And Orophin’s still in the healing house, Glorfindel, had you forgotten?”
Glorfindelshedshed and nodded. “Aye, I must confess I had. But then where’s Elrohir? Or can I safely assume he’s with Orophin?”
Erestor nodded. “He is. He told me to excuse him at lunch. Had I known Elladan and Haldir would be gone as well I wouldn’t have allowed him to go. Rumil, perhaps you should join him and Orophin.”
Rumil cocked his head and narrowed his eyes before he smiled. “Nay, I’d rather stay here with you.”

Elrond smiled at them and nodded, happily things were going into the right direction for a change. “Perhaps Glorfindel and I should leave the two of you alone, Rumil?” He laughed at the reddening face and the stuttering it produced.
Erestor shook his head. “Peace, please, peace. Or I’ll eat in the study.”
Rumil instantly shut up and Elrond laughed even more, sending an apologetic glance their way. “Ai, I am sorry, I just can’t help it. You make me feel like an elfling again, Rumil. Ai, Erestor, you have my sympathies. It mustn’t be easy: having him around almost the entire day every day.”
Erestor shrugged. “Easier than having you around for half the day.”

Elrond’s eyes widened before he went into another laughing fit. `It seems you were right, Glorfindel. Erestor -is- hooked. Bad, if he defends him so easily.`
Glorfindel smiled unseen. `Completely and totally hooked. It won’t be long before he takes the nstepstep.`
`I hope so. Rumil deserves to be happy. Will he ever tell the truth?`
Glorfindel shrugged. `Maybe you should tell Erestor?`
`Hmmm. Perhaps I might. Tonight or this afternoon. We’ll see`

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Haldir laughed warmly as he watched Elladan try and catch the bunny. They had found it tangled in some ropes. The twin had instantly dismounted and started freeing it, ascertaining it was wounded. Now the twin tried desperately to catch it to apply some healing balm, but it seemed the little bunny had a different opinion. It resulted in some highly amusing poses and falls, making Haldir laugh without stop.

Elladan cursed in such a way even a Dwarf would redden, but he didn’t stop his hunt, knowing it made Haldir laugh and for that he willingly placed himself under humiliation. At some point the bunny hopped through the bushes and Elladan took a nosedive behind it, screaming as he landed in some very sharp thorns. /Just my luck, it jumps into a thorn bush. Ai, my face is on fire./

Haldir dismounted and went to his assistance. “You know, it think it isn’t as injured as we first believed, Elladan.” He had to stifle a hiss when he saw the damage the bush had done to Elladan’s face. There were sharp cuts all over his face and Haldir could see some of them just barely missed the eyes, though one just about severed the upper lip, making the twin bleed extremely. The warden instantly placed a clean c at at the wound and applied some pressure, making the twin hiss in pain.

“Do you have some salve? To prevent them from turning into scars?”
Elladan grinned rather meekly when he heard that. “That bad, hey? There’s some healing salve in my saddlebag, but it stings.”
Haldir smiled. “Medicine never tastes or feels good.” He looked at the twin in sympathy and had to force himself to keep a straight face. He swiftly got out the salve and tenderly applied it to the cuts on Elladan’s face.

Elladan’s eyes widened at the contact and quickly closed his eyes. Haldir thought him to be deeper cut that he had imaged, but that wasn’t the reason. Elladan had felt himself stirring inwardly and knew what it meant. He now gave every effort to fight it. He did not want to lust after Haldir, especially because the other was healing and had trusted him enough to share his pain with him. He felt like betraying that trust by becoming attracted to the Galadhrim.

Haldir cocked his head as he studied the damaged face. “Maybe I should take you to the healing house.”
Elladan shook his head. “No! For some minor cuts? I promised to show you the realm and so I shall.” He stood and grimaced as he felt the salve taking affect. “Come, there’s a small pond nearby. I can wash out my cuts there before reapplying the salve.” /But I shall apply it myself, my friend./

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Haldir frowned when Elladan kept his distance from him, not even allowing him to help him wash the wounds or reapply the salve./What did I do? Does he feel injured in his pride because I witnessed that?/ “Elladan, forgive me, but I really think your father should take a look at it. At any rate, you won’t be ably to hide it from him, so you might as well go to him now and get it over with.”
Elladan sighed and nodded. Haldir’s words made sense, but he dreaded the scolding he was about to receive. “Come on then.”

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Erestor closed his eyes and sighed longingly. He found himself unable to concentrate on his work. /I can’t believe I miss that chatterbox. It’s too quiet./ He shook his head. /And too empty./

He jumped when the door opened and he hastily grabbed his quill, if only to pretend to be working.

Elrond smiled at the advisor. “Don’t bother. Admit it, you miss Rumil.”
Erestor’s wide, scared eyes settled on Elrond and after long minutes a small nod was seen.

Elrond sat down and placed his hands over Erestor’s. “You have no idea how happy that one nod just made me.”
Erestor looked at him as if he’d grown a second head and Elrond smiled, nodding. “It shows you’ve already come a long way towards healing, my dear friend. And we owe it all to Rumil. He’s cracked your codes, he broke down your defences, your walls and forced you to move forward. I am grateful indeed.”

Erestor smiled and shrugged. “I’m afraid, Elrond. What will happen to me when he returns?”
Elrond inhaled deeply and cocked his head. “I don’t think he will be returning when he is allowed to do so. Haldir’s road is a long one and Galadriel already told me she fears three vacancies will have to be permanently filled. It appears Haldir chose Elladan as his confidant.”
Erestor frowned. “But then he cannot leave, or Elladan will have to go with him. If not, it might give him a dangerous set back.”
Elrond nodded. “Which is why I don’t foresee any leaving of the three brothers this year. They will probably take up jobs here.”
Erestor’s eyes sparkled in delight, just the thought of having Rumil here for another year warmed his heart. “But then you really should allow Rumil to go on patrol as well.”
Elrond nodded. “Though he might be more inclined to stay home. But I do believe it is best for you and him. I will ask him soon, but I came here to talk to you, my friend.”

Erestor shook his head. “And what are we doing now? Playing chess?”

Elrond grinned at the joke, successfully hiding his shock. It was the first real joke he’s heard Erestor made for a long, long time. /Perhaps the road is shorter than I originally thought. Rumil, you are truly unique./

He smiled. “You are right, as always. But I want to talk to you about Rumil. There’s something you don’t know and perhaps you should.” He drew in a big breath and temporarily closed his eyes. “I don’t know if he’ll be able to tell you himself in the near future, but it explains so much and we do believe you should know before your relationship progresses any further.”
Erestor narrowed his eyes and Elrond hurried to calm the advisor down before he exploded. “Galadriel suggested I tell you this and she knows Rumil better than we do, Erestor. For the time being anyway.”

He sighed. “Anyway, you know what happened to their parents?”
Erestor nodded. “Aye, they were attacked. Rumil saw it and now he feels guilty for only remembering his father, seeing him die, but not his mother.”
Elrond’s eyes widened in disbelief. “He told you?” His voice was filled with surprise.
Erestor nodded. “And now you say there is more?” His eyes narrowed in dread and anticipation.
Elrond sighed relieved. “He told you already? Wow, I am surprised. But pleased as well. Nay, Erestor, there is no more. None that we know of anyway.” He grinned. “ I was wondering where that changed attitude between you came from, but now I know.”

He could see the lurking questions in Erestor’s eyes and the hidden desire and he smiled warmly. “Perhaps you and Rumil should eat alone tonight. There’s much you have to talk about. And with such a subject is might be best to do it over dinner, have something to focus on and keep you both grounded.”

Erestor closed his eyes but couldn’t stop the relieve from washing over his face. He thanked Elrond and sat back down. /If Elrond thinks so, than maybe we can work out. I have been afraid to really try. Should I?/

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Some hours later Elrond sat behind his desk, working through some demanding papers when he felt Glorfindel’s despair. He instantly sought contact but failed to get some satisfying answers. All he now knew was that the blond was in front of the house, alive and well and there was no danger. He wondered what had forced the blond to despair so gravely so suddenly and left his study to investigate.

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Glorfindel shook his head and helped Elladan dismount. “You gave me quite a scare, coming back like that.” He kept shaking his head. “What happened?” His tone was highly curious for he wondered how in the world Elladan had managed to get injured in his face only.

Haldir smiled at the twin’s growl. “It’s my fault, Glorfindel. We came across a bunny that was caught in some rope. Elladan freed it but fell in the thorns. I’m sorry, Elladan, I should have warned you.”
Elladan shrugged. “You were doubled over from laughing. All you saw was either sky or grass. And it’s my fault for jumping after it like a madman.”
Glorfindel frowned. “A madman? What made you behave like a madman? Jumping after a bunny?” He shook his head some more.
Elladan blushed and swiftly covered his face, but the blond noticed and decided some quality time with the twin was in order. “Haldir, would you please fetch his father?” Haldir bowed and, after casting a worried glance at Elladan, left quickly.

Glorfindel continued to walk beside Elladan to the healing house. “Well?”
Elladan sighed. “I thought the bunny was wounded and wanted to heal it, but it started jumping around.”
Glorfindel frowned. “And what, pray tell, made you forget jumping bunnies are relatively whole?”
Elladan blushed again and shrugged. “I admit it took me a while before I realised but Haldir was laughing, Glorfindel, really laughing. I did look foolish.”
Glorfindel’ blue orbs warmed with affection. “And you decided to prolong your humiliation to make him laugh longer.”
Elladan nodded. “I hadn’t counted on that bush to be so thorny.”

Glorfindel smiled and pulled the twin closer. “Well, let us hope your father can patch you up. Maybe stitch you back together.”
Elladan grimaced at the mental image and looked at the blond. “Please don’t make him scold me. I know it was foolish.”
Glorfindel halted and looked at the twin. “Elladan! Why would you think you need scolding for this?”
Elladan shrugged. “I behaved irresponsible and without thinking. I’ve disgraced you.”
The blond shook his head and pulled the twin in a tight embrace. “Perhaps I should ask your father to examine that head of yours? How can you say or even think that? You did no such thing. Aye, your actions were childish, but you did it to bring light back into Haldir’s eyes. None can blame you for that.” The twin looked at him in wonder and happiness, making him grin. “Mind you, you will get a lecture from Erestor. I think the title will be: ‘how to recognize a thorny bush and it’s dangers.’ Something along those lines.”
Elladan laughed warmly and continued his road to the healing house.

He turned when his father called him, Glorfindel coming to a halt next to him.
Elrond ran towards them fast, Haldir not far behind them. From the corner of his eye Elladan saw the blond frown and he agreed. Haldir was back too fast. Had Elrond already been on his way?

Elrond hugged Elladan tight. “Elladan, ion-nin, are you in much pain?”
Elladan laughed. “Father, please, I’m no elfling. And I merely scratched my face open at some thorns. No orcblades this time, adar.”
Elrond shook his head at the joke and his eyes scanned the body for injuries none the less. “And how did you get yourself scratched? What thorns? Some are poisonous.”
Glorfindel shook his head. `Not now, melamin. I will tell you later, but I believe Elladan is falling for Haldir. Later.`

Elrond nodded and ushered his son inside. He looked at Haldir. “Why don’t you go keep Orophin company while I tend to Elladan?” Haldir nodded and left, Glorfindel in his wake.

`Oh, Elrond, while you’re alone with him tell him he didn’t do anything foolish.` Elrond frowned at the words and asked Elladan to explain. He laughed when he heard the tale.
He shook his head when the twin was done. “Oh, Elladan. I would never be mad at you. And aye, we’ve scolded you countless times in the past, but you got yourself and Elrohir into trouble more than I’d care to remember.” He hugged his son. “Every time you two were off I held my heart and prayed nothing would happen. That for once you’d come home without injuries.”
Elladan smiled and hugged him back. “I would be all right if it hadn’t been for that bush. I just wanted to keep Haldir laughing, take his mind from his gloomy thoughts.”
Elrond nodded. “I know. And though your actions were highly foolish you acted with the best intentions and I will never, ever fault you for that.”

He cocked his head when he saw Elladan blush. “Glorfindel was right. You are attracted to him.” It was a statement, not a question.
Elladan nodded none the less. “But I will not act on it. Can you help me fight it?”
Elrond widened his eyes. “Fight it? You wish to fight it?”
Elladan nodded. “Aye. He’s healing, I can’t be lusting after him. It feels wrong, like I am betraying his trust.”
Elrond sighed and squished his hands supportively. “Aiya, pen-neth, I cannot tell you what to do or how to proceed. But if it is merely lust you should not act upon it. Haldir’s too fragile for that. If not; if it’s more… Befriend him before you become his lover.”

He winked and stood, pulling Elladan along. “There, I am done. Apply this salve again before you go to bed for four nights and the scars will fade.”
Elladan hugged his father, relieve shining from his orbs. “O, thank you, I feared I would be forever scarred.”
Elrond grinned. “I’ve perfected the salves a long time ago, Elladan. There are three elves I know that would be scarred all over by now if I hadn’t.”
Elladan’s eyebrows went up. “Three?”
Elrond nodded. “Have you forgotten the trouble you’ve always gotten Legolas into?”
Elladan grinned. “Nay. But we usually followed him, adar.”
Laughing, they left together.

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Orophin growled. “Really, Ro. I might be temporarily immobilised, that doesn’t give you the right to mother me. Stop tucking in the blankets; I hate that. They tickle and confine me.” He actually glared at the twin when Elrohir reached for the blankets to do just that. “But you are healing and healing elves are receptive to the cold.”
Orophin rolled his eyes. “Leave them be Elrohir!”

Elrohir stepped back and paled. “But I don’t want you to get a cold or worsen.”
Seeing the pain his words had brought on the twin’s face mellowed Orophin down. He reached for him with his hand and smiled when Elrohir grabbed the offered limb, allowing him to pull him closer. “Ai, Elrohir, I know you care, but I really do hate blankets. And with your care I cannot possible worsen my condition. I want to heal as eagerly as you want me healed. And if I do manage to catch a cold is shall drink any potion your father creates, if you will just let those offending blankets be.”
He sighed at Elrohir’s stubborn expression, that leaned towards disbelief. He squished the hand gently. “Please, Elrohir, let them be. Sleeping under them at night is bad enough, don’t force me to suffer them during the day as well.”
Elrohir’s lips narrowed. “But they keep you warm and you need them.”
Orophin sighed. “Blankets and I don’t go together. I’m not used to them.”

He closed his eyes and smiled formed on his lips. “Although…. It is probably better to start getting used to them. I will have to sleep under them once we start sharing a bed.” His eyes twinkled and he smiled coyly at the dark haired elf.
Elrohir blushed but didn’t avert his eyes. “Now you’re just pulling my leg.” He grinned. “All right, I shall put the blanket back, if…”
Orophin widened his eyes questioningly. “If what? What’s the price I have to pay?”
Elrohir smirked. “Learn how to walk on crutches. That way you’ll be out of here faster and rid of me.”
Orophin shook his head. “Then I never wish to leave! I don’t want to be rid of you.”

Elrohir smiled and he searched Orophin’s eyes. The Galadhrim opened them, he was used to it by now. What he didn’t expect was seeing Elrohir slowly lean in closer. /Is he going to kiss me? Nay, probably just a fleeting one, on my cheek or something. Or he’ll whisper something in my ear./ Paralysed he stared at the enclosing lips.

Elrohir gently kissed him and smiled when Orophin eagerly parted his lips and teeth for him. He pulled back rather fast, too fast, but he was too unsure to make it last longer.
He smiled shyly. “Please learn to use the crutches. I can show you the gardens and my favourite spots.”
Orophin nodded, not relinquishing the contact between them.

He growled in anger when the door opened and Elrohir jumped up. /Cherish it, Phin, for you’ll probably not get anything else for weeks./

Haldir smiled at his brother. “Am I interrupting?” Orophin had a defeated look on his face when he heard Elrohir deny it. Haldir smirked at his expression. “Elrond send me here to check on you. Is he giving you much trouble, Elrohir? I can give you some inside information on how to handle him.”
He jumped to avoid Orophin’s pillow. “Careful, you don’t have that much ammunition here.”

Elrohir smiled. “I’m to see you, Haldir. Is it safe to assume Elladan is back as well?”
Haldir nodded. “Aye, but he’s unavailable at the moment. He fell in a thorn bush and your father is treating his scars. One actually severed his lip, or just about. It looked horrible.” He placed a hand on the twin’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, it looked worse than it was.”
“Why don’t you go to him, Ro? I am perfectly fine alone, for a while.”
Elrohir smiled at Orophin and nodded. “Aye, I need to tell father you’re going to learn how to walk with crutches.”

Haldir cocked his head when the twin left and looked at his brother. “Ellë ná man?”
Orophin shrugged. “It was the one condition on which I don’t have to choke under a blanket.”
Haldir laughed warmly, easily avoiding another pillow. “He’s got you good. At least I don’t have to feel so guilty anymore.” He smiled sadly at Orophin’s bewildered expression. “About keeping you and Ru here. Especially Ru. He will miss the weapons soon enough.”
Orophin nodded. “Aye, but I dare say Erestor’s presence more than makes up for that.”
Haldir smiled. “Aye, but still.”

Orophin narrowed his eyes. “There’s another guilt in your eyes. more recent. Spill.”
Haldir sighed. “Elladan. He was trying to catch a bunny when it happened.” He ignored Orophin’s bemused expression. “He had long realised it wasn’t as seriously injured as he thought but he kept on trying. It’s my fault.”
Orophin shook his head. “It is your fault Elladan was chasing a bunny?”
Haldir nodded. “Aye, it looked so funny; I just couldn’t help laughing. That’s why he continued doing it. If I hadn’t laughed he wouldn’t have been injured.”

He hung his head, his guilt coming at him in waves. “O, Phin, it looked horrible. I think he’s mad at me now. He wouldn’t even allow me near him, apply some salve. It is my fault and he knows it.”
Orophin shook his head. “Nay, Elladan is not like that. I think you are seeing things that aren’t there. He probably didn’t want to add to your pain. Or something. Just wait, tomorrow he’s back to himself. His pride just got hurt, badly, how would you feel?”
Haldir smiled at Orophin. “You are right, as always. I shall leave you. You are healing and can do without my problems worrying you. Elrohir will kill me if I give you a setback.”
“Where will you go?”
Haldir grinned. “I do have another brother, you know.”
Orophin grinned. “And Galadriel is leaving soon, you should say goodbye.”
Haldir nodded as he left.

Translations:
Man nát cária? Means : What are you doing?
Ellë ná man? Means : you are what?

TBC