breaking the ice

Chapter twenty three Mobile again

Galadriel smiled when she saw Haldir standing in her door. He happily embraced her. “Haldir, come in. What is troubling you?”
Haldir smiled at her undying perceptiveness. “I injured Elladan, sort of.”

He sighed and sat down, hanging his face. “We found a bunny that was caught in some rope and Elladan set it free but thought it was injured. But it wasn’t and started jumping around and Elladan jumped after it and…”
Galadriel laughed and hugged him close, sitting on her heels. “And it made you laugh, forcing him to prolong the activities. How did he get injured?”
“He jumped into a thorn bush. And now he hates me. And so he should. It’s my fault.”

He started crying. “It’s all my fault. Why do I hurt everyone I care about? Elladan’s permanently scarred because of me. Rums sts stuck in the library and Orophin’s in the healing house. It’s all my fault.”
Galadriel tightened her embrace. “Nothing is your fault, my sweet. Elrond has some powerful salves that will take care of any scar and he also told me Rumil can go join the soldiers soon and Elrohir is the one that placed Orophin in the healing house, remember.”

She kept soothing the upset guardian until he had fallen asleep. Carefully she placed him in her bed and caressed his face tenderly, whishing there was something she could do. Soundlessly she left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rumil twirled around when he heard some noise behind him and he smiled when he saw Erestor walking towards him. He put down the books he was working on and hurried to him.

“Erestor! I’m so glad to see you. I don’t know what to do with those three over there and I couldn’t leave because there’s a bird sitting on that bookcase. I’ve tried chasing it away but I gave up after an hour. But I cannot leave it alone here, I have to make sure it doesn’t ruin anything here. And no one was here to it it and…”
Erestor smiled and merely took a look at the books and his eyes widened in horror when he saw what Rumil was talking about. “Give me the book near the door.”

Rumil hurried to comply and Erestor swiftly leaved through it. His eyes narrowed in anger but he closed his eyes and forced it down. He did not want to unleash at Rumil.
“Next time you see anything wrong and it is an original you should check this book, Rumil. It is a list of borrowers and copiers. Every title has a page and the last name is the one who had it last. Any findings a new borrower makes are usually reported to us and written down as well. See, for this first book it is correct, though it should haven fen fixed by now.”

He rubbed his nose. “The one who is best at this job resides in Mirkwood. Elrond will have to decide what to do: send it there, ask him to come here or don’t restore. And the other two have been vandalized. See, there are no entrees.”

He turned and a look of wonder lay on his face. “Don’t they have something like this in Celeborn’s library?”
Rumil shook his head. “Nay. I’ve suggested it but they didn’t install it. I think they liked sending me after all of them. Got to know the realm pretty well through it, though.”

Erestor laughed and sat down. “I came here for a reason, Rumil.” He swallowed, forcing himself to go trough with it and not chicken out. “Would you dine with me tonight?”
Rumil smiled warmly. “I always dine with you.”
Erestor sighed and closed his eyes. “Nay, in private I mean. On the patio, or your room, or mine, or…”
He stopped when Rumil hugged him. “I’d love that, Erestor. But not inside, outside would be more suitable for us.”
Erestor nodded. “I shall have it prepared. How about the precipice overlooking the realm?”
Rumil nodded and his eyes glistered with happiness. “Sounds great.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrond sighed as two strong arms encircled him from behind. “You’re brooding. I never liked to see you brood.” Elrond leaned against Glorfindel’s strong body. “It’s part of me. Make me forget.”

Glorfindel nodded and applied small pressure to make the Peredhel stand. “Lock your door first.”
Elrond felt himself harden in anticipation as he walked to the door.

He frd whd when Glorfindel cocked his head. “You know what you need is a vacation. Maybe I should kidnap you to the Bruinen?”
Elrond smiled but shook his head. “Nay. There’s too much to be done, for the both of us. But I wish to spend every free minute in your arms, feeling you in me.”
Glorfindel smiled. “I never would have guessed you could be so submissive. But I must confess I enjoy it.”
Elrond smiled seductively. “So do I. But that doesn’t mean it should always be like that. To give is just as important as to receive.”
Glorfindel nodded. “But now you shall receive.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elladan grimaced as he stood before hirrorrror. “Stupid bush! Stupid bunny! Stupid me!”

He glared at the door when someone knocked on it and ignored it. The servant would have to leave anything he might be carrying here outside. He twirled round when he heard the door handle turn. “Leave me alone!”

Galadriel smiled and shook her head. “Not yet. I heard you were injured. How are you?”
Elladan mellowed and walked into her embrace. “It stings and itches and the salve smells. I have to fall asleep with it for four nights. I’m beginning to wonder how I’m going to survive.” He had to force himself not to scratch.

Galadriel smiled at him and cocked her head. “I sense some trouble coming from you. What is it?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nothing. Well, not nothing obviously, but nothing for you to worry about.”
She smiled and shook her head at the words. “It’s enough to trouble you and therefore it troubles me.”

Elladan sighed but his eyes warmed at her words of affection. He sat himself on his desk. “When Haldir applied the salve I could feel myself warm. That means I am lusting after him. What I do not know is whether it is only lust or maybe more. And I don’t wish to feel like this. It’s a betrayal to his trust.”
Galadriel laughed so loudly and so suddenly he glared at her. “I’m sorry, pen-neth, but you two are something else, you know that? Haldir feels guilty because you landed in that bush for him and now fears you hate him.”
She shook her head. “Whatever your feelings might be, Elladan, do not just jump his bones. He’s too fragile for that. And you could do a lot worse.”

He smiled at her. “Do you know where he is? If he feels guilty I should speak with him. Assure him it is not.”
She smiled, proud of his gentle nature. “He’s in my room. He felleep eep after braking down. Go to him.”
Elladan nodded and swiftly left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He smiled when he closed the door. Haldir looked so beautiful in his sleep, even if he was troubled. /Which is good, otherwise I would only yearn him more./ Elladan silently approached the bed but thought better and sat down on the chair, watching him sleep. He had no hurry to say he held no grudge. He would wait until Haldir woke up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Orophin released one curse after the other as the crutches he was trying desperately to walk with constantly shifted away, thus failing to support him.
The healer shook his head at his efforts, but didn’t dare to renew his offer to help. The guardian wished to do it alone. “Don’t force it, Orophin, it takes time.”
Orophin shot him another death glare and returned his attention to the uncooperative items.
He smiled when he managed to take two steps with them without swaying. He threw the healer a smug look and instantly he felt the left crutch move away, making him sway dangerously. Instantly two arms encircled his waist.
About to yell he heard the healer’s voice. “I tried to help him, but he refuses and I do not wish to die yet, my Lord.”

Elrohir shook his head and walked round to look Orophin in the face. He smiled warmly and tenderly kissed him. “You’re really trying this.”
Orophin nodded. “I promised I would. And if those blasted things cooperate I can finally get out of here and follow you around the valley.”
Elrohir smiled and kissed him gently.

He stepped back and took the right crutch with hiiliniling when Orophin threw him an alarmed glance. “Did the healer not tell you that you need only one crutch?” He grinned at the healer’s expression who raised his eyes to the heavens. “Or where you just too stubborn and decided not to listen and use both?”

Orophin actually blushed and lowered his head, uttering an apology to the healer, who laughed at the words. “Don’t worry. I’ve had my share of horrible patients. Elrohir and Elladan were the worst.”
This got him a disbelieving look from the blond warrior. “You jest. Elrohir is the sweetest elf there is.”
The healer nodded. “But not when he’s sick. Now, give me that crutch, my Lord, and I shall show him.” Elrohir handed him the crutch anld ild in a laugh when he saw the healer move about with the item, trying not to use his left leg.

Orophin narrowed his eyes. “He makes it look easy.”
Elrohir grinned. “I know. I threatened to kill him with them once. But it gets better as you go and soon enough you’ll walk with it as if you were born like that.”
Orophin snuffed but gave it go, smiling victoriously when it actually went as it should.

He turned and grinned madly at Elrohir before settling his eyes on the healer. “So, does this mean I can leave?”
The healer grinned. “As far as I am concerned it does, but Lord Elrond is the one to decide.” Orophin nodded. “Fine by me. Come on, Ro.” And under the healer’s smirking eyes he walked away, pulling Elrohir along.

“Phin, what are you doing? -I’ll- get father.”
Orophin shook his head and continued walking, occasionally swaying. “Nay, this is good practice and if he sees this he has to release me. I want to ride again.”
Elrohir sighed and nodded, understanding him. “But I am not leaving you.”
Orophin stopped and smiled. “Good, for I’d only follow you around like a lovesick puppy.” Without warning he pulled him close and kissed him. Not giving Elrohir time to react he pulled back and continued his walk. “Right, your father.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Haldir groaned when he woke up, rubbing his head to get rid of the ache. He squinted his eyes and turned, trying to get more comfortable. He flared up when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Elladan smiled warmly at him. “Are you all right?”
Haldir nodded and stood up, looking around in bewilderment. What was he doing in Galadriel’s room? He grimaced when he remembered.
He bowed politely and walked to the door. “Excuse me please.”

Elladan shook his head and prevented the departure. “I didn’t think I looked that awful.” He winked at the other. “Or are there some scars in my face the mirror did not show me?” He smiled, pleased he managed to draw a smile on the other’s face.

“But I wanted to know what you wanted to do tonight? Because I thought perhaps we could go swimming in the pond.”
Haldir’s eyes widened. “Swimming? At night? But you’ll catch a cold?”
Elladan rolled his eyes. “No, I won’t. The water is warm now and I’ll bring enough towels to rub myself dry. Or are you looking for an excuse not to spend time with me?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, but maybe it is best.”
Elladan narrowed his eyes and placed his hands on Haldir’s shoulders. “Nay. Best is if you allow yourself to find pleasure and love again. And with the first I can definitely help. It is not your fault I am temporarily scarred. And even if it were, do you think I would hold I against you?” He cocked his head, a stubborn expression entering his eyes.

Haldir smiled and shook his head. “I’m sorry. It is hard to see straight sometimes. It’s just that…”
Elladan smiled and nodded. “I understand and I refuse to let you do this, so come on. The Pond awaits us.”
Haldir laughed. “Tonight, you said. Would you mind spending the rest of this day with Galadriel. She’s leaving soon.”
Elladan nodded and pulled the other along. “Perfect. I always miss them when they are gone. Come on then, let’s find her.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrond closed his eyes to completely savour the sensation Glorfindel had given him. He locked his legoundound the blond, not allowing him to pull out yet. Glorfindel smiled and leaned over him, lapping the pale neck with his tongue.

Their eyes widened when there was a knock at the door. “My lord? May I enter?”
Elrond cursed silently whilst he searched his clothes together as the blond did the same. He thanked the Valar for Glorfindel’s thinking or Orophin would have walked in on them. “Just a moment.”

Elrohir and Orophin exchanged worried glances at the strange sounds emanating from the room. “You don’t think we’ve…” “Interrupted them?” Elrohir shook his head. “No. At least I hope not.” Orophin nodded, also not completely convinced.

Elrond panted slightly when he opened the door and granted them access. He smiled at them both and pulled Elrohir into a hug.
Orophin blushed when he saw the hue settled over the blond, informing him they indeed interrupted. “Forgive me. I merely wanted to show you I now can walk with a crutch and the healer stated I can leave if you would allow it.”
Elrond laughed warmly and nodded. “Of course, but I don’t want you to overdo things the first weeks. Elrohir, I take it you will make sure he rests?”
Elrohir nodded. “I shall, even if I have to tie him down.”
Glorfindel grinned. “Maybe he’ll like that?” Orophin blushed furiously and glared at the blond, who laughed even harder. Elrohir and Elrond looked dumbfound. Orophin turned instantly and walked imm immediately followed by Elrohir.

“What, pray tell, was that about?” Elrond was shaking his head in bewilderment.
Glorfindel grinned. “Nothing, really. I once walking in on him. It happened a long time ago, Elrond. Millennia even. Haldir had invited me over and I came early, not expecting Orophin to have sex.”
Elrond frowned. “Tied down?”
Glorfindel nodded. “Wrists to the bed and a blindfold.”
Elrond shook his head. “Then why did he blush like that?”
Glorfindel laughed again. “Because his lover turned out to be a thieve. The house was completely empty and he was immobilized.”
At this Elrond too burst out laughing. “Poor Orophin.”

TBC in the last chapter.