Sins of the Father

Orophin stared off into shimmering horizon, the luminous strands of
fading light blushing
pink against the darkening sky. Shifting his weight on his hips, the
young Warden continued to survey the seemingly fathomless distance
that stretched before him, each tree and boulder as familiar as the
Elf who shared his watch.

"You are quite the chatterbox this evening," drawled the Elf at his
side, his own cerulean eyes intent upon the surrounding expanse of
wood.

"Perhaps there is naught to talk about Haldir," retorted Orophin, his
curt reply earning a raised brow from his brother and captain.

"Ah then, " replied the elder Warden, his eyes narrowing to better
take in his brothers somewhat defensive demeanor, " you won't mind if
I do the talking."

Orophin swallowed hard. Haldir was usually not one to mince words and
the fact was he really had been trying to avoid the March Warden
purposely as of late. He would not understand. In fact, he would
more than not understand and Orophin had opted to keep his brother
unapprised of his recent liaison.

"Of course Captain," replied the young Galadrhim, his gaze never
wavering from the growing shadows as they began to stretch across the
wood.

Haldir sighed abruptly and turned Orophin to face him, the young
Elf's surprise at the unexpected maneouver causing him to flinch away
from his brother's touch. Orophin had been more distant than usual
and it concerned Haldir, for despite the fact that his brother had
well reached his age of majority, he felt that perhaps he was
struggling with something. ........And then there was the small
matter that young Rumil had blurted over breakfast the other day when
Haldir had commented on their brother's odd silences.
It seemed that Ori was disappearing into the woods quite regularly,
only to return just before sunrise exhausted............. and
smelling of humans.

Since their father's abrupt disappearance Haldir had tried to take
the time to mentor his younger siblings, but the increasing duties as
Captain took up most of his time leaving very little to devote to his
family. Though it pained him to admit it, Rumil and Orophin had not
much guidance from him and now here was his chance to council, and
Orophin was less than receptive, a fact that bristled Haldir slightly.

"I want to speak with you as a brother, Orophin," cajoled the elder
Warden, not quite comfortable with the role he was trying to persuade
himself to play. He was not a touchy feeley kind of Elf and would
much rather get this out and overwith.

"Speak then gwador," replied the young Galadrhim averting his eyes
from Haldir's somewhat intense and intimidating gaze.

Haldir paused for a moment before continuing, though it was true he
was not well experienced in familiar matters, he was quite a diplomat
and knew that the choice of words at the beginning of an exchange was
crucial to its ultimate outcome. He would have to be careful as to
which direction this conversation was to take for one wrong move and
Orophin would clam up tighter than leather breeches after a rainstorm.

"Is anything bothering you Orophin?" Haldir's direct questioning
brought the young Galdrhims attention immediately back toward his
brother's hovering form.

"No.," he replied flatly, " I am well, why do you ask?"

Haldir mulled over his reply quickly and decided that he was going to
get nowhere fast trying to be something he was not and opted for a
more direct approach.

"Rumil tells me you smell like humans."

Orophin was so shocked by his brothers comment that he almost dropped
his bow.

" He what..?" The young guard stammered out his reply.

" Humans, Orophin... Rumil claims that you have the distinct scent of
Edan upon you when you return to your talan in the early mornings."
So much for diplomacy thought Haldir as he watched his brother's face
begin to flush.

" Then he is mistaken...," replied Orophin, though a bit to sharply
for Haldir's liking.

The elder Elf grabbed the Galadrhims sleeve as he turned to pace away
and held him firmly , his face dipping gracefully to inhale the
fabric of his brothers cloak.

Orophin watched as Haldirs eyes darkened and narrowed. There would be
no denying his associations.

As abruptly as he had grabbed him, Haldir released Orophin's cloak
with a jerk.

" Explain yourself...," he demanded, his voice quiet and steeled.

Orophin drew in a breath and pulled himself to his full height, his
own eyes flashing a warning.

" And who would I be speaking to....brother or Warden?"

"Both want to know." replied Haldir cooly, trying hard not to grab
Orophin and shake him.

" I dont feel that I should have to explain myself to you or anyone
else for that matter," defended the young Warden , putting a safe
distance between himself and his glowering brother.

" It is noone's business but my own."

" Oh , but there you are wrong , ascarer,( impetuous one). If you
have gotten yourself mixed up with humans you threaten both yourself
and Lorien as well."

Haldir stepped towards Orophin, who in turn backed away.

" She is not like what you believe Haldir,,,like what you led me to
believe." Orophins growing anger even shocked himself.

" Ah well there its isnt it..SHE, I should have known.. You could
have your choice of any Elf maid or male within this Wood, Orophin,
yet you lower yourself to rut like an animal with a human no less."

Orophin could feel this blood beginning to rush to his head and his
bodt begin to tremble with barely controlled rage at Haldirs careless
remarks.

" How dare you judge me Haldir, how dare you. My life has been of
little concern to you before now. Do not tell me how to live it. Do
not even begin to ssume you know what I am feeling."

"I have only your interests in mind, gwador, I do not want to see you
hurt." Haldir softened his demenor in an attempt o calm his brothers
rage.

" Hurt? " Orophin's whole body tensed at the words. " You will deny
me the one I have chosen to love so that I am not hurt? That is not
concern Haldir , that is cruelty, and indifference". Orophin hefted
his bow further upon his back and stalked towards the edge of the
flet.

" Orophin you do not understand.....you are are not aware......"
Haldir clenched his jaw, he did not want to discuss this with his
brother right now. Yes he needed to know but...

" Oh I understand Haldir......only too well.....," replied Orophin
glancing back over his shoulder.

"This time its not about YOU!"


With that, the young Warden leapt form the platform and landed at a
full run upon the forest floor ,melting into the gathering darkness
as only the Galadrhim could.

Haldir balled his fists at his side, and sqeezed his eyes shutis
is
had gone horribly wrong.

" Orophin...," he hissed through gritted teeth.

" What have you done?"