Rúmil Meets His Match

It was two weeks, to the day, since Haldir found Lorinaura on the Southern border. Sheer luck caused him to be there at all. Though he was the captain of the Guard, he normally left the southern fences in Eärlan’s hands. However, the three brothers pulled extra duty and three weeks before, marched themselves from their usual cozy northern talans to the dismal southern ones.

While all the talans were supposed to have the same supplies, the ones to the north bore a few extras that Haldir felt his men deserved. They were there for a month or more at a time and the aloof and uncaring Marchwarden thought his men merited some basic comforts such as a quilt, a pillow and a water bowl to wash their faces.

Eärlan on the other hand, was from the first age and south of the city was where Haldir gave him dominion. No elf really wanted a permanent assignment there, but once you signed up you may go nowhere but where Celeborn or Haldir send you. There were no amenities, at all, in any of the talans to the south. Haldir went there a few months ago only to find the herbal supplies were too old and molded from improper storage. When he ordered the replacement of every chest, Eärlan protested, saying none of it was worth the time and energy it took from his men. To Rúmil’s great surprise, Haldir calmly took Eärlan aside to tell him if he could not complete the task as ordered, he could return to the city. Either way it would be done.

Eärlan protested no more after the discussion, but grumbled the entire time Haldir was there. In the end, he oversaw the restocking, himself and ordered the men to place each herb in a certain order, to find them easier. He even remained silent when Rúmil distributed quilts, yet would not take one. Lorinaura showed up only a few months later and he didn’t want to think what would have happened to her otherwise.

Celeborn informed him there might be Orc movement within the southern wood again and asked Rúmil to gather his brothers and the volunteers so they might reinforce the fences. He would no doubt have to inform Eärlan, though after the skirmish on the training field Rúmil would just as soon leave him in the city and not have him walking or speaking to Haldir. Perhaps he could persuade Eärlan to hold off joining them a few days and attend Lindar’s trials. Well, it was as good an excuse as any...and it was all Rúmil could come up with on such short notice.

He knocked on Lorinaura’s door and Haldir bid him to enter. Lorinaura, for some reason, found this particularly funny and he could hear her giggles spill through the doorway as he opened it. Poking his head in only a little, he said, “Haldir, I need to speak with you…..um….privately, please.”

He was trying to let Haldir be the one to tell Lorinaura he would be leaving in the morning, but it seemed Yavannea was right about her being able to read his thoughts.

“You’ve not been to the border in nearly two weeks. Don’t you think it is about time for you to go to work, my love?” she asked Haldir.

“Most likely, you’re right. But let us not jump to conclusions just yet,” Haldir replied and then waved Rúmil into the room. “Has Celeborn called me to duty? Is that what you don’t want to say in front of Lorinaura?”

“I’m sorry Aura; I should have guessed you would know,” he said with a great grin, “I suppose I could have been a little more subtle.”

“Rúmil, I understand that Haldir is the Marchwarden. Did you think I believed I could hide him here? Or, perhaps, elf-nap him and tie him up to keep him from the fences?” she asked with a small teasing smirk.

“I would not put anything past you, dear sister. For I am the only one to know your… true nature,” he said with a very devious smile.

“Rúmil! You shouldn’t tell all my secrets! Mystery plays a great part in life, does it not?”

“I’m sorry, Sister. I’ll keep my mouth closed on the subject.” Before she could speak, he put his hand up to halt her. “Don’t bother to correct me. I’ve called you my sister since I could barely walk. I do not intend to break the habit. I suggest you get used to it, again,” he said with a grin and then turned his attention to Haldir. “Celeborn wants to see us in his library first thing in the morn. I think there is an Orc party heading in from the South. I am going to get Phin as well.”

“Then I will be there early,” he stated and Rúmil left the house, heading toward Orophin’s home.

Almost as soon as he knocked, Orophin opened the door. He was on his way to the kitchens again it seemed. Another respite from Katarwë.

“Rúmil! How are you this fine evening? And what do you need with me?” Orophin asked as he led him down the path to the main stairs. “Walk with me brother, I’m starving.”

“We’ve been summoned by Celeborn and will leave for the fences in the early morn. There have apparently been Orc sightings and he is calling all the volunteers to duty.”

“I’ll assume you signed me up as a volunteer. Katarwë is going to kill you, you know?” He laughed and then saw Rúmil’s shocked look, “Oh, never fear. I would’ve come with you whether on the roster or not.”

“You need to be ready to leave first thing. We’re meeting in the library; Celeborn wants to hold council first.”

“Well then, I’ll be there. I’ll even bring our breakfast,” he said with a great smile. “Have you told Haldir?”

“I have. I think he was rather disappointed to be leaving Lorinaura, but she took it very well.”

Rúmil stopped before entering the kitchens. “I’ll see you in the morning, then.”

“What is it you find better to do than having a meal with me, brother?” asked Orophin.

“I’m going back home to finish something I began writing today.”

“Then I’ll take a tray back to the house. Katarwë will be pleased.”

Rúmil took his leave of Orophin and once home, sat upon his favorite chair, leaned back into the cushion and closed his eyes briefly. His thoughts drifted to the few sweet moments he had spent with Yavannea. He took a deep breath and wrote until finally, the sounds of the night overcame him and he fell asleep with the pen still to the page.

******************************

Rúmil woke well before sun up and made it to the library just as he saw the first men begin their ascent. As he stood at the entrance, he noticed Celeborn and Orophin sitting at the desk going over a map and eating. Haldir was not yet there. This was the first time he came into a council without Celeborn and Haldir finishing up on the strategies they would use.

He stood watching the men for a few moments and when most were nearing the top, he heard Lorinaura’s door pull shut, though apparently not many of the others noticed. Turning to go on into the library, Rúmil heard someone snickering and Lorinaura’s name mentioned. He took pause to calm himself, aware that whoever it was, expected Haldir to be in the library already and would be very sorry. No sooner did the idea cross his mind, than Haldir came barreling through the library doors with a grey clad elf held above the ground by the front of his cloak. Rúmil had barely enough time to move from his path before Haldir sent the idiot flying through the air into Celeborn’s desk.

“I’m sorry for the disturbance, my lord. This will only take a moment,” Haldir said to Celeborn, anger flooding his face, but his voice and manner ever respectful. “Apparently Celtraen finds fault with me and your foster-daughter!”

“Well, in that case, don’t mind us, son. We’ll remove ourselves,” returned Celeborn while he and Orophin picked up the trays of food and took them to a nearby table. As the other elves joined them, they began discussing several points while trying to ignore the sounds of the Marchwarden’s ire.

Everyone watched as Haldir pulled the elf off his feet for the second time by the cloak and carried him to the back of the hall, behind the large bookshelves. Several wardens winced at the sounds, but none dared express an opinion and to Celtraen’s credit, he made no further utterances, throughout the ordeal.

When everything fell silent and Haldir finally came to greet his elves, he had not a hair out of place. “Excuse me, my lord, could I have a word with my wardens before we leave?”

“By all means, Marchwarden,” Celeborn conceded.

“Those of you who think you know me, do not!” he began, his face reddened as he struggled to keep his voice steady. “Those of you who think to denigrate the daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel may leave, for your lives may depend on it. I will not tolerate your stares. I will not tolerate your words. If you think I am jesting...try me.”

Rúmil and Orophin stepped up behind Haldir and glared at the rest of the men, their heads held high, showing their support of their brother’s actions and words. Haldir himself was an imposing figure, but to see all three brothers together sent an unmatched fear through the rest of the company.

As if to prove the point, Celtraen rounded the corner of the shelves and re-entered the room, staggering. When everything fell silent, Rúmil turned to the bloodied face of the warden he warned two weeks ago. Peering down his nose at the young elf, he said, “Nice of you to finally join us. You’re late.”

Celtraen walked to them and looked directly into Haldir’s eyes. “Marchwarden, I apologize for my delay and my comments.” He then turned to Celeborn and said, “Forgive me, my lord, my actions were not befitting a warden. I will stand down my station if it is your will.”

“Your apology is accepted,” said Celeborn. “I’ll leave your station to the Marchwarden.”

“Clean yourself up and perhaps you’ll be presentable enough to go with us. We leave on the quarter hour,” stated Haldir without the slightest hint of compassion.

Celtraen immediately left the library, most likely for the healers and Celeborn went back to showing the men the maps. A half hour later, they were traveling down the stairs and into the woods. Celtraen finally caught up with the rest of the company and the march was uneventful and very quiet until they stopped for their evening meal.

A great squawk from behind came just as the company was finishing dinner and one of Celeborn’s messenger hawks landed near them. He lit on a nearby branch, held his leg out to Haldir and after his message was plucked from him, he took flight, heading back to the city.

Haldir read the message and shook his head. “Rúmil, Orophin, come. We’ve been summoned back to the city.”

“What’s happened?” asked Orophin.

“Galadriel just received word from Arwen. She left for Mirkwood three days ago and the Lord and Lady want to leave in the morning to meet her before she crosses the Anduin.”

“Aura will be most disappointed when you go with them,” said Rúmil. “Will she go as well?”

“No, actually, Celeborn asked me to stay and take his position until he returns. Glorfindel will go with him in my stead. Rúmil, you will be Marchwarden until they are back within the city and Orophin will be your second. Galadriel asked for you both to return with me. It seems she fancies having all of her foster children in Lothlórien.”

Haldir turned to the men. “My brothers and I have been summoned back to the city. When you arrive at the fences, Edenúr must be informed of our plans. I will leave that up to you, Beltuin, and will send word of further developments.”

“As you command, my lord,” Beltuin said respectfully and then turned to leave motioning the men to follow him.

“Come, I need to go swiftly. Aura has nightmares when I’m not there.”

“What did you plan to do while you were on the fences? Were you going to have someone stay with her?”

“She would not hear of it. I resigned myself to simply worrying about her the entire time,” he said, “but now, I get to surprise her!”

“When will you bind with her?” asked Rúmil.

“I’ve already asked her,” said Haldir as he hung his head and turned toward home, “She’s refused until she can tell me of her time with the Orcs. It’ll have to be soon, for I cannot wait much longer.”

“All I can say, dear brother, is welcome to my world,” said Orophin, trying to hide behind a grin, but both Rúmil and Haldir could see the sadness.

“Katarwe will come around. Don’t give up on her. True love is a gift, whether bound or not,” said Haldir, placing a hand upon Orophin’s shoulder. “You should consider yourself very lucky.”

“Come, let’s go or we’ll not get you back before sunrise. We’re pushing it the way it is,” said Rúmil, clapping both Haldir and Orophin on the back. “Long have we waited for that feisty little she-elf to truly be our sister!”

All three laughed and set out for home.


*********************************


Orophin and Rúmil both decided to forgo sleep and help the stable hand ready the horses for the trip. Neither was exceptionally tired from the trek home and they both wanted their foster parents to have a well-fed, well-groomed horse upon which to travel. The Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood would not leave the city riding a less than presentable steed as long as they had Rúmil and Orophin for sons. Especially Orophin, who displayed some bizarre need for everything to be neat, clean and orderly and somehow, failed to see horses were none of those things.

Rúmil often wondered how Phin stood being on duty so long without a bath and the thought made him laugh aloud. Orophin only glared at him, knowing he was most likely the object of the hilarity and then went back to grooming the horse’s hooves.

“Surely they will be here any time now. It is almost midday,” said Orophin.

“I would have thought they’d leave early this morning. I had every intention of going to bed after saying my farewells,” muttered Rúmil with a sigh. “I suppose sleep will have to wait until tonight, though. Lindar is expecting us on the fields to work on his sword fighting, today. I was almost glad to be on duty again. The young elf is quite good.”

“Well, I had no plans for sleep; Katarwë would not have allowed it,” Orophin grinned and then began patting the stallion. “I better go to the fields before going home, or I probably will not make it at all.

“Rúmil took a deep breath, shaking his head. “Yeah, rub it in while you can.”

Orophin let a deep laugh escape him. “That was not my intent, Rúmil, and you will find the one you seek very soon. Galadriel saw you in her mirror. Great happiness is in your very near future.”

“Why has she not come to me with this?”

“She didn’t want you to look in far off places, for something you would find at home. And if you know what that means, I would appreciate you telling me.”

“It means your Naneth is up to riddling again,” Rúmil noted a bit derisively, but nonetheless, felt a little more cheerful having the knowledge. “Come, the guards are surely readied by now.”

They walked with the three stable-hands to just beyond the gates where they found Celeborn waiting for Galadriel. “Ah, my sons. I’m sorry to have sent you so deep into the forest to only bid you home in the same day.”

“You’ll tell Arwen she still holds my heart, will you not, Adar?” whispered Rúmil.

He laughed, “Rúmil, dear boy, I’ll pass the message to her, but I’m sure she’ll have much trouble believing it. It’ll take a much bolder she-elf than even my Arwen to lock your heart away. Perhaps one who can flirt as well as you?”

“Maybe you’re right, but I can’t have her thinking she has no chance, now can I?” They all turned to the gates when they heard Galadriel’s laugh to see Haldir escorting her and Lorinaura down the stairway. “Now, how do you suppose he got so lucky as to have the two most beautiful she-elves in the city on his arms?”

“He is the Marchwarden, he deserves no less,” said Orophin. “Besides, he’s been waiting two thousand years for his heart to come home.”

Galadriel walked to Celeborn, looked over her shoulder at Haldir and then burst out laughing again. "He is glad to see you, my love," she revealed. "He believes himself to be safe now."

Celeborn smiled, speaking more to Haldir than to his wife. "He will eventually learn neither of us are safe from our wives. Ever!"

"My Lord, are you ready to depart?" asked one of the wardens chosen to make the journey with them.

"One moment please," Celeborn replied and then took Haldir aside.

Rúmil walked the horse to Galadriel and helped her mount. “You’ll take care of yourself and your husband, right?”

“Nay, he can care for us both on this trip. My thoughts will be with you and your love.”

“I heard you saw something in that mirror of yours. Do you wish to share it with me before you go?”

She bent down and placed her hand on his cheek. “That is what I sent Orophin for, my son. When the time comes, you will know to whom you belong.”

Rúmil patted her horse’s side and grinned up at her. “And here I thought she sat upon this fine steed.”

Galadriel’s eyes squinted and her mouth quirked. “I’ll miss you most, do you know that?”

“Of course,” he said as her husband walked to them.

She reached into a small sac and held her hand out to Rúmil. “These were your parents binding rings. They asked me to give them to you, when you were ready for them.”

“Why do you give them to me now? I have no plans to bind with anyone. Perhaps Orophin or Haldir would have been better choices to receive such things.”

“Nay, you keep them. Tuck them away in a safe place until you do have plans.”

“Yes, my lady,” he said, thinking she surely missed the mark this time.

Celeborn mounted in behind her and just loud enough for Rúmil to hear, he said, “He has a good heart, doesn’t he dear?”

“Yes, he does, and he has always known how to make me laugh.”

“Hmm. Just as long as you remember who it is that makes you scream!” he said just above a whisper, and then winked at Rúmil who looked away utterly mortified. Galadriel laughed heartily as she slapped her husband’s knee and set off on their journey.

A few moments later, everyone turned in their general direction as Galadriel shrieked in laughter and Celeborn yelled, “TRY BLUE, SON!”

Orophin and Rúmil looked to one another and both shrugged. “I’m sure I don’t want to know!” exclaimed Orophin.

Rúmil grinned as he saw Lorinaura’s eyes for the first time and realized what Celeborn meant just before he took Haldir aside. He elbowed Orophin in the ribs to gain his attention and then said, “Let us welcome our sister, shall we?”

Orophin glanced to Haldir and Lorinaura. “Well, that certainly didn’t take long.”

They walked directly to the happy couple smiling ear to ear and Rúmil spoke first. “See, I knew you would eventually be my sister,” he said, bowing before her with his hand to his heart.

Orophin took her by the hand, briefly touching his lips to the back. “Welcome to our family. May all your days bring you nothing but joy, Sister.”

“Thank you, both,” she said graciously and then pulled them to her in a great hug.

“Why don’t the two of you come to the house this evening? Bring a date and we will have dinner, to celebrate,” said Haldir.

“Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Lorinaura said to Rúmil. “How was your picnic by the river a few weeks ago?”

“Alas, my sweet little elleth backed out at the last moment. Can you believe she could possibly find something more interesting to do...than me?” he asked, his hand held to his heart, feigning great injury. Both his brothers roll their eyes.

Lorinaura jabbed Haldir in the ribs with her elbow and said to Rúmil, “Then perhaps you would allow me to make a suggestion on who to bring with you tonight?”

“You may, sister. I’m all ears.”

“You may want to consider bringing Yavannea. She’s very witty, like you. But it’s only a suggestion.”

His heart nearly stopped at the mention of her name and he forced himself to control his excitement in front of the others. “I wasn’t aware she was in Caras Galadhon. I will certainly ask her…Oh no!” he said with a roguish smile. “Aura, you’ll have to forgive me, but I feel a poem coming on!”

“Rúmil, perhaps you could restrain yourself, just this once!” chided Haldir, giving him a look of warning.

“Haldir, Haldir, ye of such little faith,” he said with a smirk.

“I waited by the Anduin for my elleth fair,
I yearned to see her come to me, with long and flowing hair.
But alas, she did not stay which wasn’t very smart
And now sweet Yavannea has a chance at my heart.”

“Rúmil, you are still as quick with rhyme as ever. I bow to your talent and grant you a kiss,” she said dramatically and then kissed him on the cheek.

“Honestly elleth, don’t encourage him! You weren’t here for the year he spoke in nothing but rhyme. It was horrible and I don’t wish to repeat it!” Orophin complained and then looked to his older brother. “Can you not control your wife, Haldir?”

“This particular elleth is my equal, I would never wish to control her,” he answered, pulling her hand to his lips. “She may do or say what ever her heart desires, with my complete support. Besides, I’d watch what I said to Rúmil if I were you. In my absence, he is the acting Marchwarden. He could send you and your non-rhyming ways to the fences until the Lord and Lady return.”

Great triumph graced his face and Rúmil smiled wickedly at Orophin. “And if I send you to the fences, I’ll have to go, as well, to rhyme the whole month through!”

“Gods, the whole lot of you are mad!” Orophin cried, seriously frustrated and rolling his eyes again. “My, how things have changed since you came home, Aura.” When he noticed her staring at Haldir, he wondered what could be wrong. “Aura?”

She looked to Orophin. “Yes, Phinny, things have changed a great deal for us.”

“When would you like us to be there?” asked Orophin, breathing a silent sigh of relief. “Katarwë and I will bring the wine.”

“How about just after dusk,” she said. “Perhaps you’d like to start a fire for us.”

“I am up to the challenge and will not let you down, sister.”

“I’m surprised you choose to live in your home now that you’re bound,” said Rúmil, laughing a little at Orophin’s great excitement.

“I wasn’t told I had a choice to make,” Lorinaura said, looking to Haldir for an answer.

“It never occurred to me that you would want to move from your parents’ home into mine. But if you’d like to see, we could go there tomorrow,” Haldir told her.

“Sounds wonderful. Now, shall we go? We have a dinner to prepare.”

“Orophin, Rúmil, we’ll see you later this eve,” Haldir said as Lorinaura led him back toward the main stairs.

“Who’s Yavannea?” asked Orophin, “Have you been keeping secrets?”

“She’s Celeborn’s historian. You’ve seen her in the library.”

“The delicate, little elleth who puts his scrolls away? Really? I never would have guessed...you are usually only attracted to very forward females.”

“Who says she is not forward?” asked Rúmil.

“Really?” asked an utterly shocked Orophin. “And when have you had the chance to find all this out?”

“I haven’t, but I plan to put an end to that very soon. I’ll go to her house...” he started and then his smile suddenly dropped. “Oh, Gods! I don’t know where she lives.”

“Perhaps she’s in the library.”

“Yes! Of course! I’ll see you at Lorinaura’s this eve!” Rúmil yelled back to Orophin as he started up the stairs.

Once at the top of the stairway, he paused for a moment, caught his breath, and then walked through the doors only to find it empty. His heart sank and then he decided to stop by Lorinaura’s house and ask her where Yavannea lived. Again, his hopes were dashed, for when he peeked in, he found no one home. “Wonder where they are?” he asked himself and then with a heavy heart, decided to go to the practice fields. Perhaps Lindar would be there and the day would not be a total loss.

Lindar had greatly improved over the past two weeks and was hitting his mark without fault. As Rúmil approached him, he saw Orophin standing behind, directing him to each target. “Five in a circle one in the center as fast as you can, Lindar,” Orophin directed.

He had no problem obeying the command. “I believe you’re ready for your trials,” said Rúmil. “Let me see your sword play.”
“Yes, my lord,” the apprentice said. “It was all in my elbow, as you pointed out. I could never repay you for your help, over the past weeks.”

“Ah, but you can. You can do well in your trials and make us look good.”

“Yes sir!” he said with a grin.

“I’m going to let you choose a challenger. Eärlan or myself.”

Lindar mulled this over for a moment, “I choose Eärlan.”

Rúmil laughed, “And here I thought I was a sure win!”

He shot Rúmil another great grin, “You are now the Marchwarden in charge. I would hate to best you within your first month, sir.”

Rúmil and Orophin both laughed until tears began to creep into their eyes and Rúmil clapped Lindar on the back. “When you pass the test son, you are with us.”

“Thank you, sir,” Lindar said reverently and then looked to Orophin. “Are you ready?”

Orophin unsheathed his sword and bowed to the apprentice while Lindar did the same. When they were only a few minutes into their dueling, movement just outside the training field averted Rúmil’s attention. He turned to see who was walking past and his heart leapt, his mouth became dry and he thought, perhaps, his legs would give out.

It was her! How could the mere sight of her have such an effect on him? Obviously, he had been thinking of her too much. ‘I’m over two thousand years old, I’m not going to allow any elleth to panic me now,’ he thought as he closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath.

She spread a quilt beneath a great Mellyrn tree and then lay on her stomach with her ankles crossed and legs bent, swinging them up and then back to the ground, forcing her gown to pool around her knees. She rested her torso on her elbows and began reading a very large book. It looked to be new, perhaps one of the ones Galadriel received from the Gray Havens.

He walked to her with a casual gait, but was more and more entranced as he drew closer. How he wanted to run his hands over those smooth, voluptuous calves of hers.

She glanced over the top of her book and then slowly stood, again. “Mae Govannen, Marchwarden. What can I do for you today?”

Did she know for what he approached? Was it why she chose this particular spot? “You still owe me a favor, do you not?” he asked, his jaw set, as if giving her no choice.

“I don’t think I do, my lord. I believe we made an agreement. Aura was not to find out that I told you of her gifts. I was chastised by her all of yesterday for the transgression.”

The smile on his face dropped. “I said nothing to her.”

“But you did broach the subject with her, did you not?”

“Yes, but...” he began.

“My lord, when you think to keep secrets from someone with that particular talent, you must remember they most likely already know them,” she reprimanded, obviously enjoying the power she held over him.

“Oh...I never thought...” he barely got out before she interrupted again.

“That’s apparent, but if you ask me very nicely, I’ll forgive you,” she said as the corners of her mouth began to curve a little.

He thought about her words for a moment before he could get his feet to move. He stepped closer, took her hand and then kneeled on one knee before her. “I’ve betrayed your trust in me, my lady, and have no right to ask for your forgiveness. Yet, I can think of nothing I would like more.”

She lowered herself to her knees, facing him with her hand still in his, stared into his eyes, and with a thick, sultry voice, said, “Funny, I can think of many, many things you would like more, my lord...but if it’s only my forgiveness you want, then you have it.”

He had never actually been in awe of any female before, but here he was, for the first time in his long life, at a complete loss for words. He truly never thought it possible for him, though he had heard of the condition. His heart pounded within his chest, and he tried to form any coherent thought, but figured even if he did, his lips would not utter it. All he could do was stare at her with his mouth slightly agape.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

She was playing with him. It was in her eyes and that beautiful grin. She lay back onto her stomach, just as she was before he approached.

When he nodded, her smile grew and she patted the quilt to her side. “Though I’ll no longer grant your favor, I could be persuaded to chat if you’d sit with me for a moment.”

“I’d like that very much,” he managed and sat beside her, leaning up against the tree. “What is it you’re reading?”

“Lord Celeborn thought I might enjoy this book, it is a collection of several poets.”

“Read one from your favorite author,” he commanded with a sweet grin.

“They are mostly by Lorin Rúphinhal. Have you heard of him?”

“Yes,” he said trying not to laugh. “Do you like his work?”

“I’ve read much of his work. He seems to be honest and very observant. Here’s my favorite one in this book and I think he wrote it after seeing a mortal family. It must have touched him.”

“Child of love, child of light, may your days be full and nights be bright.
You come into this world so small, yet in your grasp will hold them all.
Many faces will grace your home so you will never be alone.
By family ties, your life is blessed; they’ll aid you through each eager quest.
Your father, strong and bold is he, will seat you on his bended knee,
telling tales of distant lands, while cradling you within his hands.”

Rúmil put his hand upon hers and when she looked up, he finished the poem,

“Your mother, she is fair and bright and ever guiding on your plight.
If you falter along life’s path, her gentle hands will lead you back.
Never fear your sister pair will comfort you if you despair.
No matter where your fate may lie, know they are always on your side.
They hold you dearer with every day and keep you safe along your way.
You’ve such small hands and little feet, yet in you, their hearts will ever beat.
Child of love, child of light, your time on earth is ever slight.
Make the most of every day; let those who love you, point the way.”

“I’ve never known anyone who could remember verse so accurately,” she gasped. “I take it you’re a fan of his work?”

“I like it very much. I can recite just about everything Rúphinhal has written. What is it you like about the work?”

He was hoping to fascinate her. Whether it was working or not, he could not tell, but a warden who loved the written word enough to memorize it a rarity. Maybe she would take note.

“I like it because it is light hearted for the most part. There are a few morose ones, but I like the more cheerful ones, like when he writes about birds. ‘Faithful Father’ is another of my favorites...” She looked at the contents page and then said, “though, it’s not in this book. Can you recite it?”

“Of course. It flows well.”

He started the poem and when he was two couplets in, she closed her eyes, seeming to be taking in his voice and as well as the words. “Yes, that is it,” she said, but when he didn’t continue right away she opened her eyes again. He gazed down at her, a beauty unsurpassed.

She closed her eyes again and smiled. “Please, go on; you have a nice voice.”

He gladly finished, keeping his eyes on her, wanting to see her reaction to the quaint little poem he thought of as just a bit of balcony drivel. When finished, he asked, “What do you think he was doing when he wrote it?”

She smiled, “So you’re one of the many who gives all verse deep meaning?” She pulled herself up to sit beside him, and looked into his eyes, “What a pity, I rather liked you.”

“You didn’t answer the question, my lady,” he stated, rapidly losing his thoughts again as he stared at her lips.

“No, I suppose I didn’t,” she said and then leaned to him, placing her lips so near to his ear that he didn’t know if he was going to be able to hold himself back. “I think he was watching a bird.”

He gasped and had to force himself not to jump back a little in surprise and elation. He could not contain himself any longer. She was the one! Oh Gods! He must change the subject or he was going to end up taking her right here in front of everyone!

When she backed away from his ear, he swallowed hard and said, “Were you aware Lorinaura and Haldir have bound to one another?”

“I knew it was only a matter of time, but I didn’t think it would be so soon,” she said absently, still looking him in the eye.

He did not want to kiss her for the first time here. He was, after all, the acting Marchwarden and discretion was in order, but her lips were so close.

He cleared his throat, trying to shake himself out of the trance she had him in. “We’re having a quiet celebration this evening and I was hoping you would do me the honor of accompanying me to their home for dinner.”

“I’m the one who would be honored,” she said. “Though, if I’m to be ready, I need to leave now. Will you walk me home?”

“Certainly, my lady,” he said as he stood and offered his arm. At least now, he would be able to find her home again!

Once they arrived at her house, he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek to bid her farewell until dusk. To his great surprise, she turned her head slightly and he kissed her lips, instead. They were as soft as the breeze and his body reacted immediately. He was nearly floating into a great sensual abyss. When she touched her tongue to his lower lip, his hands slid around her hips and drew her near while delving into the sweet recesses of her mouth.

She had put her arms around his neck and had pressed herself to him, before he knew what was happening. She felt so good, so right for him. Her lips molded perfectly to his. Her body... Gods, what was he doing? He needed to pull away, before this went further, before she let him do what he wanted. He could back her over the threshold, knowing she would allow his hands to lead the way for his body to follow, and he would make her cry out in ecstasy.

‘NO! NO!’ he told himself, his mind emphatic, commanding. ‘Not now! She’s the one, and our first joining will not be done in haste!’ Lindar and Phin would expect him back on the training fields very soon. He hadn’t even told them he was leaving. However, tonight...he would not hesitate. ‘Yes, tonight!’ he thought.

He backed away from her, pulling away from her with all the strength he had left in him. She smiled, looking up into his eyes, her lips full and bruised, begging him to caress them further.

“Yavannea...” he began and then swallowed, his breath heavy and labored. “Yavannea, I’ll be back here just before dusk. Is that alright?”

She lowered her head for a moment as if collecting her thoughts, and then raised her eyes to him again, showing the fire they held for him.

“I’ll be waiting for you, Marchwarden,” she said, her voice low, breathy.

When she turned to go into her house, he lightly grabbed her arm and turned her back to him, “Please, call me Rúmil.”

“Rúmil,” she whispered, and Gods, did she do his name justice. He could not wait to hear it thrust at him while she was in the throes of passion.

When he did not immediately release her, she raised a brow and said, “Rúmil, love, you must let go of my arm...unless you’ll join in a bath.”

Once again, his mouth dropped open slightly. ‘Oh, by the Valar! Was that an invitation?’ he asked himself. No...he could not! Not yet!

Utter shock and possibly wonderment filled him. When he finally released his grasp, she slipped inside the house and closed the door.

“I’ll have you tonight, lovely Yavannea,” he whispered toward the door and then walked back to the practice fields, adjusting his tunic a little to hide any sign of what he was thinking.

As he rounded the corner, he was very surprised to find Orophin lying on the ground, his sword tossed to the side and a gleaming Lindar holding the tip of his blade to Phin’s throat.

“Do you yield, my lord,” Lindar asked, his voice mocking and eyes narrowed.

“Yes, I yield...for now,” Orophin said in a begrudging tone, as he glared at the young ellon. “But, I will not make the mistake again, apprentice!”

“How on earth did you take him down?” Rúmil asked, as he burst out laughing.

Lindar took his sword from Orophin’s neck and reached down to grasp his hand, helping him off the ground. “He found himself... distracted,” Lindar said evasively.

“By what were you distracted, Phin?”

Glaring over Rúmil’s shoulder, Orophin said, “That demure elleth standing behind you, struck me in the head with an acorn.”

Rúmil turned around to find Katarwë walking to them. “Mae Govannen, Katarwë,” he greeted and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I suppose you were surprised to see Phin on the fields today.”

“Surprised is not actually the word I would use. But now, since I’ve taken my revenge, I suppose I can no longer be angry with him for not telling me he was home.”

Orophin looked to her with a sly grin, “I apologize greatly, my lady. Perhaps there is some way I could make it up to you?”

“I’ve thought of many ways! If you’re lucky I’ll share more than one of them with you!”

He took her hand and kissed it lightly. “I will look very forward to it, my love, but after we get back from Hal and Aura’s house tonight. We’ve been invited to a small binding celebration.”

“Oh, how wonderful! I had no idea...well, I had some idea, but I wouldn’t have thought it would be this soon,” she squealed. “We have the wine Celeborn gave us, we’ll take it!”

“I’ve already offered as much,” he said with a loving smile. “Great minds do think alike.” He turned to Rúmil and asked, “We’ll see you there, brother?”

“Of course you will! I wouldn’t miss it!”

“Come Katarwë, I believe a great punishment is in your near future.”

“You are going to punish me?”

“Oh yes. No one throws acorns at the Marchwarden’s Second and goes with impunity!” His face lit with a roughish grin. “You shall have to be spanked!”

With her widened eyes full of fire, she backed away from him slightly. “You’ll have to catch me first!” she said and then turned, sprinting toward their house. A shocked Orophin took off after her and Rúmil assumed he caught her, for the squeals coming from their direction.

Looking to Lindar and smiling, he said, “They are playful.”

“And quite fun to watch,” said Lindar in agreement. “My trials are set for tomorrow afternoon. Will you be here, or are you leading the others to the fences?”

“We’re holding council in the morning, but I believe I will be needed at the Southern border. After you pass the first two trials, come to my talan. Even if you must heal an Orc, you’ll be a full warden by the time you return to the city.”

“Thank you, sir. I don’t know what to say.” He was silent for a few moments and then said, “Isillyë and I have been having lunch together in the dining hall for the last few days. She was quite irate when I mentioned you were my mentor.”

“Hmmm. She thought I was lying about writing and about knowing a poet. I must have made a bad impression. It has been nearly two weeks since we spoke,” said Rúmil, with a rather mischievous grin. Lindar only stared at him for a moment, as if trying to assess his tone and Rúmil felt he should let the poor lad in on his little secret. “Well, if I truly poured on the charm, do you think you would have had the opportunity to take lunch with her?”

“So you were trying to irritate her!” he exclaimed while laughing. “She takes her opinions very seriously...too seriously if you ask me. I assume you aren’t interested in pursuing her and would like to see where things lead with us.”

“I have no interest in going another round with her, though I don’t like having any female angry with me. You could tell her that I apologize for...well actually I have no idea what it was I’m supposed to have done to her. Perhaps you could find out and then make something up.”

“I will...eventually. She has a certain fire in her eyes when she is enraged.”

“And you like this ire, as long as it’s not directed toward you?” he said.

“Of course, it’s quite challenging!” said Lindar, making Rúmil laugh a little more. “Please convey my deepest congratulations to Haldir and his new wife!”

“He would love it if you told him yourself.”

“I’ll bet he is tired of everyone’s remarks.” Lindar said, more of a question than a statement.

Rúmil’s mouth curved into a devious smile, “I would be very surprised if you heard any more of it from the wardens.”

“Very good then, because I took care of it in the apprentices,” said Lindar and Rúmil just looked at him, a little shocked, until finally the apprentice smiled, shrugging his shoulder. “Well, you told me they needed to learn propriety, did you not?”

Rúmil clapped him on the back. “That I did, son. That I did.” He began walking away and then turned to the apprentice once more, “I’ll not wish you luck tomorrow. You have skill...remember to use it.”

“Yes sir,” he said as Rúmil strolled off toward the inner city, smiling.

**************************************
Adar – Father
Naneth – Mother
Mae Govannen – Welcome