To Explore Arda

Chapter 7: The Journey Begins

The winter passed quickly and at the first signs of thaw, the Wandering Company began preparations to leave. Rúmil had packed and repacked so many times that it had become a family joke.

“I do not know what to take or how much,” Rúmil groaned.

Orophin was no help, finding more fun to mess with the young elf. Haldir, on the other hand did all he could to guide his little brother. When the day of departure finally arrived, the elder Marchwarden was confident that the younger elf had what was needed. He knew that the elves in the Wandering Company would make sure Rúmil was taken care of. The three stood together amidst the caravan of horses and wagons. Haldir was dressed for duty; he decided that an extended boarder patrol would keep him from missing Rúmil too much. Orophin was dressed for travel and would also be leaving the woods, heading to Imladris with correspondence. Orophin hugged Rúmil and bid him a safe and happy adventure before mounting his horse and racing from the city. Haldir had promised himself that he would not embarrass his brother with a long, drawn out, emotional good bye. Still, he held the young elf in a tight embrace, whispering words of love, support and advice.

Rúmil pulled away and smiled at his big brother. “I will be careful. Thank you. I have wanted this more that you know.”

Haldir took his brother’s hand and dropped a leather pouch that jingled when it landed. “Something to tide you over until you get settled. Things are acquired differently out there. I am proud of you.” He let go and stepped back.

Rúmil thanked his brother, pocketed the pouch, mounted his horse and joined the caravan.

“Behave!” Haldir called out as the procession began to move.

Rúmil looked back, winked and waved a final time.

Haldir turned towards the barracks to gather his things. The Golden Wood would be very different now…much quieter.

******
Rúmil rode amid the Wandering Company, talking with friends he had made and trying not to feel as scared as he did. Now that he was actually leaving, he had doubts. The elves of the company were far more free-spirited than the Silvans of Lothlórien. They sang and danced as they went, laughed and joked. There was no apparent concern of orc attack; they certainly did not hide their presence. Rúmil was used to stealth and the group seemed extremely loud.

Gildor had decided to leave Rúmil to his own devices for a spell. He did not want the young elf to think that he was being watched or protected. Although Galadriel had asked Gildor to take the young one along, the elf-lord wanted Rúmil to know that he was a free elf, an adult who could do as he pleased so long as it did not bring harm or dishonor to those around him. Sensing the emotions in the young guardian, Gildor sent a page through the group to fetch Rúmil. The Lórien elf spurred his horse and moved to the front of the group.

You wanted to see me, milord?” Rúmil asked with a slight bow.

Gildor chuckled. “All right, penneth. First, no sir or lord or bowing. Leave that at the border. Secondly, I know that this is all new for you and a little overwhelming. Oh, do not feel embarrassed,” he added as Rúmil’s cheeks flushed. “As endearing as that blush is…” Rúmil turned more crimson. “There is every reason to feel excited and scared. Do you not think I felt the same way when I left my home?”

“How old were you when you left your home?” Rúmil thought it best to not ask where home was at this point.

“A bit older than you I think,” Gildor answered. “I want you to understand that I am not your keeper. You have the same freedoms as any other member of this group. I have already spoken with my Captain and once you get acclimated to this way of life, you will be put on guard and scouting duty. You will receive a small stipend for your effort, though nothing you need will require payment within the Company. But there may be things - more of a ‘want’ - that you would like; things you can acquire from the places we go. Just remember, you are responsible for carrying all of your belongings, aside from a tent.”

Rúmil listened carefully to everything the elf-lord said. These were things that had not really been discussed earlier. He noticed that Gildor looked more relaxed; his tunic was opened a little more, and his mannerisms were more casual. It made Rúmil desire the elf all the more. He continued to ride at Gildor’s side, asking questions about the first leg of the journey and listening to all who offered information. Rúmil was beginning to get sore when Gildor called for a halt. They had passed out of sight of the Golden Wood a few hours earlier. The caravan began to organize the clearing, setting areas for the horses, food preparation and eating areas, sleeping sections and sentry posts. Rúmil offered to take a watch and after some pleading with Gildor’s captain, was allowed to join the first watch.

“Jumping in to your duties already?” Gildor commented as they eat supper.

“I may not know the surrounding area, but I can keep watch. I do not see a reason to wait,” Rúmil replied.

Gildor nodded.

Elrilon, Gildor’s captain joined them. “I wish others had your attitude, penneth,” he said. Turning to Gildor, he remarked, “I guess it will take this pup a while to loosen up.” The older elves laughed. “Forgive me Rúmil,” the captain added. “I mean no disrespect. There is a place for discipline, but you will find the overall atmosphere of this group…very relaxed.”

“You all do seem…more at ease than even the Imladrean elves,” Rúmil said. “I hope I do not embarrass myself, but it will take some time to let go of the attitude and cautiousness of a Golden Wood guardian.”

Gildor looked at the young elf next to him. So young, yet so mature, the ancient elf’s heart stirred and this time not in lust. He would love to find someone like Rúmil to share his life with. Not just someone…his heart wanted Rúmil.

“I should go figure out where to put my bed roll before I get set for look-out.” Rúmil stood to leave.

Gildor stopped him. “You will see my things just under that oak tree. He pointed across camp. “You are free to join the captain and me, if you wish. Or,” he added, “you may wish to join some of the younger elves over there.”

“I think I will join you this evening. I promise I will make some friends my own age. Thank you for putting up with me for the time being.” Rúmil gave a little bow and went to set out his things.

Gildor’s captain watched the young elf go. “He is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside, sire.”

“How often do I have to tell you…” Gildor was glaring.

The captain held up his hand. “You are who you are and I serve you as I did your father! And I would not waste too much time, or you will find someone else vying for Rúmil’s attention. I have already seen many appreciative glances thrown his way.” The brown haired elf gathered his dinner dishes and took them to the cleaning area before joining a group of elves playing cards. He hoped Gildor would heed his advice.

Gildor, for his part, sat alone to finish his dinner. A wave of sadness swept over him. His second had served under his father and was one of the few elves to survive. When they had met, there was no denying him as he insisted on staying and serving his liege’s heir. Gildor allowed an elleth to take his plate. After sitting for another moment, he got up and wandered off into the dusk.

Rúmil watched him go, wondering about the shadow that hung about the noble face.

When Rúmil returned from guard duty, he was surprised to see the captain sitting by the fire alone. “Lord Gildor has not returned?” the young elf asked.

The captain looked up. “No. But do not worry, he will return before we break camp.”

“Have you been with the company long?” Rúmil asked, from his bedroll.

“From the beginning,” came the soft answer.

“May I ask you something then?”

The older elf eyed Rúmil. He knew where this was leading and regretted not being able to tell the young elf everything. “You may ask, but I cannot promise to answer.”

Rúmil nodded and rethought his question. “What can you tell ne about Lord Gildor? I am afraid I now very little about him, and despite his casual manner, he does not seem to be very open about himself.”

“You are right, he is not. There is much I cannot tell you, as it is for Gildor to decide what you know. What I will say is this. First…do not call him lord, he does not like titles. Next, I can tell you that he has lived a long time, seen more than most, is more than he will give himself credit for, and very lonely. He needs a companion or I fear he will sail.” The captain stopped as a shadow immerged from the darkness.

“Still awake Rúmil? I thought you would be in reverie by now.” Gildor flashed a mischievous smile that did not quite reach his eyes. “Perhaps he should take two watches, Captain.” He winked at the young elf as the captain chuckled.

At that moment, Rúmil have an exaggerated yawn and stretch. The three elves laughed. “Good night, sir,” Rúmil said with a smile to the captain. As he lay back on his bed roll, he said in the sweetest voice he could, “Good night *lord* Gildor.” He and the captain laughed as Gildor settled in for the night mumbling something about cheeky younglings.

****

Chapter 8: Pieces of the Puzzle

So the journey continued. Although Rúmil was quick to make friends with the younger elves, he continued to sleep near Gildor and Elrilon, as the captain was never far from the elf-lord. The brown haired elf clearly wanted to keep a close eye on Gildor. This being the case, the young Silvan often found himself alone with the captain while Gildor took his nightly walks. Rúmil learned that Elrilon was one of the oldest elves on Arda; he was a Noldo and had fought in many of the great battles. All the things the dark haired elf was willing to share were stored in Rúmil brain as pieces of the puzzle that was Gildor.

“Were you born in Valinor?” Rúmil asked the captain one evening.

Elrilon smiled. “No, but my father was. He came to Arda with the exiles. My mother was born here.”

“Are there others in the Wandering Company who were born in the West?” Rúmil inquired casually.

The Captain laughed. “You are a curious one, and clever. Yes, there are one or two others, but I will not disclose their names.” Rúmil blushed, knowing he had been caught trying to get information about Gildor. “Look penneth. I care greatly for my lord and will never betray his confidences. I like you though and I think your feelings for him are honorable. Mind you, if you toy with or hurt Gildor in anyway, I will gladly become a kinslayer.”

Rúmil looked at the ancient elf and knew his words were no empty threat. “I care about him greatly also. However, of what good does that do me? I am a child to him, a charge given him by Lady Galadriel. He would have no interest in me. I fear I have set my sights on one I cannot have.” Rúmil sat with his knees drawn up and now rested his chin on them. He looked so rejected that it nearly broke the captain’s heart.

“Look,” Elrilon said softly, “You may be much younger, but there is an intelligence and manner about you that belies your years. Gildor has noticed it and I know he watches you, and not as a guardian watched a charge. You are smart and I know you will soon figure out who Gildor is. That being said, I will give you one more bit of information and then ask me nothing of him again.” Elrilon watched as Rúmil nodded his head. “He believes he is held by the curse of the Noldor, though he was born after that curse was proclaimed.”

Rúmil stood. “I have watch duty, now,” he said. “Thank you very much for all your help. I promise I do not look to play with Lord Gildor’s affections. I may be young, but I know the difference between lust and love.” With that said he left the sleeping area, jogged across the encampment and took his post in a tree overlooking the horses.

Gildor returned from his solitude in time to see the pale head vanish in the darkness. “He is taking another watch?” the elf lord asked his captain.

“He is a responsible elf. He wants to earn his keep.” The two sat in silence for a few moments. “How long will you just sit back and watch him? You know, I have heard several of the other warriors commenting on him. They think he is most desirable.”

“He is young; he should enjoy the pleasures of his age.”

The captain shrugged. “Perhaps, but I do not think he is one to take such pleasures lightly. I think his soul longs for something more deep. I fear he might get his heart broken,” Elrilon said indifferently, lying back on his bedroll.

“I will rip apart anyone who hurts him. He is a caring soul and I will not let him be prayed upon.” Gildor’s words came out in a harsh whisper.

The captain smiled to himself. Yes, he was right. Gildor cared for the youth. Now to really get the elf lord thinking “Well, I agree. In fact, he and I have had some enlightening discussions while you are gone each night. He is not just a handsome face; his body is quite pleasing as well. I wonder if he would be interested in an older elf.” Elrilon did not need to see the jealousy in Gildor’s eyes to know it was there; it was palpable. He hoped it was enough to get Gildor to open up a bit more to the young Silvan. He heard Gildor settle in for the night. He had done all he could indirectly. Now it was up to Rúmil to solve the puzzle and break down the walls around Gildor’s heart.

******
Rúmil spent most of his time on guard duty in a tree thinking on all the little bits of information he had gathered on Gildor. The remembered back to the conversation he had heard in the library. Gildor had called Galadriel aunt. He was very old, might have come from Valinor and had some connection to the Noldo. Aunt…something about that really nagged at him…who were Galadriel’s siblings? Which had children? And who was known for their golden hair? Glorfindel was Vanya - they had the rich golden hair - and Gildor’s was like the Imladrian captain’s. So many pieces, yet he felt the answer was really as plain as day. After he retired for the evening, he found his dreams filled with erotic images of Gildor. They lay entwined in passion; the only thing between them was Gildor’s chain. Rúmil tried to focus on the pendant, but it eluded him. He woke with a start as the dream lovers reached completion. He looked about anxiously, hoping he had remained silent; he was relieved to see his companions in deep reverie.