breaking the ice

Chapter five Preparing for the night

Haldir grinned when he saw Orophin entering the dining room, leaning on two crutches and flanked by two elves. It was the one condition on which Elrond had allowed Orophin to eat with them instead of in his room.
Orophin glared at his grinning brother and settled down on the chair. “Just wait until Lord Elrond starts observing your health brother.” He looked around: almost everybody was already seated, but two seats remained empty and he easily recognized them as Elladan’s and Rumil’s. “Massë Rumil?”
Haldir shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea.
Elrohir smiled at them. “Elladan is showing him around. And my brother tends to forget the time when on horseback. I wouldn’t worry too much.”

He hadn’t finished speaking of the door flew open and two laughing elves entered. Elladan sobered and greeted the others. “Elrohir, you missed a lot, you oaf. Why you continue to shun horses is beyond me.”
Elrohir rolled his eyes. “Don’t start. Where have you taken our friend?” He smiled warmly at Rumil, who looked very vivid and happy. Rumil returned the smile and wedged between his brothers. “Elladan showed me the Bruinen. Though I think the name is rather misguiding. It was silent.”

Elrond laughed. “That’s because you have only seen it today, when it is calm and peaceful. But I assure you it can be loud and dangerous.” He smiled at the happy elf. “I take it you enjoyed yourself?” Rumil nodded. “Aye, it was beautiful. It makes me eager to see more of this wonderful place. It’s not like home, but it’s welcoming and warm. Home away from home, I guess.” He yelped when Haldir suddenly kicked him under the table and glared at him.

Elrond shook his head. “That was uncalled for Haldir. Rumil meant no offence and I know a mouth that talks incessantly is hard to restrain, isn’t so Elrohir?” Elrohir had the graze to blush, knowing full well his father was referring to some highly embarrassing moments of the past where he had somehow managed to insult Celeborn.
“And besides,” Elrond continued. “Rumil pointed out we still manage to reach our goal. You know, Rumil, Imladris was founded as a safe haven.” Rumil grinned. “So it’s natural people should feel welcome and at home.”

Elladan could see Rumil’s cheeks redden and decided an interruption was in order. “Tomorrow I will show you the spot we talked about, all right? And maybe we can entice my illusive brother to join us in the gardens tonight.”
Elrohir smiled. “Sounds lovely. As long as it doesn’t involve any horses. When will you steal him? And bring him back?” Elladan faked insolence. “That hurts. As if I would ever steal anything or anyone. I don’t mind sharing him. I already have to. With his brothers, so why not with mine as well.” He shrugged and reached for the water but Elrohir’s stomp made him lose his hold and the water sloshed over the rim. He cringed when he saw it go over Erestor’s robes.

The counsellor jumped up and glared at the younger elves. “Elladan, Elrohir. Do you two always have to behave like twelve-year olds?” He was panting in fury and the twins would be in serious trouble if Rumil hadn’t spoken up. “Peace, Erestor. It was an accident. And water doesn’t stain. And to you two: I am not a possession and will do what I like, when I like. I believe tomorrow I was going to learn how to bind books. When do you want to do that, Elrohir, in the morning or the afternoon?”
Elrohir grinned, pleased with the distraction. “Your choice, though the morning does provide better light for this job.” Rumil nodded. “Then the morning it is and perhaps I shall away with you in the afternoon, Elladan. But please don’t fight over me. Especially not if that endangers others.”
Elladan snuffed. “Just water.” Rumil and Elrohir laughed together. “Now.” They looked at each other and went into a laughing fit.

Glorfindel and Elrond shook their heads. If this was an example how things were going to be, they were in for trouble. Erestor marched out of the room, throwing glares at Rumil. Glorfindel noticed and looked puzzled. It wasn’t the first time someone had saved the twins from Erestor’s wrath and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.
Elrond leaned in closer and whispered. “This is the second time Rumil manages to hurt Erestor’s pride. He’s breaking the wall, seeing the cracks in his mask.” Glorfindel gasped. “No? What happened?”

Elrond quickly informed the blond of the incident in the attic and Glorfindel looked at Rumil in a different light. “I tell you Elrond, I thought he was naïve and insecure, but I think, under all that chatter, lies a heart that can compete with even the wisest.”
Elrond nodded. “He is wise and smart. It truly saddened Celeborn and Galadriel he chose to be a warrior. He will never be high there, nor will he be able to use all of his capability. I know they’re hoping we will send a counsellor back.”

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Orophin nearly hit his leg against the wall and he growled at his brothers for being so careless. “Watch it, you two. I have no desire to spend any more time than absolutely necessary cooped up in my room.” Haldir grinned. “You’ll take it back once you’ve sparred with Glorfindel.”

He kicked the door to Orophin’s room open and, with Rumil’s help, placed his grumping brother on the bed. “Now, do I need to tuck you in? Or does Rumil need to tell you a bedtime story?” He ducked to avoid a pillow and laughed.

Orophin looked at Rumil. “So where’s Elladan taking you tomorrow?” Rumil shrugged. “The market in the village. It’s been so long since I’ve seen one and he wanted to go anyway, so we’re going together.”
Orophin nodded, pleased Rumil was loosening up. “Have fun, bring me something.” Haldir grinned. “A rattler, so we hear him coming and have a chance of running away.” He ducked a second pillow. “Keep this up, Phin, and you won’t have a pillow left on your bed.” “So pick them up.” came the reply, accompanied by a third pillow. “And supply your ammunition? I don’t think so.”

Orophin growled and directed his attention to his younger brother. “Be careful around the twins, will you?” Rumil shrugged. “Why?” “I don’t trust this sudden camaraderie. It took us much longer for them to behave. There has to be a catch. And I don’t want to see you hurt.” Rumil rolhis his eyes. “I -can- take care of myself you know. No reason to threaten them as well.” He glared at Haldir and left. “Rest well, Phin. May your dreams be pleasant.”

Orophin’s eyes narrowed and scrutinized his brother. “What was that about?”
Haldir sighed and sat down defeated. “I was just angry. First I’m told he won’t be joining us, on Celeborn’s request, and I thought I’d check on him. Make sure he’s not feeling lost, you know how he is in new places. He was supposed to be in the library but Elrohir told me Erestor had taken him somewhere.”
Orophin laughed. “Let me guess, you overreacted and thought Erestor and Ru would be working together every minute and you wanted to prevent our brother getting hurt in the process.” He laughed more when he saw Haldir nod. “Spill.”

Haldir shrugged. “Nothing much. I went to Lord Elrond and then Erestor entered. I warned him to stay clear of our brother.”
Orophin’s eyes went wide. “You did what? Haldir, are you daft?? You know it’s not wise to create an enemy out of Erestor.” He shook his head. “You’d better apologize. And soon.”
He silenced Haldir when he opened his mouth. “I know you were trying to protect Ru, but he’s perfectly capable of handling himself.”
Haldir shook his head. “Normally yes, but -this- is -Erestor-. And he’s got a crush on him as well.” He laid his head in his hands. “Why did he have to fall for -that- elf?”
Orophin laughed. “Because the counsellor does process beauty. Look, Ru promised to stay away. The feelings will pass and he will be spared Erestor’s snares. He’ll be fine, brother.” Haldir sighed. “I hope so.”

After some moments of silence Haldir rose. “You’re right. I have to apologize.”

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Erestor groaned as he entered his rooms. He plumped down in his favourite chair. He could not believe he had just made a fool out of himself again. /This is the second time I forget everything around him./

Erestor looked at the tapestry. He was happy to have it back and it would aid him in keeping his distance. /I can’t show my feelings./

He didn’t understand Rumil. The youngster defied everything he had ever learned. Everybody seemed to shrink under Erestor’s stare and wither away when he talked to them. But Rumil had shown nothing when he had sneered at him. All it had gotten Erestor was a reprimanded from Elrond.

He sighed. Ever since Rumil had shown up in Imladris things have been going wrong. Just one disaster after another. He had been pleased Elrohir was now responsible for that elf. Now Erestor would have more time for his own duties. But he knew that was but partly the reason.

He was afraid to be around Rumil who didn’t seem to offend his words, if he even noticed them. Everything that had happened the last day went through his head again. /Why does this happen to me? I don’t want this?/

Unable to make sense of his conflicting feelings he flung himself on his bed, crying his heart out. Although everybody thought Erestor to be cold and emotionless there were hardly nights when he didn’t cry himself to sleep.

He jolted upright when a knock sounded through the room. Fighting to get his breathing under control he listened as two other knocks followed the first.
“Lord Erestor, are you in?” /O great, Haldir./ He really didn’t want to face Haldir right now, but knew he had to. He pulled his robes straight and wiped the tears from his face.

Haldir was about to leave when the door cracked open and Erestor stood before him. Involuntarily he swallowed. The counsellor still frightened him at times and the fact that he had to apologize to him did little to kill that feeling. “Lord Erestor.”
Erestor’s icy stare was directed at him and he snorted. “Who did you expect? Lord Elrond?” Haldir shrunk and backed away. “Nay, of course not. I came to apologize. For my words and behaviour in Lord Elrond’s study. I was out of line.”
Erestor’s glare didn’t lessen. “You were.”
Haldir swallowed. “I know and I apologize.”

“Anything else?” Haldir shook his head. “Then why are you still here? Waiting for absolution? Or some sort of penance? You’re at the wrong place for both.”
Haldir drew in an encouraging breath. “I would like for you to accept my apology. I know I was wrong.”
Erestor’s glare intensified. “Wrong address, March Warden. It’s not me you really insulted, now is it? So it’s not me who needs to forgive you. Now either go away or grow roots, I care lesHe sHe stepped back and closed the door.

Haldir sighed, shrugged and left. /He’s impossible. And he’d better not hurt Ru./

Erestor leaned against the door until he was certain Haldir had left and only then did he release the breath he’d been holding. About to walk over to his bed he stiffened. On the other side of his door stood another person. He practically begged for sight to see through the door.

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After he had left Orophin’s room Rumil wen his his own but took a wrong passage. Seeing Erestor turn the opposite corned he walked faster, hoping the other might give him the right directions. Suddenly Erestor opened a door and walked in. He had followed Erestor to his rooms. When he realised it Rumil blushed. /I know I wanted to follow him but not like this. What do I do now? Knock? Or try and retrace my steps? Or should I try some of the other doors?/

Rumil was still deciding when he saw Haldir enter the corridor. He quickly hid himself and saw, as well as heard, the exchange between Erestor and his eldest brother. He grinned when he saw how much Haldir seemed to fear Erestor.
But his mirth died when he realised something about Erestor seemed wrong, different. He focused on the dark-haired elf, trying to figure out what it was. /He’s been crying?/ That realisation hit him hard.

When Haldir left he stood and followed. If he went after Haldir his brother might lead him to a familiar corridor. But something stilled his movements when he stood before Erestor’s door. Straining his ears he heard nothing. It should have reassured him, tell him the counsellor was fine, but Rumil’s worry grew. /It’s too silent./
Looking to his left he saw Haldir no longer was within sight. /Well, I need to get my road back./ Shrugging his shoulders he knocked. “Lord Erestor. It is I, Rumil. Are you awake? I am sorry to disturb you, but I’m afraid I’ve lost my way.”

The door opened with a suddenness that surprised Rumil and he jumped back, not willing to invade Erestor’s personal space. For some reason the other seemed to care a great deal about that. “Once again, I am sorry for disturbing, but I can’t find my corridor. I mean the corridor where my room is. I mean the room Lord Elrond has appointed to me, for it isn’t really my room when I am merely a guest and…” he stopped talking when Erestor raised his hand. “Haldir was here a moment ago and went that way. Track him.”
About to close the door he found Rumil stopped him from doing so. The glare he was about to throw at him was stopped when he saw Rumil’s apologetic look. “Inside there are no tracks to be tracked down. And even if it were the woods, I still wouldn’t be able to track Haldir down. He’s too good at removing his tracks.”
Seeing Erestor’s eyes narrow in disbelief he smiled and opened his own, showing he meant no harm. “Do you know which way I have to go when I reach the first corridor? Left, right or continue going?”

At first Erestor wanted to tell Rumil how to walk, but figured if the boy got lost once he might get lost again. And he could not allow any guest to wander aimlessly through the corridors. Sighing he stepped out of his room. “This way.” He saw Rumil’s eyes widen in disbelief. He frowned and waited for the other to follow him.
Rumil jolted from his shock and ran the first steps. “Forgive me, you took me by surprise. I thought you would merely supply me with the directions. I’m sure if you’d do that I’ll find my way.”
Erestor shook his head. “You got lost and I don’t allow that.” Rumil nodded. “I am sorry to keep you from your rest.”

He bit the insides of his lip, deciding whether he should tell Erestor or not. “Ehm, Erestor?” Erestor gave no sign he heard him but Rumil knew he had. “Elrohir has decided to fuss over me, so I don’t think I’ll be having much time for the attic. But I will continue whenever I have the change. And I hope you don’t mind but I labelled everything, it makes it easier to find things back.”
Erestor nodded once. “That system is yours then?” Rumil shrugged. “That’s how they did it at home and I figured you would do it here as well, but have forgotten.”
Erestor snorted. “Are you trying to spare my feelings?” His voice was mocking.
Rumil shook his head. “Nay, merely stating the obvious. Besides, they say you have no feelings.” Rumil carefully watched Erestor and couldn’t help but think the other wasieveieved to hear it. /He really does want people to think that!/

By now they had arrived at his door and he smiled gratefully at Erestor. “Thank you, and I once again apologize for keeping you from your rest. I’d invite you in for a drink but it’s rather late and I don’t have any. Fúma vandë, Erestor. Nai Loriën lave ten lissë olori.”
Erestor nodded. “Think nothing of it. Nai oloritya mimin ar senda.”

Erestor turned and felt Rumil’s eyes on his back as he walked away. Rumil wondered about him. /He wished me undisturbed dreams. Not an usual wish. Does that mean he’s hoping for that himself?/

End chapter 5
TBC

Translations:

Massë Rumil? Means where is Rumil?
Fúma vandë, Erestor. Nai Loriën lave ten lissë olori Means Sleep well, Erestor. May Loriën grant you sweet (pleasant) dreams
Nai oloritya mimin ar senda. Means May your dreams be undisturbed.(lit. in one (whole) and at peace)
Note:
Loriën is the Vala that brings dreams