breaking the ice

Chapter six The market

Elrond had to force himself not to tap his cutlery on the table or plate. He couldn’t possibly do that when he’d stop the twins from doing just that. But, as usual, he was the first to arrive at breakfast and had to wait for the others to join him. He daily told himself not to be so eager, but he always failed in heeding his own advice.

He smiled when he saw the ‘Lóriën brothers enter. “Ambarónë mára, te neldë. Ar man te nauvar nar sinaurë?”
They nodded in greeting and Haldir answered for them all. “I’ll be joining the guard again, Orophin here will rest” He ignored the growl that emanated beside him. “And Rumil will be under the charge of your sons.” Elrond nodded. “I wish you all the fun and, Haldir, if you’re a big eater I’d suggest you’d eat ahead. Glorfindel isn’t such a big eater in the mornings and he’s always eager to start the day.” Haldir nodded gratefully and already started. On Elrond’s signal Rumil also got something for himself and Orophin as well.

As on cue the others entered from different points. The twins came from the right, Glorfindel from the left and Erestor in between the two. When they saw Rumil helping himself, filling two plates, the twins had a hard time containing their mirth. Glorfindel shook his head at them. Rumil was bound to hear more of this. He nodded his head in greeting and sat down. He intended to make his chair scrape the floor as he pulled it back but no soundnatenated and Rumil was unaware of the twins’ arrival.

Without warning Rumil found himself turned around, staring bewildered in two identical smirking faces. “Good morning, Elladan, Elrohiow wow was your night? How late do you want to go to the market, Elladan? We are still going, aren’t we?”
Elladan nodded. “Of course we are and I’ll make sure to show you the food stands.”
Elrohir grinned. “He’s right, not even nana ate that much, not even when she was pregnant of Arwen.”
Rumil looked at the plates he’d been filling bef before he could respond a cold voice spoke. “Apologize! You two have no brains at all. Can’t you even get it in your heads that he’s filling his brother’s plate as well? Or are we to assume you’d abandon each other in time of need?” Erestor’s cold voice touched the right spot.

Elladan and Elrohir blushed. “Sorry, Rumil. We haven’t really woken up yet and” Rumil waved it away. “It’s all right. But you haven’t answered my question.”
Elrohir grinned at him. “Good morning to you too, by the way. And I’ve decided to join you, if you don’t mind walking.”
Elladan looked petrified. “Walking? You can’t be serious. It’s at least ten miles and” “Really, brother, you over-exaggerate. He always does, Rumil. It’s only an half hours walk. Do you mind?” “Yes!” “I was asking Rumil. Not you!”

Elrond stood and intervened before the twins would fight each other. “Quiet! For once I’d like to have a peaceful breakfast. Maybe I should send the two of you to ‘Lóriën sometimes? Please don’t involve the whole Valley on your decision making. Rumil: on horseback you’d be able to go further but on foot you’d see the beauty better. And now sit and eat and greet your elders.”

The twins obediently sat down and nodded to the others. Erestor ate his breakfast in silence and ignored the entire conversation but Rumil hadn’t forgotten that remark at the nninnning. A plan was forming in his mind and he was determined to carry it through.

At some point Glorfindel decided he had finished his breakfast and stood but a cough kept him back. Looking over his shoulder he saw Elrond’s eyebrow raised and he realised his error. “Haldir, I am going now. Are you coming or aren’t you finished yet?”
Haldir raised himself. “I’m finished. What’s on today’s programme?”
The blond smiled. “You’ll find out.” He continued with Haldir beside him.
Elrond shook his head. “I don’t think he will ever change.” /And I don’t want him to./

He smiled when he saw Rumil look at him questioningly. “Yes?”
“Elrond, do you mind if I take Glorfindel’s seat? That way Orophin can rest his leg on my chair.” Orophin glared at him and would have kicked him too hadn’t he been seated on the wrong side. /I knew I should have taken the other side./ But Haldir had swapped, not very eager to face Erestor.
Elrond smiled and nodded. “That’s an excellent idea, Rumil.”

Before anyone knew what was happening Rumil had arranged Orophin’s leg and now sat across Erestor. Elrond saw that the moment Erestor realised Rumil was sitting in front of him the mask was hardened and he wondered what he’d missed.

Rumil, on the other hand, pretended not to notice anything and chatted amicably with the twins, occasionally trying to draw Erestor in the conversation.
Elladan laughed at his attempts. “Don’t bother getting him involved, Rumil. Erestor hardly ever talks during the morning meals.” This confirmed Rumil’s suspicions that something was wrong with Erestor. /His eyes were watery last night and I bet it’s not an exception. So it’s natural he’s silent in the morning. What can I do to help him?/

Elrond read his concern in his eyes and, smiling to himself, decided to help out. “Erestor, I need some things from the market. Since the twins and Rumil are already going, would you mind joining them. I can’t leave because I need to make sure Orophin rests and I hardhardly trust the twins to bring me the desired.” This draw a sober smile from Erestor and pouts from the twins.
“You never specify what precisely it is you need and want. You simply say: ‘I need ink’, so when we bring you ink, it’s the wrong colour.”
Elrohir nodded frantically. He agreed with his brother. Not only on what he’s said but also why. If they couldn’t convince Elrond to give them a list Erestor would be joining them. He shuddered in anticipation.

Rumil’s eyes cleared up and he smiled at Erestor. “That’ll be fun. I’m sure Elladan and Elrohir will chat together, forgetting about me. If you join us I won’t feel like a third wheel.” Elrond nodded. “That’s settled then?” Erestor gave a curt nod.

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Elrohir smiled at Rumil, seeing the younger elf completely observed in his job. After showing him how rebinding was done Rumil had tried one under the scrutiny of Elrohir’s watchful eye and now worked alone. Elrohir was pleased to have him. The boy was a hard worker and the twin slowly started wondering if there was anything Rumil wasn’t good at.

“You work fast, Rumil.” Rumil looked startled and smiled. “I guess. I like doing this. When is it time to go to the market?”
Elrohirked ked outside. “About half an hour. We can take a break and talk while we wait for the others to show up.” Rumil nodded ant hit his things aside.

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He followed Elrohir through the maze of corridors and was amazed they reached the courtyard. “I don’t think I will ever learn my way around here.”
Elrohir laughed. “That’s what I thought when I first came to your realm. But now I know my way around almost as well as you do. Give it time and you’ll know everything here blindly.” Rumil shrugged and cocked his head at Elrohir’s worried look. “What is it?”

Elrohir smiled, seeing why Celeborn and Galadriel were keen on having this one change his job. “Why did you want Erestor to come? Elladan and I won’t exclude you.” Seeing Rumil’s eyebrows raise he grinned. “all the time.”
Rumil returned the smile. “I know, I do have two elder bros. Is. I just want to get to know Erestor better and this was a perfect excuse.”
Elrohir’s mouth was agape and he was seriously doubting the quality of his hearing right now. “You what?” Rumil nodded. “I do. And don’t you call me crazy, insane, stupid or impossible. My brothers already do that.”
“And they are right. What are you thinking? Wishing to befriend Erestor….” Elrohir shook his head.

Seeing Elladan and Erestor coming their way he ran towards them, pulling Ell alo along. “Be right back. I have to talk to him alone.”

Erestor merely shook his head and settled himself on one of the benches. “Make yourself comfortable, young-one. I know from experience this can take a while.”
Rumil smiled and approached. “Do you mind?”
Seeing Rumil intended to sit down beside him but only halted to ask permission he gave a sharp nod. It would be impolite to turn him down and he wondered why Rumil wanted to share a bench when there were enough vacant ones available.

Rumil sat down and smiled. “Thank you for last night. You are right. I probably would have gotten lost again. I hope I haven’t stolen too much rest from you? Or disturbed your dreams.”
Erestor closed his eyes, forcing back his tears. He hadn’t expected Rumil to address that. “You’re welcome.” was all he said.

Knowing Erestor didn’t wish to talk about the night Rumil nodded and smiled. “Could you perhaps tell me more about Imladris? I find it fascinating but I fear Elladan’s tales are a bit over the top.”
Erestor narrowed his eyes, wondering why Rumil wanted to talk to him but he saw nothing but sincerity and desire to know in his eyes so he nodded and started talking.

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Elladan looked at his brother in disbelief. “That’s not a nice joke!” He made to walk back but Elr pul pulled him back. “I’m not kidding. Rumil wants to know Erestor better and now that I’m thinking about it I’m pretty sure he’s falling for our counsellor.”
Elladan snorted. “What’s there to love? He’s cold and heartless.”
Elrohir nodded. “I know that, you know that, but Rumil doesn’t. We must look after him, keep him from breaking his heart.”

Elladan nodded. If his brother was right Rumil was in for heartache. His gaze became worried when he remembered his father’s words. “How do we know he’s not already in store for pain? Ada said he’s too fragile.”
Elrohir shrugged. “I don’t know, but I do know we can’t leave those two alone.”
Elladan nodded. “Let’s go join them then and head for the market.”

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Elrond smiled when he saw the scene before him. He was on his way to the practise fields but he halted when he saw Rumil and Erestor sitting on the bench, chatting. Elrond grinned, already knowing Rumil had definitely found a way inside.

About to continue his walk he halted. He just saw his sons walking in and the expression on their faces was most amusing. Twinkles appeared in Elrond’s eyes.

Erestor rose and greeted them politely, which was waved away by Elladan who ushered them along. “We have to hurry if we are to get there in time. Maybe we can even buy you some of our treats, Rumil? You really do have to try them.” Erestor’s glare stopped the rest of the words and Elrond grinned as he saw the four take off: Elrohir and Elladan exchanging worried glances and Rumil easily claming Erestor’s company. /Yes, having this one around will definitely be fun./

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“No, no, you to to turn before you jump. If you don’t you will lose your balance.”
Haldir growled. “I’ve always done it like this and”
Glorfindel quickly interrupted. “Haldir, peace. He’s just trying to teach you our way. Maybe afterwards you can teach him yours. Both our styles have flaws you know. And Dagondil, Haldir is our honoured guest, not a trainee to be yelled at.”

Both other soldiers nodded their agreement and Haldir drew in some calming air. “I have to admit your speed when we entered Imladris amazed me. Is everybody this fast?”
Glorfindel grinned. “He’s our fastest runner, but aye, we do train our men on speed as well. Don’t you?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, there’s no need for speed in the trees of ‘Lóriën. We’d only fall out.”
Dagondil shook his head. “But what if a guard is under attack. Doesn’t he need his speed to get him to safety. He might have to leave the trees and than what. Hope the arrows don’t fly your way?” The words were sarcastic.
Glorfindel glared at him but before a reply could be formed Elrond’s voice rode the air. “That’s enough!! You have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and skills and what do you do? We don’t need a war. And that goes for all of you! Glorfindel, Haldir, a word.”

He turned and walked back to the house. Glorfindel left instructions and hurried after Haldir and Elrond. “Man?”

Elrond smiled. He could always count on the blond. “I’m afraid it’s Orophin. His leg isn’t healing as it should. He’s too worried and doesn’t take enough rest.” He saw Haldir was about to speak but stopped him from doing so. “I’ve been giving this some thought. He needs to relax completely or it won’t heal. I know a cabin near the Bruinen where he would recover more quickly. But he needs company.”
Haldir grinned. “A guide and a nurse you mean.”
Elrond smiled. “That too. One of my servants will go along to take care of food and such. I think you should accompany your brother, Haldir, for none know him as well as you do.” Haldir knew Elrond was right but he was reluctant to leave Rumil alone.

Glorfindel nodded. “And when Orophin is healed you both will train with us. It’s an excellent idea though I would want to check on them: make sure Orophin rests.”
Elrond nodded. “Maybe Rumil can do that. He would want to see you two sometimes. You or the twins can accompany him.” Glorfindel nodded, but he saw Elrond had other plans.

Haldir went to the house to talk Orophin into going and as soon as he had left eye and ear Glorfindel turned to Elrond. “Spill, what’s the real reason.”
Elrond smiled. “I can’t hide anything from you, can I? Rumil needs some time alone. Without Haldir breathing in his neck. He means well, but he will only succeed in driving Rumil away eventually.”

Glorfindel cocked his head. He knew there was more.
Elrond sighed. “I saw him and Erestor talk today. He’s slowly breaking Erestor’s defences.”
Glorfindel squinted his eyes. “And?”
“And nothing. And everything. What if they fall for each other, Glorfindel? What will happen then?”
Glorfindel grinned. “Erestor will do everything to prevent such an occasion. You know that.”
“But what if?”

Glorfindel shook his head. “Elrond, I want Erestor to be happy just as much as you do, but don’t you think this is asking too much? Who would fall in love with Erestor? Only if they’d see behind his mask they might, but there are none that take the time.”
Elrond smiled mysteriously. “Except Rumil.”
Glorfindel sighed. “All right. Let’s for one moment say Rumil does indeed see the real Erestor and that he falls in love with him. There’s always Haldir and Orophin. They wont allow it.”

Elrond merely smiled and walked away. For a second Glorfindel was stunned but then he ran, blocking Elrond’s path. “Spill! What else don’t I know? Is that why you’re sending Orophin and Haldir to the Bruinen?”
Elrond smiled. “Maybe. He does need to relax, you know.”
Glorfindel growled. He hated those mystery moods of Elrond.

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Rumil involuntarily halted when they reached the market. The sight that greeted him was amazing and he needed some moments to take it all in.
The twins, who had been casting curious glances backwards the entire journey, hadn’t noticed and walked on. Erestor called them back but the market sounds overwhelmed his voice and the twins soon were lost in a sea of elves and merchandise.
He closed his eyes in annoyance: he had hoped to leave Rumil and twins alone and do Elrond’s shopping quick and hurry home. But now he had to show Rumil around instead so he patiently waited for Rumil to snap out of his reverie and admiration.

When Rumil realised Erestor was waiting for him he blushed. “I am sorry, Erestor. This place is totally different from our markets; it just overwhelmed me.” He noticed the twins were nowhere in sight. “Where are Elladan and Elrohir?”
Erestor waved his apology away. “They are d asd as well as deaf and forgot about us. Now, where do you want to go?”
Rumil shrugged. “I don’t know. But didn’t you have some shopping to do for Lord Elrond?” Erestor nodded and Rumil smiled. “Then let us do that. After you.”

Erestor nodded again and started walking, making sure Rumil stayed at his side. “Do you want to know more about the market or just please your eyes?”
Rumil cocked his head and, after a second, smiled warmly. “What can you tell me?” That way he could hear Erestor’s melodious voice again. He didn’t really care what Erestor said, nor had he any interest in the market, but he listened none the less, glad to hear the voice again.

And so Erestor talked, telling Rumil the history of the market and explaining various items on show there. Once a while his hand would point something out and Rumil watched and listened as he followed his guide through the market.

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“Ú, ú, Hiranya, sin lannë yótëa ten. Etcólas hendunt. Tana, heru, nóta ten er I malta teldë yávëon sarda. Ú, anwavë, tenna nas henaran.” The salesman knew how to sell his stuff and none could stop at his stall without purchasing something. He also had a large and wide variety of goods; going from fruits to cloths, from jewellery to wine, from weapons to quills.

He smiled when he saw a familiar face. “Why hello there, how are you? And how are your children? I hear the eldest plans to join the warriors soon. He will need a bow of his own.”
The man shook his head. “Not today, my friend. I don’t have any money left for you. Maybe later, besides: I can’t stop as I’m on my way to my sister’s and you know how she is.”
A look of horror past over the salesman’s features. “Ai, how unfortunate for you. You have my sympathy, my friend. If I don’t see your face tomorrow I will alert our Lord that you’ve been poisoned by your own sister. Don’t fall asleep there.”
He waved franticals his his friend continued his previous path. “And I am serious: I will tell our Lord..”
“Tell Lord Elrond what?”

The salesman nearly fell to the floor in shock. The voice came so unexpected he hadn’t been prepared but he quickly got himself together and bowed politely. “My Lord Erestor, what a pleasure to see you again. How may I help you?”
Erestor’s glare pierced straight through him and he involuntarily shivered, drawing a chuckle from Rumil. “You can stop your babbling and hand me ite items on this list.”

The man hurried to retrieve the necessary and hand it to Erestor. “Man mellontya?”
Erestor’s gaze became hard and hateful. He had to keep the automatic reply inside. “Rumil o ‘Lóriën.”
He accepted the goods and turned to go, Rumil snickering in his wake. They both ignored the confused and puzzled stares thrown their way.

Erestor steered them out of the crowd and once they reached the open Rumil let out his mirth and doubled over from laughter.
Erestor looked at him in disbelief. He hadn’t known anything to be funny.
Seeing Erestor’s puzzled expression sobered Rumil up and he clutched his sides in an effort to stop the laughter. “Did you see him? He practically shook himself to pieces. As if you were a Balrog or something.”
“Who’s a Balrog?” Rumil easily identified the voice as Elladan and he doubled over again. “And you’re an Istar showing up out of nowhere.” He was rolling around on the floor and both Erestor and the twins stared at him in amazement.

“Erestor, what did you do to him? And who’s the Balrog?”
Erestor shrugged. “I merely showed him the market, something you were planning to do, wasn’t it?”
Elladan smiled apologetically. “We’re sorry. Rumil, forgive us for sticking you with Erestor. We know it’s not the most pleasant way to spend the time. But you were suddenly gone and…” Elladan stopped speaking when Rumil pushed him to the floor. The warrior was no longer laughing but anger stared back at the Peredhel.

He abruptly turned and pulled a surprised Erestor along. “Met nar autië!” Erestor almost tripped as Rumil pulled him along, leaving the purchased items in the twins’ care. Elrohir and Elladan stared after them, not believing their eyes.

“Well, that was strange.”
Elrohir grinned. “I think Rumil just appointed us as carriers, brother. And we’d better go before our father hears of this and exes.”es.”
Elladan gasped. “But we didn’t do anything!”
Elrohir shook his head. “Well, your remark made Rumil flare at you and who knows what tor tor must be thinking now. Whatever just happened now, we are guilty by reputation. Erestor will probably sentence us for something horrible and we’ll be grounded for live.”
Elladan growled. “In which case I am choosing mortality.”

End chapter 6
TBC

Translations:

Ambarónë mára, te neldë. Ar man te nauvar nar sinaurë? Means Good morning you three. And what will you be doing today?
Man? Means what?
Ú, ú, Hiranya, sin lannë yótëa ten. Etcólas hendunt. Tana, heru, nóta ten er I malta teldë yávëon sarda. Ú, anwavë, tenna nas henaran. Means: No, no, milady, this cloth does suit you. It brings out your eyes. That, mister, costs you only the price of three dates. No, really, on you it has a royal appearance.
Man mellontya? Means Who’s your friend?
Met nar autië! means We’re leaving!