breaking the ice

Chapter seven The beginning of a friendship

Elrond was sitting behind his desk, trying to get some work done but the images of Haldir and Orophin leaving kept flashing before him, making it rather hard for him to concentrate. Orophin had been rather reluctant to go; needless to say he feared being useless and idle. Only Elrond’s promise to allow him to make up for the lost time made the Galadhrim a little cooperative. And he had to promise Haldir to look after Rumil. He shook his head at the worried expression on their faces.

A slamming door brought him back to his present surroundings and his eyes widened when he realised it had been his door that had slammed open.

Glorfindel stood before him, eyes shining with mirth. “Elrond, come quickly. You just have to see this.” The blond didn’t give Elrond any time to think or even reply for he grabbed the other’s wrist and pulled him along. “Hurry!”

Elrond shook his head as he tried to keep up with the blond, trying to think of what might have brought this about. “Glorfindel, wait, not so fast.” But Glorfindel kept pulling him along.

Soon Elrond saw a large gathering: several elves were hiding behind the pillars watching something below. Without a word Glorfindel pushed Elrond forward and now the lord could see what had amused his friend and was so alluring to all others and he had to force back a grin of his own. He squinted his eyes, eager to see more but soon his face took on a serious and shocked expression. Without warning he turned and marched away. Glorfindel instantly was behind him, wondering what Elrond was going to do.

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Erestor was slowly getting scared although he didn’t show it. Rumil had a tight grip on his wrist and was marching through the forest at top speed. Erestor had to run to keep up.

His words of protest and inquiry had gone unnoticed and soon he had stopped speaking, focussing on keeping his footing. He could hear Rumil muttering between his teeth and the longer it lasted the more afraid Erestor became.

Suddenly a branch appeared out of nowhere on the path, making Erestor trip and fall. Rumil didn’t notice and continued to march, dragging Erestor along, who had a hard time getting back to his feet. “Rumil, saes, pustas! Túcat ranconya.” But his words didn’t reach Rumil who never stopped cursing under his breath.

Erestor never was more pleased to see Elrond.

Rumil, who hadn’t noticed the appearance of Elrond and the seneschal bumped into the lord of Imladris. He was about to tell the other a piece of his mind when the elf’s identity registered and he immediately blushed, gasped and stuttered some weak apologies.

Elrond waved them away. “Please tell me what has upset you so much you feel it necessary to pull my advisor’s arm out?”
Rumil’s expression bewildered and he looked to his hand that still tightly clutched Erestor’s wrist. His eyes widened in horror and he let go immediately, staggering back. “Erestor! Ai! I…I am so sorry, I… please forgive me. I am sorry. Are you hurt? I…I” He stopped speaking when he felt a calming hand on his shoulder. Looking over it he saw Glorfindel’s understanding look.

Elrond was already examining Erestor’s wrist. “Well, that’s will be sour for one day at least. You have some strength, Rumil.” Rumil reddened further and was afraid to look Erestor in the eye, which seemed to please the counsellor. Glorfindel and Elrond exchanged a knowing glance and the blond nodded.

Glorfindel gently squished Rumil’s shoulder and smiled at Erestor. “Now, what happened? And where are the twins?”
Erestor growled and his gaze became icy-cold. “It’s all their fault. Juvenile delinquent monkeys.” He continued to rub his wrist and walked away, getting away from Rumil as fast as he could.

Rumil’s eyes watered at the thought of Erestor being mad at him now. “I didn’t mean to…I forgot… I got mad and”
Elrond placed his arm around Rumil, pulling him close. “Calm yourself, Rumil. We know you didn’t mean it and so does Erestor. Give him some time before you apologize. But what happened? It’s not like you to act thusly.” He allowed Rumil to have his cry and slowly steered him inside, signalling for Glorfindel to find the twins, who returned it with a wide grin.

He had already spotted them: loaded with the purchased items. They smiled a dubious smile when they saw Glorfindel. They were glad he was there to help them carry but they didn’t know why he was there. “Come on you two; you’ve got some explaining to do.” He didn’t elaborate but ushered the boys inside where they would join Elrond and Rumil.

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Erestor sat behind his desk in the library, rubbing his wrist. It no longer hurt him but he could still feel Rumil’s grip. He felt every finger of that hand, burning his skin. He closed his eyes in an attempt to get rid of those unwelcome feelings.

During the march, or run as it had been for him, he had been too preoccupied to notice anything but the moment they’d stopped he had noticed. His heart had been beating wild and he knew it hadn’t been because he was exhausted. And when Rumil had released him he had felt a sense of . He. He hadn’t know how fast he had to get away.

But it hadn’t helped. He could still feel it and the distance, Rumil’s absence seemed to intensify that feeling.

He forced his heart to calm down and his mind to think normally. He could not give in to this and could not let fear control him. But he still feared Rumil. /Well, as soon as Haldir learns of this he will go out of his way to keep Rumil away from me./ But somehow that thought didn’t reassure him as it should have. Instead it petrified him. It were those conflicting feelings that Rumil evoked that made Erestor fear him.

When he heard a sound he jumped up and found himself staring at concerned blue eyes.

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Elrond accepted the glass and refilled it for Rumil. He looked over when the door opened and smiled as Glorfindel pushed the twins inside. “Elladan, Elrohir. Do you mind telling what has happened?”
Elrohir shrugged and Elladan replied rather gloomily. “We really don’t know. We got separated at the market and when we found Rumil back he was laughing, saying something about a Balrog and when I apologized for getting separated in the first place he hit me.”
Elrohir shook his head. “He didn’t hit you. He merely pushed you to the ground. And we didn’t get separated: we were too preoccupied to check if he was still with us. Which made him spenme wme with Erestor and” A growl from the chair stopped Elrohir from finishing and involuntarily he jumped back.

Glorfindel laughed. “Come on, you two. It isn’t a Balrog, you know.” He shook his head. “Rumil, will you give us your version?” He and Elrond already had a pretty good idea of what had happened but they needed to make sure.

Rumil sighed. “Well, we had to wait for Elladan and Elrohir before we could leave and while we walked there both the twins and Erestor told me about this place. Well, mostly Elrohir was talking, occasionally filled in by Elladan or corrected by Erestor. When we got there I was stunned. It’s unlike any market I’ve ever seen and I just needed some time to take it all in. When I had you two were gone and Erestor showed me the market instead. We did the shopping together. It was fun and interesting. Especially that last stand. You should have seen him: he talked everyone into buying something but he trembled in fear when Erestor gave him the list. It was so amusing. As if Erestor was a Balrog or a Nazgul. And then you showed up and insulted Erestor. And now you did so too, Elrohir. How can you?”

Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other. Elrohir’s gaze was smirking. “Told you so.”
Elladan shook his head. “He’s not from here and hasn’t been here long. Well, Rumil, we apologize if our words upset you.”
Rumil crossed his arms and his gaze became hard. “It’s not me you insulted so I can do nothing with your apology.”
Elladan laughed. “Rumil, sorry for saying this, but Erestor takes no offence.”
Rumil looked at them in anger. “How do you know?”
Elladan shrugged. “Because he has no feelings. Rumil, Elrohir told me you wish to befriend him, but really you shouldn’t and”
“That’s enough, Elladan.” Elrond’s voice was hard. “I thought you two smarter than this. Now go to your rooms, both of you. If and how you will be punished depends upon Rumil and Erestor. Now go.” A look of total horror passed over them.

Rumil pushed them aside and marched away, intending to apologize to Erestor: properly.

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He stood in front of the library, drawing in a deep breath. It was the last place he looked for the counsellor. He really wanted to apologize and explain. He carefully opened the door and entered, shocked by what he saw.

Erestor was leaning forward over his desk, breathing with erratic intervals and gasps. /Is this because of me? Of what I’ve done?/ Carefully he stepped closer and coughed. Erestor instantly jumped up and staggered backwards. Rumil’s worry and concern grew.

Deciding Erestor would shun him forever if he addressed this now he opted for humour. “Erestor, peace, I have come to apologize and maybe explain. Not to kidnap you again. You wrist is quite safe.” He held out his hands, palms up, in a gesture of peace.

It took Erestor some time to calm down and nod slowly, indicating he would listen. It surprised him he did not sneer at Rumil. He had opened his mouth, several times, but the words hadn’t come out.

Rumil smiled and poured out some water for Erestor and handed him the glass. “Here, looks like you need this. It is a rather hot day” He saw Erestor was grateful for the excuse.
“I am sorry. I don’t usually act like that. It’s just that I’ve had words with Haldir and Orophin and Elladan just pushed the wrong buttons. He insulted you and I got angry. I am sorry it resulted in me pulling your arm out. I hope I didn’t hurt you?”
Erestor closed his eyes and nodded. “Apology accepted.” He accepted the second glass Rumil offered him and signalled for him to sit down as well.

Rumil happily did so. He was really pleased he hadn’t pushed Erestor away. He wouldn’t have been able to live with himself had he done that. “Lord Elrond said we should decide the punishment of the twins. I don’t really want to have anything to do with them again” Erestor’s eyes revealed his surprise and Rumil shrugged.
Erestor cd hid his eyes and then nodded, having reached his conclusion. “Because of me?” His voice betrayed his surprise but it had been the only logical conclusion, and yet he found it hard to believe. But he saw Rumil nod. “Aye, they insulted you. Twice. And they don’t even seem to mind. If they can be so careless about anybody’s feelings I will not call them my friends.”

Erestor shook his head. “Elladan and Elrohir aren’t careless, Rumil. And you’ve said yourself I have no feelings to be injured.”
Rumil shook his head. “I never said that. I only stated that’s what everybody else thinks. And I disagree.” Seeing Erestor’s shock he continued. “I saw your look when Elrond threw that tapestry to you. You even caressed it. And you walked away because I unintentionally managed to hurt your pride. How’s all that possible without having feelings or emotions? Therefore I disagree with everybody else. I know you have feelings and emotions and that for some reason you chose to hide them.”
He saw Erestor stand and turn but he held him back. “Erestor, please, don’t walk away?”

Erestor turned and his cold eyes stared at him but Rumil saw the hidden pain and had to restrain himself not to reach out. “Please understand me?”
Erestor straightened himself. “What do you want?”
Rumil smiled. “To go on as we have. To be friends.” Erestor snorted but Rumil didn’t give up. “Look, I don’t understand your decision because I don’t know what made you take it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t respect it. Use your logic on me. As a counsellor you trust that above all else, don’t you? So use it on me. I’ve known and not acted differently, have I?”

Erestor laughed bitterly. “Do you really think that? You would not have done what you did today if you thought me bereft of every emotion. You would not be prepared to shun Elladan and Elrohir if you thought just that. And you would not be here right now if you thought me without emotion.”
He pushed Rumil back and turned to go. He continued walked even when he heard Rumil’s reply. “You are wrong. I -would- have done what I did today. Whether you are hiding your emotions or really don’t have them is irrelevant. For if they insult you, they insult me and I defend you. It’s what friends do.”

His tears crept into his words as he watched Erestor walk away, seemingly untouched by his words. A sudden urge to have his brothers close overwhelmed him and he ran towards their room.

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Elrond once again had to restrain himself from making music with his utensils. When he saw two not-so-eager faces peek around the corridor he smiled. “Don’t just hang around, Elladan, Elrohir, I thought you wiser than this. You two are behaving like you haven’t done in millennia. Now sit down and keep me company while we wait for the others to join us.” T

he twins hurried to sit down. “I thought they would already be here.”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay, I am the first as usual.”
“Is Rumil still mad at us? And Erestor?” Even though Elladan and Elrohir had agreed not to mention this at the table Elladan was too curious and asked anyway.
Elrond shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen either of them ever since Rumil left us. Ah, there’s Glorfindmaybmaybe he can tell.”

The blond shook his head. “But they are late. Should I go check on them?”
Elladan rose. “Nay, Glorfindel let us do that. You go get Haldir and Orophin.”
Elrond gasped. “Ai, you don’t know yet. I’ve sent Orophin to the Bruinen to relax. It will speed up his healing. And Haldir is making sure he does indeed rest. Aiya, just when Rumil needs them here.”

Glorfindel shook his head. “No, you all sit down and leave matters in my capable hands.” He winked at Elrond and smiled. He already had a plan. Without waiting for approval or protests he rushed away. He ran towards Erestor’s chambers.

He could tell his knock surprised and shocked Erestor but the counsellor opened the door quickly none the less.
“Erestor.” He bowed in greeting and he could see a certain gratitude in Erestor’s eyes. /Guess Rumil and you need to talk. And that you will./ “I am sorry to disturb, Erestor but it is dinnertime and..”
Erestor gasped. He had totally forgotten the time. “I am sorry, Glorfindel. I lost track of time. Give me a minute and I will be there.”
But Glorfindel shook his head. “Rumil seems to missing as well. And since I have no idea where his rooms are… Would you inform him dinner is served? Thank you so much.” Without giving Erestor time to deny he turned and walked away, forcing Erestor to go to Rumil. At the end of the corridor he turned. “O, before I forget: Haldir and Orophin are staying a few days at the Bruinen on Elrond’s orders. Apparently our patient doesn’t take enough rest.” He smirked when he saw Erestor’s features contort. He could pretty much guess his thoughts.

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Rumil was panicking now that his brothers seemed illusive. He had checked all their rooms and it seemed unlikely Orophin would be allowed a long walk. Then he noticed the missing clothes and weapons. /They’ve left? Without me?/
He didn’t know what to think and he sank to the floor in total despair. He needed his brothers here, with him.

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Haldir jumped forward as Orophin doubled over from pain. “Man raica? Man raica? Orophin!”

Orophin had to steady his breathing and looked at Haldir in disbelief and shock. “Don’t you feel that?”
Haldir shook his head. “Feel what?” His worry grew by the second and he was contemplating sending for Elrond or going himself.

The servant was looking on in obvious worry and concern and Haldir smiled thankfully at the man.

Orophin grasped his arm, forcing Haldir to focus on him. “Rumil. He’s in pain. I can feel him.”
Haldir growled. “Erestor! I will make him pay. You stay here; I’ll go to him.” Orophin nodded and watched his brother mount his horse and spur it to speed.

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Erestor hesitated but then entered. Elrond would be mad at him if he went to dinner without bringing Rumil or at least his location. After knocking he opened the door, needing to make sure the room was empty. He cast a quick glance around the room and smiled, glad it was empty.
But that meant Rumil was missing. He wasn’t in his own rooms and now he also wasn’t here: in his brothers’ rooms. Erestor realised he had to deliver the news to Elrond and then dinner would be cut short to search for Rumil.

He turned. About to close the door he halted. Very familiar sounds invaded his hearing and he cringed.
He quickly crossed the distance looklooked passed the bed. On the floor sat Rumil, his knees drawn to his chest, rocking himself to and fro while he cried.

Acting on impulse Erestor kneeled beside him and drew him close.
At first Rumil didn’t seem to register the movement but then the head snapped towards him at alarming speed.
Erestor didn’t know whether their fall out was responsible or his brothers’ absence. Probably both. “Glorfindel just told me Elrond has sent Orophin to the Bruined to fully relax and Haldir went with him.”

The words were a nice shower to Rumil and he looked at Erestor in hope. Could he hops brs brothers hadn’t abandoned him? His thoughts were mirrored in his eyes and Erestor gasped. “Why would you think that? They are your brothers and they love you. They would never willingly leave you or hurt you. We can go visit them after dinner if you’d like.”

Rumil nodded and allowed Erestor to steer him into the bathroom where he washed his face. Erestor waited in the bedroom and smiled when Rumil re-entered, already looking more like his former self. “I donnow now what came over me. Thank you, Erestor, for taking care of me.” /For being a friend./
Erestor merely nodded. “Dinner.” Rumil grinned. “A big one. We burned a lot of calories this afternoon.”

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Elrond and Glorfindel smiled as they saw Rumil and Erestor enter together. Elrond returned their greeting and smiled apologetically at Rumil. “I am sorry for not mentioning it before, but your brothers are at the Bruinen.”
Rumil smiled and nodded, sitting next to Glorfindel. “I know. Erestor told me.” He greeted Elrond and Glorfindel politely but gave the twins only a short nod.

Elladan closed his eyes and drew in a big breath. “Erestor? We are sorry for this afternoon. We were careless and crude and we apologize.”
Erestor helped himself to some potatoes and nodded. “Accepted.”
Elrohir looked at his father for support but Elrond pretended not to notice. “We accept any punishment you will give us.” He looked at pla plate, knowing it would be bad.
Erestor continued eating as he answered. “No punishment.”

To this both Elladan and Elrohir choked on their meal and had a coughing fit. They looked at Rumil in gratitude. But Rumil returned their gaze angrily. It confused the twins.
“Rumil, may I ask something?” Rumil looked at Elladan but didn’t speak.
Elladan swallowed. “Why are you this angry with us? We apologized. To you both. I just don’t understand why you look at us thusly when it is obvious we have to thank you for this clemency.”
Rumil’s gaze became loathing and he snorted. “It does, does it? Well, it’s not me who saved your butts today. And I haven’t forgiven you and I won’t. Not until you mean your apology.”

Glorfindel and Elrond wisely held their tongues and started a conversation of their own while they watched Rumil ignore the twins completely and giving his attention to Erestor instead, who let himself get carried away in the conversation, forgetting about the twins, who were totally puzzled next to him, and Elrond and Glorfindel. Even the dining room faded away until Rumil was all Erestor could see and hear.

End chapter 7
TBC

Translations:
Rumil, saes, pustas! Túcat ranconya means Rumil please, stop it. you’re pulling my arm out.
Man raica? Means What is wrong?