The quiet trees

Disclaimer: not mine and I am not making enough money to buy them
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Orophin/Rumil, implied Haldir/Eomer
Warning: consensual incest between brothers.
Archive: no problem, but be polite and ask or at least let me know.
Feedback: welcome


THE QUIET TREES

By Sophia Moon


He always preferred the more quiet trees. Not that any tree could ever be accused of being loudmouthed, but this one seemed even less noisy than any of the others. Yes, without any doubt this was the quietest of trees. A tall, broad, assuring presence that somehow seemed older than he himself, although he could clearly remember how the sapling had bravely hold on long enough against stormy weather and hungry animals to grow into a mighty trSo HSo Haldir politely greeted his old friend and made himself comfortable on a branch that allowed him both privacy and a clear view of his surroundings. Not that he expected any immediate danger, he trusted the guards on duty well enough, but watchfulness wasn’t something that could be turned off completely. So even while blanking his mind of all thought, part of his brains were focused enough to detect any sound or movement.

The quiet sound of his younger brother’s footsteps didn’t startle him in the least. It was as pleasant and familiar to him as the rustle of leaves in a gentle afternoon breeze. He almost called out his greeting, but his hand froze in movement when he realised Rumil has dressed himself at his finest. Haldir was quite certain his brother had not chosen to wear his emerald green robe just to take a stroll in the woods. Especially not when his hair was braided in a bold statement of sexual readiness. This was a clear invitation to a lover, as clear and unmistakable as spoken words.

Haldir smiled faintly. So time indeed had passed and his little brother was waiting for the Elf who was to become his lover. He looked so calm and sure of himself from a distance, but Haldir knew from his own experience that his heart was beating twice as fast as usual. He should be as self-assured as he looked, because whoever could resist such beauty and grace? For he was beautiful and graceful like few of even the most fair of the maidens of Lorien. But he was not a maid by far, his strength and lust to fight Orcs lived too strongly in his body and soul. He would make a fierce mate and the Elf who coveted Rumil would not get him without paying a price.

Haldir was sufficiently honest with himself to admit he was curious enough to stay awhile hidden amidst the branches and leaves of the mallorn to see for whom Rumil had braided his hair. As soon as he knew he would disappear quietly. There were things, however few, he did not need to know about his younger brother.

Or about his older brother. Orophin, looking just as splendid as Rumil, only he had chosen his deep blue, almost black robe, but his hair was braided in the same fashion.

This could not be. Such a big forest, so many breathtaking places to go to and meet a beloved or just enjoy the calm whispering of the trees. And yet exactl the the same spot, at the same moment, both his younger and his elder brother decided to meet their lovers. And he was there to witness this comedy of errors. Haldir was, not for the first time, grateful he had learned to keep absolutely quiet in all circumstances, or a heartily laugh would have filled the woods. And this was simply too funny to miss. Not that it would be all that hard to guess the outcome of this little sketch for two brothers, without a doubt it was going to be retold on many festive occasions, if Haldir understood anything about his siblings. Doting Orophin would, no matter his right as eldest of the three march warden brothers, gave way for Rumil and his companion. Most likely he would give the young one a bit of unsolicited advise. In matters of love no difference from all other matters. Orophin had taught Rumil to walk and talk and draw a bowstring. He had shown him how to comb and braid his hair and ended up doing it himself half of the time. The first thing he could refuse his youngest sibling had to be invented yet.

Sure gh tgh the brothers embraced each other, before they each took a step back and admired the vision before them. Haldir felt an almost burning sense of pride, because those magnificent creatures were his brothers and any Elf who could even spent a single night with either of them was privileged like few others. He started to wonder who would be those very lucky Elves. The three of them had often enough glanced at a well build archer or at a pretty male servant in their lord’s household, but that would be all.

No, not all, Haldir admitted to himself. There had been a sweet, be it somewhat embarrassing interlude with a wild-eyed rider from the Riddermark, a Man without any previous experience of being courted by an Elf, especially a Lorien Elf. To him all braids probably looked alike. So he had failed to praise the intricate weaving of the locks of hair, neither had he taken the end of the single braid in his fingers to unravel what was symbol of the sexual core of the Elf. The world outside had been strange and unfamiliar indeed, Haldir remembered, but not without its charm. Eomer had been a considerate lover, despite his almost shocking lack of civil manners and his almost childlike clumsiness. He was confident both his brothers had chosen another Elf as lover. There had not been any Man for trade or mission in this part of the realm for some time, and neither Orophin nor Rumil ever felt the need to see what lies behind the last line of trees. At least they had not braided their hair in vain. An admiring hand would loosen the strands of hair as a first act of lovemaking. All would be done in the proper manner.

Rumil bowed his head slightly in a gesture of consent while Orophins familiar, elegantly long fingers slowly unbraided his youngest brother’s hair.

Orophin unbraided Rumil’s hair.

No ages, no time, no wisdom, however fast or slow, could have prepared Haldir for the image of his older brother’s hands and his younger brother’s bowed head.

Some images, however few, were not for his eyes to see. Because some images were not meant to be. Still, what wasn’t suppose to happen, did happen and his eyes bore witness.

If he could trust his eyes.

Of course, how could he be so stupid. Orophin did not touch Rumil’s braid as a lover, but as an older, more experienced, brother who simply corrected a mistake and thus prevented a potentially embarrassing situation for his beloved sibling. Within minutes the braid would be exactly as it was supposed to be. And his brothers would laugh.

He would laugh with them. Later. The three of them lying together in close embrace, talking softly about whatever it was they wanted or needed to talk about. The three of them, brothers, in warm and trusted arms. Always together.

Even his eyes did not remember how to smile when Orophin turned Rumil inside the circle of his arms and kissed him like only a lover kissed a beloved. It was a gentle, non invasive kiss for the first few seconds. But Rumil demanded more and this also was something Orophin did not refuse his youngest brother.

As suddenly as the kiss had started it stopped. Rumil almost pushed Orophin to get some distance between them. Had he realised what they were doing? Why then did he stretch out his hand to rest the palm against his brother’s cheek? Why then did his voice sound as clear and unfaltering as ever when he said: “How can even the trees stay unmoved at the sight of so mucautyauty?”

Orophin took the hand in his own hands and kissed the fingers one by one. “You are the most beautiful, my beloved. Stars fall because they want to be near you. Trees whisper their songs when you pass them. And yet, if some cruel fate would take that beauty and turn it into something that would hunt my dreams forever, I would go down on my knees and beg the Lady to grant me the privilege to never have to wake from that nightmare.”

Haldir knew the words to onesonestly spoken, for his elder brother was a stern and honest Elf, who never made light use of language. And also Rumil had not used mere idle words, because he admired his eldest brother even more than he revered the Lady Galadriel. So he could easily understand the love and devotion between them. But how could he understand the form it had taken? Surely they knew the difference between the sharing of a sleeping place for the joy of company and the sharing of a lover’s kiss? Or had they forgotten that not all touches had the same purpose and meaning? Were they under a spell? Had some evil spirit trick them?

His brother were, obviously, not aware of Haldir’s worried thinking. They acted like only the trees were witness to their touches and kisses. And trees, like even the smallest Elfling knew, kept quiet most of the time. They acted like they had formed a bond of lovers. But how could one form a bond without any witnesses? And which Elf would be willing to bear witness to a lover’s tie between those of such close kin? Even the Lady Galadriel, who’s understanding of the strange ways of the heart was as great as her wisdom, might not be able to speak words of recognition. It might not be in her heart to speak judgement, but would she be willing to give her blessing?

“Thank you for coming to me like a beloved,” Orophin spoke and his voice was clear and steadfast like always. A voice to cut through all thoughts and demand attention, even from those he was not directly speaking to.“Doe“Does it please you that I wear my emerald robe?” Haldir was quite sure there was a slight hint of teasing in Rumil’s voice, like this was not the first time his brothers met in such unusual manner.

“It pleases me highly. Like all you wear pleases me, because you are the one wearing it.” Once again Orophin drew his brother nearer and once again Rumil declined with a gentle but firm gesture.

“Would it displease you, my lover, if I would divest myself of my robe?”

Haldir willed his lunges and heart to do their job at a steady pace, for he was very afraid he would cry out his shock when he heard those words. If ever there was a moment to look away, it would be now. But his eyes betrayed him once again and he saw the flawless splendour of his youngest brother. He had seen it countless times before, because there had never been any shame between the brothers. Whoever would commit the foolishness of taking a bath while fully clothed? And had they not seen to the minor wounds and injuries, that were an inevitable part of their lives? Now, for the first time, there was shame between brothers and still Haldir could not avert his eyes. His heart was filled with shame because of what he witnessed, but none was to be seen in the eyes or to be heard in the voices of his two brothers.

As the day he was born Rumil stood before Orophin, his head high and proud. He was almost slender, but every muscle spoke of a life of exercise and combat. The forest was safe because no elven warrior confused grace and beauty with weakness. “My body is as it is, no more and no less, but it all belongs to you if you’ll have it.”

Orophin gave his answer by once again taking his brother in his arms, this time not to be refused. His hand moved slowly, like he was full of awe, over Rumil’s shoulders and back. The hand did not rest until it was cupped around a firm buttock. Then he used the hand to press his brother tightly against his own, still fully clothed, body and kiss him with the subdued aggression of a lover who was full of and and need, but did not want to force or hurt his beloved.

Haldir’s mouth was as dry as if he had eaten a hand full of sand. He did not understand why this was happening in front of his eyes or why he did not have the decency to at least avert his eyes. He would never stay around to peek when he accidentally stumbled upon a couple making love, so why did he have such trouble to turn his head and silently leave this place? Was it not bad enough he could not turn off his ears, even though the sounds were unmistakably not meant for him the hear?

“Oh sweet brother, you are not fair,” Rumil sighed while he grinded his growing arousal against the blue robe of his lover.

“Why is that, dearest of all hearts?” Orophin teased.

“As much as I admire your excellence in your choice of clothing, even the best work of the most talented of weavers pales in comparison to your loveliness. Please, do not deprive me any longer of that beauty.” To illustrate his words Rumil’s fingers played with the deep blue cloth, like he contemplated on tearing the delicate material.

“Far be it from me that I deprive my love of anything he desires. Even if he desires something that is less than the perfection he deserves.”

The foolish language of lovers. Of course Orophin was as perfect as possible within the Elven race. He was a fine example of the best Lorien had to offer and he must have been well aware of the many hungry glances frassiassing archers and house servants alike. Pale as the light of the moon, neither slender as his youngest brother nor heavy muscled as the human male he was. Much to his shame, Haldir could not prevent himself from staring, not just looking, this was blatantly staring, at the erection of his elder brother. Sure enough it had the length and the smooth, straight lines so typical of male elves, but the girth reminded Haldir of his one human lover. In his eyes the Man had been huge. Not only strangely coloured and with a roughness he had never seen before, for he had only lain with other Elves, but above all huge. He had been repelled by it and fascinated at the same time. He remembered how strangely familiar it had felt against the palm of his hand, but how unfamiliar when he wrapped his fingers around the shaft and began a tentative stroke to see how the Man would react. The difference was subtle, but he was an Elf and Elves by their very nature can’t help but notice minute variations, and undeniable. He had not been just bigger than any Elf Haldir had ever made love with. He had been different. Orophin was not different like the Man, he possessed all the qualities that made him an Elf, but still Haldir stared and couldn’t help remembering.

Haldir was well familiar with the solid presence of his brothers’ bodies, of the reassuring settling of weight against him before the three of them went to sleep. Ever the same through the years. Of course he had made some travels outside Lorien, he had had an occasional lover, but the nights without the company of his brothers were few and far between. Orophin behind him, he behind Rumil; arms and legs entwined as if nothing could ever tear them apart.

But love had torn them apart, as surely as love had kept them together. Haldir felt an almost physical pain when his hershers pressed their bodies close against each other, because he knew there was nothing and nobody between them. In all honesty did he not had the wish to be with them at that very moment, and still knowing he was not there, in their arms, hurt more than the poisoned arrow of an orc.

Seldom was he more aware of his own body then when he saw how his brothers madl thl the gestures, all the moves that were familiar enough to him. He knew about kisses that trailed slowly over an overheated body. He knew about the sweet little pinkish nubs that decorated an well sculpted alabaster chest and how irresistible they were. He knew about the slight flutter of the lower belly when fingers travelled, oh so innocently, in the direction of a budding erection. He knew about the clever, insisting finger brushing over that certain spot deep inside and he knew about the velvet tightness around two or three of his own fingers.

He knew it all and his body remembered what his eyes could not stop seeing. Bodies have their own way of remembering and so he could not reproach himself for the tightening of his groin. If it were any other couple than his brothers he would gladly admit they made a very pleasing and inspirational picture. For his brothers were both breathtaking and heartbreaking as they prepared themselves to join their bodies in that short, always too short, moment when one could almost believe it would be possible to be living in two bodies at the same time and still be one and undivided. Why the sharing of their souls as brothers was no longer enough for them, why they needed to be intimate in the way of the lovers, Haldir could not envision, but it was without a doubt that they were prepared to take the ultimate step. This was no hasty, spur of the moment fumbling between two warriors who had survived a fierce attack, Haldir could have understood that, although he would still not agree, because a lover’s braid took hours of patient and concentrated work. It was the highest honour one lover could bestow on another. Rumil had sought Orophin as his lover, willingly and with whole his heart. And Orophin had answered Rumil’s call without any hesitation. But by no means had this been a sudden call. It had grown perhaps for many years: silently, slowly and strongly. It had grown under his eyes, under his hands even. He had been there all along, he had felt how Orophin reached over the one sleeping in the middle to play with his youngest brother’s silken locks time and time again. He had not known. How could he had known? At what moment did they themselves recognise the signs, did they realise the affection between the two of them was different from the affection between the three of them? At what exact point had the brothers became lovers? Or was there never a moment that could be pinpointed as such? Had time indeed it’s own truth?

What did it matter, when Orophin lowered Rumil to the leafy ground and the youngest parted his legsaccoaccommodate the eldest, so he could lie comfortably between them. They kissed, of course they kissed, deep and hungry and Rumil’s hands searched restlessly over Orophin’s back and Orophin made the subtle tell-tale movements with his lower body.

“I believe we are ready.” Orophin sounded calm, but there was an unmistakable hint of hesitation in his voice.

“I am sure we are ready. Do not be afraid, my sweet lover, no matter what will happen, you will always be my brother. And that fact alone will be enough to follow you wherever you may wish or have to go.” One more time Rumil clasped his brother with his arms and legs, holding him close as if to make sure the other felt with his whole body that his promise was not mere words. Then he gently wiggled until he was no longer lying under the other Elf.

Haldir gasped when he saw how Rumil turned his back to Orophin and presented himself in the way of the animals. If there was a more blatant way of telling he wanted to be mated, Haldir was not aware of it. He knew all too well the submission of being in that position. And yet, during few times did he have so much power over another being. He had felt the Man literally tremble when he had gripped his hips to mount him. Despite the discomfort of being entered by someone who was very large without being prepared with the patience and slowness he was accustomed to with his elven lovers, had he not been able to suppress a smile when Eomer, who was merely a youngster in elven years, called him, an Elf well into his maturity, a magnificent colt. Higher praise was hardly thinkable coming from someone who had no memories of the time he had not spend most of the day on horseback. Haldir had no trouble admitting wholeheartedly he had been an excellent rider.

How Orophin’s hand most likely trembled when he touched Rumil’s back. Few positions made one feel so much like a king and were yet so humbling, than that of the lover looking at his trattrated beloved. Haldir still held his human lover in high esteem, because the Man had giving him something that was worthy of the songs of poets. In fact, although he was not the best of singers, after the first time Eomer and he had shared a full night of lovemaking he had sang for the Man to show him his gratitude and affection. It was the song Orophin was going to sing for Rumil.

Orophin took great care in preparing Rumil, tho though the youngest started to show various signs of impatience. Then he took the vial with scented oil to slick his length, something Rumil obviously wanted to watch, for he looked over his shoulder.

“You are indeed very big,” he stated the obvious, but his voice sounded greedy.

Slowly Orophin moved his hand a few times, drawing out the moment.

“You are my first, so I have no comparison, but I think very few elves are as blessed as you are.” From his hiding place in the tree Haldir could see his younger brother’s sweet smile. “I am so lucky you are going to fill me with your greatness.”

He was Orophin’s undoing. There was no defence against such smile, or, for that matter, against those words. After all, besotted Orophin had already proven he could not resist the beauty of one who had very little competition.

You can refuse him, Haldir almost said out loud, you have to refuse him…

Rumil’s soft moan when Orophin entered him was not out of pain, Haldir had no doubt about that, but still it felt like flesh was being ripped from his bones. Something deep inside of him gave way and he learned the lesson of being truly alone. The joyful cries of his immeasurable deeply loved brothers surrounded him with utter darkness. For he could impossibly be with them. With deadly calmness, like he finally accepted that he was drowning in the sea that he had always considered his final home, he watched his elder brother lose more and more of his precious self-control, he heard his younger brother beg his lover not to be so cautious with him and use all of his strength. And finally Orophin gave all he had to give and Rumil screamed his surrender. Haldir no longer tried to look away, because denying the truth would not make the truth undone.

He had left his human lover because he needed to be home and he accepted the fact this his home was Lothlorien, with his brothers and the other elves, and Eomer’s home was the open plain and he belonged to his kin and his beloved horses. He had said his farewells, making peace with the knowledge that no one would ever stroke his side to stop him from shivering and call him a splendid colt or stallion anymore. But his home had been taken from him, because in the heart of hearts his brothers were his home, and for the first time in his life he did not know where to turn to.