breaking the ice

Title: Breaking the ice
Author: Peniel
E-mail: familie@hetnet.nl (P.S. I am busy so it might take a while before I respond but I –will- respond. I love feedback)
Pairings: Erestor/Rumil; Elrond/Glorfindel
Rating: NC-17 and -no- BSDM, Incest or character death
Summary: Haldir and his brothers get send to Imladris. Upon arrival the cold and distant Erestor draws the attention of young Rumil. His brothers warn him but Rumil is curious. Will Rumil be able to break the ice? And how will his brothers react when he tries? And Erestor? Read and find out….
Genre: AU; Romance; Drama; Angst
Warning: Highly AU.
Author’s notes:

I like to use a lot of Elfish in my tales for it increases the atmosphere I think. I prefer to use Quenya, though I also use Sindarin. When I do I will state so with the translations, which I also give at the end, as the readers of my other fics already know.

One more thing:
“ ” Indicates speech
/ Indicates thought
~~~~~~~~ Indicates a change in time or place
- - Emphasises the word(s)
` ` Indicates far speaking, speaking within the mind.
And sometimes ‘’ come up and they indicate mind talk. Like when you have a conversation with yourself inside your head.

Let’s go:

Chapter one Arrival

In the centre of the golden trees that were the elvenrealm Lothlóriën lay the city Caras Galadhorn, basking in it’s majestic glow. Anar stood high in the sky and the air was buzzing with today’s activity. Elves were going about their business, talking here and there about nothing in specific or something highly interesting to none but them.
High above them, hidden in the branches, were the hanging roads and bridges that adjoined the telain, the houses of the elves in the beautiful city. Though there were roads and bridges connecting the trees, daily life took place on the ground and it had it’s own set of roads and paths leading into different directions. Because daily life took place on the lower grounds the upper levels were usually were silent. But not today.

Today loud noises emanated from the talan that belonged to the tree brothers. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel had appointed them to deliver a delicate message to Lord Elrond of Imladris. They were supposed to leave as soon as possible so now they were packing in a hurry. And when three bachelor brothers need to do something in a hurry, things get noisy.

Haldir, who was not only the eldest but also their captain, growled in frustration when Rumil knocked over his bag pack for the second time. Now he had to start all over again. And he had previously did the same to Orophin’s and his own.
Both Orophin and Haldir realised they would be well on their way by now if Rumil hadn’t slowed their preparations down. But they couldn’t be mad at him. Not when he was so excited and overjoyed with happiness it practically seeped from him.

Rumil, who had never been to Imladris before was firing thousands of questions at them, wanting to learn all about the place he was to visit. And the people in it.
“Where would we stay? In barracks or guestrooms? And how big will the lodging be? Is it true Imladris is grand in everything, Haldir? And how long before we reach it? And what…”

Haldir barely managed to stop the rambling elf from knocking over his travelling gear again and sighed. Orophin smiled at his elder brother’s expression. “Steady on, Rumil. If you don’t stop slowing us down with your ramblings, which seems to take away your eyesight as you’ve already knocked over our bags more than once, we can be on our way. And the sooner we leave the sooner you get to see Imladris for yourself.”
Rumil pouted. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve never been there before and I’m excited.” The other two exchanged glances. At times like this they wondered if Rumil would ever grow up. “And I want to know where I am going and you two have already been there.”
Haldir snorted. “Once or twice and never for long.”
Rumil flung has arms about, knocking Orophin’s bag from the couch. The elf was just in time to catch it. “It’s still outranks my zero.”

Haldir laid his hands on Rumil’s shoulders. “Rumil, please, can’t you sit and let us pack, before you knock something over again. I want to get moving and the way things are going now we’ll have to stay here the night.” This made Rumil plunge down on the floor, drawing a laugh from the other two.
Orophin smiled at him. “We’ll try to answer all your questions on our way to Imladris, all right?” Rumil nodded and was pleased. He wondered what it would be like. But first they had to go there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Galadriel smiled as she watched them leave from her window. When they were out of sight she turned to face her husband.

Celeborn was sitting in his favourite chair, reading a new book. Galadriel’s smile broadened. “You do realise that’s mine, don’t you?” Celeborn looked up at her, resting his book in his lap. “You can have it back when you’re pregnant again. I take it they’ve left?”

Galadriel approached him and sat on his lap, giggling at his outraged expression. “I -do- like this rocking chair, but only when you are in it. Do you think this was a wise thing to do?” There was a small hint of doubt in her voice.
Celeborn nodded. “Aye, I do. Orophin still has not fully recovered from that wound.” Galadriel nodded ruefully. “And it’s more than a month ago that he has caught it. Such a poor timing really.” Celeborn shrugged. “You can trust one of them to cross a practising field without lng. ng. It was bound to happen sooner or later.”

He saw the brooding expression in Galadriel’s face. “What?”
“I still wonder if it was wise to send the three of them. Maybe we’ve made a mistake.”
Celeborn shook his head. “Not if things are the way I think. Besides; a change of surroundings will do them all good, not just Haldir.”
She shrugged. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust his instincts for they were usually right, but it just felt manipulative to her and she hated that more than anything. Celeborn grinned at her expression. “We are not manipulating anyone here. We did not even lie to them. That message is important and it does need to reach Elrond as soon as possible. We merely didn’t mention it concerns them.”
He hugged her close. “You know as well as I do they would never go if we gave them a choice. And they’re too valuable to lose. To anything. And Rumil is too young and naïve to do without them as well. I daresay he’ll be the one to benefit most from their stay in Imladris.”

Galadriel smiled wisely at him. “Perhaps it will be the other way around.”
He laughed. “Maybe. Who knows, maybe our Rumil’s sunny attitude can melt some ice.”
She shook her head; amused at the mental picture he had drawn. “If you are referring to a certain counsellor we know then I must say that I sincerely doubt it. That ice is unbreakable. And he’s had millennia to perfect it. No, no one will be able to get close enough to even attempt it.” She poked her husband. “And why are we not moving? Isn’t this a rocking chair?” “Watch it, I know your weak spots.”
“Is that a treat?”
“It most definitely is, my love.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The three brothers had been travelling for two days now and were closing in on Imladris’ border. Instead of relaxing Rumil’s enthusiasm seemed to grow with every passing moment. It was obvious he was excited. Orophin and Haldir already had told them everything they knew about Imladris and Elrond’s family.
Orophin smiled knowingly at his younger brother’s expression. He knew Rumil was anxious to meet the twins. Twins were a novelty to him and he had been asking so many questions about them Haldir had to start asking if there was something Rumil had neglected to tell them, if perhaps their little brother had already met them and had fallen in love, to stop Rumil’s flow of questions.

“We’re almost there, Rumil. Please don’t jump off your horse like an elfling and embarrass us.” Rumil rolled his eyes. “Orophin. I’m insulted. I know perfectly well how to behave. Lord Celeborn has always told me how proud he is of me. And you darn well know it.”
Haldir decided to stop the quarrel before it started. They could do without it so close to the borders. “Quiet, the both of you. The guards can probably hear us and you wouldn’t want to spoil the image of our realm, now do you?”

Almost immediately soldiers appeared before them, as if to emphasize his words, and held them under shot. A dark haired elf stepped forward. “Mae govannen, mellyn. Who are you and what brings you to our realm?”
Haldir bowed politely and returned the greeting. “My name is Haldir o ‘Lóriën and this are my brothers Orophin and Rumil, also of ‘Lóriën. We carry a message from our leaders to Lord Elrond.”
The elf in charge bowed as well and ordered the others to lower their weapons. “Welcome in Imladris, my comrades. I am Dagondil and I shall escort you to the Last Homely House. If you will follow me?”
They made the trip in no time and even Haldir was amazed at the other’s speed. Their horses had to trot to keep up with the walking elf. /Maybe we can learn a thing or two froem./em./

When they reached a bridge they saw it was leading to a courtyard. On the right were the stables and on the left was the road to the village but what took their breath away was the sight right in from of them.
There, in all its glory and splendour, lay the Last Homely House, open and welcoming to all who approached. Rumil thought his brother’s held back for nothing they’ve told him even compared to the beauty that greeted his eyes. He heard Orophin’s whisper. “Look, the welcoming committee awaits.”

And sure enough, just in front of the stairs stood a small party, awaiting their arrival. Rumil let his eyes wander over them.
In front stood a tall, regal elf and he recognized him as Lord Elrond. He was grateful he had seen the elf in ‘Lóriën sometimes, otherwise he have been gaping like a fish. Next to him, one step back, stood two identical elves. /Elladan and Elrohir./ Involuntarily his gaze swept from twintwin to the other, trying to find some differences. The twins noticed and grinned to each other. They could tease this one.
Next to Elladan, who was standing on Elrond’s left side, stood Glorfindel. Rumil knew it was the Balrog slayer, but he could hardly believe it. Somehow his mind had formed a picture of a golden elf with much splendour and power. But before him he saw just an ordinary elf with golden hair. Nothing specific about him.
Next his gaze travelled to the last member of commcommittee, standing besides the other twin and was impressed by what he saw.

By now they had arrived and halted their horses before dismounting. Haldir bowed before Lord Elrond. “Mae Govannen, Lord Elrond. I bring a message from my lord and lady for your eyes.”
Elrond nodded. “So we’ve heard. But you and your brothers must be weary from the journey. Refresh yourselves before we talk business. Glorfindel will show you your rooms.” At his signal the blond Elda stepped forward. “But I’m afraid we could not get you three rooms next to each other. I hope you’ll be alright with that?”
Orophin bowed. “We are pleased you are able to accommodate us on such short notice, my lord. We’re worriers and not picky at all.”
Elrond’s lips curved into a smile. “Thank you for your kind and gentle words, Orophin of ‘Lóriën.”

He had wanted to let the brothers decide who would sleep alone but, for some reason, changed his mind. “Glorfindel, would you please show Haldir and Orophin the way?”
If Glorfindel was surprised at this change of plans he didn’t show it but turned on his heels, motioning for the two brothers to follow him.

Elrond sighed and turned his attention to Rumil, who seemed to be in his own world. The younger elf had been oblivious to the entire conversation. The second he had laid eyes upon the elf standing next to Elrohir his heart had sped up and he could do nothing but stare at the vision before him, admiring the dark hair, that framed a porcelain face with the darkest eyes he has even seen. They reminded him of deep, dark lakes. Both had the power to render him speechless and in both he imagined dark crystals the twinkle.

Elladan and Elrohir were snickering about his smitten look, although they thought it was for one of them. Elladan leaned over the say something in his twin’s ears but Elrond caught it. “You will do nothing to embarrass our guest.”

He cleared his throat, hoping to bring the other elf to the present. Rumil startled out of his reverie and reddened immediately. /Aiya, now I’ve done it. They’ll never let me forget this one Elr Elrohir smiled wickedly and approached him. “Don’t worry. I’m sure your brothers didn’t notice. Good thing your room will be located in a different wing. I’m Elladan by the way.”

Elrond’s mouth became a thin line as he heard this. He could not stop them now, not without causing the other some embarrassing moments.
Erestor, realising his lord’s predicament stepped forward. “That will be enough, -Elladan-, you still have to finish your stable work for today, or have you forgotten. Now off wyou.you.” He turned a little so he could see the real Elladan in the eye. “And you, -Elrohir-, have some more copying to do for me in the library. Get to it and I expect you to be a lot further by the time I get back.”
Hearing this, and seeing the shocked and pained expressions on his ’ fa’ faces, made Elrond laugh. Rumil’s eyes widened at the sight and Elrond sobered up. “I’m afraid my sons are rascals and they tend to abuse the fact they look so alike.” With that he dismissed the matter for now.

“Erestor, please show young Rumil to his rooms.” Erestor nodded and signalled for Rumil to follow him. Rumil did so in a trance.
The moment he had heard Erestor’s voice he had been taken and he knew he had to learn more about the elf. He was wondering if perhaps his brothers would know something about him.

Suddenly Erestor’s back came real close and only an emergency stop prevented a collision. “These are your rooms. Those of your brothers are located two corridors to the left. I trust they’ll be satisfactory. If not let me know. A servant will bring you refreshments and collect you when it’s time to have lunch.” Erestor inclined his head and departed.

End chapter 01
TBC

Translations:
Telain is plural of talan
Mae govannen, mellyn means well met (or be welcome) friends
Dagondil means sword lover (Sidnarin)