Part Thirteen
Rúmil shifted Thranduil's heavy pack on his shoulders. It was difficult to carry and made
his quiver press painfully into his shoulder. He would be lucky if all of his arrows did not
have broken feathers by the time they got back to Caras Galadhon. Still, the conversation
of Legolas made the time pass quickly. It was fun to see the Prince of Mirkwood again. It
almost made up for the fact that Elladan and Elrohir had not come.
Rúmil was not blind, however, to Legolas' continuous staring at Haldir. Half of the time he
seemed to be wishing to thrust a dagger between Haldir's shoulder blades, and the other
half he appeared to be desiring… something else. Legolas' confusion was written all over
his face, and to Rúmil's mind it was a good thing neither Haldir nor Thranduil turned
around at all as they marched.
As had been done with Lord Elrond and Lady Arwen, Rúmil and Haldir escorted the
Mirkwood party up to Galadriel's receiving area. Legolas fell silent as they entered the
cavernous chamber. He looked around, his blue eyes wide, and Rúmil could sense his
wonder. It was his first time in Lothlórien, Rúmil remembered. He and Oro would have a
great time showing him around. There was so much to see! Assuming Oro could tear
himself away from Amroth, that was…
Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, and Erestor stood waiting for them as they entered. Rúmil
wondered where Arwen was. Not knowing made him slightly nervous. She might be
sitting in his talan, waiting for him. He was going to keep Legolas close at all times so he
need not be alone with her.
"Ah, Galadriel! It is about time you had me to Lórien," Thranduil said in a jovial tone.
"Legolas has never even seen the place. Time to let the lad visit more of the world, I
thought. Never been anywhere. More to Arda than Mirkwood, though not much more."
"You are both most welcome, Lord Thranduil," Galadriel replied graciously.
"Legolas has been to Rivendell many times," Elrond pointed out, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course he has, Elrond, of course he has. How is that daughter of yours? Have you
married her off yet?"
"She is fine," Elrond replied tersely. "And, no."
"Celeborn!" Thranduil roared, and Rúmil wondered if he had even listened to Elrond's
reply. Celeborn looked happier than Rúmil had ever seen him as he greeted the King of
Mirkwood.
"I have a case of wine with your name on it," Celeborn said. "You will break it with me
tonight. We have much to discuss."
"Him you invited," Elrond muttered. Galadriel put a hand on his arm.
Rúmil thought about his conversation with Haldir that morning as the customary
prolonged greetings were exchanged between the elven royalty. What would it be like if
Arwen married Haldir? She would no doubt only made all three brothers miserable. Rúmil
licked his lips as he thought about the kiss she had given him yesterday. In truth, the kiss
itself had not been so bad. In fact, he admitted silently, she had stirred him a little.
He wondered how far she was willing to go, and if he might be in danger of having to
marry her if he gave in to her advances. Haldir had a point in that keeping her close might
insure that Rúmil did not get blamed for her antics. In fact, keeping her in his bed might be
a good way to keep her from getting up to any antics. Rúmil closed his eyes for a moment
and savored the possibilities. After all, she was beautiful…
Haldir's elbow connecting sharply with his ribs caused Rúmil to open his eyes again.
Galadriel was frowning at him, and he felt a surge of panic. Did the Lady of Light know
what Rúmil was thinking about her granddaughter? Had someone said something to him
which he had not heard while lost in his fantasy?
"Lady Galadriel asked you to take Prince Legolas to where he and his father will be
staying," Haldir hissed at him.
"Oh! Certainly," Rúmil said, feeling his cheeks heat up. "If you will come with me,
Legolas."
"Rúmil, if you would also be so kind as to ask Amroth to join us, I would be pleased,"
Galadriel said in a delicate tone that held no hint of censure. She was kinder to him than he
deserved, Rúmil thought miserably.
"I can find him if you like," Haldir said to Galadriel.
"No, let Rúmil do it, if you please," Galadriel replied, favoring Haldir with a smile. "I wish
you to stay, Haldir."
Rúmil raised an eyebrow. Haldir was certainly moving up the ladder, he thought. Perhaps
he had merely been asked to stay since Erestor was there was well. At least this meant that
Rúmil would have a better shot at finding out what happened once he and Legolas left.
Then again, Haldir had never been one to discuss private matters that were none of
Rúmil's business with him.
He led Legolas out of the room, not missing the parting glance that the Mirkwood elf
threw to Haldir. Haldir ignored Legolas. Rúmil shook his head. He waited until they were
half-way down the stairs before he stopped and confronted Legolas.
"What is going on with you and my brother?" he asked curiously.
"I do not know what you mean, Rúmil," Legolas said, but he would not look Rúmil in the
eye.
"A blind cave troll could not miss the way you look at him, first with joy, then with
despair."
Legolas sighed. "And if I tell you that he evokes both of those emotions in me, will it be
all over Lothlórien by tomorrow?"
"I swear, I will not tell a soul."
"Not even Orophin? I have not forgotten that you share…everything with him," Legolas
said, smiling coyly.
Rúmil smiled slowly. "So you have not forgotten your swimming lesson?"
"I have not forgotten one moment of the summer that the three of you spent in
Mirkwood," Legolas said.
He leaned close to Rúmil and kissed him on the mouth. It was a soft, gentle press of lips, a
tender exploration. Rúmil fought the urge to push Legolas roughly up against the tree and
ravage his mouth.
"You are trying to distract me."
"Yes," Legolas breathed against Rúmil's lips.
"It is working," Rúmil murmured. He captured Legolas in his embrace and kissed him
hungrily, his tongue sliding between the Prince's lips. Legolas trembled slightly and pushed
his tongue against Rúmil's but without either much enthusiasm, or much resistance. His
arms came around Rúmil hesitantly. "You're thinking of someone else," Rúmil murmured.
"I…"
A loud clearing of the throat caused them to spring apart. Rúmil felt the lembas he had
eaten for breakfast turn over in his stomach when he saw Arwen standing there, a few
steps below them.
"What are you doing here?" Rúmil snapped.
Arwen smiled slowly. "I was looking for my father. No need to ask what you are doing
here, Rúmil. Hello, Legolas. Nice to see you again."
The tone in her voice told Rúmil that she did not think it was particularly nice to see
Legolas at all. He wondered why she did not like the amiable prince of Mirkwood. He
would have asked her if he thought it might not bother Legolas at all.
"Greetings, Arwen Undómiel," Legolas replied softly, lifting his chin slightly. It was as if
he had changed into a completely different elf, Rúmil thought. His bearing and manner
became elegant and aristocratic. His tone was light and friendly, however. "Indeed, it is a
pleasure to see you as well. I trust that all is well in Imladris, and hope that you will
convey tidings to your brothers from me."
"As you wish," Arwen replied.
"Let us not keep you here," Rúmil said, stepping aside so that Arwen might climb the
stairs past them.
"I wonder if she should go up," Legolas said, "For we have just been sent away."
"The Galadhrim said that I might proceed," Arwen said to Legolas frostily, taking a step
closer up the stairs.
Rúmil realized that Legolas had a point. While he liked the idea of Arwen bursting into the
meeting of the elders (and possibly getting in trouble,) he knew she would tell Galadriel
that Rúmil had given her permission to go up, and he would find himself in hot water once
more. He stepped back into the middle of the stair.
"Actually, Arwen, Legolas is right," Rúmil said. Arwen glared at him. "I have been asked
to send Amroth to them. You should not interrupt."
"Have I not the right to hear what passes above?" Arwen demanded.
"As much right as I have," Legolas countered. Arwen looked as if she would like to slap
him. "I agree with you, Lady Arwen. You and I both should be allowed -- but should we
not also respect the wishes of Lady Galadriel?"
Invoking the name of Galadriel seemed to defeat her. Arwen nodded, but she was still
staring past Rúmil and he knew that if he did not do something she would just head right
up there after they left.
"Perhaps you would care to accompany me while I escort Legolas to the guest talan?"
Rúmil suggested.
"That would please me greatly," Legolas added formally.
Arwen looked from one to the other of them without bothering to hide her irritation. She
seemed to be debating which would please her more. Finally she nodded. "Very well."
Rúmil breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps keeping her close was indeed the best way of
keeping her under control, even if it meant that he would not be able to ask Legolas why
he was behaving so strangely towards Haldir until later. He could guess, anyway.
Something must have happened between them that summer in Mirkwood. Rúmil had
always suspected it, anyway.
Legolas offered Arwen his arm, but she wrapped herself around Rúmil's instead, forcing
Legolas to walk behind them as the trio descended the stairs. An awkward silence
descended over them as Rúmil led the way to the second guest talan, located in the tree
next to the one which the elves from Imladris were occupying.
"This is beautiful," Legolas said breathlessly as looked about the small entry chamber.
"There are two sleeping rooms as well, just above." Rúmil pointed them out.
"Ours is far larger," Arwen said in a bored tone. "But it is still bigger than yours, Rúmil."
"Have you been visiting Rúmil's sleeping chamber, then?" Legolas asked in an innocent
tone. Arwen blushed and glared daggers at him.
"It was perfectly proper," Rúmil said, feeling his own cheeks heat up. "Orophin was there
as well."
"Oh, I see," said Legolas, his eyes glittering.
"And Amroth!" Arwen added hotly. "So stop thinking whatever you are thinking, Legolas
Greenleaf."
"I am only thinking how lucky you are to have seen that talan," Legolas said, turning his
gaze back to Rúmil.
"Speaking of Amroth, we should go find him. Come along, Rúmil. You do not wish to
keep Galadriel waiting," Arwen said.
"Is there anything else you might require?" Rúmil asked Legolas even as Arwen grabbed
his arm again and pulled him lightly towards the door.
Legolas shook his head and smiled. "No, thank you. Good-night Rúmil. Lady Arwen."
They hurried down the stairs out of the guest talan and Rúmil could almost hear Arwen
fuming.
"Why do you not like Legolas?" Rúmil asked curiously.
"He is too quiet," Arwen mumbled. Rúmil laughed.
"No wonder I have been told I ought to be more like him! Yet still, I cannot understand it.
He is not unkind to you."
"No," Arwen admitted. "He is not."
At the bottom of the stairs, she stopped walking, forcing Rúmil to do the same. It brought
to his mind the fact that he did not know where Amroth was, and he was supposed to send
the lost king to Lady Galadriel.
"Have you seen Amroth this day, Arwen?"
"I passed him strolling with your brother this morning. You ought check your own talan
first."
"Thank you. Good-night, Arwen." Rúmil turned to leave, but she cried out to him.
"Rúmil! Wait!"
"Did you wish to come with me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. It was easier than arguing
with her.
"Are Legolas' kisses sweeter than mine?" she blurted out.
Rúmil's eyes widened. He was not sure how to respond. "Ah…"
Arwen sighed. She looked like she was about to cry, and for some reason Rúmil was
struck with guilt. He moved back towards her and put his arms around her waist in what
was meant to be a comforting gesture, even though it was far from proper. Arwen put her
arms around him and rested her head against his shoulder. Rúmil stroked her hair. It felt
like silk beneath his fingertips.
"I was jealous when I saw you kissing him," she whispered.
"I thought your had set your heart on Haldir long ago," Rúmil said.
"Cannot a maiden change her mind?"
Rúmil's stomach flopped over again. All he needed was Arwen after him. "It is not proper
for me to be with you," he said.
Arwen let go of him and took a step back. She looked sad, but in an instant the sadness
was replaced with a snap of anger in her blue eyes. "Is it less improper for you to be with
Legolas?"
Rúmil sighed. "Does it make you feel any better, Legolas has his heart set on Haldir as
well."
"Really?"
Rúmil had not been sure himself until he said it aloud. He nodded. Over her shoulder, he
saw Amroth and Orophin coming towards them. They both appeared to be in cheerful
moods, and he was glad enough to see them. Arwen turned to see what had caught his
eye, and frowned.
"Will you excuse me, Arwen?" Rúmil asked.
"Certainly," she replied. She started to walk away, but then stopped. "Oh, one more
thing," she added loud enough for Amroth and Orophin to hear. "I saw Orophin kissing
my grandfather last night."
Arwen disappeared into the trees, leaving Rúmil with one more bit of surprising news to
process.
