A Guarded Heart - Jaiden S
Pairings: Rúmil/Elrohir, Haldir/Glorfindel, Elladan/Legolas Genres:
Drama/Angst, Romance, Unresolved Sexual Tension (UST)
Warnings: None
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Rúmil is put in charge of young Elrohir during his stay in
Lothlórien. Elrohir develops a crush. Haldir has a fit.  Glorfindel exerts
his authority.  Elladan makes a new friend.
Notes: Part of the fic challenge "Lothlorien elves" on Library of Lorien

* * *

Haldir paced nervously outside the door of Lord Celeborn's talan. It was
unusual for Celeborn to summon Galadhrim to his personal quarters this
late, a fact that worried Haldir greatly. Inside, Celeborn was meeting with
some ambassadors from Mirkwood regarding recent orc attacks. The emergency
meeting between the two kingdoms had begun early that morning.  Neither
Celeborn nor Thranduil was eager to assume responsibility for protecting
the lands that lay between their two kingdoms, but both knew that some sort
of agreement must be reached.

Orophin and Rúmil, Haldir's younger brothers, stood nearby, chatting
quietly as they watched him pace to and fro. All at once door opened. The
ambassadors filed out somberly, murmuring among themselves in hushed tones
as Celeborn stood in the doorway. He furrowed his brow slightly before
addressing Haldir and his brothers. "Please, come in. I appreciate your
willingness to meet with me at this late hour." The brothers exchanged an
apprehensive look before they followed Celeborn into the sitting room.

With a sigh, Celeborn sank into a large chair facing the Galadhrim, each of
whom stood at attention. "At ease," he said, motioning for them to relax.
"I have an unusual request to ask of you Haldir."

Haldir straightened his shoulders, and looked Celeborn in the eye. "Yes
Milord. Anything you ask shall be done." This must be serious.

Celeborn gave him a tight-lipped smile. "My grandson, Elrohir, is arriving
tomorrow from Imaldris to stay for a few days. His trip was planned some
time ago, and I eagerly anticipate his arrival so that we might spend time
together; however, the situation with Mirkwood demands my immediate
attention, and my guest rooms are full of their eldar. It is too late for
Elrohir to cancel the trip, for he is already on his way here. I need for
you take him in as your charge for the duration of his stay."

Haldir nodded his head, somewhat disappointed that the request did not
involve slaying orcs.

"Certainly, Lord Celeborn. We would be honored to have Elrohir stay with
us."
Celeborn visibly relaxed at Haldir's reaction to his request, although he
had felt sure Haldir would consent.

Orophin frowned a little at Haldir's quick agreement. "Lord Celeborn, if I
might inquire, how exactly will this affect our watch? Haldir and I are on
duty this week."

"Ai..." He had forgotten about that. Celeborn raised a hand to his brow and
rubbed it in frustration. He would need Haldir to escort the Mirkwood
ambassadors to and from the meetings, and Orophin was to be stationed near
the northern borders. Glancing up, he noticed Rúmil standing on the far
right, his eyes fixed on a smudge on the floor. "Rúmil, what is your
schedule for this week?" asked Celeborn, studying the young watchman
carefully.

At the sound of his name, Rúmil's head popped up and he stared anxiously at
Celeborn. "I do not have a specific assignment this week, Milord," he
replied with a slight hesitation.

"Then you shall be in charge of Elrohir," said Celeborn. "It is your
responsibility to make sure he stays safe and out of trouble...although he
rarely gets into mischief, unlike Elladan." Celeborn smiled faintly as he
remembered Elladan's last trip to Lorien.

Rúmil's eyes grew large and he stole a glance at his brothers, both of whom
gave him looks of encouragement. As the youngest of the elite guardians, he
had received few specific assignments from Lord Celeborn, especially not
one as important as this. He fought back his nerves and returned his gaze
to Lord Celeborn. "I am honored you have chosen me for this assignment," he
said, sounding much more confident than he felt.

Celeborn rose from his seat, gesturing the brothers toward the door.
"Rúmil, I will see you here at mid-morning tomorrow. Rest well," he said,
closing the door firmly behind them.

Rúmil stopped on the stairway to face his brothers with a bewildered look.
"Am I really in charge of Elrohir for his entire visit?" he asked
incredulously.

"Yes, indeed you are, brother," laughed Orophin, clapping him on the
shoulder. "I am guessing you had not planned on babysitting for the next
few days."

Rúmil frowned and replied, "No, I had not. Do you know Elrohir's age? It
has been years since I have seen him, and I am sure he has grown from the
skinny child I remember."
Orophin thought for a second. "I believe he should be near the age of
majority."

Exhaling an exasperated sigh, Rúmil responded, "Wonderful. I am in charge
of an elf on the cusp of fenneth, with raging hormones. With my luck, he
will try to bed half of Lorien. How am I supposed to watch him? I have no
experience with elflings."
Haldir and Orophin chuckled knowingly as they began to walk back toward
their talon. "We will help you as much as we are able, Rúmil," said Haldir,
draping his arm around Rúmil's shoulder.

"Perhaps it will not be so unpleasant." "Perhaps," said Rúmil, doubt lacing
his tone.

Celeborn hugged Elrohir tightly as they made their way to the formal
sitting room. "I regret that I cannot spend as much time with you as we had
planned," said Celeborn. "But I must attend to the Mirkwood delegation. The
situation needs to be resolved as quickly as possible." Pausing to look at
Elrohir, Celeborn added, "You will enjoy staying with Haldir and his
brothers. I am certain of it."

**

Elrohir smiled bravely at his grandfather. He was not at all sure that he
would enjoy his stay, but he was determined not to let his grandfather know
of his concerns.
Arm in arm they strolled into the sitting room, commanding the attention of
the lone Galadhel standing in the center of it. Hearing the approaching
footsteps, Rúmil snapped to attention, feet together, chest lifted
confidently.

"Rúmil, let me introduce my grandson, Elrohir," said Celeborn with a
flourish. "Elrohir, this is Haldir's brother Rúmil, a member of the
Galadhrim. He will be your escort during your stay here."

"Mae Govannen, Elrohir," said Rúmil, as he touched a hand to his chest and
bowed his head in greeting. "It is a pleasure to see you again."

Elrohir's world came to a skidding halt as he raised his eyes to meet
Rúmil's gaze. Before him stood a vision of beauty and strength unlike
anything he had ever seen.
Elrohir's mind raced back to remember his last visit to Lorien, but he did
not remember seeing the handsome elf. His silvery blond hair framed a
delicately structured face, with high cheekbones offset by full lips
curling into a smile. From his broad shoulders hung the gray cloak of the
Galadhrim, fastened by the traditional brooch of Lorien. A leather belt
encircled his narrow waist, gathering his tunic in soft waves that draped
over his body. For a moment, Elrohir lost himself in Rúmil's blue eyes,
noticing how they resembled a cloudless sky on a sunny day, until he felt a
gentle nudge from his grandfather.

"Mae Govannen, Rúmil," said Elrohir, slightly flustered. "I am pleased to
see you as well." How could he have forgotten such an elegant and graceful
elf?

Rúmil studied his charge carefully, taking note of the strong resemblance
he bore to Elrond. Although smaller than his father, Elrohir stood tall and
lean, his ebony hair hung nearly to his waist, and his gray eyes sparkled
with intelligence. On his head, he wore the formal circlet of Imaldris, and
the intricate embroidery of his deep blue tunic attested to his royal
station. He had matured into quite a handsome elf.
Facing his grandson, Celeborn placed a hand on his shoulder, saying, "If
you need anything, do not hesitate to come and find me. Otherwise, I will
see you at dinner tonight, Elrohir." He gave the twin's shoulder a squeeze
as he looked over at Rúmil. "I am placing him in your trust, Rúmil." 

Rúmil felt the weight of those words and took them very seriously. "Yes,
Lord Celeborn. I shall not fail you," he responded.

With one last hug for Elrohir, Celeborn left to meet with the Mirkwood
advisors. Elrohir sighed as he watched his grandfather leave before turning
back toward Rúmil. He hoped that the elf could not sense his apprehension
at staying with a stranger, albeit a very attractive stranger.

Rúmil smiled at the younger elf, as he placed a hand on the small of his
back and guided him toward the door. "Come and I will show you to our
talon," he said graciously. Elrohir jumped faintly at the touch to his
back, but thankfully Rúmil did not seem to notice.

Placing Elrohir's bag on his shoulder, Rúmil steered him along a worn path
through the center of Lothlorien. He stole a quick glance at Elrohir, who
observed everything with wide eyes.

"It has been many years since I have been to Lothlorien," said Elrohir as
he continued to look around. "I had forgotten how lovely it is. The trees
sing a sweet melody to welcome me." He stopped, placing a slender hand on
the knotted trunk of a nearby tree. "This one beckons me to play beneath
its branches," he said, gently caressing the gray bark.

"You have a gift," said Rúmil, with a hint of admiration. Rarely did one so
young possess the sensitivity needed to hear the voices of the trees.

Elrohir blushed at the compliment and peered up at Rúmil with a shy gaze.
"I have always heard their songs. My father does as well."

"Not everyone hears them," noted Rúmil. "Orophin hears only the call of
fermenting ale and the songs of lusty young maidens," he joked.

Laughing, Elrohir replied, "As does Elladan. He feels he must woo every
maiden he meets."

"Tell me, Elrohir," said Rúmil. "What is it like to have a twin? Although I
am very close to my brothers, I imagine the bond you feel with Elladan is
even stronger."

Elrohir pondered the question a moment before replying. "I love Elladan,
for we are two halves of a whole, and I am incomplete without him. He is
quite funny and charming.  But, he does try my patience at
times...especially when he demands to be the center of attention."
Rúmil shook his head knowingly, as he said, "He sounds very similar to
Orophin. Always the most outgoing, the most charismatic..."

"The most popular," said Elrohir at exactly the same time as Rúmil, who
turned to stare at him in amazement. 

"Yes. Precisely!" chuckled Rúmil, again placing a hand on the small of
Elrohir's back. "It seems we have much in common." Once more, he watched
color spread into Elrohir's cheeks, and he wondered to himself if he had
blushed that much as a youth.

"Here we are," said Rúmil, as he opened the door to the talon. While not a
large home, it certainly was befitting Rúmil and his brothers. Each elf had
his own sleeping quarters, and they shared a large common area with a
fireplace. He ushered Elrohir into his bedroom, where he had set up a cot
earlier. "I know these accommodations are not what you are used to having,
but I hope you will find them acceptable." He placed Elrohir's bag on the
cot and turned toward him expectantly.

Elrohir smiled and said, "Your home is lovely, and I appreciate that you
have welcomed me so graciously."

All at once, Haldir burst through the door. "Mae Govannen, Elrohir. I trust
your journey went well." He reached out and ruffled the young elf's hair
affectionately. "How many years has it been since I have seen you? I think
you were but a child clinging to your father's side when last we met. We
had such fun playing hide and seek.... but I suppose you are too old to
play that now."

Elrohir ducked away from Haldir, and ran a hand through his slightly mussed
hair. "My journey was blessedly uneventful, and we encountered no orcs or
other threats along the way." He smiled and added, "It has been too long
since my last visit. I had not remembered all of the breathtaking and
remarkable beauty in Lothlorien."

"Then tell me, Elrohir, what is the most beautiful thing you have seen
today?" asked Haldir.

Elrohir glanced up at Rúmil, catching a glimpse of those striking blue
eyes, and blushed furiously before dropping his gaze. "Oh...I cannot say,"
he stammered. "I have seen so many visions of beauty today, I could not
possibly choose just one."

Haldir's eyebrows flew up in surprise. His eyes quickly darted back and
forth between the two elves. "I see," he said with amusement. "Rúmil, a
word with you, please," he said, grabbing his brother's elbow and herding
him into the next room. Haldir barely made it through the doorway before he
burst out giggling. Haldir never giggled.

"What is so funny?" asked Rúmil, confused. He could not recall the last
time Haldir was so amused.
"Can you not see that Elrohir has a crush on you?" said Haldir with a
snort.  "It is written all over his face. He cannot even look at you
without blushing."

Rúmil closed his eyes and grimaced. He had noticed Elrohir's blushing, but
he had not attributed it to a crush, much less a crush on him. "What am I
to do?" asked Rúmil. He did not relish the thought of dealing with the
turbulent emotions of a young elfling.

"Take care with his feelings," said Haldir. "It would not do for you to
break the heart of Lord Celeborn's grandson," he teased.

"You are not helping, Haldir," sighed Rúmil. "You are right. Forgive me,"
said Haldir, with a sudden note of seriousness in his voice. "This could be
a complicated situation, but I trust you will do the right thing and
discourage his affections. He will be leaving in a few days, and will
likely forget all about you. Elves his age harbor a new crush every day."

Stepping back into the room, they found Elrohir busy unpacking his bags.
Curious, he turned around and asked, "Is there a problem?"

"Certainly not, Elrohir," said Haldir, unable to wipe the amused grin off
of his face. "We simply were discussing plans for your stay."

*

Elrohir threw his brush down in disgust, as he looked at the knotted mess
in his hair. For the third time, he unbraided his hair, his fingers working
quickly to untangle the raven strands. Ever since he arrived, his mind had
been preoccupied with thoughts of Rúmil, to the exclusion of nearly
everything else. He closed his eyes, resting his elbows on the dressing
table before him, and tried to collect his thoughts.

"Having trouble?" asked a voice behind him. Elrohir's eyes flew open,
locked onto the reflection of Rúmil in the mirror before him.

"What do you mean?" he asked fearfully, praying to Elbereth that Rúmil did
not suspect anything.

Laughing, Rúmil reached down to twirl an ebony lock between his fingers.
"Your braids, Elrohir. Would you like me to finish them?" Without waiting
for an answer, he began twisting the long pieces together in an intricate
pattern, gathering more locks of hair as he progressed to the crown of the
young elf's head.

Elrohir felt his face burning, and he averted his eyes. "I can usually do
this myself. I do not know why I cannot tonight," mumbled Elrohir, afraid
to look up from his lowered gaze.

"Do not fret. You are simply over tired from your journey," replied Rúmil
as he quickly finished up the last knot. "There. What do you think of those
braids?"

Turning his head from side to side, Elrohir admired the other elf's
handiwork. "They are beautiful," he replied softly, raising his head to
meet Rúmil's gaze.

"Then let us be off to dinner," said Rúmil, reaching to grab his cloak from
its hanger. Elrohir remained seated at the dressing table, watching Rúmil's
reflection as he draped the cloak around his shoulders in one fluid motion.
"He would never be interested in me. To him, I am but a child who cannot
braid his own hair," thought Elrohir. Quickly he rose to follow Rúmil out
the door.

*

It was late when they arrived back at the talon, and Ithil rose high in the
night sky. "Are you sure you would not feel more comfortable in my bed?"
asked Rúmil, as he finished changing into his nightclothes. "I would be
happy to take the cot and let you have the larger bed."

Elrohir grinned at the thought of being in Rúmil's bed. "I would never ask
you to give up your own bed. The cot is more than adequate," he said.

"Well...if you are certain," said Rúmil, as he pulled back the sheets and
slid in between them.

Sighing contentedly, he rolled over on his side and fell asleep almost
immediately.
Elrohir lay down on the cot, pulling the sheet up around his shoulders. A
cool breeze blew through the open windows. He felt a little chill shiver
through his body.  Obviously, the thin tunic he slept in at home would not
be adequate here in Lorien. Sitting back up, he strained his eyes in the
darkness, trying to see another blanket he might use. He crept out of bed
and tiptoed across the room, gingerly taking hold of a blanket on top of a
chest in the corner.  As he turned around, he paused at the sight of Rúmil
sleeping peacefully. Ithil's rays filtered in through the window, casting a
silvery shimmer on his perfect features. "He is beautiful" Carefully,
Elrohir approached the sleeping elf, taking great care not to make a sound.
With the most delicate of touches, he reached down to graze his hand
tenderly along the curve of the other's jaw.  Rúmil stirred slightly at the
sensation tickling his face, and grunted softly in his sleep.  Alarmed,
Elrohir hurried back to his cot, spreading the extra blanket around him
before he burrowed underneath the covers. He exhaled slowly, vaguely aware
that he had been holding his breath. "I am being foolish. We hardly know
each other", he thought with frustration as he closed his eyes.

*

The next several days rushed by in a blur of activity. Every morning,
Elrohir accompanied Rúmil on his rounds. Although he enjoyed meeting other
elves and making polite conversation, Elrohir treasured the quiet time he
spent with Rúmil in the evenings just before they fell asleep.

"How did you know you wanted to be a member of the Galadhrim?" asked
Elrohir one night, propping his head on his hand to look over at Rúmil, who
lay prone on the next bed.

"I suppose I have always known," replied Rúmil thoughtfully, as he laced
his fingers behind his head. "Both Haldir and Orophin enlisted before me,
and my father served as well. It is in my blood."

"How exciting it must be," said Elrohir, sighing wistfully. "Chasing orcs,
escorting dignitaries, traveling the boarders. I think I would enjoy that."

"It is not nearly as glamorous as you make it sound," chuckled Rúmil. "Days
may go by without seeing another soul. In fact, it can be quite lonely."

"Are you lonely?" Elrohir blurted, shocking even himself at his boldness.
The question surprised Rúmil. "Sometimes, yes," he admitted. "Although I
have my brothers to keep me company."

"Do you not desire companionship of a ....different kind?" asked Elrohir,
pushing his boldness a step further. He felt his face burn, and he silently
thanked Elbereth for the darkness in the room.

"Of course," replied Rúmil, becoming a little concerned about the direction
the conversation was heading. "But, I have not found anyone with whom I
enjoy spending time. One day, I hope to find someone who stimulates my mind
as well as my body, though I am beginning to wonder if that elf exists." He
sighed deeply and rolled over, deciding that he had revealed enough about
himself for one evening. "The hour grows late, Elrohir. We should rest."

"Rest well, Rúmil. Losto mae," said Elrohir softly, as he lay his head back
on his pillow.

*

Elrohir smiled sleepily, stretching his long limbs beneath the covers as
Arien's rays streamed into the bedroom...

Whap! A noise outside of the talon drew his attention. Folding his arms
around him in the cool morning air, Elrohir rose and wandered out to the
balcony. Below him stood Rúmil, dressed in his uniform, taking aim at a
distant target with steady hands.

Whap! The target quaked at the impact of the long white arrow, which sat
squarely in the center of the board. The young elf rushed back inside to
change clothes and quickly joined Rúmil in front of the talon.

"Good Morning, Rúmil," said Elrohir brightly. "Would you mind if I joined
you?"

"Not at all, Elrohir," Rúmil replied, as he lined up his next shot.
Furrowing his brow in concentration, he pulled the string taut, lining it
up with his cheek before he released it. The arrow flew swiftly through the
air, hitting the target with force enough to penetrate it. Small flakes of
wood drifted down from the tree at the site of the arrow's impact. "Would
you like to try?" he asked the young elf as he held out the long bow.

"Yes!" cried Elrohir eagerly. He had admired the artfully crafted Lorien
bows, but had never had the opportunity to use one. Taking it carefully
from Rúmil's hands, he turned it over, studying the intricate scrollwork
carved into the wood.

"Have you shot a bow before?" asked Rúmil. The large bow looked enormous in
the young elf's hands.

"Once or twice," hedged Elrohir, his eyes twinkling with hidden mischief.
Grasping a white arrow from Rúmil's quiver, he narrowed his eyes and
focused on the distant target as he pulled the string back to his cheek.
The arrow sliced through the air and hit the center of the target with a
loud smack.

Rúmil's eyebrows shot up and he gave a low whistle of surprise. "Well done,
Elrohir! You are an elf of many talents."

Elrohir grinned back in satisfaction. "I have trained with the best archers
in Rivendell, and I dare say, I am an excellent shot. Perhaps even as
skilled as you, Rúmil."
Rúmil bit back a laugh at that comment. "As skilled as me? Are you issuing
a challenge, Elrohir?" he asked with amusement.

"Indeed I am," replied Elrohir, stepping in front of Rúmil confidently.
"Are you willing to accept it, or do you fear I might defeat you?" Rúmil
noticed the smirk curling on the young elf's lips with interest. He had not
yet seen such self-assuredness in Elrohir, and he found it extremely
appealing.

The blond laughed out loud in response to Elrohir's dare, and playfully
snatched the bow from the young elf's grasp. "Believe me, Pen-neth, I have
no fear of losing to you," he said. Shading his eyes with his hand, Rúmil
searched for an appropriately challenging target.  He grasped the younger
elf's shoulder and turned him to the left, pointing to the top of a distant
tree. "Do you see the red fruit hanging at the top of that tree? The winner
shall knock a piece of it to the ground with his arrow....and I shall go
first."

Rúmil nocked his arrow and fired it quickly, hitting a fruit laden branch
and sending a ripe piece tumbling to the ground. He smiled arrogantly at
Elrohir as he handed him the bow. "Are you still feeling confident?" he
asked.

Elrohir ignored the taunt and unleashed a shot of his own, flashing a brash
smile when another piece of fruit fell to the ground with a thud. Turning
back to face Rúmil, he said, "It seems we are evenly matched."

"That was a lucky shot," snorted Rúmil.

Dropping the bow on the ground, Elrohir placed his hands on his hips and
looked up at the blond elf. "Sulking does not become you, Rúmil," he said.

"I am not sulking," said Rúmil, becoming annoyed. "I was merely stating a
fact."

Elrohir poked him in the chest with his index finger. "You are unwilling to
admit that I am as skilled in archery as you are."

Irritation bubbled up in Rúmil, and he grabbed Elrohir's wrist roughly,
pulling him close. "I am a highly trained member of the Galadhrim," he said
with quiet authority. "Do not even attempt to compare your skills to
mine." Rúmil locked him in a hard gaze, awaiting his response.

Elrohir flushed from his collarbone to the tips of his ears at his close
proximity to Rúmil. He stared up at him nervously, his eyelashes fluttering
wildly as his heart exploded in his chest.

All at once, Rúmil released him and exhaled with a deep breath. "Forgive
me, Elrohir," he said. "I let my pride overcome me. You possess talent that
I did not have at such a young age, and I must admit that your skills with
the bow do rival mine."

Elrohir rubbed his wrist, but did not step away from Rúmil. "I am not that
young, Rúmil. Despite all of our time together these past few days, you
still view me as a child," he stated soberly. "Why can you not see me as an
adult? As a friend?"

Rúmil felt terrible as he gazed down at the young elf standing before him.
He had dismissed Elrohir as little more than an elfling, when clearly he
was quite mature.  Rúmil reached out to squeeze Elrohir's shoulder in
apology. As he stared into the questioning gray eyes, his stomach
unexpectedly knotted and his words nearly left him. "I do consider you a
friend," he said softly.

Elrohir's shoulder felt firm in his grasp. Rúmil randomly wondered if the
other shoulder felt equally as firm, and he found his other hand slowly
sliding up Elrohir's arm.

"Am I interrupting something?" said a voice from behind them. Haldir arched
a questioning eyebrow at the pair as he crossed his arms over his chest. He
had spotted them from across the clearing, and the exchange between the two
elves looked dangerously intimate.

Rúmil quickly backed away from Elrohir, who blushed violently and dropped
his gaze to the ground. "Of course not, Haldir," replied Rúmil with an
overly warm smile.  "We have been taking target practice, and Elrohir's
skill with the bow impressed me greatly."

"Really?" said Haldir, his eyes never leaving Rúmil's face. "I will have to
watch you practice sometime, Elrohir. I need to speak with you in private
on an urgent matter, Rúmil." Noting the odd expression on Haldir's face,
Rúmil said, "Elrohir, would you leave us for a while?"

"Oh, I...um...wanted to walk to the lake anyway," said Elrohir, as he
walked away quickly. "Will you join me later?" he asked, looking over his
shoulder. Rúmil nodded silently in assent as Elrohir picked his way down
the path to the lake.

Once Elrohir was out of sight, Haldir began his assault. "What are you
doing?", hissed Haldir in an irritated tone. "I warned you to be careful of
his feelings, yet I walk up to find you locked with him in a lover's gaze."

Rúmil's face registered shock at Haldir's comment. "I have no idea what you
are talking about!" cried Rúmil indignantly. "He is my charge, and I am
taking my responsibility very seriously. I have done nothing to encourage
his feelings, and I certainly have no feelings for him."

Haldir stared at him hard for a moment. "Rúmil, listen to me," he said. "I
want you to understand the gravity of this situation. Both of our
reputations will be ruined if something happens between you and Elrohir."

"Nothing will happen, Haldir," Rúmil stated firmly.

"Make sure of that," Haldir replied with a frown. "I do not want to lose my
position as March Warden as a result of your indiscretion." He shot Rúmil a
pointed look before he turned on his heels and quickly walked away.

Rúmil sighed and ran a nervous hand across his brow as he struggled to
grasp what had just happened. A lover's gaze? Is that what Haldir thought
he saw? He shook his head at that thought, dismissing it as an obvious
mistake on the part of his brother. He had no feelings for Elrohir at all,
save a brotherly affection. Nevertheless, he hesitated at the edge of the
path to the lake.
"Perhaps it would be wise to spend some time away from Elrohir", he thought
to himself, and he retreated back to his talon.

*

"He is not coming," said Elrohir to himself as he sat on a log gazing out
over the sparkling lake.
He swiped angrily at a stray insect that chose that unfortunate moment to
land on his tunic. No more pouting over an elf who had no feelings for him.
He was going to enjoy the rest of the day.

Quickly he disrobed, arranging his clothing carefully across the log before
he waded into the clear water. The first few steps nearly took his breath
away, but he soon adjusted to the coolness of the water and began to swim
with long, sure strokes.
Rúmil began to worry after several hours had passed without Elrohir
returning to the talon. He would never forgive himself if any danger befell
the young elf while he was under his care.

Swiftly, he descended the steps of the talon and headed down the path to
the lake. As he crested the hill above the lake, he stopped suddenly in his
tracks, his breath catching. There stood Elrohir, waist deep in the water,
his eyes closed and his face tilted upward to the sky. With elegant
fingers, he reached back and pulled his long hair over one shoulder,
wringing the ebony strands so that the water trickled out in little
rivulets. If a more erotic image existed, Rúmil could not imagine it. In
fact, he could do nothing but stare open-mouthed at the alluring elf before
him.

Completely unaware he was being watched, Elrohir gradually waded back out
of the water, revealing his lithe, muscular body little by little to the
blond elf.  Well-defined shoulders narrowed to a small waist and smooth
rippling thighs, and Rúmil's eyes pored over the tempting sight before him,
lingering on the flaccid sex nestled among the dark curls. He drew in a
sharp breath as his own groin began to tighten.

Suddenly, Rúmil came to his senses and gingerly backed away from the path,
until he found a large rock nearby. He sank upon it, propped his elbows on
his knees, and rested his head in his hands. His heart thrashed in his
chest madly. The exquisite vision of Elrohir replayed over and over in his
head, and he almost shook with desire for the young elf. "What am I
thinking? I cannot do this," agonized Rúmil as he rubbed his temples with
his fingers.  When did he develop feelings for Elrohir? Oh, this was wrong
on so many different levels, but all he had to do was make it through one
more day. He could do that. He would stay seated until his body began
functioning again, and then he would simply walk back to the talan....

"Rúmil?" asked a soft voice from behind him. He did not even consider
responding. 

"Rúmil," said the voice again, a little more loudly.

"Go away, Elrohir," he warned, afraid to look up from his hunched position.

"Rúmil, what is the matter?" Elrohir asked, his voice tinged with concern
as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Leave me be," said Rúmil, shrugging off his touch. Slowly he raised his
head to look at Elrohir, who stood just beside him, and he immediately
regretted it. The dampness of the young elf's hair dripped onto his tunic,
rendering it nearly transparent and causing his leggings to cling to him
provocatively. Rúmil's eyes journeyed up the elf's tantalizing form, and
settled on his gorgeous face, watching the tiny droplets of water that
clung to his eyelashes as he blinked silvery eyes at him. He winced hard
and dropped his head once again.

"Tell me what is troubling you. Maybe I can help," offered Elrohir
innocently, having no idea the arousing affect his presence had on the elf
next to him. He sat down on the rock next to Rúmil, and leaned forward to
look him in the face.

Rúmil avoided his gaze, choosing to examine a thumbnail instead. "I cannot
tell you," he said finally, after several moments of strained silence.

"Of course you can," said Elrohir quietly. "You can tell me anything."

"Do you remember our conversation several nights ago, when you asked if I
was lonely?" began Rúmil. The young elf nodded, and Rúmil continued. "Well,
I am lonely, although it has taken much strength for me to admit it, even
to myself." He paused to glance up at Elrohir, and found himself startled
by the intensity of emotion he found in those gray eyes.  Inwardly, he
cursed himself for what he was about to do to the young elf...but he felt
he had no choice. He had to stop this situation before it got out of hand.

"I have met somebody, an elf who made me realize how empty my life had been
before I met him," sighed Rúmil, twisting his fingers nervously. "I have
feelings for another elf."

Elrohir's entire existence crashed around him, and his stomach dropped into
his knees as he swallowed the sob that formed in the back of his throat.
"Oh..." was all he said, his voice breaking with disappointment.

"But it is wrong," continued Rúmil, not daring to look up. "We cannot be
together, and my heart feels as if it is breaking into pieces." His
shoulders hunched even lower and he dropped his head into his hands. A hand
reached under his chin, raising his face to look at the young elf next to
him.

"As long as I am here, I will not let you be heartbroken," whispered
Elrohir, his eyes swimming with tears. He leaned forward and brushed the
softest of kisses upon the blonde's cheek.

"Please, Elrohir. Do not..." pleaded Rúmil, knowing that another kiss would
push him headlong into dangerous territory.

Elrohir kept his hand on Rúmil's cheek, letting one thumb graze over his
lips. "I know you do not care for me, Rúmil, but it hurts me to see you
suffering. Let me comfort you."

"No," said Rúmil, ducking away from the touch as he struggled to gather the
tiny bit of self-control he had left. "I cannot let you do that. Given my
charge to watch over you, it would not be appropriate." He saw the hurt and
disappointment reflected in Elrohir's brimming eyes, and his insides
lurched painfully. Giving the young elf's hand a gentle squeeze, he added,
"I am fortunate to have a friend who cares for me so much, but I must
confront these feelings on my own."

Elrohir smiled weakly, biting his lip to stop it from trembling.

"Come, Elrohir," said Rúmil as he stood, pulling the young elf to his feet.
"Let us head back home. It will be dark soon." Elrohir nodded silently and
fell in behind Rúmil as they followed the path back to the talon.

*

Elrohir spent the rest of the afternoon packing his things for the return
trip to Rivendell and trying to avoid Rúmil. What normally would have been
a time of playful banter and earnest conversation between the two had
evolved into a series of awkward silences and uneasy stares.

Mercifully, the day flew by, ending with a long visit with his grandfather
over dinner, and Elrohir welcomed the fast approach of bedtime.

By the time Elrohir had changed and readied himself for bed, Rúmil was
already asleep, his hands tucked sweetly under his chin. Elrohir found
himself moved at the sight of the blond resting so peacefully. He sat next
to him on the edge of his bed, careful not to disturb him. With a delicate
touch, he reached up and stroked the pale strands back from Rúmil's face.

"I would give anything to ease your pain, Meldir," whispered Elrohir to
himself. "and I would destroy any elf who dares to break your heart..." His
chin began to tremble as sobs welled up from deep inside, rolling through
him with rough shudders, causing the whole bed to shake.

Rúmil's eyes fluttered open, and he realized that Elrohir was crying. Still
half asleep, Rúmil sat up, leaning against the headboard, and pulled the
younger elf to him, wrapping him in a gentle embrace.
"Shhhh, Do not cry, Pen-neth," he murmured, stroking the dark head that lay
on his shoulder.

"I am the one who should be comforting you," snuffled Elrohir through his
tears.

"I need no comforting," Rúmil assured him. "I will be fine."

Elrohir lifted his head to look him in the eye, swiping at his tears with
the back of his hand. "You are lying to me," he said bluntly, slicing
through Rúmil's attempt to hide his feelings. "I felt your pain this
afternoon as strongly as if it were my own. This elf, whoever he is, hurt
you deeply."

Utterly stunned, Rúmil could only stare at the young elf as he continued to
speak. "All I want to do is ease your pain, Rúmil. Please. Let me do that
for you." Elrohir slid his arms around Rúmil's neck, entwining his fingers
in the blond locks, as he looked up at him through dark lashes.

"Please..." he whispered again, his breath ghosting Rúmil's lips as he
moved his face closer.

Every nerve in Rúmil screamed for him to stop, to put an end to this
foolishness before it could begin, and his heart pounded in his chest,
resounding his fear at what was about to happen, but he did not move.
Suddenly, soft lips touched his, sparking an eruption of passion that he
did not realize he felt for this young elf. He felt powerless against the
kiss.  Sensing no resistance, Elrohir followed the tentative kiss with
another and another, as his tongue gently slipped inside the other's mouth.
For Rúmil, everything else fell away. Nothing in Arda existed except the
warm, supple silkiness of those kisses and the crushing embrace that
accompanied them. He no longer cared about propriety or responsibility, or
Haldir, for that matter. In his arms lay the most wonderful elf he had ever
met, and that was all that mattered.

"Sweet Elbereth!" roared a voice from across the room. "What in the name of
all that is good and holy is going on here?"

Elrohir sprang up from the bed like a scalded cat, causing Rúmil's head to
hit the headboard with a thump. Both elves turned to see Haldir rushing
toward them, his eyes flashing with fury.

"It is my fault," cried Elrohir quickly, as he desperately backed away from
the charging elf. "I should not have kissed him."

Haldir grabbed Elrohir's arm roughly, yanking him back to his own cot. "It
does not matter who kissed whom. Rúmil allowed it to happen. Get your
pillow and blanket, and come with me. You are sleeping in my room
tonight," barked Haldir angrily.

Elrohir nodded silently as he stole a glance at Rúmil, who sat on the bed
in a pitiful crumple.

Once he deposited the elfling safely in his own room, Haldir thundered back
across the talan to deal with his brother.

"I specifically warned you just a few hours ago to leave him alone!"
bellowed Haldir at the shrinking figure on the bed. "Why was that so
difficult for you to do? Do you want to lose your position in the
Galadhrim?" Haldir raked his hands through his hair anxiously as he paced
back and forth in front of the bed. "He is Celeborn's grandson! Lord
Celeborn placed him in your care and trusted you to keep him safe. How
could you betray that trust? Of all the elves in Lorien for you to kiss,
why did it have to be him?!" Haldir stopped in his tracks and turned toward
a pathetic Rúmil, demanding an answer.

"I do not know how it happened, Haldir," said Rúmil. "I am truly sorry."

"Sorry?!" roared Haldir. "Is that all you can say for yourself? You may
well have cost both of us our positions in the guard, and all you can say
is that you are sorry?"
Haldir resumed his pacing, a worried frown fixed on his face.

"What would you have me say, brother?," replied Rúmil, exasperation lacing
his tone. "It was wrong, but it is done and I cannot change that. Elrohir
leaves tomorrow for Rivendell anyway." 

Haldir heaved an irritated sigh and walked back toward the bed. "I suppose
that is the one good thing about this situation. I pray that when Elrohir
leaves, he will take the knowledge of this encounter with him." 

"Elrohir is mature," said Rúmil. "He will not do anything to jeopardize
either of our positions. He is our friend."

"He is my friend," corrected Haldir. "Valar knows what he is to you, after
that kiss."

"Stop it Haldir," said Rúmil quietly. "It is over. Let us forget about it."

Haldir bent down to lean over his brother in a threatening manner. "It had
better be over," he hissed through clenched teeth. "I do not want to ever
hear of you and Elrohir having any kind of relationship." With one last
glare at his younger brother, Haldir turned and marched back to his room.

Rúmil leaned his head back against the headboard and squeezed his eyes shut
tightly. There was no denying it, no explaining it away as mere friendship,
no passing it off as brotherly affection any longer. It might as well be a
400-pound warg sitting on the edge of the bed, as obvious as it was. "Ai...
I have fallen in love with Elrohir..."

*

Several months had passed since Elrohir's stay in Lorien, and Rúmil missed
him more than he wanted to admit. Haldir forbade him to bid Elrohir goodbye
when he departed for Rivendell.

Rúmil grudgingly agreed that was probably for the best. He knew his thin
façade of disinterest would crumble if he had to gaze into those sparkling
gray eyes, and his inappropriate feelings for Elrohir would shine through.
Feelings he knew were wrong, given Elrohir's age and the fact that he was
Celeborn's grandson. Nevertheless, there they were, greeting him every
morning like an unwelcome visitor.

Although Haldir had been furious with him for weeks, his anger abated when
he realized Lord Celeborn was unaware of what had happened with his
grandson. Haldir's immaculate reputation remained unsullied.

Orophin burst through the door of the talon humming a happy tune, startling
Rúmil out of his quiet reflection. Smiling at his brother, Orophin asked,
"What are you doing Rúmil? Why are you not packing your bags? We leave for
Rivendell early tomorrow morning."

"I am not going to Rivendell," replied Rúmil quietly. The invitation to the
twins' coming of age ceremony had arrived weeks ago, and Haldir had
informed him in no uncertain terms that he was to stay in Lorien.

"What do you mean you are not going?" said Orophin with surprise. "You must
go. When I returned the reply card, I wrote that all three of us would be
attending, and Lord Elrond is expecting us. It would be rude for you to not
attend the ceremony."

"You WHAT?" cried Haldir from the other room. Racing in to stand in front
of his brothers, Haldir's face twitched with anger. "How could you do such
a thing?"

"The invitation was addressed to all of us," said Orophin simply. "I did
not know Rúmil would not want to attend." Slowly, Haldir remembered that
Orophin had no knowledge of what had happened between Rúmil and Elrohir. He
had been on duty that fateful night, and neither of his brothers had
mentioned the incident to him.

Haldir sighed bitterly and gave Rúmil a hard look. "Orophin is right. Your
absence would be noticed. It would be disrespectful for you to not attend
the ceremony since you are now expected."

Orophin glanced warily from brother to brother. "Am I missing something?"
he asked.

"No!" replied both of them simultaneously.

Orophin grinned at them. "Whatever you say. I will find out sooner or
later."

Rúmil rose and headed to his bedroom to begin packing, an odd lightness
beginning to fill his heart. Elrohir would be an adult in a few short days.
Rúmil smiled to himself as he pulled some tunics out of the closet. Perhaps
things were changing for the better.

**
The journey to Rivendell took several unpleasant days, filled with Haldir's
spoken warnings and unspoken threats. Rúmil grew weary of both.

As the towers of Imladris rose before them, Haldir turned his horse around,
stopping the other two riders in their paths. Fixing hard eyes on both of
his younger brothers, he issued one final warning. "I expect both of you to
be on your best behavior while we are here. Everything you do, good or bad,
reflects on me, and I will not have my reputation sullied. Is that clear?"
His stormy eyes dared either of them to defy him. Both brothers nodded
their agreement.

While Haldir spurred his steed onward, Orophin inclined his head toward
Rúmil. "What in the name of the Valar brought on that lecture?" he asked
incredulously. "Does he think we are so incapable of making wise decisions
that we will bring dishonor to ourselves?" Orophin snorted his resentment
to Haldir's speech and urged his horse forward.

Rúmil growled inwardly at the thought of spending another week with those
two. It was bad enough that Haldir distrusted him, but Orophin's attitude
was not making things any better.

Approaching hoof beats jarred Rúmil from his thoughts, and he whipped his
head around sharply.

"Ehtur!" he cried, raising his hand in greeting as a familiar elf drew
near.  "What a welcome sight you are." He smiled broadly at his friend, a
fellow Galadhrim, and offered a silent prayer of thanks at his arrival.

An out of breath Ehtur rode up along side the brothers, flashing his own
smile in return.
"Greetings, all!" he said warmly. "I rode quickly, hoping I would catch up
with you. I detest making entrances alone." Although similar in coloring to
Rúmil and his brothers, Ehtur possessed a kind of rugged appeal with his
broad shoulders and stocky frame, which was unusual for Lorien elves.

"Mae Govannen, Ehtur," said Haldir over his shoulder. True to his position
as March Warden, he smiled diplomatically and showed no trace of the
irritation he displayed just moments earlier. No need to pull a friend into
family issues. The four rode together, chatting pleasantly as they followed
the winding road through the valley up to Rivendell.

*

From his vantage point on the balcony, Glorfindel surveyed the approaching
group, identifying the distinctive gray uniforms of the Galadhrim. With a
smirk, he recognized the familiar form of Haldir, the infamously uptight
Guardian of the Golden Wood. He could not count the number of ugly
encounters he had with the young guard over the past century, all of them
directly related to Haldir's refusal to recognize Glorfindel's authority.
Despite the fact that he had been Lord Elrond's official seneschal and
representative to Lorien for centuries, Glorfindel still had to stop at a
thousand inane checkpoints, which he considered a huge waste of his
valuable time. He crossed his arms over his chest, letting the wind whip
his golden hair back in a swirl around him as his eyes narrowed in
contemplation. Before he left Rivendell, that young whelp would know
exactly who was in charge. A devious smile formed on his lips. This would
be fun.

"Elrohir! Elladan! A party from Lorien approaches," he called.

The twins rushed outside to join him on the balcony. Elrohir bent over the
railing, straining to catch a glimpse of the riders, his heart fluttering
in anticipation of seeing Rúmil. Although he felt a bit foolish for doing
so, he still cared deeply for the blond elf, and hoped for a chance to
spend time with him.

Glorfindel leaned back and flashed a teasing smile to Elladan behind the
twin's back. "It seems Elrohir is expecting someone. A friend perhaps?"

"I do not know, Glorfindel," replied Elladan with mock seriousness. "I hear
stories of a handsome soldier..."

Elrohir punched his twin hard on the shoulder. "Elladan, I asked you not to
tell anyone."

Elladan laughed and rubbed his shoulder. "Relax. I only told Glorfindel. He
can keep a secret."

Elrohir eagerly watched the riders approach and dismount in the courtyard
below. "There he is," he said excitedly, as he smoothed his robes. "How do
I look?" he asked standing as straight as he possibly could.

Glorfindel swept his eyes up and down his young charge in approval. "Very
handsome. As stunning as your father looked at your age." Both of the twins
looked unusually becoming, their matching gray formal robes setting off
their gray eyes, and their silver circlets nestled just so among ebony
braids. His heart swelled with pride as he thought about how gracefully
they had matured. And to think, Elrohir's first love stood just below them
in the courtyard. Reaching out to tuck a stray braid behind Elrohir's ear,
Glorfindel added, "Rúmil will be speechless."

*

Rúmil gladly handed the reigns of his horse to the waiting servant, who led
the tired animal toward the stables. Brushing the dust off of his uniform,
he looked around expectantly, his eyes scanning the elves who milled
through the gardens. Despite everything that had happened, he hoped that
Elrohir would come to greet him.

Ehtur sauntered up beside him and placed an arm over his friend's shoulder.
"Come Rúmil," he said with a smile. "Warm food and cold ale awaits us
inside."

Rúmil laughed in response and draped an arm around his waist. "Lead the
way, Ehtur."
Elrohir's heart dropped into his toes when he saw the handsome elf with his
arm around Rúmil.

*

That had to be him...the elf for whom Rúmil had feelings. Uttering a
muffled cry, Elrohir spun around and fled back inside. Glorfindel and
Elladan exchanged a concerned look before quickly following him down the
corridor.

"Elrohir, wait!" called Elladan, his voice echoing down the hallway after
the retreating figure.

"Slow down." Elladan broke into a run as he hurried to catch his brother.
Grabbing his shoulder, he turned him around forcefully as Glorfindel jogged
up behind them.
"Was that Rúmil?" asked Elladan.

Elrohir nodded silently as a tear began to slide down his cheek. He brushed
at it angrily, upset with himself for allowing it to fall.

"I am so sorry, Elrohir," said Elladan, as he pulled him into an embrace.
Glorfindel watched the twins quietly for a moment. "We must go and greet
our guests. They are expecting us."

"No," cried Elrohir, pushing his twin away. "I cannot see him. Not yet..."
He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand and squared his shoulders,
determined not to cry like some ill-tempered elfling. "I do not want him to
see me upset."

Reaching out to stroke his cheek, Glorfindel said, "I understand
completely.
Elladan and I will greet them without you. Come, Elladan."

Reluctantly, Elladan left his twin's side and followed Glorfindel down the
stairs to the courtyard outside.

Elrohir watched them walk away, the anguish he felt months ago bubbling up
anew. Rúmil did love another elf. It was time for him to accept that fact
and move on. He sighed deeply, determined to put Rúmil out of his thoughts
once and for all.

*

"Mae Govannen," called Glorfindel to the group of Galadhrim. "Welcome to
Imladris. The Lord of Rivendell extends his greetings."

The four elves turned to see Glorfindel and Elladan standing before them on
the stairs in the courtyard. Despite the fact they each had encountered
Glorfindel before in some form or fashion, none of them had seen him in his
full glory. He radiated confidence and authority from the top step, clothed
in formal blue robes with the intricate detailed embroidery befitting his
station, his golden hair draped about him like a mantle. At his side,
Elladan looked no less impressive, with his dark features and formidable
appearance belying his young age.

Haldir swallowed a groan of consternation. Seeing Glorfindel colored his
already foul mood one shade darker. He despised the way Glorfindel
arrogantly disregarded the checkpoints in Lothlorien as if such trifles
were beneath him, opting to ride straight through the forest until someone
forcibly made him stop. That someone was usually him. Nevertheless, Haldir
stepped forward to speak on behalf of the group, as he was accustomed to
doing, hiding his annoyance behind a smile. "Mae Govannen, Lord Glorfindel
and Master Elladan. We are honored to be your guests for this joyous
occasion."

Glorfindel studied Haldir with an interested gaze, noting the ease with
which he had assumed the leadership role for his group. The smile he had
planted on his face was almost good enough to fool Glorfindel into
believing he was happy to see him, if he hadn't known better. What a shame
that one so handsome and charming could be so pigheaded, thought Glorfindel
with wry amusement.

Elladan stood quietly while the little exchange between Haldir and
Glorfindel continued, and let his eyes fall on Rúmil. Without a doubt, he
possessed stunn
Elrohir had been drawn to him. Feeling the weight of Elladan's gaze, Rúmil
looked up to meet a condemning pair of gray eyes, cold and full of malice.
He flinched slightly and looked away, realizing that Elladan must hate him
for breaking his twin's heart. He could not blame him.

"If you all will follow me, I will escort you to your chambers," said
Glorfindel, as he turned back toward the main house. 

As the other elves climbed the stairs behind Glorfindel, Rúmil moved to
intercept Elladan. Touching him lightly on the shoulder, he politely said,
"Elladan, may I speak with you a moment?"

Elladan turned to face him with an icy expression. "Yes?" he said coolly.
He saw no reason to be pleasant .

Rúmil shifted awkwardly. "I am Rúmil. I think maybe Elrohir has mentioned
me..."

"I am well aware of who you are," snapped Elladan. Moving close to Rúmil,
he hissed angrily, "What I cannot understand is why you dared to attend
this ceremony with your lover. Have you no respect for Elrohir's feelings?"

"Lover?" gasped Rúmil in astonishment. "Ehtur is a friend."

"Did you not tell my brother of an elf for whom you had feelings?"

"Yes, but..."

"Is that not him?"

"No, Ehtur is a friend, as I said before."

"I see." said Elladan, his blazing eyes piercing holes into Rúmil.
"Whatever it is you call him, I strongly recommend you keep him away from
my brother. He does not deserve to see you flaunting your 'friend' around
Rivendell." With that comment, Elladan whirled around in a flurry of robes
and flew purposefully up the stairs.

Elladan might as well have kicked him in the stomach, Rúmil felt so
terrible. With a deep sigh, he trudged up the stairs to find his brothers.

*

Haldir was bored. Dinner was hours away, and the afternoon loomed before
him endlessly. Sauntering out in the hallway, he scanned up and down the
corridor, looking for some way to pass the afternoon. The Last Homely House
seemed to stretch for miles.  Surely something of interest lay hidden in
the endless maze of rooms. Roaming aimlessly, he turned down several
hallways before he eventually came to a large pair of ornately carved
wooden doors. He grasped the bronze handle of one and tugged, and the heavy
door swung open with a groan. A whoosh of musty air wafted out to greet him
as he looked up into the cavernous room. A library!

Not many things impressed Haldir, but this collection certainly did. Books,
scrolls, tapestries, maps and artifacts covered nearly every surface, from
floor to ceiling, giving the large room an almost cozy feel. Reading nooks
and tables dotted the edges of the room, inviting one to sit and peruse. On
the far wall, a huge tri-paneled bay window offered a spectacular view of
the gardens below, and Haldir casually strolled toward it.
"May I help you?" asked a voice from a chair behind him.

Haldir froze. Gritting his teeth, he turned slowly toward the elf in the
corner. Glorfindel sat comfortably sprawled in an overstuffed chair, his
long legs stretched out before him, his arms folded neatly over his chest.
On the small table beside him sat a half empty glass of wine.

"Glorfindel. How wonderful to see you again," said Haldir, his voice
dripping with sarcasm. "I can hardly believe I have the pleasure of seeing
you twice in one day."

"Are you lost? You do realize where you are...," said Glorfindel.

"I did not know anyone was in here."

"Really? The famed Watcher of the Golden Woods could not sense my presence?
The one who claims he can hear a dwarf breathe a mile away could not hear
me? Your skills must be slipping. Celeborn will be alarmed to hear that."

"This is not Lothlorien. I was not aware I needed to be on guard."

"One must always be on guard," murmured Glorfindel, leaning forward in his
chair to take a sip of wine. "What are you doing in here? I imagine
libraries do not exactly top your list of places to frequent, Haldir. You
seem to be more of the rustic type of elf. What is it they say...you can
take the elf out of the forest, but not the forest out of the elf?" He
replaced the glass on the side table and sank back into the chair, crossing
a leg over his knee.

Haldir bristled visibly. "Are you implying that I am uncivilized?
Unscholarly?"

"Well, if the shoe fits..." remarked Glorfindel with an impudent grin. 

"I will have you know that I am quite learned," spat Haldir hotly. "I
received nothing but top marks from my tutors."

"I am sure you did," said Glorfindel, with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Does Lord Elrond know that you are roaming the hallways unescorted?"

"I did not know I needed an escort." Haldir glowered at the seneschal.

"Well, of course you do, Haldir," teased Glorfindel. "One never knows what
may be around the next corner: wizards, dwarves, dragons, balrogs..."

"Aggravating balrog slayers," interjected Haldir.

Glorfindel chuckled at that remark. "On occasion... Maybe it would be
better for you to return to your rooms. I would hate for you to encounter
any trouble from some of Rivendell's more base inhabitants. Not everyone is
as tolerant of intrusions as I am."

Haldir delivered Glorfindel his most withering look before he turned to
leave. "Always a delight to chat with you, Glorfindel" he said over his
shoulder as he left the room.

"I look forward to seeing you at dinner tonight, Haldir. Should I save you
a seat?" 
Glorfindel called to the retreating figure. He laughed softly to himself as
he watched the young guard trot away in a huff.

*

At the appointed hour, Rúmil and Ehtur met in the hallway to walk to
dinner.  As they entered the dining hall, Rúmil scanned the crowd
nervously. Elrohir stood with his twin at the head table, chatting
confidently with Erestor. He looked even more stunning than he had months
ago in Lorien, if that was possible. The deep crimson robes he wore set off
the faint highlights in his dark hair and cast a rosy glow on his pale
cheeks. Rúmil could not help but stare. His eyes lit up, sparkling with
anticipation.

"Rúmil, sit here," said Ehtur, as he patted a chair beside him.
Hearing Rúmil's name, Elrohir turned, looking him full in the face. The
young elf cast a heartrending gaze at him before he moved his sad eyes back
to Erestor.  Rúmil's heart plummeted.

Slowly, he dropped into the chair next to Ehtur. He had hoped to speak with
Elrohir, but obviously, he wanted nothing to do with him.

Noticing his friend's distraught face, Ehtur asked, "What is the matter?
This is a celebration. You should be enjoying yourself."

Rúmil said nothing, but dropped his head to hide the tears that pricked at
the corner of his eyes. He really thought he had his emotions in check, but
one look from Elrohir sent them rocketing out of control.

Ehtur's eyes searched Rúmil's face before glancing over at the head table.
"You are in love. And it is one of the twins."

Rúmil gave his friend a horrified look. "No, I am not in love, and
certainly not with one of Lord Elrond's sons," he said, as his face flushed
with embarrassment. 

A slow understanding dawned on Ehtur and he slid his chair closer to his
friend. "I am right, aren't I? Do not lie to me Rúmil."

Rúmil's face could no longer hide his emotions, and it twisted into a
trembling mess as he tried valiantly to stop tears from escaping his
brimming eyes. "Please do not tell anyone, Ehtur. Especially not Haldir. I
promised to stay away from Elrohir, and besides, he wants nothing to do
with me..." Rúmil's voice grew faint as he glanced back over at the young
elf.

Ehtur draped a soothing arm around his friend in a supportive hug. "I will
not tell anyone, Rúmil. I promise."

*

"Hurry, Orophin. We are already late for dinner," barked Haldir as they
rounded the corner into the dining hall. As March Warden, he was expected
to be prompt, not dragging in late at the last minute. He silently fumed as
he stood with his brother at the edge of the dining hall, his eyes
searching for Rúmil. After a moment, he spotted his brother, seated at the
same table as - oh no. Glorfindel. Could this day get any worse? He sighed
heavily as he trudged over to claim the seat next to Ehtur.

At the far end of the table, Glorfindel held court, launching into a
glorious rendition of one of his adventures from the first age. A small
group of rapt listeners hung on his every word, laughing at all the right
places. Even Haldir had to admit that Glorfindel spun stories well, and he
looked to be truly in his element as his animated gestures flew wildly.
Haldir propped his head on his hand and looked down the long table at him,
somewhat jealous of the seneschal's ability to command such an audience.
"If they knew him like I do, they would not find him so likable," thought
Haldir bitterly.

All at once, Glorfindel paused in his story and caught Haldir's gaze. "Come
down here and join us Haldir," he called out pleasantly. "There is plenty
of room." Several of the elves moved their chairs in an effort to show him
that there was indeed plenty of room.

Haldir blanched. "Thank you for the offer, but I am quite happy sitting
here with my brothers."

"As you wish," replied Glorfindel, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief.
He knew very well that Haldir would refuse his invitation, and he
personally cared not if he accepted it, but the look on the young guard's
face when he asked was priceless. Glorfindel suppressed a chuckle before he
continued with his story.

"Why did you refuse Glorfindel's offer to join him?" asked Orophin. "It
might have been fun."

"Fun?" said Haldir. "Would you call listening to an ancient, decrepit elf
tell exaggerated half-truths about long forgotten events, fun?"

"Well, yes," said Orophin. "More fun than sitting here with you. And I
certainly would not call Glorfindel decrepit. He is radiant and quite
charming. Just look at him, Haldir."

Haldir took another glance at the end of the table before he turned back to
his brother. "If you think he is so wonderful, you go join him."

"I think I shall," replied Orophin. Much to Haldir's dismay, Orophin
strolled down to the end of the table and found a spot right in the center
of the group.

Not even missing a beat, Glorfindel tossed Haldir a naughty wink as he
continued to tell his tale.

Haldir frowned and looked at Ehtur. "Can you believe his arrogance?" Ehtur
just smiled and patted Rúmil's leg supportively.

*

Somehow, Rúmil survived dinner, managing to choke down some of the food the
servants placed in front of him despite his knotted stomach. Afterward,
Ehtur, Orophin and Haldir all retreated to their chambers, but Rúmil felt
restless, deciding instead on a walk in the gardens. Flowering trees and
shrubs blossomed all around him as he followed the winding path around to a
secluded spot in the far corner of the garden. He sat down on the small
bench and leaned back on his hands, gazing up at the starry sky with
soulful eyes.
"Why so sad, my young friend?" asked a voice in front of him.

Rúmil lowered his gaze to find Lord Elrond himself standing before him,
looking every bit as regal as he remembered. Immediately, Rúmil jumped to
his feet and bowed his head in greeting. "Good Evening, Lord Elrond. I was
enjoying the solitude of your lovely gardens. I hope you do not mind."

"Of course I do not mind," said Elrond with a smile. "I designed the
gardens for that exact purpose. I wonder, Rúmil, what elf has you in such a
state of distress?"

Rúmil's eyes grew wide in surprise. "How did you know?" he blurted before
he realized to whom he spoke. Of course Elrond sensed his discomfort. He,
like Elrohir, had been blessed with extraordinary perception.

Elrond smiled calmly. "The grief in your broken heart displays itself in
every gesture you make, every sound you utter. It wants to be seen so it
may be healed."

"It will heal in time," replied Rúmil.

"Aye," conceded Elrond. "But it will mend more quickly if you acknowledge
the pain you feel and allow others to help you. Would you like to discuss
it?"

"I am in love with an elf I cannot have," admitted Rúmil, dropping his gaze
to the ground. "My feelings for him are inappropriate."

"Why?" asked Elrond with curiosity. "Is this elf bound to another?"

"No," said Rúmil. "But his family would not approve of me, and Haldir
opposes our relationship as well."

Elrond raised his hand to his chin in thought. "Is he over the age of
majority?"

"Yes, well...almost," said Rúmil, wondering where exactly Elrond was
heading with his questions.

"Then it seems to me that the decision of whom to love lies with you and
the elf in question, not his family...or yours."

Rúmil blinked once or twice at Elrond as the wise elf's point slowly sunk
in. But there was one more thing he had to know. Rúmil took a deep breath
and plunged into his question. "And what if I said this elf was Elrohir?
How would you respond?" Rúmil's pulse sprinted through him in anticipation
of Elrond's answer.

The two elves stared at each other for what seemed like a millennia, the
weight of the question hanging heavily between them.

"I would say that you have excellent taste," said Elrond softly, a gentle
smile spreading across his face.

Relief and shock shone equally on Rúmil's face as he let go of a breath he
had not been aware he held. "So...you would approve of our relationship? I
have your permission to court Elrohir?"

"After tomorrow, Elrohir will be an adult and capable of choosing his own
partners. It will be up to him to decide whom to love. You do not need my
permission to court him, but you do have my blessing."


**
The morning dawned bright and glorious, almost as if Arien knew that day
was special. Imaldris buzzed with activity as servants and staff busied
themselves with preparations for the ceremony later that day.

"'Rise and shine!" sang Erestor as he flung open the drapes in the twins'
room, eliciting groans from both Elladan and Elrohir. "Why are you
groaning?" he asked in all seriousness. "Today is your big day and I knew
you would not want to miss a minute of it. Besides, you have already slept
away half of the morning." Elladan stretched long in his bed, stifling a
yawn. Elrohir threw his pillow over his head and tried to burrow further
beneath the covers.  Grinning at the two young elves, Erestor headed to the
large closet to select the appropriate robes for the ceremony.

On the other end of the Last Homely House, Rúmil stood on the balcony of
his guest room, noting that the morning had a particular vivacity about it.
He closed his eyes with contentment and smiled, inhaling the perfumed
fragrance of the flowers that bloomed in the garden just below.

"Good morning, Rúmil," said Haldir as he joined his brother on the balcony,
his hands cradling a cup of hot tea. "You look remarkably cheerful this
morning. Did you sleep well?" Rúmil did look happy. Unusually happy
compared to how miserable he had looked the night before.

Rúmil flashed his brother a wide smile. "I did sleep well. Better than I
have slept in months."

"That is terrific. To what do you attribute your good night's rest?"

"Ahhh. Good company, excellent food, peace of mind, love..."

"Love?" asked Haldir warily. "Oh Rúmil. You do not mean..."

"Yes, Haldir. Love. I am in love with Elrohir, and I am through denying it.
In fact, I told hisfather last night."

"What?" said Haldir, nearly dropping his cup. "You told Elrond? Are you
mad?" His face paled three shades of white as he contemplated Elrond's
reaction to that bit of news. 

"Elrond gave me his blessing, and as soon as possible, I plan to tell
Elrohir of my love for him."

Haldir stared at Rúmil as if he had sprouted a second head. "You cannot
mean that. He is Lord Celeborn's grandson."

"What does that matter? Celeborn does not choose Elrohir's partners," said
Rúmil, becoming irritated.

"No, but he is our commander. Can you imagine the gossip among the
Galadhrim? What will they say?"

Rúmil confronted his brother angrily. "I care not what they say, Haldir.
You are the one who cares, and quite frankly, that is your problem." With a
toss of his head, Rúmil stormed off of the balcony, slamming the door
behind him.

Haldir stood rooted to his spot, dumbfounded at what had just transpired.
His brother was in love with Celeborn's grandson. He would be the
laughingstock of the Galadhrim once that information got out.

*

"Please. Can they not wait until they return to their chambers?" Elladan
had wondered aloud to Erestor the previous evening. Watching Ehtur
practically climb into Rúmil's lap at dinner had made his blood boil with
anger, and this morning, he was primed for a confrontation. Elladan spied
Ehtur sitting at the end of one of the long tables in the dining hall,
noisily slurping his breakfast of strawberries and cream out of an
oversized bowl. He wrinkled his nose briefly, disgusted at the Galadhel's
lack of table manners - one would think someone his age would know how to
eat in public- before honing in on his target like an arrow to an orc. With
purposeful strides, he quickly crossed the dining hall and deposited
himself in the chair next to Ehtur.

"Suilad, friend," said Elladan with a passably pleasant smile.

Ehtur wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his uniform and returned the
greeting, eliciting a stifled harrumph from Elladan. Surely one as fair as
Rúmil could not be attracted to a clod of this magnitude, he thought,
although he had heard of stranger infatuations.

"So, Ehtur, how long have you been sleeping with Rúmil?" asked Elladan
bluntly. No need for subtlety after last night's public display of
affection at dinner.

Ehtur choked on a strawberry and erupted in a fit of coughing, which
continued until Elladan rapped him on the back. Hard. "I beg your pardon?"
Ehtur asked in astonishment, once he regained his breath.

"You heard me. How long have you and Rúmil been bed-mates?" Elladan raised
his eyebrows as if he actually expected a response to his appallingly
personal inquiry.

"Why in Arda would you ask such a question? Rúmil and I are just friends.
We have never dated, nor do we intend to do so." Ehtur appeared offended by
Elladan's question, which in turn, lead to another question.

"If he is not with you, then whom does he love? He specifically told
Elrohir he was in love."

"He asked me not to tell anyone, so forgive me if I do not respond." Ehtur
rapidly discovered he cared little for this conversation and even less for
the elf who had initiated it.

"But I have to know," demanded Elladan, leaning over the table to place his
face just a few inches from Ehtur's furrowed brow.

"Why?" Ehtur countered, his eyes narrowed at the petulant elf in front of
him.

"Because my brother loves him terribly, and I need to know why Rúmil does
not return his affections," blurted Elladan in a rush of words.

Emotions pulled poor Ehtur in two different directions. On the one hand lay
his sworn word to Rúmil just last night that he would tell no one of his
love for Elrohir. On the other hand lay irrefutable confirmation that
Elrohir felt the same way about Rúmil. Betray his friend and become a
matchmaker, or keep the secret and let his friend suffer? Ehtur chose the
former. "It is Elrohir. Rúmil is in love with your brother."

Elladan plunked back down in his chair with a satisfied smile. "We have to
get them together. They must speak as soon as possible"

"I agree," said Ehtur. "But how? When? Elrohir will have a thousand things
to do today, of all days."

"After the ceremony!" said Elladan with a burst of inspiration. "I will
give you a key to our rooms, and you get Rúmil back there once we have
completed the ceremony. I will handle my brother." He curled his lips into
a devious smile as he handed Ehtur a small brass key.

*

Once again, Haldir found himself standing before the massive doors to the
library. A series of random turns inside the Last Homely House led him to
nothing of appeal, so out of boredom, he wound up there. At least he could
find a good book. He tugged the doors open and walked inside, searching the
room for any other elves. Before he could complete his scan, however, an
all-too-familiar voice grated from the rear of the room. 

"Back again, I see. Did you not see enough of me yesterday?"

Haldir cursed under his breath. "Glorfindel. I did not think you would be
here."

"Honestly? You did not ?" asked Glorfindel in mock seriousness. He sat in
exactly the same chair as he had the day before, with his long legs crossed
in front of him and an open book propped in his lap. "You come to the same
place at the same time as you saw me yesterday, and you do not think you
will see me again? Really, Haldir. I expected a better excuse than that."

"I assure you it is a simple coincidence."

"I do not believe in coincidence. All things happen for a reason and a
purpose. You came here for a reason, and that reason was to find me."
Glorfindel closed his book with a snap and leaned forward in his chair, his
lips forming a wicked smirk.

"You are the last elf I want to see, today of all days," snarled Haldir as
he turned on his heels and walked briskly to the window.

"Today of all days," repeated Glorfindel dramatically. "Today is a
celebration, Haldir. An occasion for joy. Why do I sense you are not
feeling particularly festive?"

"Because my fool of a brother teeters on the brink of an insane act that
will bring shame to both of us," replied Haldir before he realized he had
probably said too much.

Glorfindel carefully placed his book on the table next to his chair and
rose, his tall frame moving gracefully as he walked toward Haldir. He
stopped a few feet away to study the young Galadhel's thoughtful reflection
in the windowpane.

Haldir did not turn around, but continued to gaze out the window with
unseeing eyes, his thoughts focused on Rúmil's impending doom and the fact
that his brother would most likely pull his reputation down as well.

"I assume this foolishness has to do with Rúmil's love for Elrohir."

Haldir's eyes flew up to meet those of Glorfindel, reflected in the window
before him. He whipped his head around sharply to stare at the seneschal
with disbelief.  "You know?"

"Not until just now," admitted Glorfindel. "But I had my suspicions. We
have all been a fool for love at some point in our lives, have we not?"
"No," said Haldir firmly. "At least not to this extent. Can he not see what
he is doing? He is out of control."

"Love causes one to lose control. It is the very nature of that emotion,"
replied Glorfindel, taking a step closer to Haldir. "Do you mean to tell
me, Haldir, that you have never been out of control? You have never lost
yourself completely to another elf? Given yourself over to a passion that
consumes you?"

Suddenly, Haldir felt uneasy. Glorfindel stood entirely too close to him,
wearing an expression of bemused tolerance. With long elegant fingers,
Glorfindel swept his unbraided hair over one shoulder and cast a
questioning gaze at the young guard. Haldir squirmed slightly under the
weight of Glorfindel's intense blue eyes, and felt his cheeks burn with an
unusual heat. Desire crackled unspoken through him like threads of
lightning on a warm spring night, and he realized to his utter dismay that
he found Glorfindel quite alluring. Why did he find such a vain and
manipulative elf desirable? Even the thought of being attracted to him sent
unruly panic coursing through him. No matter what, he could not let
Glorfindel find out.

"Love should not devour you like some wild animal. It should not drive you
mad or cause you to come undone," said Haldir, pushing himself against the
window in an effort to back away from the slowly advancing seneschal.

Glorfindel chuckled at the sight of a nervous Haldir pinned against the
window, twitching like a cornered squirrel. He took yet another step
forward, stopping just inches from the young guard. His elegant fingers
reached out and grasped Haldir's bicep, while his blue eyes held him with a
knowing stare. "Then you have never really experienced love, Haldir. For
once you have it, you will do anything to keep it, even giving yourself
over to madness if necessary."

Haldir flushed brightly and shrugged out of Glorfindel's grasp, rapidly
moving away from the window. "If that is what you call love, then I have no
desire to experience it," he sputtered. Spying the door, he began to move
toward it quickly. He needed to get some air.

Glorfindel pivoted to face him, crossing his arms and leaning back against
the window with dancing eyes. "Before you leave, let me remind you of my
earlier warning about roaming the halls unescorted."

Haldir halted in his tracks, trying to remember what exactly he had said.

"Should I catch you wandering about again without an escort, I will be
forced to take drastic measures. For your own safety, of course," said
Glorfindel, trying in vain to look serious as he bit back a smile.

"I am perfectly capable of defending myself," retorted an annoyed Haldir as
he opened the door to leave.
"Perhaps. One never knows what sort of creature lurks in Imaldris, my young
friend. Do be careful."

Haldir swept from the room in a rush, not bothering to respond to the
warning. Glorfindel leaned his head back against the windowpane and closed
his eyes, chuckling softly to himself. He was beginning to enjoy these
little encounters, and he suspected Haldir did as well…if he would admit it
to himself.

*

According to friends and well-wishers, the ceremony was beautiful, poignant
and touching, though Elrohir remembered little to none of it himself. The
whole thing sped by in a blur trumpets and speeches and prayers, followed
by thundering applause, showered on him for no other reason than managing
to survive his childhood without disgracing himself or his family. Come to
think of it, maybe that was reason enough for congratulations, especially
given the fact that he was wont to humiliate himself on a regular basis
these days.

Elrohir did remember one particular part of the ceremony with wrenching
clarity. As he rose and faced the audience following his father's prayer of
blessing, he accidentally locked eyes with Rúmil. The tragic mixture of
love and sadness reflected in those eyes imprisoned Elrohir, causing him to
completely miss Erestor's frantic signal to proceed back up the aisle. In
fact, he stood transfixed like a snake charmed by a reed player until a
sharp jab in the ribs from his father jolted him back to reality. Now he
stood surrounded by a pack of eldar intent on revisiting his every
childhood indiscretion. He sighed deeply, thankful that the day was almost
over.

Rúmil's breath had caught in his chest at his first glimpse of Elrohir that
evening. Never before had he seen the young prince look so regal or so
confident. With a strong commanding voice, Elrohir spoke to the crowd,
repeating the charge set before him by his father, and stating his vision
for the future. Rúmil felt as if his heart literally was being torn into
pieces, he ached so badly for Elrohir. And, to top it off, Elrohir had
caught him staring, returning a look that was fraught with hurt and
disappointment. With rising panic, Rúmil began to reconsider talking with
Elrohir about his feelings. After all Elrohir was a prince and he was but a
soldier. Perhaps he was being foolish, as Haldir suggested.

"Rúmil," said Ehtur, bringing his thoughts back around to the present. "I
have something I need to show you. Come with me." Puzzled, Rúmil followed
his friend out of the great hall, back toward the living quarters. He
wondered to himself what could be so important that Ehtur should drag him
out of the celebration.

*

Elladan fought his way through a mass of hugs and tears over to where his
brother stood, surrounded by yet another throng of elves. "Pardon us,
please" he said as he plucked his brother out of the crowd. "Erestor asked
us to meet him in the kitchen for a moment." 
The sea of faces parted dutifully to let the twins pass through relatively
unscathed.
Once they reached the kitchen, Elrohir gave his twin a questioning look.
Although he was thrilled to be out of the jostling crowd, he wondered why
Erestor would ask them to leave their own reception. One look at Elladan's
coy grin, and Elrohir knew he was up to something.

"What is going on, Elladan?" he asked warily as he backed away, looking
around for an escape route. Deep down in the seat of his soul, Elrohir knew
Elladan was going to force him to do something he did not want to do. And
he had a vague suspicion that it involved Rúmil.

Seeing the wild-eyed look on his brother's face, Elladan grabbed Elrohir's
elbows roughly and snatched his twin out the back door without saying a
word. Better to keep him in the dark than have him bolt for the hills at
the mention of Rúmil's name.

"Elladan?" he asked, alarm starting to tinge his voice. "Our guests will
worry. Ada will come looking for me..." Elrohir's mind raced crazily,
throwing out any excuse he could think of to get his brother to stop
hauling him away.

"Relax, Elrohir. I am simply taking you to see the lovely gift Ada has for
us," lied Elladan.

"Ada has already given us a gift," replied Elrohir frantically.

"Well, we have another one," barked Elladan in frustration. Damn his
brother for being so logical.

As they neared their chambers, Elrohir dug in his heels and tried to grab
at the columns in the hallway, desperately trying to slow his brother down.

Rolling his eyes dramatically, Elladan lowered his shoulder and pushed his
twin down the hall. "Really, Elrohir. You would think I was dragging you to
your death."

"You aren't?" said Elrohir, half crazed with panic. He now knew beyond a
shadow of a doubt that what was waiting for him in their room was a fate
far worse than death:
Rúmil. Seeing him now would be like ripping a bandage off of a freshly
scabbed wound.

Elladan kicked open the door to their chambers and shoved Elrohir inside,
pulling the door shut and locking it behind him. Sure enough, Rúmil stood
at the far end of the room, an apprehensive smile planted on his face.
Elrohir immediately turned and began twisting the rigid doorknob madly. 

"Elladan!"

A sudden scalding touch to his shoulder nearly caused him to leap out of
his skin. Whirling around, he found himself mere inches away from a very
hesitant Rúmil.  Elrohir crossed his arms over his chest defensively,
determined not to let Rúmil see he still cared for him.

"I wanted to talk to you..." began Rúmil tentatively.

"Then talk, Rúmil. I cannot stop you," replied Elrohir. He couldn't imagine
what there was left to say.

"I care for you, Elrohir. In fact, I think I am in love with you." Rúmil
gazed hopefully at Elrohir, trying to gage the expression on the young
elf's face.

Elrohir couldn't have been more stunned if Elbereth herself had appeared in
his room to answer his prayers. He blinked hard. Then, without warning,
Elrohir placed both hands on Rúmil's chest and shoved him as hard as he
could.

A dumbfounded Rúmil hit the floor and skidded inelegantly for several feet,
before hitting the side of the bed. That was not exactly the reaction he
had hoped for.

"How dare you!" seethed Elrohir. "First you push me away, watch me suffer
and cry over you, and now you say that you love me?" He clinched his fists
at his sides in anger.

"I had no choice but to discourage to you," said Rúmil. "You were underage,
your grandfather placed you in my care while in Lothlorien, and it was
horribly wrong for me to care for you. And you...your kisses and hugs
proved too difficult for me to withstand. I had to tell you something to
drive you away from me, and even that did not help. If Haldir had not found
us kissing that night, I do not know what would have happened. I am not
sure I could have resisted you."

Elrohir pondered that revelation for a moment. "Why are you telling me
this?  Do you expect me to just overlook everything that you have done to
hurt me over the past several months? For Elbereth's sake, Rúmil...you
brought your lover to my Coming of Age ceremony." Hurt mingled with anger
washed anew over Elrohir, and he squeezed his eyes shut tightly to prevent
his brimming eyes from overflowing.

Rúmil picked himself off of the floor and straightened his uniform. "Ehtur
and I are just friends, Elrohir. You are the only elf I care for. I swear
to you that is the truth," he said, his earnest voice pleading with Elrohir
to believe him as he walked slowly toward him. "Back in Lothlorien, when I
said I was in love with an elf...that elf was you."

Elrohir did not know what to believe. He certainly wanted to trust the
gorgeous elf standing before him, but after all of the pain and misery of
the past few days, his heart tightened with resistance. "I do not know if I
can take any more of this, Rúmil," Elrohir said softly, his voice breaking
with conflicting emotions.

Rúmil took Elrohir's trembling face in both hands, cradling it gently as he
spoke. "I know that I broke your heart, and I clearly do not deserve you.
But I love you."
Tear-soaked eyelashes fluttered open to reveal gray eyes that locked onto
Rúmil's blue ones with an honest intensity that stirred his soul. Every
fiber within him ached for that incredible young elf, and he leaned
forward, his face just close enough to feel the other's breath on his lips.
Rúmil's thumbs traced slow circles on Elrohir's cheeks as he whispered once
more, "Elrohir, I love you." Finally, as his nerves howled with
anticipation, he softly touched his lips to Elrohir's. Rúmil couldn't think
of anything but the languid silky warmth of the kiss, their tongues
tenderly dancing together. Any sense of time and place left him, and the
moment consumed him entirely.  Elrohir slid timid hands around Rúmil's
waist, pulling their bodies into full contact as the kiss impossibly
deepened. When the need for air finally forced the end of the kiss, Rúmil
nuzzled Elrohir's cheek playfully. "You stole my breath away, Melethron,"
he purred into a delicately pointed ear.

Elrohir ducked his head to look up at Rúmil, his silver eyes glowing. "You
do not know how long I have waited to hear those words, Rúmil. I have loved
you since the day I arrived in Lorien. I just never dreamed that you would
feel the same for me." Rúmil soared as if on the back of a falcon, feeling
lighter than the air itself as he pulled Elrohir into a tight embrace.

A sudden knock on the door sent both elves jumping back frantically in
surprise. 

"I am coming in. Make yourselves presentable," teased Elladan as he peeked
in through the partially open door.

"Come in, Elladan," said Elrohir, laughing at his twin's comment as he
reached for Rúmil's hand.

"I see you have solved your differences," said Elladan, noticing the
clasped hands. "I am sorry I cannot give you more privacy, but I had to get
away from the crowd ..."

"And you are nosy," replied Elrohir.

"Well, yes," admitted Elladan with a grin.

"Would you mind leaving for a little while longer? There are a few other
things we need to discuss," said Elrohir, blushing as he smiled at Rúmil.

"I would be happy to, but there is no where for me to go. All of the
guestrooms are taken and the public rooms are full of elves."

Elrohir frowned and looked at Rúmil for a suggestion. "Could we go to your
rooms?" he asked.

Rúmil shrugged. "We could, but I am sharing a room with Haldir. If he were
to see us together, his head would explode."

"Leave Haldir to me," echoed a voice just outside the door. All three elves
turned suddenly to see Glorfindel propped lazily against the doorframe.

"But...you hate Haldir," said Elladan incredulously.

Glorfindel chuckled in response. "I do not hate Haldir. I..."

"Detest him?" offered Elrohir.

"Abhor him!" countered Elladan.

"No," laughed Glorfindel, his eyes twinkling with impishness. "I do not
dislike him. We just disagree on some rather important issues. Perhaps if
we talked this evening, we could improve our relationship."

Rúmil cast Glorfindel a cynical look. "I seriously doubt that Haldir will
agree to spend his evening chatting with you."

"Then I will not give him a choice," replied Glorfindel matter-of-factly.
"Give me an hour to make some plans, and then you will have the room to
yourselves tonight."

Elrohir smiled at his tutor sweetly. "I cannot believe you would sacrifice
an evening so that I may spend time with Rúmil. I appreciate that so much,
Glorfindel."

"Tis nothing," Glorfindel said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "I
would never stand in the way of true love, even if it means playing chess
with a mulish Marchwarden."

With a wink at Elrohir, Glorfindel turned and sauntered up the hallway,
humming a tune under his breath.

Rúmil gave Elrohir a quick kiss and headed for the door. "Meet me in my
chambers in an hour," he cried excitedly.

* *

Haldir walked in a large circle in the hallway before the entrance to the
library. The festivities had ended over an hour ago, but he could not face
returning to his empty rooms to ponder exactly what his misguided brother
might be doing. So, he found himself in front of the library doors, knowing
precisely who waited for him inside, yet unwilling to leave. Would it
really be so unpleasant to exchange witty barbs with Glorfindel for a few
hours? It would keep his mind off of Rúmil and his rash decision to pursue
Elrohir.
As Haldir continued fighting with himself in the corridor, the door creaked
open just a fraction of an inch.
"Do you plan to come in, or would you prefer to wear a circular groove in
the hallway?"
Haldir stopped in his tracks and looked at the open door with a sigh. He
might as well go in.
He pulled the door open and stepped inside, where he saw a very casual
Glorfindel assess him with half-lidded indifference. He had never seen
Glorfindel in such a relaxed state, wearing a loose tunic with an open
collar over a pair of simple gray leggings and slippers, his golden hair
hanging in long waves down his back.
"I had begun to wonder if you were coming," Glorfindel said as he closed
the door behind him. To Haldir's horror, he watched as the seneschal pulled
a key from a long chain around his neck and locked the door behind him,
dropping the key back underneath his tunic.
"What are you doing?" said Haldir, suddenly terrified at the thought of
being locked in a room with his adversary. "Do you mean to keep me here?"
Panic slowly crawled up his spine. He looked around for another exit from
the room.
"I warned you, Haldir, that I would take drastic measures if I caught you
wandering the halls without an escort, did I not? It seems the only way to
keep you from roaming about is to lock you up." Glorfindel crossed his arms
over his chest and managed to look quite serious.
"This is outrageous! You do not have the authority to keep me here," cried
Haldir indignantly.
"Oh, but I do," replied Glorfindel with a wry smile. "This is Rivendell,
not Lothlorien, my dear March Warden."
"When I tell Lord Elrond about your reprehensible treatment of me, he will
be appalled," sniffed Haldir coolly.
"Shall I tell him of your desire to roam the hallways of his home
unescorted, despite repeated warnings? I think he should find that terribly
displeasing as well."
Haldir's stomach lurched with stress at the thought of angering Lord
Elrond.
He stood
mutely, with a disbelieving look on his face.

"Speechless Haldir?" mocked Glorfindel. "Now that is a first." With long
sure strides, Glorfindel crossed the large room to a door on the other
side. "Follow me.
We have a
long evening before us."

For a lingering moment, Haldir remained rooted to the floor helplessly,
torn between staying by himself in the dark library or following that
infernal seneschal.  Not knowing what else to do, Haldir trudged along
behind Glorfindel. As he walked through the rear door, he realized with a
start that he had entered Glorfindel's private chambers. Just like the
elegant seneschal, the rooms reflected tasteful refinement, with none of
the gaudy trappings so often found in those of other ranking officers. The
massive bed with small tables on each side took up most of the room, with a
dresser and wardrobe pushed up against the near wall. On the far wall, a
fireplace sat empty, save a few scattered ashes from the previous night. To
the right, a picture window allowed for a perfect view of the river valley.
A small table complete with a chessboard and two chairs sat just in front
of it.
Glorfindel gestured toward the chessboard as he walked over to retrieve a
bottle of wine and two glasses from one of the side tables. Haldir slumped
into the near chair, sprawling a long leg out to one side, and rested his
chin on his hand. Cautiously, he glanced over at Glorfindel, who bent over
with his back to him to retrieve another wine glass from the cabinet under
the table. Glorfindel's muscular thighs rippled and flexed as he knelt, and
Haldir found himself riveted, unable to look away. The oil lamp on the
table in front of Glorfindel shone its light through the thin fabric of his
tunic, highlighting his toned shape and the ripe curve of his buttocks.
"I took the liberty of pouring you a glass...." said Glorfindel as he
turned around with two glasses of wine. His voice faded as he noticed with
interest that Haldir had been blatantly staring at his rear end. So, young
Haldir found him attractive. The evening suddenly became much more
promising.
Instantly, Haldir's eyes snapped up to Glorfindel's face, which reflected
surprised humor.
If Glorfindel teased him about this, he would simply die of shame, and his
face burned hotly at that thought. To Haldir's utter amazement, Glorfindel
chose to ignore his ogling, and merely smiled at him as he crossed the
room. He placed a glass of wine on the table in front of Haldir before
sitting in the chair opposite him.
"Would you enjoy a game of chess, or would you prefer to engage in some
other type of activity to while away the evening?" asked Glorfindel as he
sipped his wine with feigned innocence.
Haldir raised his glass and sniffed at it unenthusiastically. "I find
neither of those options particularly appealing," he replied.
"Oh come now," laughed Glorfindel. "I know you have enjoyed our verbal
sparring nearly as much as I have. Why else would you have sought me out on
three separate occasions?"
"As I told you before, I found you purely by accident, and not as a part of
some grand scheme as you suggest." Haldir took a tentative sip of wine
before wrinkling his nose and setting the glass down.
"Then I must have been mistaken, and that is a pity," said Glorfindel,
leaning back in his chair to study the young guardian across from him. "It
is not often that I find such a worthy adversary, especially not one whose
beauty matches his wit."
Haldir shifted in his chair uncomfortably. "Why am I really here,
Glorfindel?" he asked, trying to mask his growing distress underneath a
haughty tone. "Surely you do not regularly invite your prisoners back to
your private rooms."
"No, I do not," he responded. "Actually, I am doing a favor for Elrohir,
allowing him and Rúmil some private time without you meddling in their
affairs. I told him I would keep you busy tonight. So, Guardian of the
Golden Woods, make yourself comfortable, for you shall be here for a
while."
Haldir erupted. "I should have known you would not stop them! Rúmil is
going to ruin his career over a misguided romance and become a joke to the
rest of the Galadhrim. This is madness."
Glorfindel looked at Haldir in puzzlement. "Why would I attempt to stop
them? Elrohir and Rúmil are adults. It is their decision to make. I suggest
you learn to accept the fact that you cannot be in command of everything."
"I am only looking out for my brother. Trying to keep him from throwing
away his dignity on a fling with Celeborn's grandson. Why can he not see
what he is doing?"
Glorfindel leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table and piercing
Haldir with a steely gaze. "He is in love, Haldir. Surely, even with your
dreadfully restrained notion of love, you remember the feeling of being
swept away, letting go of your inhibitions and falling deeply into the
depths of emotion. Nothing could keep him from Elrohir tonight.
Not even the threats of Mandos would be effective."
Glorfindel held his gaze for a few seconds, his eyes softening as he added,
"Perhaps you should focus on your own desires rather than worrying about
the actions and opinions of others."
Haldir quickly stood and scowled in response. "I have humored you for too
long. I am leaving."
"As you wish," said Glorfindel. "But you must physically take the key from
me. When Elrohir asks me tomorrow why you interrupted his private time, I
cannot tell him I just let you leave after I assured him I would keep you
away." He leaned back in his chair, his blue eyes twinkling with cunning
mischief as he ran his fingers along the top of the gold chain hanging from
his neck.
Haldir stood in a state of shock, his hands hanging limply at his sides as
he let his eyes travel down Glorfindel's torso, tracing the outline of the
chain under his thin tunic. The key swam hidden under there somewhere, and
he definitely could not go fishing for it. He did not dare.
Seeing Haldir's hesitation, Glorfindel rose from his chair, reaching for
his wine glass to refill it. "You do not really wish to leave, do you? What
would you do?  Return to your rooms and interrupt Rúmil and Elrohir? They
would simply find another place to meet, leaving you to fume about their
activities for the rest of the night." He replaced the wine glass on the
table, setting the bottle back down beside it, and turned to face Haldir.
"Have some wine and stay here with me. Or am I so dreadfully unpleasant
that you would rather be alone?" Glorfindel arched a golden eyebrow at
Haldir and let his eyes drop to the telltale bulge that tented out the
front of the guardian's uniform. He already knew the answer to that
question.
Gone was the look of amused tolerance Glorfindel had worn all evening, and
in its place appeared a most curious expression, somewhere between untamed
desire and caged lust.
Haldir's eyes widened, and he unconsciously took a step backwards. He had
to get out of there and away from Glorfindel before the unthinkable
happened. His mind flipped quickly through his available options, but
reached only one conclusion: he must retrieve the key.
Haldir steeled his resolve and moved to face Glorfindel, determined to get
the key from around his neck. "I would rather spend an evening with an orc
that spend another moment with you," he snarled, hoping desperately to hide
his growing attraction. He stepped forward quickly, sliding his hands
behind Glorfindel's neck to work on the clasp to the chain. His fingers
brushed against the soft skin on the back of the seneschal's neck, and he
averted his eyes to avoid the fiery gaze that threatened to burn him alive.
The spicy, musky scent of Glorfindel made him dizzy. His fingers began to
shake. Just a few more seconds, though, and he would have the clasp undone.
"Haldir" whispered a voice. Hot breath tickled his ear. Strong hands rested
on his forearms as he continued to struggle with the clasp on the chain.
"Stop fighting me. I know you find me attractive. Let go of your reserve
and allow yourself to enjoy my company tonight."
Haldir did not even try to look up, instead focusing hard on the golden
chain shimmering around Glorfindel's neck . His mind rebelled violently at
the thought of enjoying Glorfindel's company in any way, but his body
seemed to find the idea rather appealing.
Desire tightened his groin even more. A sheen of sweat popped out on his
brow. He knew he only had a few minutes before he lost control of his
faculties entirely.
"You flatter yourself, Glorfindel. I do not find you attractive in the
slightest," said Haldir with as much conviction as he could muster.
Glorfindel laughed softly, his breath whisking past the tip of Haldir's ear
as he trailed his hands down the guardian's broad back, causing an
involuntary shudder. "You are fooling no one but yourself. Your words may
deny your attraction to me, but your body tells me something different."
Resting his hands on Haldir's hips, he bent forward and nuzzled his ear,
placing the faintest of kisses on the pointed tip of it.
A low groan of protest and frustration escaped Haldir's lips, and he
realized he was never going to undo the clasp. Defeated, he exhaled slowly
as he abandoned his fumbling attempts to remove the chain. His hands to
dropped lifelessly to his sides.  "Glorfindel, this is ridiculous. Let me
leave," he said softly. He blinked his amber eyes to stare pleadingly into
smoldering blue ones.
"I will not hold you here," replied Glorfindel with an earnest tone. "You
are free to take the key and leave anytime you choose, but I am asking you
to stay."
Haldir swallowed hard, unable to look away from the golden elf who stood
before him.
Could he honestly deny the raging desire that charged through him,
accentuated by the hard arousal that loomed up inside his leggings?
Probably not, yet the thought of admitting it scared him silly. He could
just picture the laughing faces of Orophin and the other Galadhrim when
they found out that he had frolicked with Glorfindel, of all elves.
"If I stay, what will happen?" asked Haldir, his voice quavering slightly.
"That is up to you," replied Glorfindel. "We could have some wine and play
a game of chess, or we could engage in more intimate activities." One hand
reached up to cup Haldir's chin in a comforting gesture. "Trust yourself to
me, relinquish control for one evening. You may discover that you get
pleasure from it."
Instead of waiting for Haldir's response, Glorfindel leaned forward to
capture his mouth in a tender kiss. Every cell in Haldir's body jumped in
response. The scalding attraction he had felt the previous evening coursed
through his veins with renewed electricity. It was all over. He did not
have the strength to fight this anymore. His hands returned to their
previous position around Glorfindel's neck, his fingers entwining in the
soft golden hair. With one last sigh, he surrendered. "I was never very
good at chess," he said as he returned the kiss.

*

Elrohir bounced nervously from foot to foot as he stood just outside of
Rúmil's chambers.
Elladan had convinced him to change out of the formal robes into a more
simple tunic and leggings, saying he would be more comfortable. In fact, he
found himself quite uncomfortable as his nerves threatened to overwhelm
him. Despite a crash course in romance from his twin, he remained just a
bit fuzzy about what exactly would happen that evening. He did know it
would involve being alone with Rúmil. Naked.
His stomach
rolled into knots at that thought.

He raised his hand to knock on the door, when it opened suddenly, causing
him to jump backwards.
"I thought I heard someone out here," said Rúmil with a smile. He extended
his hand, which Elrohir shyly accepted, and led the young elf into the
room, locking the door behind him.
"Well...here I am..." offered Elrohir, biting his lip as he looked around
the room. His eyes
fell on the bed, covers already turned back invitingly. *Aiya... *
Rúmil followed Elrohir's gaze to the bed, and he stammered slightly. "I did
not want to seem forward, but I just assumed..." His voice trailed off as
he noticed as he noticed his beloved blush violently and duck his head.
Gingerly, Rúmil cradled Elrohir's face in his hands, raising his head to
meet his gaze. "This makes you uncomfortable, doesn't it? We do not have to
do anything tonight, if that is what you want."
Elrohir locked eyes with Rúmil and smiled just a little. "I love you Rúmil.
I do...it's
just...I've never been in love before."

"Then I feel especially fortunate to be your first love," replied Rúmil.
Stepping forward, he slid his other hand around Elrohir's waist and
comforted him with a kiss on his brow.
"Why don't we sit and talk for a while? After all, it has been months since
we have seen each other," said Rúmil, pulling back to gaze at his lover
once more.
Suddenly, a realization dawned on Elrohir as Rúmil tugged on his hand,
trying to lead him to the sofa. It had been months since they had seen each
other, and it would likely be just as long until they saw each other again.
He had fantasized about lying in Rúmil's arms since the day he left Lorien,
and now he was thinking of spending the night just talking? Had he lost his
mind?
With a hard jerk, Elrohir hastily snatched Rúmil back toward him, causing
their bodies collide abruptly. Rúmil's eyes widened in undisguised shock as
Elladan wrapped his arms around him in a tight embrace. "No, I do not want
to talk," whispered the young elf with startling confidence. "I want to be
with you tonight."
Rúmil placed his hands on Elrohir's shoulders and looked questioningly into
the gray eyes. "Are you sure? I would wait for you forever if that is how
long you needed."
Elrohir swallowed the remnants of his fear. His eyes pierced Rúmil with a
longing gaze.
"I am positive."
Rúmil smiled and leaned forward to kiss Elrohir softly. His lips brushed
the younger elves' gently, nibbling first the upper and then the lower,
teasing them as they responded eagerly. A tentative tongue found its way
into Rúmil's mouth, courting his own to join it in a seductive dance.
Breaths came in ragged gasps. The room began to spin crazily.
Rúmil could not get enough of the kiss, the hot silkiness of Elrohir's
mouth and the succulence of his tongue. Only when his lungs screamed for
air did he reluctantly break the kiss, moving to nuzzle the tip of a
delicate ear. The scent of the young elf, warm and spicy like cinnamon and
birch, tingled his senses. He snarled his fingers in the ebony hair to pull
him even closer. Delicately, he traced the intricate curves of a pointed
ear with the tip of his tongue, evoking a whimper from the elf in his arms.
All at once, Elrohir's knees buckled and Rúmil caught him with a quick arm
around his waist.
"Maybe we should move to the bed," suggested Elrohir breathlessly.
"I think that is an excellent suggestion," Rúmil chuckled. Grasping both of
Elrohir's hands, he walked backwards, pulling him toward the bed.
Carefully, he sat on top of it, patting the spot next to him as an
invitation sit. As soon as Elrohir joined him on the bed, Rúmil claimed his
mouth again, desperate for another kiss, dipping his tongue into the
honeyed depths of his mouth. A soft groan slid past Rúmil's lips and he
pressed the younger elf backwards onto the bed, climbing to sit astride
him. After a few moments, he pulled away from Elrohir's sweet lips, kissing
a hot line down his jaw to his graceful neck. He brushed the dark hair back
and began nuzzling and nipping at the soft skin, even as his hands began to
slide down Elrohir's body. His fingers found the edge of his tunic, and he
gradually pushed it upward, revealing a taut abdomen heaving with desire.
"Raise your arms," panted Rúmil. Elrohir did just that, and he slid the
tunic over his head, tossing it carelessly on the floor behind them.
Sitting up on his haunches, Rúmil disposed of his own tunic in a similar
manner. "Now..." he purred seductively. "Where was I?" He placed his hands
on Elrohir's abdomen and slid them up to his chest with achingly slow
motions, finally resting them on his shoulders. His face hovered just above
Elrohir's, his pale hair forming a lustrous curtain around both of them.
Elrohir stared at Rúmil with an unblinking gaze, a seductive smile curling
at his lips. "I think you were just about here," he replied saucily,
pulling Rúmil down to meet his lips again. Rúmil dropped down to support
himself on one elbow, freeing his other hand to roam Elrohir's chest, which
he stroked in lazy circles. His wandering fingers grazed over a nipple,
eliciting a gasp from the elf below him. Quickly, he broke the kiss and
moved to cover the rosy teat with his mouth, eager to evoke yet more gasps.
He was instantly rewarded, as Elrohir sucked in his breath in delight.
Rúmil flicked at the pink bud with his tongue and then circled it
teasingly, until it tightened into a hard nub. Elrohir responded by
dragging his fingers down Rúmil's back, kneading the rippling muscles as
they worked their way lower. Every lick and nibble felt like icy fire to
the young elf. He yipped and arched into Rúmil's mouth, and he began to
buck his hips unconsciously.
Rúmil kissed a molten trail across his chest to the other nipple, on which
he laved fiery kisses. His other hand dropped to caress Elrohir's abdomen,
exploring the ripples of his lean frame. After just a few minutes, Rúmil
allowed his tongue to follow his hand downward, nosing along the line of
downy hair leading to a perfectly round belly button.
By this time, Elrohir writhed beneath him almost non-stop, his hips
swirling desperate for attention, and he moaned softly.
Rúmil paused in his ministrations and looked up at Elrohir, whose eyes were
almost black with need. "Is this alright? Do you want for me to stop?" he
asked with a grin.
"No!" cried Elrohir. "I mean... don't stop. Please don't stop."
Rúmil sat up on his knees and watched Elrohir wriggle under him wantonly
for just a moment. That sight alone was almost enough to unmake him. He
slid his fingers under the waistband of Elrohir's leggings and inched them
downward over the young elf's hips and thighs, finally depositing them on
the growing pile of clothes. The beauty of Elrohir's body nearly stole his
last rational thought, and he ran his hands over the young elf's thighs
roguishly, his eyes lingering on the hard evidence of his arousal.
Elbereth, he was stunning. With one finger, Rúmil traced the length of his
shaft before lightly skimming over the purple tip.
Elrohir almost catapulted off of the bed. "Ai..." he cried, his hands
grasping at the bed sheets. Rúmil smiled to himself and lowered his head,
his hair brushing the young elf's abdomen while he nosed through the damp
curls as the base of his shaft. He inhaled deeply, noting the heady
muskiness of Elrohir, and finding it intimately arousing. His tongue
flicked out and slipped across the weeping tip of Elrohir's cock, causing
another buck and cry of delight.
Normally, Rúmil played out this part of lovemaking, enjoying driving his
lovers nearly insane with desire before offering release. But this time was
different.  This time it was all he could do to maintain control of
himself, watching the gorgeous elf underneath him twisting in the throes of
passion. Gently, he grasped the base of Elrohir's cock and took him in his
mouth entirely, moving his tongue in swirling circles around it.
Elrohir had never felt such excruciating sweetness. White hot flames
crawled up from his groin, moving up his body, causing a sheen of sweat to
pop on his skin. He began thrusting in time with Rúmil's motions, keenly
aware of a burgeoning fire threatening to explode from his loins at any
moment. Wave after wave of liquefied passion washed over him, swelling him
to impossible heights. He opened his mouth to warn Rúmil, to tell him to
stop before... "Aiya!"
Suddenly his world dipped and swayed before him as a surge ripped through
him with violent intensity. He screamed with pleasure as release exploded
through him. Rúmil lovingly kissed away the last remaining remnants of his
release, and raised his head to gaze at the panting elf under him.
A look of distress crossed Elrohir's face as he slowly drifted back down to
earth. "Oh Rúmil...I am sorry. I did not meant to..." He felt his face burn
when he realized what had happened, and he closed his eyes in shame.
Rúmil smiled. "There is nothing to be sorry for, Melethron. You taste
sweet, just as I imagined you would." He crawled back up to cover Elrohir's
naked body with his own. "I love you, Elrohir," he whispered. "I would
worship every part of you, every crevice and nook, if you will let me." He
kissed Elrohir's damp forehead, brushing back a stray lock with his
fingers. "Let me make love to you. Let me show you how much I love you."
Elrohir blinked open his eyes to gaze into the beautiful face that looked
down at him, and his heart nearly burst with emotion. "Yes, please Rúmil. I
want you to make love to me," he said in reply.
Rúmil smiled and rose from the bed. "I will be back in a moment."
Elrohir took a deep breath as his pulse began to slowly resume a normal
rhythm, and he stretched contentedly on the bed. Turning his head, he
watched Rúmil emerge from the bathroom, having removed his leggings, and
carrying a jar of...something.  Rúmil's erect cock swelled ridiculously
large, swaying slightly as he approached the bed.  The nerves that Elrohir
had fought earlier returned with a vengeance. Elladan had sworn that this
experience would be pleasurable, but Elrohir seriously doubted that now.
Rúmil placed the jar on the bedside table and climbed back atop the bed,
covering Elrohir's body, which had begun to tremble slightly. Rúmil was
taken aback.  "What is wrong Elrohir?" He placed his hand over Elrohir's
heart, feeling it pound with wild thumps.
Elrohir furrowed his brow. "I am just nervous. I don't know what to
expect."
"Since this is your first time making love, there will be a little pain
involved, but I promise there will also be pleasure. And, if you decide the
pain is too great, we will stop," said Rúmil. He stroked Elrohir's cheek
tenderly. "There is no need to be afraid."
Elrohir smiled up at Rúmil, who bent to claim his lips in a kiss. The blond
moved to kneel between Elrohir's legs, softly stroking his inner thighs
with gentle fingertips.
Gradually, Elrohir began to relax, allowing his knees to fall to each side,
revealing his most personal areas to his lover. Rúmil leaned down and began
nuzzling his flaccid shaft, gently fondling the heavy sac that lay just
below it. He ran his tongue up the length of the cock, causing it to twitch
with building need. After a few more licks, he moved lower, running his
tongue down the crevice between Elrohir's legs and slowly circling the
tight pink entrance.
Elrohir mewled and pulled his knees further apart to allow more of the
searing tongue to slip inside. Rúmil grasped his hips and plunged it into
him, licking and laving with abandon. Elrohir arched his back and wondered
to himself why he had been nervous.
Sitting up, Rúmil reached for the jar, applying the oily lubricant to his
index finger.
Tentatively, he inserted the digit, causing Elrohir to gasp in surprise.
Although it didn't hurt, it did feel rather odd. Moments later, Rúmil
inserted a second finger, wiggling them around inside of him. All of the
sudden, those fingers found a spot that caused a burst of pleasure to spark
Elrohir from the inside out. He groaned softly and pushed down against the
fingers, causing Rúmil to chuckle.
"Does that feel good? I told you that you would enjoy this," he said with a
smile. Elrohir tried to speak, but all that came out was a low moan.
A third finger found his way inside of Elrohir, and he took it easily.
*This is not bad at all*, Elrohir thought to himself as he continued to
push and roll against the fingers inside of him. Unexpectedly, the fingers
withdrew, causing him to sigh in dismay.
Rúmil coated his cock with the ointment and raised Elrohir's legs, settling
himself between them. As Elrohir felt Rúmil push slightly against his tight
entrance, his body tensed in anticipation. Rúmil felt it as well. Gently,
he thrust inside of the young elf, stopping just past the first ring of
muscle.
Searing pain engulfed Elrohir, and a sob welled up in the back of his
throat. It did hurt.
Immediately, Rúmil ceased pushing, and leaned up to
"I am sorry, love. The pain will be over quickly, I promise." Tenderly,
Rúmil kissed Elrohir's tears away as they slid down his ruddy cheeks. And
sure enough, after a moment, the throbbing began to subside. Slowly, Rúmil
began to move, thrusting in long slow motions. His hand reached down to
stroke Elrohir's shaft, bringing him to a full erection.
Pain and pleasure combined in the young elf to mix a potent elixir, a heady
cocktail that made him drunk with desire. The intimacy of having his lover
inside of him intoxicated him, and he longed for more. He reached down and
cupped Rúmil's ass, pushing him deeper inside of him, urging him onward.
Suddenly, it was as if Rúmil's ministrations unlocked the door to the
cosmos. Intense pleasure flailed through Elrohir, tearing another orgasm
from him forcefully. With a savage shudder, he came hard into Rúmil's hand,
his muscles contracting around Rúmil's shaft.
After a few more strokes, Rúmil found release as well, collapsing in an
exhausted heap on top of his lover. Carefully, he withdrew, and rolled onto
his side next to Elrohir, who snuggled up against him. Rúmil kissed his
brow softly and hugged the young elf to him.

*

Haldir was lost, and he knew it. Just a simple kiss from Glorfindel sent
his emotions tumbling over the edge, dragging his body with them. He still
could not believe that he was lying in Glorfindel's bed, where the elda was
making fast work of his clothing.
Elegant fingers tugged at his uniform, sliding it from his shoulders, and
exposing a chiseled chest.
From his perch atop Haldir's thighs, Glorfindel smiled in appreciation.
"Even more beautiful than I imagined," he murmured, as he carefully laid
Haldir's tunic on the edge of the bed. Gently, he stroked the bare torso,
tracing the contours of each muscle.
Haldir winced as his mind raced in a thousand different directions. What
was he doing, about to sleep with Glorfindel? He squeezed his eyes shut
tightly and opened them quickly, revealing a look of bald-faced fear.
"What is the matter?" asked Glorfindel. "I am not used to potential lovers
looking as though they are about to undergo some sort of barbaric
torture," he joked.
"I am worried about how our time spent tonight will affect us tomorrow,"
said Haldir softly.
Glorfindel smiled tolerantly and sat back on his haunches. "Haldir, I have
learned many things during my long lifetime. Perhaps the most important
lesson is that nothing is guaranteed. Not even tomorrow. My own death and
resurrection is testament to that fact.
So, you can worry about what might happen tomorrow, or you can enjoy the
moment you have before you right now. The choice is yours."
With that final comment, Glorfindel grasped the hem of his own tunic and
pulled it over his head in one fluid motion, tossing it over his shoulder.
His long golden hair spilled over a lightly tanned chest. Sapphire eyes
radiated undisguised longing, entrapping Haldir in a hungry stare.
Haldir's jaw dropped in amazement as he gaped at the ethereal beauty in
front of him, and then his whole demeanor changed. The feral lust that
Haldir had tried so desperately to control burst from its cage, and he
pounced on the golden elf like a tiger, rolling him over so that he lay
between his legs. He hovered above a happily stunned Glorfindel, an elbow
on either side of his head, impaling him with a needful gaze of his own. "I
want you," he growled. As if to emphasize that point, he rolled his hips
seductively, grinding his straining erection against Glorfindel's swelling
groin.
"Then you shall have me," said Glorfindel, pulling him down into a hard
kiss.
Haldir plunged his tongue into Glorfindel's mouth, exploring it with
abandon. His fingers snarled into the golden locks. Sharp fingernails
scraped down the skin of his back.
Exploring hands slid under the waistband of his leggings, kneading and
pressing into his firm buttocks, grinding him into the other elf
recklessly. Entirely too much fabric lay between the two elves. With one
hard jerk, Haldir tore the leggings off of Glorfindel, ripping the fabric
down the seams. His hand slipped between them, and he stroked the length of
his partner's erect shaft, as it swayed and thumped against his abdomen. In
the meantime, Glorfindel had somehow managed to slide Haldir's own leggings
down to his knees, and the young guard kicked them off in a frenzy. A
sudden jolt shivered through both of them as their erections glided into
sizzling contact. Haldir rocked his hips temptingly, increasing the
friction ever so slightly, and tugged at Glorfindel's swollen lips with his
teeth. He looked ! good enough to eat.
All at once, Glorfindel wriggled out from under Haldir.
"Where are you going?" Haldir asked in frustration.
Glorfindel grinned naughtily but did not respond. Reaching into the bedside
table, he fumbled until he found a small bottle of massage oil, which he
placed on the edge of the bed.
"Have you ever submitted to a lover before?" asked Glorfindel as he pushed
Haldir down on the bed, reversing their positions. "Have you ever felt the
pleasure of being taken?" He slipped a well-oiled finger inside of Haldir,
whose eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes, but...I usually do the taking. I like to be in control," he
responded.
Glorfindel chuckled. "Why am I not surprised?" At that moment, Glorfindel's
finger brushed a spot inside of him, sending unexpected waves of pleasure
through his body, causing him to inhale sharply.
Glorfindel inserted a second finger, making sure to massage that wonderful
spot again and again. Haldir began writhing in ecstasy, tossing his head as
he ground his hips against those fingers.
Glorfindel smiled with satisfaction. "Surrender to me, Haldir," he purred
seductively, as he removed his hand, trailing it up Haldir's abdomen.
"Unleash your desires and your inhibitions." Glorfindel positioned himself
between his legs, brushing the tip of his oiled cock against Haldir's
opening.
Unable to speak, Haldir silently nodded his consent. With one smooth
thrust, Glorfindel entered him completely, and he slowly began to thrust,
his abdomen brushing against Haldir's erection with tantalizing friction.
Haldir stared up at Glorfindel, taken aback at the intimate connection that
he sensed stirring in his soul. He tried to turn his head and look away,
ashamed of the feelings beginning to well up in him with every stroke, but
Glorfindel would have none of it. He reached up with his free hand and held
Haldir's face, forcing him to maintain eye contact.
"Do you trust me?," Glorfindel whispered.
"I think so," he replied truthfully.
"Then let yourself go."
A thousand different emotions registered on Haldir's face, and he realized
with concern that Glorfindel could read every one of them. He felt as if
his heart had been laid bare along with the rest of him. With every motion,
every touch, he came unhinged, caring less and less about being in control
and more about experiencing true surrender.
And then, as his lover made one last upward thrust, he fell headlong into
ecstasy, releasing his desire in a muffled cry. His body twinkled and
shimmered with joy, and a warm afterglow settled on him like a blanket. He
blinked up at Glorfindel.  The seneschal had never looked more stunning,
his lithe body glistening and straining as he sighed with satisfaction.
Slowly, Glorfindel rolled off of Haldir and settled on his side, pulling
the young Galadhel into a loose embrace. For the first time in months,
Haldir relaxed and worried about nothing. Nothing at all.

*

A ray of light shone through the gap in the curtains, spilling across
Haldir's face. He groaned and rolled over, vaguely aware that he was not in
his own room.  Gradually, the memories of the night before came wandering
back to him, and he popped one eye open to look around. His uniform lay
neatly folded on the bed next to him, with a red apple jauntily perched on
top. No sign of Glorfindel, he realized with a surprising pang of
disappointment. He had hoped, after last night that maybe something had
changed between them. Apparently, he had been mistaken. "At least the
bastard had the decency to leave me breakfast," he thought to himself as he
reached for the apple.
Luckily, his chambers were empty when he reached them. Orophin and Rúmil
had already packed their belongings, and he raced to throw his own items
into his bags. He glanced out the window, noting the high position of the
sun in the sky. With no time to waste, Haldir scanned the room one last
time before heading to the stables to meet his brothers.
Rúmil stroked the dark head that rested on his shoulder. "I love you, and I
will miss you terribly," he said, planting a soft kiss on the ebony
strands.
"I know," replied Elrohir with a smile. He stepped back from the embrace to
gaze into the gorgeous blue eyes in front of him. "But I will see you soon.
Glorfindel will be making a trip to Rivendell in a few weeks, and I intend
to come with him."
The two elves remained lost in their own little world, barely noticing when
Haldir came blowing into the stables. "There you are," he said quickly. "As
soon as Orophin arrives we shall be off."
Rúmil draped an arm around Elrohir and turned toward his brother. "Did you
enjoy yourself last night?" he asked with a taunting lilt.
Haldir paled. "What do you mean?"
"Chess? Did you enjoy the game?"
"I suppose."
Rúmil found himself grinning at his brother flying about the stable in a
frenzy. "Well who won?"
"I did," replied a voice from the doorway. All three elves turned to see
Glorfindel standing against the doorframe, his hands resting lightly on his
hips. He smiled wickedly at Haldir. "In fact, I beat the pants off of him."
Haldir turned to stare at the seneschal with an unreadable expression. "How
nice of you to show up to bid us farewell," he said curtly.
The teasing grin drained from Glorfindel's face while Haldir resumed
adjusting the saddlebags on his steed.
Rúmil's gaze shifted back and forth between the two of them until he
realized that Elrohir was tugging on his hand. "Come," the young elf
whispered. "I want to give you a proper send off." He allowed the Elrohir
to lead him out to the courtyard, leaving Haldir and Glorfindel alone in
the stable.
"I would not have let you leave without saying goodbye," said Glorfindel
quietly.
Haldir did not look up. "Please tell nobody about what happened between us.
In fact, I
would prefer to forget the incident entirely."

He finished checking the saddle, and grabbed the reigns of his horse,
leading him out of the stall. Glorfindel crossed his arms over his chest
and watched the young Galadhel as he approached the door.
Suddenly, Glorfindel stepped in front of him, blocking his exit. "I will
tell no one of our tryst, if that is what you want...But I will not forget
what happened between us."
Haldir stood silently and watched as Glorfindel walked back toward the last
Homely House, his insides tangling into a knotted mess.

*

~two months later~
"Glorfindel!" called Elrond to the retreating figure in the hallway. The
seneschal turned around with a flourish and walked back toward the study.
"Yes, Milord. What do you need?"
"I have a number of documents that need to be delivered to Lorien next
week.  Do you think you will have time to transport them?" Elrond began
gathering some papers into a stack on his desk.
Glorfindel smiled broadly. "Certainly. I have no other pressing
engagements."
The tone of Glorfindel's reply caused Elrond to pause and look up. "Eager
to make the journey, I see," Elrond teased. "What elf are you pursuing
now?"
"I never kiss and tell," responded Glorfindel, his eyes twinkling with
mischief.
As he assessed the growing pile of paperwork before him, Elrond commented,
"You may need an additional courier to accompany you. There are quite a few
documents here."
"I have someone in mind already," said Glorfindel with a wink as he turned
to leave. He walked down the hallway with a spring in his step.
"Elrohir!" he called happily. "Pack your belongings. We leave for
Lothlorien tomorrow."

?	*

Elladan shifted uncomfortably in his saddle. The journey from Rivendell to
Lorien took several days even under the best circumstances, but this trip
seemed especially long.
Every step his horse took sent a jolt of pain up his back. He shook his
head and tried to remember why exactly he had agreed to come on this
endless trek to the middle of nowhere. Ah yes...Glorfindel. The blond
seneschal's annoying cheerfulness had piqued Elladan's curiosity. In fact,
ever since the twin's coming of age ceremony, the usually eloquent elf
displayed nothing but giddy smiles and incoherent ramblings...  completely
unlike his usual unflappable self. Something had happened, and Elladan was
determined to find out what.
He cast a weary glance at his twin, who positively glowed with excitement.
"We're nearly there!" beamed Elrohir, practically bouncing in his saddle
with glee. His horse snorted with frustration at the jostling, but Elrohir
was too jubilant to care. "In a few short minutes, we'll be entering
Lothlorien," he said. He cocked his head to one side and smiled, listening
intently.
"Can you hear them, Elladan? The trees have already begun singing a song of
welcome to us!"
Elladan smiled in spite of himself. Elrohir's enthusiasm was contagious.
"Nay, brother, I cannot hear them, but it pleases me that their songs are
so beautiful to your ears."
All at once, Glorfindel reigned in his horse, allowing the twins to ride up
beside him.
"I see young Haldir learned nothing from my last encounter with him,"
commented Glorfindel with a nod of his head. A few meters in front of them
on the edge of the forest, stood several members of the Galadhrim.
Glorfindel assessed them with a devious smile.
"For some reason, he refuses to let me enter the Golden Wood without
stopping a thousand times to state my private business. He should know me
by now...I have no intention of checking in with the guards." Glorfindel's
eyes twinkled with mischief.
"This is where it gets fun. Do try to keep up," he said, grinning wickedly.
With a toss of his golden hair, he sped away, leaving the twins to stare
after him in amazement.
"Well, come on!" shouted Elladan to his twin, thankful that something
interesting was finally happening. Elrohir laughed and followed closely
behind him.
The three elves effortlessly dodged the stunned Galadhrim, who in turn gave
chase as best they could. As they advanced toward Caras Galahon, more and
more guards appeared, all of them calling for the three to stop. Glorfindel
ignored their warnings, riding doggedly onward with the two younger elves
trailing behind him.
Suddenly, as they crested a hill, a line of Galadhrim rose before them,
bows pulled taut, arrows pointed directly at them. Glorfindel halted
abruptly, his horse skidding to a stop mere feet from the armed guards.
From the midst of them emerged a red-faced Haldir, his eyes fiery enough to
ignite a water sprite.
"Lord Glorfindel, how many times must we play out this scenario? Have you
not been coming to Lorien for well over 2000 years?" bellowed Haldir,
glaring at the disheveled riders.
"You of all elves should know that every visitor must check in with me
prior to entering the realm of the Lady. And to add insult to injury, you
have dragged two innocent elflings into this mess with you."
Elladan bristled at being called an elfling. He was two FULL months past
his age of majority, and he cleared his throat to correct Haldir's grievous
error, before Elrohir's death grip on his arm silenced him.
Glorfindel rolled his eyes dramatically. "That is precisely my point,
Haldir. By now, you should recognize that I am no threat to anyone in
Lorien. The point of stopping is lost on me. I see it as nothing more than
a waste of tim