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The cold winter wind whipped around him, catching his cloak in a gust of snow and causing the fabric to wrap around his legs. Orophin shivered, rubbing his arms to try to warm them as he stared out at the bleak landscape before him. It was a particularly cold winter this year and not even the Elves were immune to the low temperatures.

It didn’t help that he was miserable as well as cold. Today was not just another winter’s day – it was Yule Eve, the biggest celebration of the year. Yet he would not be celebrating – he was on duty and would not return to his home until three days after the celebrations were over.

He knew that it was just his turn to miss out, that the other warriors had all taken their turn, however, it was the first time he had spent Yule away from home. The other warriors in his patrol were fine company, but they were not his brothers, with whom he had always celebrated.

What were they doing now, he wondered? Maybe they had gone to one of the many parties that took place during the festive season, or maybe they were at home, enjoying hot spiced wine as they sat near the stove. Whatever they were doing he would have given anything to be there as well. All he could look forward to was his break later that night when he and another warrior would get to huddle round a fire for a few hours with only lembas and dried meat to fill their stomachs.

The others didn’t seem to be as bothered as he was, but they were older and had likely experienced it before. Orophin tried to remember how much harder it must be for those Elves with young children, but it was no easy task when all his thoughts turned to previous celebrations. For the first time in his life the twelve months to the next year, when he would get the chance to spend Yule with his brothers again, seemed like an eternity.

As the sun began to set the temperature dropped further and took the remainder of Orophin’s good mood with it. His hands felt frozen to his bow and his toes were numb despite his heavy winter boots. Again, these were things he had experienced before, but not when there was somewhere else he so desperately wanted to be.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see a fellow guard, Andernilion, smiling at him. “Our rest time is nearly here, we will soon be warming ourselves by the fire. You will feel much better when you are warmer and have eaten, trust me!”

Orophin was not convinced but he appreciated the thought and smiled weakly, causing his companion to chuckle lightly.

“The first one is always the hardest, I know. At least it is only once or twice a century that it happens!”

“I am sorry,” Orophin replied, his smile a little more genuine. “Forgive my poor mood! At least I am still near friends!”

“That you are,” Andernilion agreed, patting him on the back. “It is not all bad!”

A whistle sounded then and Orophin’s face lit up. It was the call for the changing of the guard, meaning he could relax for a time. He vowed to himself that he would do his best to be cheerful company, no matter how much effort it took.

Yet as they neared the fire he heard voices raised in excitement. Glancing at his companion he saw that Andernilion looked as confused as he was. Together they increased their speed, to where a small group of Elves sat round a fire.

“What is going on?” he asked, noting the cheerfulness of his companions, unusual as most of them felt much the same way he did about this particular shift.

One of the other warriors stood up, holding a small bag filled with scrolls.

“Yule letters from home, we all have one!” he explained, digging in the bag. A moment later he found one bearing Orophin’s name. “From your brothers, I expect,” he said as he handed it over.

Orophin took it eagerly and quickly found himself a quiet corner. Sitting down on a log, he unrolled the scroll and began to read.

Dear Orophin,

It is strange not having you with us for Yule. The talan seems empty and no one sings Yule songs quite like you! We will expect you to sing them twice as many times next year, to make up for it!

Yesterday we went into the city to purchase some of that spiced wine you like so much – we have brought extra this year so that when you return you will not have missed out. We have kept your gifts too – you shall have a Yule all your own if we have anything to say about it! We know it will not be the same, but we will do our best, little brother.

Tonight, as you know, is the Yule Eve feast. The minstrel Lindir has come from Imladris to play for us this year, his music is legendary and the glade is sure to be more crowded than ever! Thankfully he is staying until the turning of the year, so you should have a chance to hear him also.

We know this is a hard time to be on duty, we have both been through it before, though you were much younger then and Nana and Ada were still here. Know that our thoughts are with you and that you are with us in spirit if not in body.

Much love and a Happy Yule,
Haldir and Rúmil

By the time he had finished reading, he no longer felt cold. The loving words had warmed him from the inside and the smile on his face was the first real one in days. He no longer felt alone, knowing that his brothers loved and missed him as much as he loved and missed them.

Rolling up the scroll he tucked it into his belt, to read again later. Yule didn’t seem so bleak now and it felt as if his family were close by. He was also comforted by the fact that there would still be much for him to enjoy upon his return.

“You look happier now,” said a soft voice behind him. A very familiar voice.

Orophin gasped, spinning round to see two smiling and very welcome faces.

“Rúmil, Haldir!” He jumped up and threw himself into their welcoming arms. “How can you be here? You are supposed to be at the festival!”

Rúmil laughed, hugging his brother tightly. “Yule was not the same without you, little brother and that aside - someone had to deliver the letters!”

“We also thought the warriors here would enjoy something nicer to eat at Yule than lembas,” Haldir added. “So we brought some things from the festival to share around!” Chuckling, he glanced around, as the warriors eagerly portioned off the foods so that all got a share. “I think it may become a tradition!”

“It should do,” Orophin agreed, wrapping one arm around Haldir. “It is lonely out here at Yule – look how much happiness you have brought.”

Rúmil nodded, taking in the smiling faces, as he let Orophin lead them to a spot by the fire. “I remember my first Yule out here, it was not very pleasant! This is far nicer!”

“This is perfect,” Orophin said as he sat down, one brother on each side of him. A mug of spiced tea was passed to him by Andernilion and he took it gratefully, ignoring the amused look on the other Elf’s face. He knew he was grinning madly and he didn’t care.

There was no loud party, no Yule tree and it was too dangerous to sing here. But his brothers were by his side and he was warm and happy. As far as he was concerned, he was home for Yule.

THE END