Title: A Lesson Learned
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: G
Character: Rúmil
Prompt: 010 - You seem to know a lot. More
than is good for you, I guess.
Summary: Sometimes things just don’t
go your way.
The
sun had long since set on Lorien and Rúmil still was
not home. Haldir was growing worried – it was unlike
his brother to simply vanish without so much as sending a
message.
As
the hour grew later, Haldir knew he could not simply wait.
It had begun to rain as well and Haldir did not like the thought
of Rúmil, who was still quite young, out alone in the
dark and wet night. Stepping into Orophin’s room, he
bade the youngest of the three to remain there until he returned,
promising a treat if he obeyed. He had no desire to find one
brother only to lose the other.
Moving
quickly through the woods, Haldir checked all of Rúmil’s
favourite places.
The Nimrodel yielded no results, nor did the heather patch,
or the stables. Haldir was losing hope as he headed towards
one of the oldest mallorn trees. It was unlike most of the
trees in Lorien, in that it had a somewhat twisted trunk.
During the day it was a popular place for Elflings to play,
but at this time of night it would be deserted.
Looking
up into the branches, he was greatly relieved to see a lone
figure about halfway up. Leaping into the boughs, he soon
arrived at the hunched and miserable form of his brother.
“Good
evening,” he said softly, crouching down before him.
Rúmil
did not reply, but instead curled further into himself, the
very picture of misery.
Reaching
out, Haldir pushed a sodden strand of hair behind Rúmil’s
ear. “I am guessing things did not go so well?”
he asked softly.
“It
was terrible,” Rúmil mumbled. “I lost all
my nerve… I tripped during the unarmed combat test,
dropped my sword while sparring and missed completely during
archery!” Choking back a sob, he buried his head in
his knees. “Now I will never be a Galadhel like you…
like Ada.”
The
mention of their deceased father tore at Haldir’s heart
and he edged closer, embracing his brother. “Yes, you
will,” he whispered. “I know this is not the end.
You will keep trying, keep training and next year, when selection
day comes again, you will be ready. Nor will today be a loss…
for you will remember the experience and learn from it.”
Slowly,
Rúmil raised his head and looked at Haldir. “You
seem to know a lot. More than is good for you, I guess.”
Haldir
chuckled and kissed Rúmil’s cheek. “I am
your older brother – it is my sworn duty to be more
knowledgeable!”
“And
obnoxious?” Rúmil added, raising an eyebrow at
his brother.
“Aye,
that too!” Haldir agreed with a smile. “Come…
let us go home. Things will seem brighter in the morning,
believe me.”
Rúmil
nodded and stood, balancing easily on the tree branch before
hopping down to the ground. As he followed him, Haldir smiled.
He knew that Rúmil had all the skills he needed to
be a warrior – he was just not quite ready for it yet.
Next year though… He swore to make sure the younger
Elf would be. Yet that could wait until dawn. For the moment,
Rúmil needed only reassurance and love.
Wrapping
his arm around Rúmil’s shoulders, he led his
brother home.
END
