Chapter
12
Rúmil
adjusted the collar of his formal tunic, ensuring the high collar
covered the scar on his throat. Most of the scars had faded,
but this particular one and a few on his back had yet to disappear.
Lord Elrond had assured him it was but a matter of time; however
he had no desire to let them be seen, save by Lindir.
"You
look wonderful." Lindir said, coming up behind him. Rúmil
was dressed in white and gold, the colours of Lothlórien,
and his hair was braided elaborately. Yet for all that he looked
the guest of honour he was supposed to be, his heart was heavy.
Tomorrow he would return home with his brothers and leave Lindir
behind. Turning, he wrapped his arms around the minstrel, burying
his face in the long hair.
"I
know." Lindir murmured. "I don't want you to go either."
He held tightly to the Galadhrim, wanting to hold on to him
forever. Yet he had to release him, to finish getting ready,
lest they be late.
Lindir
was wearing pale blue, the colour that Rúmil had made
it clear he liked best on him. The formal robe was embroidered
with silver and the minstrel had braided a matching ribbon into
his hair. He was a vision of beauty, one that Rúmil fully
appreciated.
//He
is so beautiful; his love is indeed a gift from the Valar.//
He thought. //How I wish I could remain by his side.// He smiled
sadly as Lindir pulled out of his embrace to slip his shoes
on, completing his outfit. As he did so, Rúmil added
the last item to his own attire, a small cylinder containing
a roll of parchment and a charcoal pencil. It hug off of his
belt so that he could get to it easily should the need arise.
It had been a gift from Lord Elrond a few days ago and Rúmil
had already found it extremely useful.
Lindir
straightened, quickly smoothing down his robes and looking at
Rúmil.
"Are you ready to go?" He asked.
Rúmil nodded in response and held out his hand. Lindir
took it, and together they left the room and headed towards
the Hall of Fire.
***************************
Rúmil
looked around him, at all the people who had come to bid their
farewells to he and Orophin. There were more than he would have
expected, he had forgotten just how many people he had come
to know since arriving in Imladris. It was with a heavy heart
that he realised just how much he would miss them all.
//They
have become such good friends, all of them.// He thought. //It
is hard to know I must leave them on the morrow.// Looking over
to the fireplace, he saw Lindir talking with Erestor. //But
one will be harder than all others. Lindir... I wish I could
tell you how much I love you and how it breaks my heart to leave
you. I cannot write such feelings down; I can only hope you
see what's in my heart. You are everything to me.//
"Rúmil!"
he was jolted from his thoughts by the arrival of Glorfindel,
who clasped his shoulder and handed him a glass of wine. He
smiled at the Balrog-slayer and accepted the proffered glass,
inclining his head in thanks as he did so.
"It
seems as if our lovers have run off with each other!" Glorfindel
laughed, waving to Lindir and Erestor and then draping his arm
casually over Rúmil's shoulders. "Maybe we should
do the same! He planted a loud kiss on Rúmil's cheek,
causing the galadhel to slap him lightly upside the head, though
more in amusement than real irritation. The two had become good
friends since Rúmil's retraining and the balrog-slayer's
naturally outgoing nature had helped Rúmil's self-esteem
a great deal.
It
was Glorfindel that Rúmil had approached with his concerns
of Lindir's wellbeing after his departure, for the minstrel
had no family in Imladris and would not have the kind of support
that Rúmil would get from his brothers. Glorfindel had
set Rúmil's mind at ease, promising to be there for Lindir.
Though it was cold comfort compared to being there himself,
he felt a little better knowing that Lindir would have friends
nearby after he was gone.
He
leaned comfortably in Glorfindel’s friendly embrace, enjoying
the companionship of one who was dear to both he and his lover,
as he let his gaze continue to scan the room. Every so often
he would smile and nod as a friendly face passed by, almost
glad that he did not have to engage them all in conversation.
Orophin, however, had not been so lucky and he smirked as he
saw his younger brother caught in what appeared to be an extremely
boring conversation, judging by the glazed look on Orophin’s
face.
Looking
past Orophin, to the far corner of the room he saw two other
elves in an almost isolated spot, one sitting, and the other
standing. His face lit up in delight as he recognized them both.
Excusing himself with a gesture and an affectionate squeeze
of Glorfindel's shoulder, Rúmil caught Lindir's eye and
pointed to where he was going. Lindir smiled and quickly hurried
over, after a quick word with Erestor.
Rúmil
waited as Lindir walked over to him, pulling him into a quick
embrace as soon as he was close enough. Then he took the minstrel’s
hand as they walked over to the two elves in the corner.
Thaliatar
smiled as they approached, as did Mellachion, who sat in the
chair nearby. Mellachion was still very weak and would be a
long time in recovering, but recover he would. All had been
shocked but delighted when he had regained consciousness just
one day before Elrond was going to stop treatment and let him
slip peacefully into Mandos' Halls. Since then he had improved
daily and all were heartened by the progress he kept making.
He
had improved to the point that, after some begging on Mellachion's
part, Elrond had agreed to let him come to the party, so long
as he did not over exert himself. Thaliatar had promised to
look after him and so Elrond had relented.
Now he bore Thaliatar's fussing in good humour, knowing that
it was his lover's way of reassuring himself as much as anything
else.
"Rúmil,
Lindir!" He extended a pale hand to them both, which Rúmil
clasped first.
"How are you?" He asked; his gaze on Rúmil.
Knowing that the injured elf was probably not up to trying to
understand his gestures and expressions, Rúmil reached
for the parchment, quickly writing down that he was well, though
sad to be leaving.
Mellachion
nodded as he read the note, as did Thaliatar, who was reading
it over his shoulder.
"You will be missed here." Thaliatar said. "But
once Mella is fully healed, I hope we will be able you visit
you in Lórien."
Rúmil smiled brightly, quickly taking the note back to
add to it.
//I would like that, very much// He wrote.
“As would I,” Mellachion said, “I have never
seen the Golden Wood, though I have longed to.” He smiled
broadly. “Maybe we’ll even bring Lindir here with
us.”
At
that, Rúmil leaned forward and hugged Mellachion as hard
as he dared, while Lindir expressed his own delight at that
suggestion by embracing Thaliatar. Both of the guards laughed,
though it was a sound tinged with sadness at the impending separation.
It
was as Rúmil pulled back, his eyes bright with gratitude,
that a loud gong sounded, followed by the summons to dinner.
“At last,” Thaliatar said with a grin, moving to
help Mellachion to his feet, “I’m famished!”
“You’re always hungry!” Mellachion teased
and then groaned as he stood. Rúmil stepped forward,
concerned, but Mellachion waved him off.
“I’m fine,” He assured him, “I just
feel like an elderly human!”
They all laughed at the comment, fussing over and teasing Mellachion
as they moved slowly towards the dinner table, where the others
were waiting for the guest of honour.
***************************
The
chatter round the dinner table was happy and relaxed and Rúmil
listened contently as he ate, contributing where he could, though
this was limited, as it was tricky to write and eat at the same
time.
Once
the meal was over, plates had been cleared and glasses refilled,
Elrond stood, raising his glass and looking at Rúmil.
"Rúmil,
when you came to us, we feared for your life. So terribly hurt,
we thought you would never recover. I am most pleased to have
been wrong. You have shown remarkable courage and strength,
proving yourself as a warrior time and again. You have rebuilt
your life, become stronger than before and touched all our hearts
in the process. Though, I think one heart has been touched more
than the others." Elrond bestowed a warm smile on Lindir,
who was sitting at Rúmil's side. "Tomorrow, on the
orders of Lord Celeborn, you follow your brothers back to your
home in the Golden Wood. Yet I would have you know that you
and your family will always be welcome in Imladris and sincerely
hope that it is not long until our paths cross once again.
I raise my glass to you, Rúmil of Lórien, may
your future be bright."
Rúmil
blushed as the toast was drunk, to cheers and clapping. When
the noise settled down he rose, his own glass in hand and nodded
briefly to Orophin. As Rúmil faced the room, Orophin
gave voice to his brother's thoughts.
"I
speak for my brother, who has asked me to convey this message
to you." He said, pausing for a moment before continuing.
"My
friends, when I first awoke here I thought my life was over.
I thought I had no reason left to live. But your friendship
and kindness never wavered, even in the depths of my despair.
You stood by me, supported me and helped me. In you, I found
a light in the darkness, one light shining brighter than all
the others." Orophin smiled as Rúmil laid a loving
hand on Lindir's shoulder. "I will miss you all and will
never forget the kindness and love I found here in Imladris.
Thank you."
Rúmil
drank the toast, nodding his thanks to his brother, as applause
even louder than before echoed round the hall. He really was
going to miss this place and the people who had taken him in.
The
party continued until long after midnight. Elladan and Orophin
had slipped away early, Orophin having assured himself that
Rúmil was well and that Lindir was by his side. He wished
to spend one last night in Elladan's arms; he knew that Rúmil
would wish for the same with Lindir, when they finally escaped.
*******************
Lindir
looked down at Rúmil as he slept, his hair fanned out
on the pillow. Moonlight still filled the room and as he caught
sight of the travel pack lying ready by the door, he thought
his heart would break.
They
had made love again before going to sleep, but reverie evaded
Lindir. In just a few hours, Rúmil would leave Imladris
while he remained. When would he see him again? It was impossible
to tell. Most likely Lord Celeborn would keep him in Lórien
for a good while, until he was convinced of Rúmil's ability
to perform his duties as one of the Galadhrim.
He
was not as fortunate as Elladan - the twins often visited Lórien
and Orophin would probably see his lover reasonably regularly.
But he was no warrior. He had no reason to leave Imladris, nor
did he have the skill to travel so far and protect himself.
He would have to wait until Rúmil could return to him
and he closed his eyes in pain, wondering how he could bear
such a separation.
Opening
his eyes again, he raised them to the heavens and prayed for
a solution.
*****************
Morning
came all too soon.
Rúmil
awoke slowly, wishing to stay in the dreamland rather than having
to face the day and the pain it was sure to bring. But as the
sun rose higher in the sky his sense of duty took over and he
reluctantly sat up.
Lindir
was still asleep beside him, his face peaceful in slumber. Not
wishing to disturb his lover’s peace any sooner than necessary,
he did not wake him, but slipped out of the bed as carefully
as he could, moving quickly to the bathroom to wash and dress.
For
the first time in months he was wearing the uniform of the Galadhrim,
though it wasn't new, but rather one of Orophin's that had been
altered to fit him. Still, it felt good to wear the familiar
greys again; the uniform of the Imladris Guard he'd worn for
a while had never felt quite right. This was who he was and
despite his pain at leaving Lindir, he knew that Lothlórien
was where he belonged.
Once
he had dressed, he slipped the last couple of items into his
bag and tied it, before moving to sit on the edge of the bed.
Leaning forward, he kissed Lindir softly, sitting back as he
waited for him to wake.
Lindir
blinked, roused from his slumber, and gazed into Rúmil's
blue eyes.
"It's morning already?" He asked groggily, as he sat
up.
Rúmil nodded, smiling sadly as he did so.
The minstrel sighed and looked away, not wanting his lover to
see the tears in his eyes. But Rúmil reached out, cupping
his face in his hands, then leaning forward to kiss away the
tears that Lindir couldn't hold back.
It
was almost too much. "You should go," Lindir whispered.
"Orophin will be looking for you. I - I'll see you at breakfast."
It
saddened Rúmil that Lindir did not wish to spend this
last morning with him, but at the same time, he understood.
They had grown so close over the previous months, that to say
goodbye was heartbreaking.
Bowing his head, he placed a light kiss on Lindir's lips, before
leaving the room with his bag in his hands.
Only
when he was gone and the door had closed, did Lindir really
allow himself to cry.
**************************
Orophin
stood in Elladan's embrace, unmoving, unwilling to part. He
held tightly to the eldest son of Elrond, who had become so
dear to him.
"I'll come and visit soon, I promise." Elladan said
softly, his hands pressing against Orophin's back as the Lórien
elf leaned against him.
"Make
sure you do." Orophin muttered as he pulled Elladan even
closer against him. "I love you."
"I love you too." Elladan replied, leaning up to kiss
him gently, both of them oblivious to everyone else.
Rúmil
could see the couple from where he stood with Haldir, but he
took little notice. His eyes darted around all those present,
searching for Lindir.
His
lover had not come to breakfast and now, as they made ready
to leave, there was still no sign of him.
Noticing his brother's distress, Haldir wrapped an arm around
Rúmil's shoulders.
"There's still time yet." He said comfortingly. "I'm
sure he'll be here."
But
Lindir did not come.
Time
moved on and eventually, Haldir knew they could delay no longer.
"Rúmil, I'm sorry - it's time to go," he said
gently. "We risk running into dangers if we wait much longer."
The silent Galadhel did not look at Haldir, though he knew he
was right. They had to make a certain point by nightfall, if
they were to avoid unnecessary risks.
Slowly, he walked towards his waiting horse, trying not to show
his emotions.
//Why?//
He thought. //Why has he not come to say goodbye? He has always
been by my side, I do not understand why he would desert me
now.//
Looking over his shoulder one last time, he saw Orophin reluctantly
backing off from Elladan’s arms and he couldn’t
help but feel jealous.
//At least he gets to say goodbye.//
With
a heavy heart, he placed his hands on the animal’s back
and sprang up, grasping the mane lightly to steady himself.
He kept his eyes down; not wanting to see the looks of pity
that he knew was getting. He’d already had enough pity
to last a lifetime.
Shaking his head, he guided his mount towards the gates.
A
moment later a desperate cry stopped him in his tracks.
“RÚMIL! Rúmil, wait!”
He whipped his head around at the voice, his heart leaping in
his chest as he saw Lindir running towards him. In an instant
he was off the horse and opening his arms to the minstrel.
Lindir
almost flew into his embrace, wrapping his arms around Rúmil’s
neck and sighing in relief.
“I thought I was too late.” He whispered.
Rúmil shook his head and held tightly onto Lindir, savouring
these last few moments.
“Oh,
Rúmil,” Lindir whispered, feeling the tension in
the arms that held him, “Relax, it’s alright now.”
Pulling back slightly, Rúmil shook his head; it was not
alright, not at all.
“But it is.” Lindir smiled, knowing what Rúmil
was trying to say. “I realised this morning that there
was no way I could let you go, that some things are more important
than others. So while you were at breakfast, I went to Lord
Elrond and asked him to release me from his service –
and he agreed! I’m free Rúmil, free to go to Lórien
with you – if you’ll have me.”
Shocked
and delighted, Rúmil could only stare at Lindir for a
long moment – and then he scooped him up and swung him
round in sheer delight, before capturing the minstrel’s
lips in a crushing kiss.
When
Rúmil finally put him down, Lindir took a step back,
looking up at his lover apologetically. “I am so sorry
if I worried you; I needed the time to pack.” He said;
gesturing to the bag he had dropped when he’d seen Rúmil
leaving.
The galadhel only pulled him into his arms again, for it did
not matter now. All that mattered was that Lindir was coming
with him, that the parting he had feared was not going to happen.
As
the two stood in each other’s arms, their friends and
family indulged them, readying a horse for Lindir and collecting
his dropped bag.
********************
So
it was that Lindir and Rúmil both left Imladris, to face
whatever the future held in the best way they knew – together.
THE
END
