Rumil of Lórien (rumil_olorien) wrote, @ 2003-06-10 00:58:00

Current mood:

giddy

In the woods skirting Minas Tirith
The day was half passed, the light of the sun spread upon the woods that stood on the edge of Minas Tirith.

Within those woods, hidden by the dust-grey and light green clothing he wore, a silver-haired Elf ran lightly up the near sheer trunk of a tree without any apparent effort, hands lightly skimming branches as he ascended the magnificent oak as easily as a mortal man would ascend a staircase.

A laugh of genuine glee escaped his lips as he reached a broader branch, swinging up onto it and running lightly upon it, his toes barely touching the bark as he sped forth, leaping from one tree to another with the grace and confidence of a cat, occasionally disturbing small groups of birds, who took wing, warbling their protest as the Elf continued on his way.

Swinging outwards, the Elf launched himself over onto the immense branch of an ancient beech that stood closer to the Keep walls, skimming to a halt, his eyes aglow with the sheer delight of his freedom. Being surrounded by the natural world was one of his loves and, were his family to seek him out, they knew where to find him: somewhere in the forests, often in the highest of trees.

Unlike his brothers, Haldir and Orophin, Rumil was far from concerned about the face he presented to the world. Let them be formal and intense. There were sufficient Elves who were calm and refined. Very few allowed their true spirits to show forth. Rumil was one of the few who was happy to do so, uncaring of what people thought of him, happy to be a friend to all, particularly because his brothers found it a source of great consternation and bewilderment.

It was all because of the incident at Helm’s Deep, where they had almost lost the middle of their number, which had caused him to view life differently. No longer did he believe that wisdom and passivity were the only way. No, they would not die any time soon, but they might be killed the next day, without ever having the chance to savour all that life offered and he, Rumil, was eager to taste everything.

Letting his legs slide from beneath him, he dropped into a seated position on the broad branch, looking down at the gateway that lead from the Keep’s gardens, wondering if it would be a good day for leaping out and startling a poor helpless human.

Men were a source of great amusement for the youngest of the Lorien brothers. They did not understand his kind, something he frequently took advantage of, their often harmless and volatile natures so very easy to play with. Orophin despised them, while Haldir was neutral, but Rumil found the poor, naïve and genuinely quite silly creatures absolutely hilarious in recent circumstances.

Yes, there had been the incident of the war, but Rumil had also made a point not to dwell on the past or worry about the future unless it was absolutely necessary. He peered down onto the grounds again, lying down along the branch as a big cat would, his eyes half-closed as he surveyed the opening. All he needed now was prey.

orophin_olorien 2003-06-09 19:24 (link)

Well, he would not likely find prey here, as Orophin walked along with a purpose, and Rumil could be sure that it was seeking him out. He knew his brother was likely to be found in a tree somewhere, as Rumil was known more for having his head in the clouds than his feet on the ground. He did not, however, think to find his brother so close to the keep, and so was curiously unaware of Rumil's presence in the tree ahead of him. Strange, as Orophin always seemed aware of everything around him, but today he seemed just a little bit more upset and stoic. He was caught up in Haldir. In Haldir and... in that Mirkwood Prince. He gave a long-suffering sigh as he made his way quickly back towards the keep, jaw set, eyes straight-ahead, but completely unfocused on where he was heading. He was lost in thought, his feet carrying him automatically and by memory towards the Galadhrim's wing of the keep. (Reply to this) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-09 19:31 (link)

Swinging his lgs about to wind his legs about the branch at the sight of his eldest brother, Rumil pitched himself backwards, dangling upside down by his knees from the broad branch, his head swimming into Orophin's line of sight, just a arm's length above his brother. "Good day, muindor," he said cheerfully, although the open cheer faded at the expression on Orophin's features and he folded his arms over his chest, his hair hanging down from his head. "Ah," he observed gravely, his eyes still twinkling. "You are aggravated about something, brother? Your brows give it away, you know. Your right is always marginally higher than your left when you are aggrieved." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-09 19:41 (link)

Orophin stopped suddenly, blinking as his brother suddenly filled his vision. His brother... upside-down. Orophin's frown etched a bit deeper as his eyes darted up, noting that Rumil was, indeed, hanging upside down from a tree. Sighing, Orophin folded his arm across his chest, arching that right eyebrow just a little bit higher. "Maer aur, muindor," he said. "Perhaps you should reconsider your current positioning, unless you are trying to re-hydrate your blissfully dry brain?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-09 19:47 (link)

Rumil grinned broadly at his brother, swinging peacefully back and forth, his hair swaying in the breeze. "Alas, my dear Orophin, we all know how unsuccessful that was, the last time I tried it. Three days upside down and," He tapped his forehead significantly. "Nothing changed for the better, or so claimed Haldir and yourself, if I recall correctly. Something about damaging what little I had..." He shrugged, spreading his hands. "And might I know what has you in such a foul distempter, this glorious day?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	orophin_olorien 2003-06-09 20:08 (link)
	Orophin regarded his brother for a moment, lidding his eyes. He took a single step back and remained simply watching. After nearly half a minute, Orophin began to count, backwards from ten. "Caer, neder, toloth, odog..." And Rumil, being a good brother, knew that if he was not out of that tree by the time Orophin reached one, he would be pulled from the tree. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-09 20:16 (link)

Rumil groaned. Quite clearly, his elder brother was not in the mood to even tolerate the most banal of humour, which was quite simply horrifically dull. Bringing his hands up to brace on either side of his knees, he kicked his feet up, pushing himself back off the branch into a graceful flip and landed on his feet on the ground. Turning to face his brother, he cocked his head to one side, hands on his hips. "Well, do you intend to inform me of what aggrives you so or would you prefer for me to irritate you further?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-09 20:29 (link)

Orophin pursed his lips, shooting Rumil a long-suffering stare. "As I am quite certain you will irritate me no matter what, I will lay your curiosity to ease." He jerked his head in the direction of the keep, moving once again towards the side door that led to the Galadhrim's wing. "We will not speak here. I do not trust the silence. I do not know if you have noticed, muindor, as you too often seem focused sorely on yourself..." He paused and pulled open the heavy wooden door, motioning Rumil through with another jerk of his head. "...but everywhere I am in this place, I feel eyes upon me. I do not wish to exhibit our personal problems more than I absolutely must." He shut the door. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-09 20:37 (link)

Rumil rolled his eyes, pulling a face as he strode along a pace behind his brother. "I do not know if you have observed it, muindor," he replied in the same tone, one he had learned from that very same brother. "Since you are obsessed with the very thought that everyone wishes us ill, but we are only the focus of attention because you permanently appear as a sulky young Elfling who has been scolded. It bewilders people to see a grown Elf appear thus. I, on the other hand, am in the attention of several fair maidens for no other reason than my natural charms." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-09 20:45 (link)

Orophin tossed an exasperated glare over his shoulder, and then turned to face forward once again, his stride purposeful and graceful as he carried himself with all of the pride that a Galadhrim should; and it could be that he was making up for the fact that Rumil was lollygagging behind and surely slumping his shoulders. "Rumil, I do believe I need to remind you that I care not of your attentions from the ladies in this keep. We have a problem far more serious than whether or not your bed is occupied by any other than yourself this night." He stopped in front of a door situated not too far down the hall from the Lady Galadriel's, herself. He unlatched it and strode in, not bothering to hold it open for his brother this time. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-09 20:50 (link)

Catching the door as it swung shut in his face, Rumil raised his eyes briefly to the stone ceiling above them, uttering a silent prayer to the Valar to give him patience enough not to wring his eldest brother's neck before stepping into the room after him, forcing a curious look onto his face. "So, muindor," he said, crossing his arms over his chest, his chin raised. "What reason have you for this mood?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-09 21:00 (link)

Orophin ignored Rumil's look. In fact, he was not even looking at Rumil at all. He had crossed the room to the wardrobe, had just swung his cloak off from his shoulders, and was carefully hanging it up. "It is Haldir," he said shortly. He unstrapped his sword and placed it against the wall, balancing it just perfectly so it would not fall over. He then unstrapped his bow and quiver, doing the same with them. He did not say another word as he turned and looked at Rumil, eyebrows raised expectantly. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-09 21:05 (link)

"And you expect me to know automatically that which troubles you?" Unfurling his arms, Rumil sighed. "So which thing concerns you the most, brother?" He started counting on his fingers. "That he has had an encounter of some description with the King? That he has also had an encounter that should not be mentioned with the Steward of Gondor? Or is it the outburst directed out our Lady's grandsons? Or," A shrewd look crosed his face. "Is it Legolas?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	orophin_olorien 2003-06-10 21:10 (link)
	Orophin quirked an eyebrow and raised his hand, splaying out his fingers. "Let us see... Elessar? Yes. The Steward? Yes. The Twins? Yes. That insufferable brat from Mirkwood? Yes." He sighed heavily and crossed his arms, staring incredulously at Rumil. "Do you mean to tell me that his behavior is not concerning you in the least?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-10 21:16 (link)

Rumil shrugged slightly. "I do not see what concern it is of mine whom our brother sees fit to consort with. He has had much to worry him in the past few years. If he desires to take a brief respite in the company of such individuals and if it brings him happiness, even if just for a short time, I am willing to allow him that," Rumil's normally gentle and open expression hardened slightly. "If, however, he begins to act a fool on a permanent basis, I will be sure to instruct him as I know best, as - you so kindly point out on a regular basis - I am indeed the fool of the family. I do not believe it will happen, but this, I believe he needs." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-10 21:24 (link)

"But it is not bringing him happiness, Rumil," Orophin insisted. "I spoke with him not even an hour ago, and he was very discontent. I do not understand why he continues to surround himself with things that displease him..." He spread his hands, gesturing to the room. "I do not understand why we dwell here, still! We have been here nearly a fortnight. Has not Elessar celebrated enough?" He sighed in frustration, looking rather disgruntled. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-10 21:47 (link)

The youngest of the three studied his brother pensively, raising one hand to rub his chin thoughtfully. While he was considered the least wise and sage of the trio, he often observed more closely than any gave him credit for. "I do believe he might be happy, muindor," he remarked thoughtfully. "If people gave him peace to appreciate his own life. I know that many view him as cold and fierce, uncaring of anyone or thing. It is not his fault he is viewed thus, but that is why he is looked on with hostility and that, brother, is why he is unhappy. No one believes our brother capable of love and thus, because of our influence on him, his very nature is the cause of his own distemper. Were he and his lover left to his own devices, I do believe Haldir would be happy, but - as is always the case - there is much going on." He sighed, crossing the room to his brother, one hand extending to touch Orophin's shoulder. "As for lingering here," A slow, deliberate grin crossed Rumil's face. "I do not believe the celebrations have yet begun, brother. We are missing some very important guests and, soon, they will be in attendance, although I do hope the halflings will keep their sights from my choice of maidens. I have yet to finish working through the ranks." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	orophin_olorien 2003-06-10 21:56 (link)
	Orophin ignored Rumil's last words, instead focusing on what he had said in seriousness. "Do you honestly believe that Legolas might be... good for Haldir?" he asked, his voice filled with uncertainty. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	rumil_olorien 2003-06-10 22:06 (link)
	"Do you find it so hard to believe, muindor?" Rumil countered with a half-smile, his hand squeezing his brother's shoulder. "Too long has haldir been alone. Too long has he isolated himself, thinking only upon his duty. He has become too cold and I believe the Prince might be the one to thaw him, to allow him to smile once more." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	orophin_olorien 2003-06-10 22:15 (link)
	Orophin frowned sadly, reaching up to squeeze Rumil's forearm briefly before gently extracting himself and walking over to look out the window. "Yes, perhaps. But perhaps he will be the one to blind Haldir and loose him to us forever..." he finished softly, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-10 22:20 (link)

Closing his eyes briefly, Rumil exhaled. "Do you truly believe a connection of blood can be so easily severed, Orophin?" he asked softly, crossing to stand behind his brother. Although he knew they would most likely be shrugged off or ignored, he wound his arms around Orophin's waist, pressing his brow between his brother's shoulders. "He is our kin, muindor, and always will be." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	orophin_olorien 2003-06-10 22:33 (link)
	Orophin sighed sadly, pressing his hand to Rumil's for a moment before slowly turning in his brother's arms. He wrapped his arms around Rumil's shoulders, pressing his cheek to the Elf's hair. "Im meleth le, muindor," he whispered. "And you are correct, and I must find Haldir and apologize." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-11 08:21 (link)

At his brother's embrace, Rumil allowed a faint smile to play upon his lips. Yes, Orophin appeared unreasonable and cold to those outwith their close family, but given reason and understanding words, the brother occasionally did reveal that he was more than simply a stone-faced shell. Occasions such as this only ever occured in the presence of one or both of his brother's, never before anyone who was not of their kin. "Give Haldir some time, first," he suggested in a low voice, his head comfortably resting upon his brother's shoulder. "He has much to think about. Let him find his calm before approaching him again. Even if you approach with good intentions, we both know that Haldir tends to allow thoughts to linger and fester. Give him time." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-11 14:59 (link)

Orophin made a small noise of displeasure as he raised his hand, tentatively placing it on the back of Rumil's head. "I fear he may have learned that from me," he murmured. "I do not believe I have been the best teacher to either of you, when it comes to matters such as these..." He frowned softly. "Then again, I suppose one cannot teach what one does not know." He sighed and turned his head slightly, burying his face in the softness of his brother's hair. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-11 19:40 (link)

Rumil could not help but frown as he raised his own left hand to thread it through his brother's silk-like hair, his right settling at the base of Orophin's back. Never before had he seen his eldest sibling come so easily undone, nor reveal so much of his inner-hurt. "Orophin..." The name hung in the air for a long moment, as Rumil contemplated what to say. "You did the best that you could, muindor. That we are still here... that you still remain with us, in spite of our failings and folly attests a great deal of your strength of will." Pressing his cheek against his brother's neck, he exhaled, his breath a warm ripple on his brother's skin. "Especially since you did not throw me into the Lady Galadriel's fountain as you threatened to so many times for my misdemeanours." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-11 20:16 (link)

The corner of Orophin’s mouth quirked into a smile at the memory. He inhaled slowly and deeply, the sent of family and earth and kin filling his nostrils, Rumil’s warm breath sending a slow shiver down his spine. He remembered the chill nights in the Lórien woods, huddled on a flet with his brothers on either side. He did miss those days. When it was just them. And now Legolas had come, and would likely destroy that, if not directly, then simply by being. Orophin sighed, lowering his head down to press his cheek to Rumil’s, fingers kneading absently against his younger brother’s scalp. "I am worried, Rumil. I anticipate the worst, and yet I cannot fathom him not being with us." His voice was soft against Rumil’s cheek, breath warm. (Reply to this) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-11 20:24 (link)

The closeness of his brother to him brought back so very many memories for the younger Elf. It was one of his securities, one of his peaceful pleasures, to curl between his two larger and stronger brothers to sleep, protected by their embrace and now that he thought on it, to see Haldir with another... Rumil sighed softly, matching the warm breath his brother ghosted upon his cheek. His fingers pressed lightly against Orophin's back, as he contemplated his reply, his lips brushing against his brother's cheek as he spoke. "As I said, Orophin, he always will be our kin. Legolas may have him for a day or maybe even a millennia, but we are his blood. Even if he is not with us, he will be ours forever in a way that no other can touch." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-11 20:48 (link)

Orophin made a soft noise of assent in the back of his throat, tilting his head slightly to press his lips to Rumil's cheek. He lingered, eyes drifting shut, loosing himself in the simple comfort of knowing that this creature belonged to him, and he to Rumil, and Haldir to them, and they to Haldir, and that none would ever break that bond... And no matter how much Orophin thought them irritating or was angered at them, he loved them more than his own life, and would do anything for them. "And you. You will stay, muindor," he whispered against Rumil's cheek, his arms tightening around his brother's slightly smaller frame. It was not a question, or a demand... it was merely a statement of fact. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-11 20:54 (link)

Rumil nodded, his eyes closed lightly, his grip upon his brother tightening at Orophin's words. "Yes, Orophin," he replied simply, his words little more than a whisper of air upon his brother's smooth cheek. A faint smile played upon his lips. "I fear for your sanity, but it is true. You will never be rid of me. I would not last a day without you to tell me that I can not dress myself, nor talk coherently, nor walk like an Elf should." He drew back slightly, gazing at Orophin. "Where would I be without you?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	orophin_olorien 2003-06-11 21:16 (link)
	And wonder of wonders, Orophin nearly blushed at Rumil's words. He certainly did smile, the first genuine smile since they had left Lórien. He pressed his forehead to his brother's, eyes glinting softly in the dimness of the room. "Most certainly dead, as you cannot walk two steps without me there to remind you of how to do it properly." He winked. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	rumil_olorien 2003-06-11 21:21 (link)
	Rumil laughed, nudging the tip of his nose against his brother's. "Let me see if I recall correctly - one foot forward and then again?" he asked, mocking a step forward and successfully tripping over his feet to fall more fully against his brother, laughing, his eyes dancing with mirth. "See! I have such skill!" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-11 21:30 (link)

Orophin chuckled very softly, tightening his hold around Rumil and lifting him to stand straight once again. He tilted his head, gazing fondly at his brother. "Enough of that, then," he said, his voice slightly strained, as if he were trying to be more serious than he was feeling. "Haldir, I shall seek upon the morrow, when the day is fresh, I think. As for the remainder of this day, I would like to spend it with you, if you do not mind." He smiled, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Rumil's lips before pulling back again. "You can always lift my spirits, muindor, and I am in desperate need of that these days." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	rumil_olorien 2003-06-11 21:34 (link)
	Rumil beamed at his brother, the simple afffection in Orophin's tone causing a swell of affection in him so great he was sure his heart would burst. "You know that you do not even have to ask, Orophin," he replied, raising a hand to caress his brother's familiar features. "It would be my pleasure to cheer you." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	orophin_olorien 2003-06-11 22:03 (link)
	Orophin's eyes fell shut at the simple touch of his brother's hand. He had been angry for far too long, and he desperately needed some time to simply just be. "Hannon le, muindor," he whispered, eyes opening again, shining at Rumil. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

rumil_olorien 2003-06-12 19:17 (link)

No reply was needed, Rumil knew. Reaching down, he captured one of his brother's hands in his own. "Tolo, muindor," he said, drawing his brother towards the door. "I want to show you where I have been lingering. I have found a place where I can be at peace and now... it appears that you need it as much as I." An impish look filtered into his bright eyes. "And there is a delightful view of the bathing room of some of the Maids." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

orophin_olorien 2003-06-12 19:26 (link)

Orophin tilted his head in a withering glare, groaning softly. He played annoyed, but still allowed himself to be led at the hand by Rumil. His brother opened the door and pulled Orophin through, latching it behind them. They started off down the hall, Rumil leading the way, over-eager, his hand warm and comforting in Orophin's own. The older Elf smiled softly, giving that hand a squeeze as they exited the keep into the warm morning air. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)