Rúmil kept true to his promise and joined Faramir again the next day. In the days that followed, a pattern was established between the Lórien elf and the man from Gondor. Whenever he was able, Rúmil would accompany Faramir on his walks through the garden, and if it was not possible for him to be with him, he made sure that the young halfling, Meriadoc, was with him, so he would never be alone.
The days they spent together were filled with pleasant conversation and much laughter as they grew more comfortable around each other, Oftentimes they simply enjoyed a companionable silence, each content to be in the other's presence.
With every day that passed thus, their feelings for each other grew and deepened slowly, blooming like a flower bathed in sunlight. However, neither of them dared voicing these emotions yet, not completely sure if the affection was returned in a similar way.
So they contented themselves with gentle teasing or the occasional shy glance, filled with longing and the beginnings of passion. Meriadoc, who often joined them during their walks, was mostly seen trailing slightly behind the laughing couple, smiling a secret smile to himself. They may be unsure yet, but to him it was obvious how deep their feelings truly went.
That pleasant routine was broken one evening, several days after their first meeting. Faramir and Rúmil were once again strolling through the garden, with Meriadoc walking a short distance behind them, smirking. Faramir seemed enraptured by the elf's detailed description of Lothlórien, his eyes glued to the full lips of his companion, letting the soft lilting voice wash over him.
Rúmil, however, seemed unaware of them man's fascination, lost in his recounting of the beauty of his home, wanting to share a part of his life with Faramir, although he did not know why this was so important for him. He only knew that he wanted this man to get to know his world, wanted him to love his home as much as he did.
Just as he was describing the way the old mellyrn glowed in an almost magical way when Ithil bathed them in his silver light, he became aware of a minor commotion not so far away, and a few moments later, a man came towards them, bearing the colours of Gondor.
Faramir felt his heart beating wildly in his chest, the small flame of hope that had burned within him these last days bursting to life again. He desperately hoped that this was a good sign, that the messenger would bring them positive news, and their worst fears would not come to pass.
All too soon, the man had reached them, but before Faramir had the time to ask a single question, the news seemed to break out of the exhausted human. In a voice choked with emotion, he told them of their victory. Of the destruction of the Ring of Power, how Sauron had finally perished. The King would return to them soon, and claim the throne that was rightfully his.
After he had send the poor man off to rest after the strenuous journey, Faramir closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. All the tension that had been building up inside him since the King had left seemed to drain out of him, and he felt almost weak with joy.
A blinding smile upon his lips, he turned towards Rúmil, wanting to share this wonderful moment with the one who meant so much to him. Their eyes locked, and the Steward of Gondor saw his joy mirrored in the eyes of the elf, but there was something entirely different as well in the startling blue orbs of his companion.
For a moment they simply looked at each other, transfixed, but the next they were in each other's arms, embracing for the first time. Neither knew quite how it had happened, but they were reluctant to let go again, both feeling more complete in this moment than they ever had before in their lives.
So absorbed were they in each other, they did not notice the halfling who stood only a few feet away, smirking broadly. Nor did they notice the other elf who had arrived mere moments before and stood now nearby, his expression one of shock and confusion, although both slowly gave way to anger.
Orophin walked purposefully towards the gardens in search for his younger brother. He needed to have word with him, and since Rúmil had been in the company of a certain young Gondorian Steward for a considerable amount of time lately, the garden was where he could probably be found right now.
Irritation coursed through Orophin as he contemplated his brother's actions these last few days. He had spent almost every spare minute with Lord Faramir, to keep him company, as he called it. But Orophin knew his brother, and he knew the games he liked to play; he had witnessed it often enough. But if Rúmil believed he could manipulate one of the humans, and a Lord no less, then he was badly mistaken. He would make sure of it.
Having reached the entrance to the gardens, he slowly walked through the breathtakingly beautiful scenery, searching for his wayward brother. Finally he spotted him in the company of Lord Faramir with the halfling, Meriadoc, trailing behind them. They were obviously lost in conversation, and he decided to use that to his advantage and get closer to them unnoticed. Maybe he could find out what his brother was planning.
However, just as he was about to seek cover behind some nearby bushes and advance towards the unsuspecting couple, he was distracted by a sudden rise of the noise level from outside the gardens. Turning around to find out what had caused the disturbance, he saw a man walking towards Lord Faramir and Rúmil, bearing the colours of Gondor.
He bowed before the Steward and obviously reported to him. His curiosity piqued, Orophin walked slowly closer, almost eager to hear what the messenger's news would be. He watched the conversing men intently, and after he had taken but a few steps, he saw a delighted and relieved smile spread across the Gondorian's face.
All thoughts about Rúmil's games momentarily forgotten, he felt his heart fill with joy as he realised that the King must have been victorious. Sauron had finally fallen. Just as he was about to walk up to his brother and share this wonderful moment with him, both Rúmil and Faramir turned towards each other.
Orophin was not sure how or why it had happened, but Rúmil suddenly threw his arms around Lord Faramir, who, after stiffening initially in shock, seemed to return the embrace willingly. Stunned into immobility, Orophin simply stared at this display of affection for a few moments, unable to fully comprehend what was happening. But he eventually remembered why he had sought out this place to begin with, and he felt a surge of anger course through him.
He had been right. Rúmil was obviously trying to ensnare the unsuspecting Steward of Gondor. Like he had done it with so many others. But this time, Orophin would not allow it. He walked towards them with a determined air, reaching them just as they stepped away from each other.
Rúmil's mind was awhirl with a multitude of emotions. Confusion over what had just happened, happiness to be finally where he had dreamed to be these last few days, fear that he might scare his companion, contentment because his heart finally felt at home. He savoured every second of the embrace, feeling the warm body pressing against his, the strong arms supporting him as his knees threatened to give way. He felt the warmth emanating from Faramir seeping into his body, touching a place deep in his soul. The spicy, slightly musky smell of the young man holding him engulfed his senses, and he felt like he was floating. He felt the slight stubble of a beard against his smooth cheek, and could feel Faramir's warm breath against his neck.
He started to respond to the stimulation, and he felt his body tightening as a faint tingling sensation started in his lower belly, growing slowly until his whole body felt like it was buzzing with energy. Feeling slightly embarrassed, and afraid that his condition could be discovered, he carefully stepped away from Faramir, not daring to look into his eyes.
He had barely brought a few inches between himself and the man, as he felt a hand on his shoulder, squeezing roughly, and a familiar voice whispered harshly into his ear, "You will come with me now, my brother."
Even before he could turn around, a hand seized his arm, and he was pulled away, only able to throw a confused and helpless glance in Faramir's direction, whose look of confusion mirrored his own.
Orophin had not spoken one word with Rúmil on the whole way he had dragged his brother to their room. Every time Rúmil attempted to voice his protest, he was silenced by an icy look, and finally he ceased his struggles and simply let himself be manhandled along the hallways.
As soon as they reached the door to their chamber, he was shoved inside, and Orophin closed the door behind them, remaining in the doorway to block any escape route. Rúmil stared at him for a moment, getting annoyed himself, but as he saw that there was no way to avoid what was coming, he simply shrugged and sat down on his bed, looking at Orophin innocently.
Orophin was not fooled by this look. His brother might be fair and he certainly exuded an air of innocence, but he knew what was beneath that façade. Finally he could take it no longer, and he managed to force the words out between clenched teeth.
"What do you think you are doing, Rúmil? I know you enjoy your little games in Lórien, but I will now allow you to continue in the same way while amongst humans. You cannot play with them the way you play with your own kind. The consequences could be disastrous."
Rúmil listened to Orophin trying desperately not to scream at him, but since he had never been one to simply take a scolding from his brother, he started to defend himself. "Orophin, listen, there is nothing..." He could not finish the sentence as his brother cut in sharply.
"Nothing? You call this nothing? You were all over him for everyone to see out there in the garden. Did you even think about what you were doing? Do you ever think? As if it were not bad enough that you had to choose a human as your newest conquest, but this one is no ordinary human. He is a Lord. The Steward of Gondor. Rúmil, this is insane. You cannot simply play with a man of his status, and then cast him aside and move to the next like you always do. Is your own pleasure really important enough for you to risk severe consequences?!"
Rúmil had had enough of his brother's accusation, and he jumped off the bed, practically screaming at Orophin to make him listen. "Stop it! Now! You have no right to tell me what to do and how to behave, Orophin. I may be the youngest, but I am old enough to make my own decisions. It would be none of your concern if I was interested in Faramir of Gondor, but there is nothing between us. So please go and mind your own business!"
Orophin just looked at him in disbelief for a few seconds, shaking his head as he spoke once more. "You tell me embracing someone in a public place is nothing? I know you, Rúmil. Do not try lying to me."
"I am not lying. There is nothing between Faramir and me. I like him as a friend, as a companion. That is all. And I do not want to hear any more accusations from you. I have had enough for quite a while, thank you very much."
Angry now, he paced around the room a few times before standing directly in front of his brother, looking up into blue eyes still flashing with barely restrained fury. "I would appreciate it if you would let me pass, Orophin. This conversation is over."
Orophin refused to step aside, eying his brother apprehensively. "Where are you going? It is already dark outside, and most people will have gone to bed by now. You should sleep as well." - "Oh, I will sleep, Orophin, have no fear. But I am not willing to share this room with you tonight. I will find another place for the night. So you better let me pass, or you will regret it."
Wanting to avoid a physical confrontation with Rúmil, Orophin reluctantly stepped aside, watching helplessly as his brother opened the door and strode quickly down the hallway and out of sight. Heaving a sigh full of frustration and sadness, he walked slowly towards his own bed and sat down. Putting his head in his hands, he felt fear and desperation replacing the anger.
Why could Rúmil not see that he only wanted to protect him, even from himself if necessary? Swallowing heavily, he felt a lonely tear trickle down his cheek as he squeezed his eyes shut, covering his face with his hands.
He could not lose his brother.
Rúmil had been wandering aimlessly around the silent halls, trying to calm his raging temper. He knew that Orophin probably only meant well, but he was so infuriating at times. How could he assume that he only wanted to play with Faramir? The young man was far too precious to him to even think about doing anything of this kind. And just because he had embraced him did not mean that he was attracted to Faramir.
Or was he?
Stopping suddenly, Rúmil thought again about what Orophin had told him. Or rather screamed at him. Closing his eyes, he imagined again how the embrace had felt, all the emotions that had coursed through him during the brief contact. How right it had felt, and how it had evoked a feeling inside him he had never known before.
He again replayed the last days, how he had felt drawn to the young man from the moment he had laid eyes upon him, how these intense and foreign emotion had caused him to flee on that fateful day. He remembered as he had first spoken to Faramir the day after, and the way he had then welcomed every opportunity to spend time with the young Gondorian. How save and at home he had felt in his presence.
And suddenly it all made sense, but the revelation frightened him, the recognition of his own feelings almost driving him to his knees. He was falling in love with the young man, something he had never experienced before. All his previous relationships had been casual, simply to satisfy the needs of his body, but never of his heart. He had never gotten emotionally involved with any of his partners, for reasons unknown to him.
And now, when he had least expected it, he had lost his heart to a mortal. Just like his brother. He was falling in love. It might still be possible to draw back from the feelings, to break away and return to Lórien, to simply forget what had happened in the past days. But he realized that he did not want to. Because although he was frightened, he had also never felt as alive, as complete and as happy as in the time since Faramir had stepped into his life.
He had never before felt so connected with another person that did not belong to his family. He did not know what would happen, but he knew one thing. He had to tell Faramir, because there was a chance that the young man had similar feelings. But it was already too late for that, because Faramir was most probably already asleep. He would speak with him in the morning.
At peace with his decision and calm once more, Rúmil went silently back to his room, slipped in unnoticed by his brother and went to sleep. His dreams were filled with images of a young man from Gondor.
The first rays of the morning sun had just begun to warm the earth as a hunched figure slowly walked along a lonely path in the gardens of Minas Tirith. His head bowed, eyes staring into space, Faramir of Gondor had no mind for the beauty surrounding him, his mind replaying the happenings of the day before again and again.
One moment where joy and pain had come together, one moment to turn his life upside down and shatter the hope that had grown stronger within him every day since he had met Rúmil of Lórien.
He felt a shiver run down his spine as he remembered how the beautiful elf had suddenly embraced him. How the surprisingly strong arms had wound around his shoulders, the face turned into his throat, soft breath tickling his skin, silken hair rubbing against his cheek. He remembered how the elf's body had practically melted into him, how right this sudden closeness had felt, and how much his body had liked the almost intimate contact.
A muffled noise startled him out of his contemplations, and he watched as a few young people were running around some distance away from him, obviously celebrating the victory of Gondor's new king. A sad smile played around the man's lips. He knew he should be happy, should be celebrating with the people of Gondor, but he found himself unable to do so. For the moment that should have filled his heart with joy had instead filled it with agony, breaking it.
He had realized several days ago that his steadily growing feelings for Rúmil had nothing to do with fascination or curiosity, that they ran much deeper, and it had frightened him at first. But he could not deny what his heart had been telling him, that he was falling desperately in love with the Lórien elf, a feeling that, once acknowledged, had grown stronger with each day spend in Rúmil's company.
When the elf had embraced him the day before, he felt like his wishes, his dreams might become reality, his deepest desire coming true. But the flame of hope within him had been extinguished as Orophin of Lórien had forcibly dragged his brother away from him. He had caught Rúmil's eyes before he had vanished, full of confusion and something else...
He should have known that it would be impossible. A man and an elf, together? It might have worked for the Lady of Rohan and Rúmil's brother, Haldir, but they surely were the exception. Orophin would make sure that his younger brother saw reason, and they would return to their home, to their own kind, where they belonged.
He would never see Rúmil of Lórien again, never hear his sweet voice again, see that beautiful face, feel the strong body in his arms. Rúmil would probably find himself a mate, have children, and eventually pass across the sea with the others of his kind.
And he, Faramir, would be left behind. Alone. Mourning.
He felt a tightness burning in his throat, and the ground before him started to get blurry all of a sudden, but he fought against the tears that threatened to fall, caused by the thought of his love spending his life with another. He clenched his eyes shut in an attempt to hinder the flow, but it was no use, and he felt the wetness on his cheeks as they ran down his face. Suppressing a sob, he slowly sank to his knees, his shoulders shaking with the force of his sudden grief.
That was how Rúmil found him after he had slipped out of his room at the break of dawn, his desire to speak with the one who held his heart greater than his need for rest. He had returned to the place where the messenger had reported to them the day before in the hope that Faramir could be found here as well, but the scene that met his eyes let his heart stop in his chest.
Dread coursed through him as he ran towards the kneeling and trembling figure, afraid that Faramir might be hurt in some way. He sank to the ground beside the miserable form, trying to determine the cause for the other's distress. "Faramir, what ails you? Are you hurt? Do you need to see a healer? Please, tell me what is wrong." As he did not receive an answer after a moment, he grew even more concerned, and he touched the young man's shoulder gently, feeling the shivers running through his body.
Finally unable to stand the other's misery any longer, he placed a hand under Faramir's chin, lifting his head and looking pleadingly into his swollen and red-rimmed eyes. "I beg you, tell me what is wrong", he asked softly.
Faramir felt ashamed of having been caught like this by the one who was the reason for his emotional turmoil. But nonetheless he cherished the chance to see the beautiful creature once more, if only to bid him farewell.
He swallowed several times to make throat work again, yet his voice was hoarse as he responded. "Have you come to say goodbye? Surely you will return to Lothlórien with your brother as soon as possible. I hope that the future will bring you much happiness. And I am sorry that I was the cause for any arguments between you and Orophin. I did not mean..."
Rúmil was stunned into silence for a moment, not comprehending at first what the other was talking about. As he finally realized what Faramir must think, he cursed himself and interrupted the other's ramblings.
"Faramir, no. I am not leaving, I would never just leave you, not now that I have finally found you." At Faramir's slightly confused look, he smiled and continued, "These last days have been very precious to me. I have never felt so drawn to someone as I have been to you. You have awakened feelings inside my heart I have never experienced before, and I was frightened by their strangeness and power."
Blushing faintly as he was about to confess his love to the other, he moved his gaze away from the man's face, preferring to stare at the ground as he continued in a soft voice. "I have been too afraid to realize what these feelings meant, until last night. It was actually Orophin's accusations that forced me to think about them in a more serious way. And because of that I finally realised that I am ... that I am in love with you. That you fill my heart with more joy than I ever thought possible. You complete me in a way I had never dared to imagine. I feel in my heart that we belong to each other, and I want to be with you. Now, and forever."
Rúmil finally dared to look up again, not knowing what to expect after his confession. He was shocked to see more tears coursing down Faramir's face, but his eyes held no sadness any longer. They sparkled with hope and joy, and in that moment Rúmil could see his future in them, their future, and he knew that the other felt the same way he did.
A wondrous smile curved his lips, and he could have shouted with happiness, but Faramir had other ideas. Without giving himself time to think about what he was about to do, he gently took Rúmil's face between his hands and drew him forward. As their lips met for the first time, still unsure, tender, both felt an incredible warmth spreading through them, and they moaned softly into the caress.
Soon the kiss became more passionate, tinged with desperation and longing and hope and love. Before it could grow too heated, however, Rúmil drew back, smiling apologetically. "I am afraid we do not have time for this, for I must go back to my room before my brother awakens. And this may also not be the best place for anything else."
Faramir looked around them and blushed slightly, nodding in agreement, not trusting himself to speak at the moment. Rúmil saw that the other was still a bit overwhelmed, and made a suggestion. "I have to attend to several things today, but I would like to meet you this evening, after the sun has sunken beneath the horizon. Then we can continue our conversation." Seeing a mirroring sparkle enter Faramir's eyes, he went on. "I will come to your chambers as soon as I am able. Will you await me there, my love?"
Grasping his hand and squeezing it tightly, Faramir simply nodded, still too giddy with joy to try his voice. He leaned in again, and brushed another soft kiss across the elf's mouth. Then he stood up and held out a hand to his companion.
Smiling sweetly, Rúmil took the offered hand, and side by side they walked slowly back inside, there fingers intertwined.
It was dark outside as Rúmil silently walked along the corridors towards the chambers of the Steward of Gondor. His day had been a busy one, with many things to take care of, all the while avoiding Orophin and his fiery temper. He smirked as he remembered the visit to Haldir's and Èowyn's room today. Orophin had caused quite an amusing scene, raving and glaring at him while he himself only wanted to get away from him as fast as possible. Once he had caught Èowyn smiling at him, as if she knew what was going on inside his mind at that moment.
Shaking off the memories with a fond smile, he realised that he had arrived at Faramir's door, and his heart started pounding in his chest. He did not know what to expect, how far his love would be willing to proceed this first evening, but he would gladly take whatever was offered to him, contend to simply be in the other's presence.
He quietly opened the door, stepping inside without allowing himself to look around. With his back to the room he closed the door once again, locking it so they would not be disturbed, and with anticipation filling him he turned around. And gasped.
The room was bathed in the light of dozens of softly flickering candles, and a pleasant scent filled in the air. However, his eyes were glued to the figure sitting on the bed, with his hands clasped in his lap, looking insecure and hopeful, scared and eager all at once.
Rúmil felt as if his heart would burst with the love he felt for this young man, and he closed his eyes to draw in a deep breath and calm himself. Opening them again, he slowly moved forward, towards the beautiful being on the bed.
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Chapter notes: Elvish Translations: Ithil - Moon
