grrr...sunburn...okay this chapter is for Lindir...
CHAPTER 35
Lindir sat in the gardens. He had brought his harp with him, but something kept him from playing it. He sighed. What was wrong with him this day? He saw Rumil running toward him.
" Rumil, what is amiss?"
Rumil swallowed hard.
" I overheard Hadereth say something to Lords Erestor and Celeborn."
Lindir smiled.
" Rumil, you were eavesdropping."
Rumil sighed.
" You will be glad I did."
Lindir waited, hoping Rumil would just tell him what had been said. When Rumil didn't say anything, Lindir crossed his arms across his chest.
"Rumil, what was said?"
Rumil chuckled.
" Oh! Forgive me Lindir."
Rumil's expression became serious.
" Hadereth told Lords Erestor and Celeborn that he is fading. He does not want to die because then he will leave his beloved behind."
Lindir's eyes widened. He knew there were other elves about and he didn't want to make Hadereth's business public knowledge.
" Who?"
Rumil looked at him in confusion.
" What?"
Lindir lowered his head.
"Who is it? His beloved." Lindir whispered.
Rumil smiled.
" It is you mellon nin."
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Hadereth groaned in pain. Why wouldn't Mandos just take him already? He turned to look at where Erestor and Celeborn were sitting. He was going to say something, but the sound of running feet caught his attention. The runner slowed as he came to the doors of the healing wing. The doors opened. Erestor and Celeborn watched as Lindir approached Hadereth. They looked at each other knowingly about Hadereth's secret. Lindir swallowed hard.
" L-Lord Hadereth?"
Hadereth looked at Lindir, then shook his head.
" I am no Lord here Lindir."
Lindir stepped closer.
" May I ask you something?"
Hadereth nodded weakly, but did not speak. He smiled as he felt Lindir stroking his hair.
" Why did you not tell me?"
Hadereth knew what Lindir was talking about.
"H-How did you know?"
Lindir said nothing. Erestor and Celeborn remembered seeing Rumil upon their entry to the healing wing. The elven lords shook their heads and silently left the room. Hadereth took Lindir's hand into his own.
" I love you Lindir. I know you may not feel the same for me, but..."
Lindir kissed Hadereth deeply and Hadereth could feel the darkness lifting. Lindir loved him.
TBC...