A/N: Rúmil understands Théodred, though Theo can't speak elvish. I sort of
stole the horse idea from Alex and her story, "Cooked Goose", though I
twisted it a bit. Cooked Goose is archived at Of Elves and Men.
http://www.ofelvesandmen.com
Chapter Three
*~*~*~*
Haldir had been hiking downstream for nearly two days. He still hadn't found a place where the banks were low enough that Rúmil could have easily climbed out of the fast moving river. He only hoped that their luck held and they didn't see any orcs. Rúmil was essentially defenseless, as Haldir had been able to retrieve both his bow and his knives; so he knew Rúmil had no weapons save for the small dagger he kept in his boot. Haldir had no choice. He kept walking.
***
Rúmil stayed the next day and night with Théodred. They talked and laughed and Théodred finished his scouting. He should have started back to his camp, but he didn't want to leave Rúmil out there alone and without decent weapons. He decided to wait until Gareth and the others of his patrol found him. They could even lend Rúmil a horse, give him food and a sword, at least. Rúmil knew he should start walking back upstream, in order to save Haldir some traveling as well. He didn't relish the idea of being practically weaponless; so he let Théodred easily convince him to stay.
They did little besides rest and talk, though they both remained alert for orc activity. Rúmil found Théodred easy to talk to, like his brother Orophin. For his part, Théodred found Rúmil to be understanding of the pressure he was under-despite his young age, he had to be responsible to his soldiers, his father, and his kingdom. He had known, even as a child, that his life would be bound to his people. Everything he did must be for their good. Théodred was glad of this small interlude where he only had himself to watch over. He felt comfortable telling his fears and hopes to Rúmil, who responded in kind.
"I don't know why, but I feel a kinship with you. Perhaps because we share things in common. For I know that Haldir will find some way to blame this on me, or at least, make it seem like I was being his little brother again and did this just to aggravate him."
"Aye. Gareth, the leader of the Éored, he will no doubt make sure that I do not soon forget this. I am just thankful that I will not have to lead these men. I am only second-in-command here, training for the time being. By the time I am in a position to lead them, hopefully, they will not remember all of my mistakes quite so clearly."
Rúmil laughed. "They will if their memories are even a fraction as long as Haldir's. Though you have it worse by far, I would think, being the son of the King. You not only must be a great warrior, but a diplomat as well. And.I would imagine, you must have to look at every woman as a possible wife?"
"I don't even dare think about marriage or children. I wouldn't want anyone to spend her life alone, waiting for me to come back from patrol."
"But your father married. As King, aren't you expected to marry and produce heirs?"
"Of course. Maybe I should say that I don't think about it yet." Théodred paused and looked hard at Rúmil. "Truthfully, I don't think about women much at all." He stopped talking and looked at his hands in his lap. Rúmil saw the faint pink color on his cheeks though.
"I do not think about women either. I have only had one female lover. The others have all been male. And warriors as well."
Théodred looked back up at Rúmil, a little surprised. He didn't know why it would surprise him. Among the Rohirrim, it was not that unusual for two warriors to find comfort with each other. It wasn't something that they flaunted, but even non-warriors understood and accepted the need for it.
"And this is acceptable?"
Rúmil smiled. "Yes. Sometimes, it is even encouraged. The number of males outnumber females 2 or 3 to 1. I don't believe that anyone would wish to doom themselves or others to a solitary life. So yes, males with males is acceptable."
Rúmil paused and looked at the young man. "Théodred?"
"Yes?"
"I will be blunt about this, as you are a young man and have no time," Rúmil grinned at Théodred, "Would you like to.take comfort with me? We have done nothing but talk for two days, I think I would like to get to know you more...intimately."
Théodred laughed at Rúmil's not quite innocent face. "Yes, I would also like to know you.intimately." He tipped his face to hide it again. "Though I think you will find me lacking in experience. I fear I will disappoint you."
Rúmil crawled the short distance between them and tipped Théodred's face up with his finger.
"You could not disappoint me. Besides, I owe you something for saving my life. Let me worry about meeting your expectations instead of you meeting mine."
Théodred searched Rúmil's eyes. He read the sincerity there. He licked his lips and smiled. "Then you should consider yourself successful as well."
He started to back away, but Rúmil put both hands on his shoulders to pull him closer and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Théodred leaned into Rúmil, opening his mouth slightly in invitation, which the elf did not decline.
*~*
They woke before the sun was too high in the sky, and the cool of the morning air made Théodred press his body closer to Rúmil's under the blanket they had shared. He sat up, startled, when he realized that he had slept the rest of the night; and he hadn't taken his turn at watch. Rúmil pulled him back down for a lingering kiss and a lazy smile. Théodred allowed himself to be covered back up and folded into Rúmil's arms. He questioned the elf though.
"Why didn't you wake me? You did not stay awake all night, did you?"
"You were tired, my love. Besides, I wished to lay here holding you naked in my arms. We have seen nothing of orcs, I thought it safe enough."
Théodred sighed and snuggled closer to Rúmil.
"Gareth will likely be here in a day or so. He'll bring an extra horse, maybe two. I'll give you one, and a sword so you can start back to Lorien."
"I will gratefully accept the sword, or a bow if you have one, but I don't need the horse. I'll likely meet Haldir coming down-river, and he will be on foot, so unless the horse can carry two, I'm afraid it will only create a target for any stray enemies around."
"Yes. Haldir. How could I forget? Well then, perhaps I will send Gareth back for more horses so you can each have one. Have you ever ridden a steed from Rohan?"
Rúmil smiled. He couldn't let this pass.
"Actually, I have. Several times. All last night. He was magnificent."
Théodred blushed and buried his face in Rúmil's chest. "That's not what I meant."
"I know. But I must be honest with you, don't you think?"
Théodred smiled and leaned down to bite one of Rúmil's exposed nipples, causing the elf to gasp and then sigh as he followed the sharp bite with soft strokes of his tongue.
*~*
"Well, well, what have we here? Rúmil? I spend DAYS walking, running, worried about you and now I find you lazing about, half-naked..no, totally naked with a..BOY?"
Rúmil sat up, then tried to stand, realized he was still naked, as Haldir had pointed out, so he sat back down again. It wouldn't have mattered much, except that Théodred was still half sitting on his lap. By the time Rúmil sat back down to cover up, Théodred had been unceremoniously dumped to the ground, where he could do nothing but try to hide his face. Rúmil quickly pulled the embarrassed rider back into the circle of his arms and threw the covers back over him.
Haldir stood there, towering over them, his arms crossed over his chest and his fiercest glare concentrated on his brother.
"Well? Have you lost the ability to speak Rúmil? What exactly happened over the last 5 days? The last I saw of you was when you were in the river, half-drowned, weaponless, and unable to get clear of the current. I now find you here, rutting with a human. Answer me!"
"Please calm down, Haldir. I will explain everything-after Théodred and I get dressed. Will that suit?"
Haldir raised an eyebrow upon hearing the human's name. Though few of the Galadhrim traveled, it was well-known who was heir to the throne of Rohan.
"Please, Haldir? Give us a moment?"
Rúmil pleaded again for Haldir to at least turn his back. He finally did so, with a loud sigh to indicate his displeasure. Rúmil and Théodred scrambled to get their clothes back on quickly.
"We're ready, Haldir."
Haldir turned around and kept his arms crossed. He stared hard at Rúmil, making it clear he was angry with him. This time, Rúmil sighed. He reached for Théodred's hand, not really sure who needed the contact more- himself or Théodred. Rúmil related the story of how Théodred had saved him, and why they both decided it was best if they stayed in one spot. Haldir actually saw the sense in that. He gave Rúmil back his bow and knives, though a quiver and arrows would have to wait.
As Rúmil finished his narrative, Haldir did not doubt that he'd left much unsaid. He took a step toward his brother and Théodred, meaning to thank the human for saving Rúmil's life. His grim expression was obviously interpreted as intent to harm or punish Rúmil because Théodred stepped forward, planting himself between the two elves, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Both Haldir and Rúmil recognized the move for what it was, Théodred's intention to protect Rúmil, even from his own brother. Haldir's lips twitched upwards, and though he didn't fully smile, the amusement shone in his eyes. He lifted both hands, showing the palms to Théodred.
"I mean you no harm, son of Theoden. In fact, I wish to offer my apologies for having spoken harshly-and my thanks, for saving my brother's life. I hope you will accept both."
Théodred blushed again, he didn't know what he'd been thinking. Haldir wouldn't hurt his own brother. He stammered out something that sounded proper. Rúmil laughed and wrapped his arms around Théodred's waist with a whispered thank you. The three finally relaxed and sat, spending the rest of the day talking of orcs, Saruman, Rohan, Lorien, and horses.
"I've always fancied gray horses. I guess because they're rare." Rúmil almost shyly admitted this to the other two.
"But brown horses blend in better, are more easily camouflaged, especially in the woods, Rúmil. And on the plains as well, aren't they, Théodred?"
"Yes. Though that makes little difference when you have 100 or more men riding together, as we do. Gray horses are rare-at least in Rohan. Of course, that means they are highly sought. The royal house uses white horses, descended from the Mearas. But if they were to get a gray one, I have no doubt that my father would consider himself blessed to have one." Théodred smiled at Rúmil, then dropped his eyes as he blushed yet again.
As the sun began to set, Haldir abruptly stood. "I'll take first watch." He walked a little ways from the rough camp and turned his back to Rúmil and Théodred.
Rúmil sidled over to Théodred and gently kissed him. "Though I would like to.ride some tonight, I don't think I would be comfortable with Haldir standing guard."
Théodred quickly nodded his agreement, knowing that he wouldn't want Haldir to see anymore than he had earlier that day. Instead, they curled up together under the blankets and spent what would probably be their last night together kissing and holding each other. Haldir woke Rúmil a few hours later for his turn at watch, though he did so reluctantly. He was exhausted from the past few days, and it would be good to sleep a little better, now that he was not alone, but he regretted taking Rúmil away from Théodred. Haldir could see they had become quite close in the past few days. He also knew that they'd probably never see one another again.
*~*
Théodred woke Haldir and Rúmil with a smile just as the sun began to rise.
"Gareth will be here soon. I can feel the approach of the éored."
Rúmil cocked his head and closed his eyes. "Yes, I can too. The ground vibrates."
Théodred smiled as he prepared a quick meal for the three of them.
When they finished eating, Haldir announced his intention to go wash in the river. Rúmil and Théodred waited until he was out of hearing distance.
"Rúmil. I don't know that I've ever felt this close to anyone before. I want you to have something of mine, so maybe in a thousand years, you might smile a bit when you think of me." Theodred pulled a silver chain from under his shirt and off over his head. A shiny silver disc hung on it. The disc was stamped with a horse, the emblem of the royal house in Rohan. He hung it around Rúmil's neck before the elf could protest or say anything.
Rúmil blinked back the tears that had come unbidden to his eyes. "And I have something for you as well." He reached under his tunic. Pinned to his undertunic was a mithril leaf. He pinned it to Théodred's cloak. "That is a mallorn leaf, a symbol of Lorien. It will bring you luck-along with memories. You have touched me as well, Théodred. I will never forget you."
Rúmil leaned forward to brush his lips over Théodred's. They stood and turned to face the quickly approaching éored. Haldir joined them just as the horses and riders rode into the makeshift camp. Though the horsemen didn't pull their spears, they made it clear that they were prepared to do so. Gareth stayed on his horse and talked down to Théodred.
"What is this? What happened?" He flicked his eyes between Théodred and the two elves several times. The Rohirrim had heard stories of the elf witch in the Golden Wood and they preferred not to deal with, or think about the elves.
"These are friends, Gareth. Haldir and Rúmil, meet Gareth. They were scouting and the storm trapped Rúmil in the river. I pulled him out. That same storm caused the death of my horse. I knew you would be along soon, so I preferred to wait it out here. Rúmil had no weapons or supplies. Haldir arrived, on foot, yesterday."
Théodred looked over the assembled horses and riders. "Gareth. I would like to speak to you privately."
Gareth's eyebrows shot into his hairline, but he nodded and dismounted.
The two riders stepped away from the group. Though they spoke quietly, it was easy to see they were having a very animated conversation about something-and they didn't agree with each other.
Finally, Gareth threw his hands up in the air and shouted at Théodred's back as he came back to the circle of riders. "Remember, you answer to your King about this on your own!"
Théodred merely shrugged and walked to the back of the éored. He chose two of the spare horses, one each for Haldir and Rúmil; then a third one for himself. He smiled as he handed a dark gray, almost black, mare to Rúmil. Haldir got a dark brown gelding. He turned the horses so they stood between the three of them and the éored.
He dropped the reins of the horses and pulled Rúmil into a tight hug. He lightly touched the mithril leaf pin and whispered to the elf. "I will never forget you. In fact, I may have to visit the Golden Wood sometime. Perhaps when the new crop of foals arrive in the spring."
Rúmil laughed and hugged him back. "I would like that. Until next spring then." Rúmil planted a last quick kiss to Théodred's lips, then he mounted.
Theodred waited until the two elves had ridden out of sight before he saddled his own horse and rode home with the éored.
*~*
At first, Haldir was the only one who knew where Rúmil went every spring. Everyone guessed though, when he began bringing back gray foals-horses from the Rohirrim. In return, he took weapons and clothing of the Galadhrim. Every spring for nearly twenty years, they met. The year the fellowship arrived in Lorien, however, Rúmil couldn't get away. He later found out that Théodred hadn't made the trip either.
When Lord Celeborn decided to abandon Lorien in favor of Imladris, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin went with him. Before they left though, Rúmil rode alone, on a gray horse, to Edoras. He stood alone by a tomb covered with simbelmynë. When he left, he had two of the small white blossoms wrapped in a cloth, pressed close to his heart. In return, he left a silver disc with a horse stamped on it. He hung it next to the mithril leaf pin inlaid in the tombstone.
~The End
Chapter Three
*~*~*~*
Haldir had been hiking downstream for nearly two days. He still hadn't found a place where the banks were low enough that Rúmil could have easily climbed out of the fast moving river. He only hoped that their luck held and they didn't see any orcs. Rúmil was essentially defenseless, as Haldir had been able to retrieve both his bow and his knives; so he knew Rúmil had no weapons save for the small dagger he kept in his boot. Haldir had no choice. He kept walking.
***
Rúmil stayed the next day and night with Théodred. They talked and laughed and Théodred finished his scouting. He should have started back to his camp, but he didn't want to leave Rúmil out there alone and without decent weapons. He decided to wait until Gareth and the others of his patrol found him. They could even lend Rúmil a horse, give him food and a sword, at least. Rúmil knew he should start walking back upstream, in order to save Haldir some traveling as well. He didn't relish the idea of being practically weaponless; so he let Théodred easily convince him to stay.
They did little besides rest and talk, though they both remained alert for orc activity. Rúmil found Théodred easy to talk to, like his brother Orophin. For his part, Théodred found Rúmil to be understanding of the pressure he was under-despite his young age, he had to be responsible to his soldiers, his father, and his kingdom. He had known, even as a child, that his life would be bound to his people. Everything he did must be for their good. Théodred was glad of this small interlude where he only had himself to watch over. He felt comfortable telling his fears and hopes to Rúmil, who responded in kind.
"I don't know why, but I feel a kinship with you. Perhaps because we share things in common. For I know that Haldir will find some way to blame this on me, or at least, make it seem like I was being his little brother again and did this just to aggravate him."
"Aye. Gareth, the leader of the Éored, he will no doubt make sure that I do not soon forget this. I am just thankful that I will not have to lead these men. I am only second-in-command here, training for the time being. By the time I am in a position to lead them, hopefully, they will not remember all of my mistakes quite so clearly."
Rúmil laughed. "They will if their memories are even a fraction as long as Haldir's. Though you have it worse by far, I would think, being the son of the King. You not only must be a great warrior, but a diplomat as well. And.I would imagine, you must have to look at every woman as a possible wife?"
"I don't even dare think about marriage or children. I wouldn't want anyone to spend her life alone, waiting for me to come back from patrol."
"But your father married. As King, aren't you expected to marry and produce heirs?"
"Of course. Maybe I should say that I don't think about it yet." Théodred paused and looked hard at Rúmil. "Truthfully, I don't think about women much at all." He stopped talking and looked at his hands in his lap. Rúmil saw the faint pink color on his cheeks though.
"I do not think about women either. I have only had one female lover. The others have all been male. And warriors as well."
Théodred looked back up at Rúmil, a little surprised. He didn't know why it would surprise him. Among the Rohirrim, it was not that unusual for two warriors to find comfort with each other. It wasn't something that they flaunted, but even non-warriors understood and accepted the need for it.
"And this is acceptable?"
Rúmil smiled. "Yes. Sometimes, it is even encouraged. The number of males outnumber females 2 or 3 to 1. I don't believe that anyone would wish to doom themselves or others to a solitary life. So yes, males with males is acceptable."
Rúmil paused and looked at the young man. "Théodred?"
"Yes?"
"I will be blunt about this, as you are a young man and have no time," Rúmil grinned at Théodred, "Would you like to.take comfort with me? We have done nothing but talk for two days, I think I would like to get to know you more...intimately."
Théodred laughed at Rúmil's not quite innocent face. "Yes, I would also like to know you.intimately." He tipped his face to hide it again. "Though I think you will find me lacking in experience. I fear I will disappoint you."
Rúmil crawled the short distance between them and tipped Théodred's face up with his finger.
"You could not disappoint me. Besides, I owe you something for saving my life. Let me worry about meeting your expectations instead of you meeting mine."
Théodred searched Rúmil's eyes. He read the sincerity there. He licked his lips and smiled. "Then you should consider yourself successful as well."
He started to back away, but Rúmil put both hands on his shoulders to pull him closer and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Théodred leaned into Rúmil, opening his mouth slightly in invitation, which the elf did not decline.
*~*
They woke before the sun was too high in the sky, and the cool of the morning air made Théodred press his body closer to Rúmil's under the blanket they had shared. He sat up, startled, when he realized that he had slept the rest of the night; and he hadn't taken his turn at watch. Rúmil pulled him back down for a lingering kiss and a lazy smile. Théodred allowed himself to be covered back up and folded into Rúmil's arms. He questioned the elf though.
"Why didn't you wake me? You did not stay awake all night, did you?"
"You were tired, my love. Besides, I wished to lay here holding you naked in my arms. We have seen nothing of orcs, I thought it safe enough."
Théodred sighed and snuggled closer to Rúmil.
"Gareth will likely be here in a day or so. He'll bring an extra horse, maybe two. I'll give you one, and a sword so you can start back to Lorien."
"I will gratefully accept the sword, or a bow if you have one, but I don't need the horse. I'll likely meet Haldir coming down-river, and he will be on foot, so unless the horse can carry two, I'm afraid it will only create a target for any stray enemies around."
"Yes. Haldir. How could I forget? Well then, perhaps I will send Gareth back for more horses so you can each have one. Have you ever ridden a steed from Rohan?"
Rúmil smiled. He couldn't let this pass.
"Actually, I have. Several times. All last night. He was magnificent."
Théodred blushed and buried his face in Rúmil's chest. "That's not what I meant."
"I know. But I must be honest with you, don't you think?"
Théodred smiled and leaned down to bite one of Rúmil's exposed nipples, causing the elf to gasp and then sigh as he followed the sharp bite with soft strokes of his tongue.
*~*
"Well, well, what have we here? Rúmil? I spend DAYS walking, running, worried about you and now I find you lazing about, half-naked..no, totally naked with a..BOY?"
Rúmil sat up, then tried to stand, realized he was still naked, as Haldir had pointed out, so he sat back down again. It wouldn't have mattered much, except that Théodred was still half sitting on his lap. By the time Rúmil sat back down to cover up, Théodred had been unceremoniously dumped to the ground, where he could do nothing but try to hide his face. Rúmil quickly pulled the embarrassed rider back into the circle of his arms and threw the covers back over him.
Haldir stood there, towering over them, his arms crossed over his chest and his fiercest glare concentrated on his brother.
"Well? Have you lost the ability to speak Rúmil? What exactly happened over the last 5 days? The last I saw of you was when you were in the river, half-drowned, weaponless, and unable to get clear of the current. I now find you here, rutting with a human. Answer me!"
"Please calm down, Haldir. I will explain everything-after Théodred and I get dressed. Will that suit?"
Haldir raised an eyebrow upon hearing the human's name. Though few of the Galadhrim traveled, it was well-known who was heir to the throne of Rohan.
"Please, Haldir? Give us a moment?"
Rúmil pleaded again for Haldir to at least turn his back. He finally did so, with a loud sigh to indicate his displeasure. Rúmil and Théodred scrambled to get their clothes back on quickly.
"We're ready, Haldir."
Haldir turned around and kept his arms crossed. He stared hard at Rúmil, making it clear he was angry with him. This time, Rúmil sighed. He reached for Théodred's hand, not really sure who needed the contact more- himself or Théodred. Rúmil related the story of how Théodred had saved him, and why they both decided it was best if they stayed in one spot. Haldir actually saw the sense in that. He gave Rúmil back his bow and knives, though a quiver and arrows would have to wait.
As Rúmil finished his narrative, Haldir did not doubt that he'd left much unsaid. He took a step toward his brother and Théodred, meaning to thank the human for saving Rúmil's life. His grim expression was obviously interpreted as intent to harm or punish Rúmil because Théodred stepped forward, planting himself between the two elves, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Both Haldir and Rúmil recognized the move for what it was, Théodred's intention to protect Rúmil, even from his own brother. Haldir's lips twitched upwards, and though he didn't fully smile, the amusement shone in his eyes. He lifted both hands, showing the palms to Théodred.
"I mean you no harm, son of Theoden. In fact, I wish to offer my apologies for having spoken harshly-and my thanks, for saving my brother's life. I hope you will accept both."
Théodred blushed again, he didn't know what he'd been thinking. Haldir wouldn't hurt his own brother. He stammered out something that sounded proper. Rúmil laughed and wrapped his arms around Théodred's waist with a whispered thank you. The three finally relaxed and sat, spending the rest of the day talking of orcs, Saruman, Rohan, Lorien, and horses.
"I've always fancied gray horses. I guess because they're rare." Rúmil almost shyly admitted this to the other two.
"But brown horses blend in better, are more easily camouflaged, especially in the woods, Rúmil. And on the plains as well, aren't they, Théodred?"
"Yes. Though that makes little difference when you have 100 or more men riding together, as we do. Gray horses are rare-at least in Rohan. Of course, that means they are highly sought. The royal house uses white horses, descended from the Mearas. But if they were to get a gray one, I have no doubt that my father would consider himself blessed to have one." Théodred smiled at Rúmil, then dropped his eyes as he blushed yet again.
As the sun began to set, Haldir abruptly stood. "I'll take first watch." He walked a little ways from the rough camp and turned his back to Rúmil and Théodred.
Rúmil sidled over to Théodred and gently kissed him. "Though I would like to.ride some tonight, I don't think I would be comfortable with Haldir standing guard."
Théodred quickly nodded his agreement, knowing that he wouldn't want Haldir to see anymore than he had earlier that day. Instead, they curled up together under the blankets and spent what would probably be their last night together kissing and holding each other. Haldir woke Rúmil a few hours later for his turn at watch, though he did so reluctantly. He was exhausted from the past few days, and it would be good to sleep a little better, now that he was not alone, but he regretted taking Rúmil away from Théodred. Haldir could see they had become quite close in the past few days. He also knew that they'd probably never see one another again.
*~*
Théodred woke Haldir and Rúmil with a smile just as the sun began to rise.
"Gareth will be here soon. I can feel the approach of the éored."
Rúmil cocked his head and closed his eyes. "Yes, I can too. The ground vibrates."
Théodred smiled as he prepared a quick meal for the three of them.
When they finished eating, Haldir announced his intention to go wash in the river. Rúmil and Théodred waited until he was out of hearing distance.
"Rúmil. I don't know that I've ever felt this close to anyone before. I want you to have something of mine, so maybe in a thousand years, you might smile a bit when you think of me." Theodred pulled a silver chain from under his shirt and off over his head. A shiny silver disc hung on it. The disc was stamped with a horse, the emblem of the royal house in Rohan. He hung it around Rúmil's neck before the elf could protest or say anything.
Rúmil blinked back the tears that had come unbidden to his eyes. "And I have something for you as well." He reached under his tunic. Pinned to his undertunic was a mithril leaf. He pinned it to Théodred's cloak. "That is a mallorn leaf, a symbol of Lorien. It will bring you luck-along with memories. You have touched me as well, Théodred. I will never forget you."
Rúmil leaned forward to brush his lips over Théodred's. They stood and turned to face the quickly approaching éored. Haldir joined them just as the horses and riders rode into the makeshift camp. Though the horsemen didn't pull their spears, they made it clear that they were prepared to do so. Gareth stayed on his horse and talked down to Théodred.
"What is this? What happened?" He flicked his eyes between Théodred and the two elves several times. The Rohirrim had heard stories of the elf witch in the Golden Wood and they preferred not to deal with, or think about the elves.
"These are friends, Gareth. Haldir and Rúmil, meet Gareth. They were scouting and the storm trapped Rúmil in the river. I pulled him out. That same storm caused the death of my horse. I knew you would be along soon, so I preferred to wait it out here. Rúmil had no weapons or supplies. Haldir arrived, on foot, yesterday."
Théodred looked over the assembled horses and riders. "Gareth. I would like to speak to you privately."
Gareth's eyebrows shot into his hairline, but he nodded and dismounted.
The two riders stepped away from the group. Though they spoke quietly, it was easy to see they were having a very animated conversation about something-and they didn't agree with each other.
Finally, Gareth threw his hands up in the air and shouted at Théodred's back as he came back to the circle of riders. "Remember, you answer to your King about this on your own!"
Théodred merely shrugged and walked to the back of the éored. He chose two of the spare horses, one each for Haldir and Rúmil; then a third one for himself. He smiled as he handed a dark gray, almost black, mare to Rúmil. Haldir got a dark brown gelding. He turned the horses so they stood between the three of them and the éored.
He dropped the reins of the horses and pulled Rúmil into a tight hug. He lightly touched the mithril leaf pin and whispered to the elf. "I will never forget you. In fact, I may have to visit the Golden Wood sometime. Perhaps when the new crop of foals arrive in the spring."
Rúmil laughed and hugged him back. "I would like that. Until next spring then." Rúmil planted a last quick kiss to Théodred's lips, then he mounted.
Theodred waited until the two elves had ridden out of sight before he saddled his own horse and rode home with the éored.
*~*
At first, Haldir was the only one who knew where Rúmil went every spring. Everyone guessed though, when he began bringing back gray foals-horses from the Rohirrim. In return, he took weapons and clothing of the Galadhrim. Every spring for nearly twenty years, they met. The year the fellowship arrived in Lorien, however, Rúmil couldn't get away. He later found out that Théodred hadn't made the trip either.
When Lord Celeborn decided to abandon Lorien in favor of Imladris, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin went with him. Before they left though, Rúmil rode alone, on a gray horse, to Edoras. He stood alone by a tomb covered with simbelmynë. When he left, he had two of the small white blossoms wrapped in a cloth, pressed close to his heart. In return, he left a silver disc with a horse stamped on it. He hung it next to the mithril leaf pin inlaid in the tombstone.
~The End