Title: Father Winter 1/1
Series: The Elf Children
Author: Mayetra
Disclaimer: All things Tolkien belong to his estate; I only borrow them on occasion and always return them in good working order. I write fan fiction solely for my own enjoyment and do not claim any copyright or ownership of his works nor do I have intent to make financial gain. All original concepts and characters are from my own twisted plot bunnies and remain my property.
Timeline: Early Third Age - AU - After Why Is The Sky Blue?
Author's Note: Since there are no dates of birth for Legolas, Haldir, Orophin, or Rúmil, I am taking poetic license with their ages. Also, Elladan and Elrohir are 102 years older than Arwen. Elves reach adulthood between 50 and 100 years. For purposes of this story, I have decided to make 100 the age of adulthood and I am making Arwen only 30 years younger than her brothers. The children's ages are as follows: Haldir - 62, Elladan and Elrohir - 60, Rúmil - 40, Leggy - 30, Arwen - 30, and Orophin - 20.
Summary: Is there such a person as Adar Rhîw [Father Winter]? Haldir doesn't think so and Orophin sets out to prove him wrong.
*~* 34 Hrívë* 169 T.A. - Caras Galadon, Lórien
"But, why do I have to do it?" Celeborn whined as he flopped down into a chair.
Galadriel glanced over at her husband as she put the finishing touches on the costume she was altering. "How many times must we go over this? Thranduil cannot do it because of his sprained ankle," she sighed, trying to ignore the sullen look on his face.
"Am I the only one who does not believe his story? I am not convinced for one second that he fell off his horse on his way here. I do not care how many witnesses there where. He is faking it," Celeborn had regained his feet by this point and was beginning to pace.
"Celeborn, will you please stop with that infernal pacing. You should be ashamed of yourself, thinking such ill about Thranduil," she admonished him.
Celeborn stared at his wife in disbelief. He wanted to scream and rant, but knew that it would fall on deaf ears. He returned to the chair he had just vacated and pouted. He was going to play the part of Adar Rhîw* at the annual Rhîw festival and nothing would get him out of the task.
*~*
Thranduil lay back on the bed with his bandaged foot elevated. His wife was being extra accommodating since his 'fall' from his horse. Faking the spill had been a stroke of genius on his part. The look on Celeborn's face when Galadriel volunteered him to play the role of Adar Rhîw, made the damage to his pride worthwhile.
He sighed with pleasure as his wife returned from the kitchens with a fresh slice of honey bread.
*~*
Galadriel entered the party glade and sat in one of the empty chairs on the raised stage.
To her left and slightly back on the stage, was a great throne. The silver frame was carved with snowflakes and sparkled in the lantern light. Crystal icicles hung from the arms of the chair and they cast tiny bands of rainbows about the floor. The upholstery was white satin with blue and silver snowflakes embroidered on it.
Next to the throne was a small table made from white oak. The legs had been carved to resemble great icicles. Blue and silver stain had been lightly applied to the wood and the table looked as if it were made of ice and snow. The table was covered with a light blue tablecloth with more icicle shaped crystals hanging along its edge.
Behind the throne were two great silver candelabras filled with alternating blue and white candles. The warm glow of candlelight made the entire stage seem surreal and added to the magic of the scene. The stage was covered with a white, fluffy rug made from Artic bearskins.
The large glade had been decorated for the Rhîw festival. Hundreds of lanterns hung from thin, silver rope strung between poles set in the ground. Silver, white and blue streamers hung from the poles, fluttering in the light breeze.
Galadriel had allowed the normally tepid air to drop some in temperature. The light chill to the air added to the festive atmosphere and the kitchens had made great vats of hot chocolate and coffee for the party. To the rear of the glade sat long banquet tables filled with treats.
Galadriel motioned for the children to gather at the base of the stage. They sat and looked up at her, their eyes bright with joy and their cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Have you ever heard the story of Adar Rhîw?"
The children answered her with a resounding 'no', even though most had heard the story before.
"Well, I shall have to correct that. Long ago when the world was young, Rhîw was not celebrated, as we do now. It was a harsh time with little joy. And then a Maia*, whose true name as long since been forgotten, decided to bring cheer to the people. So one cold night in the middle of Rhîw, he set out on his great white steed, Lossen*. Using magic, he visited every house, talan, and keep, bringing presents to all the People of Middle-earth."
The children broke out into cheers and applause at the mention of presents.
Galadriel laughed merrily and raised her hands for silence. Once the children had settled down, she picked up the thread of her tale.
"The people were very happy, but confused as to where the presents came from. Every year on the same day, presents would appear in their homes as if by magic. No matter how hard they tried, no one could stay awake to see just who was bringing the gifts. Finally, one small boy decided that he would solve the mystery. Instead of waiting up by the fireplace, he crept out of his house and waited at the edge of his village. He lit a small fire and huddled next to it to wait. He waited for a long time. It seemed to the boy as if time was standing still. Then suddenly there was a glow on the horizon and he saw the most wondrous sight.
A great Elf-lord on a large white steed, dressed in a long blue robe, leggings and boots. The robe was embroidered with snowflakes. The snowflakes flashed silver and appeared to dance about the material. His clothing and boots were trimmed with white fur. His hair was snow-white and sparked in the moonlight as if a thousand tiny diamonds were threaded into it. From his face grew a great white beard that reached all the way down to his waist and it sparked as well. Perched on his head was a blue hat, pointed with a wide brim.
The steed was larger than any the boy had ever seen and it seemed that his feet never touched the ground. It was as if he were running on the air above the ground, no plume of snow could be seen. His tack and harness was blue with silver trim. On his back, behind the rider, was a great blue and silver bag.
The rider approached the boy and dismounted. He said not a word but the boy heard him speak in his mind. "Why do you sit here alone and cold?"
The boy felt no fear and answered the strange Elf-lord. "I was waiting to see who brings us presents this night."
The Elf nodded, his deep blue eyes sparkling with mirth. "Tis I, Adar Rhîw."
The boy got a puzzled look. "But why?"
The Elf smiled broadly. "Because I wish to bring joy and cheer to all the people. Winter does not have to be a time of sorrow."
"But we give nothing to you," the boy sad sadly, suddenly feeling selfish.
"Your joy is my joy, Little One." The Elf reached down and picked up the small boy. With a wave of his hand, the fire vanished leaving the snow unmarred as if it never existed. "Come, I shall take you home."
The next thing the boy knew, he was in his bed and the sun was shining through his window. He ran into the living room of his home and found his mother and father sitting on the couch. There were presents piled in the corner of the room. He told them everything he had seen and heard the night before. Now the little boy was known for his honesty and his parents believed him.
The village came together that afternoon and the boy recounted his tale once more. The villagers talked and talked and decided that they would honor Adar Rhîw's wishes. So every year, on the eve before Adar Rhîw makes his rounds, we celebrate Rhîw with a great festival. We sing, dance, and have fun."
The children clapped and cheered as Galadriel finished her tale. She motioned them quiet once again.
"Now I have a special guest that has come all the way from his winter palace to spent a bit of time with you."
She stood and handed her chair to Elrond, who set it out of the way. She swept her arm towards the arched entry of the party glade. "Our guest is, none other than, Adar Rhîw."
The younger children leapt to their feet and began to cheer. Some of the older children exchanged glances, but clapped politely.
Celeborn entered the glade and walked up onto the stage. He felt ridiculous dressed up in the Adar Rhîw costume. The horsehair wig and beard itched his face. He looked out at the crowd and saw Thranduil walking along one of the banquet tables, helping himself to treats. Celeborn noted that he was forgetting to limp. He knew that Thranduil was faking his injury. He smiled inwardly as he plotted his revenge. He had a feeling that a 'sprained' wrist was going to prevent him from playing the Daer Enthil Kani* during the Enthil festival. He would make sure to 'ask' Thranduil to play the part in front of both their wives; he wouldn't be able to refuse that way.
Satisfied that he would have his revenge, he waved at the crowd and then took a seat on the throne.
The next hour was spent lifting one child after another onto his lap. He listened attentively to their demands for new toys and dolls. Finally, much to his relief, Galadriel announced the lighting of the great fir tree. The tree had been planted at the very edge of the glade and every year the entire city helped with its decorations. Two large lanterns were lit and lowered from a tree branch high above; the tree was bathed in warm light, revealing all the sparkling and glittering ornaments.
There was a great cheer and then Celeborn was finally allowed to take his leave.
*~*
Haldir munched contentedly on a blueberry muffin. He was sitting in his customary spot between the roots of a mallorn at the edge of the glade. To his left sat Elladan and Elrohir and to his right, Rúmil. He sighed inwardly as he saw Arwen and Legolas approaching them through the crowd. Every since the haunted talan incident, they had decided they were part of his little gang, much to his irritation.
"How come you did not visit with Adar Rhîw while he was here?" Arwen asked the four boys sprawled on the ground before her.
"Because we are not babies like you and Legolas," retorted her brother Elladan.
Elrohir merely nodded, seconding his brother's opinion.
Haldir stood and looked at Arwen with all the arrogance he could muster. "Both of you should run along and seek others of your own age. We do not want to pass the time with ignorant babies who cannot see that Adar Rhîw is nothing more than a story."
"He is not!" came the shrill voice of Orophin from behind Haldir. He was clutching Hwest* in one hand and a half eaten candy apple in the other. "He is real. I talked to him." His voice reeked of authority, which mimicked Haldir almost perfectly.
Haldir turned and looked at Orophin. "There is no such thing as Adar Rhîw. The presents are left by our parents, not some magical being."
"You are a liar, Haldir," Orophin said quietly, his eyes beginning to shimmer with tears.
"That was Lord Celeborn dressed up as Adar Rhîw." He looked sternly at Orophin. "It is time you quit being such a baby. You are an embarrassment to Rúmil and me."
"I HATE YOU!" Orophin screamed before sprinting from the glade, tears streaming down his face. His candy apple lay discarded on the ground.
Rúmil jumped up and started to run after Orophin.
Haldir grabbed his arm and restrained him. "Let him go. He needs to learn to grow up."
Rúmil wrenched his arm from Haldir's grasp and stared hard at him. His fists were clenched and he looked like he was ready to strike his brother. "I should -"
"You should what?" Haldir sneered. "Hit me? I will beat you to a bloody pulp if you try."
Rúmil took a step back.
"I am not afraid of you, Haldir! You are nothing but a big stupid bully!" Arwen cried before she gave Haldir a vicious shove.
Haldir was knocked off balance, but quickly responded with a shove back.
Arwen fell down on her butt. She got slowly to her feet and looked at her white dress, the back of which was now emerald green with grass stains. "This was a new dress!" She screamed before popping Haldir in the nose with her fist.
Elladan and Elrohir had stood up by this point, unsure of which side to take. Haldir was their best friend, but Arwen was their little sister.
Legolas was ready to come to Arwen's defense, should she need it.
Haldir clutched his nose with a cry and blinked back tears. He pulled his hands away from his face and saw that they were covered in blood. "You gave me a bloody nose!"
The altercation may have degenerated into a free for all, but Celebrían chose that moment to intervene.
*~*
Orophin stuffed Hwest down the front of his tunic and began to scamper up the ladder that led to the Lord and Lady's talan. His breathing was hitched and tears clouded his vision. He refused to believe that his hero would be party to such a deception. He would get the Lord to tell Haldir that he was wrong, that there was a real Adar Rhîw.
His face was set with determination by the time he reached the open terrace and scrambled up the steps that led to the throne room.
Celeborn had just entered the room from a hallway leading to Galadriel and his private chambers. He was dressed casually in blue leggings and a dark gray tunic. He caught sight of Orophin as he bolted across the hall towards him. His face was wet with tears and his chest heaved. "What ails you, Child?" he asked gently, lifting the small boy into his embrace.
"Hal.dir.s.s.said that.[hic] there.w.w.as no real [hic] Adar R.hîw. He said.that y.you were [hic] jus..st pretending to b..be him."
Celeborn sighed inwardly and crossed towards the thrones in the bole of the tree. He settled into his, arranging Orophin on his lap so he could talk to him. His mind raced, as he tried to figure out how to deal with the dilemma Haldir had so generously presented him with. One day, he would see that arrogant Elfling standing guard on the most boring and desolate border Lothlórien had to offer.
Since their escapade in the haunted talan, Orophin had been following him around like a loyal puppy dog. He didn't want to crush the boy. "Haldir was both right and wrong."
Orophin's face scrunched up and his eyes squinted, heralding another bout of crying.
Celeborn was quick to continue his explanation, in an effort to stave off more tears. He wanted to comfort the boy, not send him into another bout of hysterics. "There is a real Adar Rhîw. Haldir was wrong about that. However, he was correct when he said that it was I dressed up as Adar Rhîw for the festival. Adar Rhîw is very busy getting ready for tonight and he sent me a missive asking me to pretend to be him."
Orophin sniffled and looked at Celeborn intently. "Will you tell Haldir that? Will you tell him to not call me a baby anymore?" The last bit of his sentence came out as a wail. Orophin threw himself against Celeborn's chest and sobbed.
*~*
Orophin slipped from his bed. He quietly padded across the room, careful not to awaken Haldir or Rúmil from their reverie. He went to the wardrobe that they shared and pulled out the warmest clothing he owned. Most of his things were light tunics and leggings because he never ventured from Caras Galadon. He dressed quietly and pulling on an extra tunic, just to be safe. He carefully pulled out a tiny tunic made especially for Hwest and dressed him in it. Then, he wrapped his light cloak about him and crept from the room. He stopped by the doorway leading to the balcony outside the talan and grabbed the small sack he had hidden behind a chair earlier in the evening.
Haldir gave Orophin a good five-minute head start before he roused Rúmil from his bed. "Get up lazy bones." His voice held a slightly nasal quality.
Rúmil blinked at Haldir irritably. "What?" he hissed.
"Orophin is up to something," he replied, tossing clothing at Rúmil. "We need to follow him and see that he does not get into trouble." He was feeling guilty about his earlier treatment of his youngest brother.
Rúmil reluctantly dressed and followed Haldir from the talan. Haldir ordered him to follow Orophin while he roused the rest of their little gang.
*~*
Haldir returned with Arwen, Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir in tow. He hadn't meant to bring Arwen and Legolas along, but they unfortunately heard him rousing the twins. Nothing could convince them to remain behind. Arwen had even gone so far as to threaten to wake her parents if he didn't allow them to go.
"Where is he?" Haldir asked Rúmil, once they found him at the boat dock.
"The little fool took one of the boats and crossed the Anduin," Rúmil was wring his hands frantically. He had been making bird whistles for what seemed like hours, in an effort to help Haldir locate him. He had been torn between waiting for Haldir and following Orophin.
They all piled into an awaiting boat. Haldir and Elladan picked up oars to paddle the boat, while Arwen and Rúmil cast off the ropes holding it to the dock.
*~*
Orophin sat shivering by the small fire he had built, Hwest clutched to his chest. His keen eyes swept across the barren, snowy landscape. Galadriel's power held no sway here, for he had left the confines of Lothlórien. He was waiting patiently for Adar Rhîw to appear, just like in the story the Lady had told earlier. He could tell by Haldir's expression that he hadn't believed Lord Celeborn when he had told him that Adar Rhîw was real. So Orophin had decided to prove once and for all that he did exist. He would have Adar Rhîw wake Haldir up and show him his magical horse.
He caught sight of dark shapes moving and excitement gripped him. He forgot that Adar Rhîw was supposed to shine and glow in the darkness.
The lead Orc paused and sniffed the air. In the distance, he could just make out a fire. The scent of nice, tender, young Elf flesh carried on the wind. If his nose weren't deceiving him, there would be plenty to go around. He salivated and pondered their good fortune. It had been a long time since they had feasted on such a delicacy. He motioned for the four others in his band to follow him and he started to run towards the fire.
Orophin screamed as the first Orc stepped into the circle of light created by his fire. The Orc was followed by four more. Orophin was rooted to the spot, unable to do anything but scream.
The first Orc reached out to grab him. That's when a bellow sounded from behind him and Haldir leaped into view, swinging an oar.
The Orc ducked the wooden oar and backhanded the pesky Elf who was trying to defend the little one. He had claimed the youngest morsel for himself.
Haldir landed in the snow. Bright spots danced before his eyes and his face throbbed from the blow.
Arwen shrieked as another Orc lifted her up by her arm.
Elladan swung his oar again and again, but it seemed to have no effect on the Orc currently clutching his sister.
Legolas was desperately clinging to Orophin's legs, trying to wrench him from the first Orc's grasp. Elrohir and Rúmil had gathered oars from Orophin's boat and were attacking their own adversaries.
Just when the children thought all hope was lost, a brilliant flash of white light lit up the area. The Orcs screamed in pain and before they could fathom what had occurred, they were dead. Each body resembling a pincushion from all the arrows stuck in them.
The children got shakily to their feet and turned in the direction the arrows had come from. There stood a large Elven war party. Their parents and Lord Celeborn were at the head, surrounded by Elven guards from all three cities.
The next thing they knew, they were swept into the embraces of their parents. The reality of what had almost happened, hit home. All the children who had not been in tears suddenly were, including Haldir.
Between sobs, sniffles, and shudders, the children explained why they had ventured beyond the safety of Caras Galadon.
"There is no such thing as Adar Rhîw!" Haldir all but screamed at Orophin. "Forgive me, my Lord, but your effort to spare his feeling almost resulted in all of us being killed."
Haldir's parents gasped at the disrespectful tone their son had addressed Celeborn with.
"You have much to learn, Elfling. Your arrogance may be your undoing one day," Celeborn said sternly. "No lie has passed my lips. Look there!" He pointed out beyond the firelight.
Haldir turned and his jaw fairly dropped off. There on a great white steed sat an Elf-lord. He was dressed just as Galadriel had described him. He was surrounded by a luminous white glow.
"Tis by Adar Rhîw's benevolence that we arrived in time to save all of you. At the very least, you owe him recognition and the most, your lives." Celeborn continued.
Adar Rhîw nodded and then in a flash of light, disappeared.
Haldir apologized profusely to both Celeborn and Orophin. His parents, however, demanded much more than words for his behavior. He spent many a week in the Caras Galadon kitchens, scrubbing pots.
The End
34 Hrívë - Elvish date for Christmas Eve Hwest - Sindarin word meaning Puff Adar Rhîw - Sindarin for Father Winter Rhîw - Winter Lossen - Sindarin word meaning Snowy Daer Enthil Kani - Great Spring Bunny [Note: Daer Enthil is Sindarin for Great Spring There is no word in either the Quenya nor Sindarin language for bunny or rabbit. Quenya was based on Finnish and Sindarin on Welsh. I couldn't find the Welsh word for bunny or rabbit, so I used the Finnish word for rabbit.] Enthil - Spring
Maia - singular for Maiar. The Maiar were lesser Ainur (Valar). They could not appear to the People of Middle Earth in their true forms so they took on whatever guise pleased them. In this story, the Maia chooses to appear as a Elf (though larger in stature then normal Elves) with a long flowing beard.
Series: The Elf Children
Author: Mayetra
Disclaimer: All things Tolkien belong to his estate; I only borrow them on occasion and always return them in good working order. I write fan fiction solely for my own enjoyment and do not claim any copyright or ownership of his works nor do I have intent to make financial gain. All original concepts and characters are from my own twisted plot bunnies and remain my property.
Timeline: Early Third Age - AU - After Why Is The Sky Blue?
Author's Note: Since there are no dates of birth for Legolas, Haldir, Orophin, or Rúmil, I am taking poetic license with their ages. Also, Elladan and Elrohir are 102 years older than Arwen. Elves reach adulthood between 50 and 100 years. For purposes of this story, I have decided to make 100 the age of adulthood and I am making Arwen only 30 years younger than her brothers. The children's ages are as follows: Haldir - 62, Elladan and Elrohir - 60, Rúmil - 40, Leggy - 30, Arwen - 30, and Orophin - 20.
Summary: Is there such a person as Adar Rhîw [Father Winter]? Haldir doesn't think so and Orophin sets out to prove him wrong.
*~* 34 Hrívë* 169 T.A. - Caras Galadon, Lórien
"But, why do I have to do it?" Celeborn whined as he flopped down into a chair.
Galadriel glanced over at her husband as she put the finishing touches on the costume she was altering. "How many times must we go over this? Thranduil cannot do it because of his sprained ankle," she sighed, trying to ignore the sullen look on his face.
"Am I the only one who does not believe his story? I am not convinced for one second that he fell off his horse on his way here. I do not care how many witnesses there where. He is faking it," Celeborn had regained his feet by this point and was beginning to pace.
"Celeborn, will you please stop with that infernal pacing. You should be ashamed of yourself, thinking such ill about Thranduil," she admonished him.
Celeborn stared at his wife in disbelief. He wanted to scream and rant, but knew that it would fall on deaf ears. He returned to the chair he had just vacated and pouted. He was going to play the part of Adar Rhîw* at the annual Rhîw festival and nothing would get him out of the task.
*~*
Thranduil lay back on the bed with his bandaged foot elevated. His wife was being extra accommodating since his 'fall' from his horse. Faking the spill had been a stroke of genius on his part. The look on Celeborn's face when Galadriel volunteered him to play the role of Adar Rhîw, made the damage to his pride worthwhile.
He sighed with pleasure as his wife returned from the kitchens with a fresh slice of honey bread.
*~*
Galadriel entered the party glade and sat in one of the empty chairs on the raised stage.
To her left and slightly back on the stage, was a great throne. The silver frame was carved with snowflakes and sparkled in the lantern light. Crystal icicles hung from the arms of the chair and they cast tiny bands of rainbows about the floor. The upholstery was white satin with blue and silver snowflakes embroidered on it.
Next to the throne was a small table made from white oak. The legs had been carved to resemble great icicles. Blue and silver stain had been lightly applied to the wood and the table looked as if it were made of ice and snow. The table was covered with a light blue tablecloth with more icicle shaped crystals hanging along its edge.
Behind the throne were two great silver candelabras filled with alternating blue and white candles. The warm glow of candlelight made the entire stage seem surreal and added to the magic of the scene. The stage was covered with a white, fluffy rug made from Artic bearskins.
The large glade had been decorated for the Rhîw festival. Hundreds of lanterns hung from thin, silver rope strung between poles set in the ground. Silver, white and blue streamers hung from the poles, fluttering in the light breeze.
Galadriel had allowed the normally tepid air to drop some in temperature. The light chill to the air added to the festive atmosphere and the kitchens had made great vats of hot chocolate and coffee for the party. To the rear of the glade sat long banquet tables filled with treats.
Galadriel motioned for the children to gather at the base of the stage. They sat and looked up at her, their eyes bright with joy and their cheeks flushed with excitement.
"Have you ever heard the story of Adar Rhîw?"
The children answered her with a resounding 'no', even though most had heard the story before.
"Well, I shall have to correct that. Long ago when the world was young, Rhîw was not celebrated, as we do now. It was a harsh time with little joy. And then a Maia*, whose true name as long since been forgotten, decided to bring cheer to the people. So one cold night in the middle of Rhîw, he set out on his great white steed, Lossen*. Using magic, he visited every house, talan, and keep, bringing presents to all the People of Middle-earth."
The children broke out into cheers and applause at the mention of presents.
Galadriel laughed merrily and raised her hands for silence. Once the children had settled down, she picked up the thread of her tale.
"The people were very happy, but confused as to where the presents came from. Every year on the same day, presents would appear in their homes as if by magic. No matter how hard they tried, no one could stay awake to see just who was bringing the gifts. Finally, one small boy decided that he would solve the mystery. Instead of waiting up by the fireplace, he crept out of his house and waited at the edge of his village. He lit a small fire and huddled next to it to wait. He waited for a long time. It seemed to the boy as if time was standing still. Then suddenly there was a glow on the horizon and he saw the most wondrous sight.
A great Elf-lord on a large white steed, dressed in a long blue robe, leggings and boots. The robe was embroidered with snowflakes. The snowflakes flashed silver and appeared to dance about the material. His clothing and boots were trimmed with white fur. His hair was snow-white and sparked in the moonlight as if a thousand tiny diamonds were threaded into it. From his face grew a great white beard that reached all the way down to his waist and it sparked as well. Perched on his head was a blue hat, pointed with a wide brim.
The steed was larger than any the boy had ever seen and it seemed that his feet never touched the ground. It was as if he were running on the air above the ground, no plume of snow could be seen. His tack and harness was blue with silver trim. On his back, behind the rider, was a great blue and silver bag.
The rider approached the boy and dismounted. He said not a word but the boy heard him speak in his mind. "Why do you sit here alone and cold?"
The boy felt no fear and answered the strange Elf-lord. "I was waiting to see who brings us presents this night."
The Elf nodded, his deep blue eyes sparkling with mirth. "Tis I, Adar Rhîw."
The boy got a puzzled look. "But why?"
The Elf smiled broadly. "Because I wish to bring joy and cheer to all the people. Winter does not have to be a time of sorrow."
"But we give nothing to you," the boy sad sadly, suddenly feeling selfish.
"Your joy is my joy, Little One." The Elf reached down and picked up the small boy. With a wave of his hand, the fire vanished leaving the snow unmarred as if it never existed. "Come, I shall take you home."
The next thing the boy knew, he was in his bed and the sun was shining through his window. He ran into the living room of his home and found his mother and father sitting on the couch. There were presents piled in the corner of the room. He told them everything he had seen and heard the night before. Now the little boy was known for his honesty and his parents believed him.
The village came together that afternoon and the boy recounted his tale once more. The villagers talked and talked and decided that they would honor Adar Rhîw's wishes. So every year, on the eve before Adar Rhîw makes his rounds, we celebrate Rhîw with a great festival. We sing, dance, and have fun."
The children clapped and cheered as Galadriel finished her tale. She motioned them quiet once again.
"Now I have a special guest that has come all the way from his winter palace to spent a bit of time with you."
She stood and handed her chair to Elrond, who set it out of the way. She swept her arm towards the arched entry of the party glade. "Our guest is, none other than, Adar Rhîw."
The younger children leapt to their feet and began to cheer. Some of the older children exchanged glances, but clapped politely.
Celeborn entered the glade and walked up onto the stage. He felt ridiculous dressed up in the Adar Rhîw costume. The horsehair wig and beard itched his face. He looked out at the crowd and saw Thranduil walking along one of the banquet tables, helping himself to treats. Celeborn noted that he was forgetting to limp. He knew that Thranduil was faking his injury. He smiled inwardly as he plotted his revenge. He had a feeling that a 'sprained' wrist was going to prevent him from playing the Daer Enthil Kani* during the Enthil festival. He would make sure to 'ask' Thranduil to play the part in front of both their wives; he wouldn't be able to refuse that way.
Satisfied that he would have his revenge, he waved at the crowd and then took a seat on the throne.
The next hour was spent lifting one child after another onto his lap. He listened attentively to their demands for new toys and dolls. Finally, much to his relief, Galadriel announced the lighting of the great fir tree. The tree had been planted at the very edge of the glade and every year the entire city helped with its decorations. Two large lanterns were lit and lowered from a tree branch high above; the tree was bathed in warm light, revealing all the sparkling and glittering ornaments.
There was a great cheer and then Celeborn was finally allowed to take his leave.
*~*
Haldir munched contentedly on a blueberry muffin. He was sitting in his customary spot between the roots of a mallorn at the edge of the glade. To his left sat Elladan and Elrohir and to his right, Rúmil. He sighed inwardly as he saw Arwen and Legolas approaching them through the crowd. Every since the haunted talan incident, they had decided they were part of his little gang, much to his irritation.
"How come you did not visit with Adar Rhîw while he was here?" Arwen asked the four boys sprawled on the ground before her.
"Because we are not babies like you and Legolas," retorted her brother Elladan.
Elrohir merely nodded, seconding his brother's opinion.
Haldir stood and looked at Arwen with all the arrogance he could muster. "Both of you should run along and seek others of your own age. We do not want to pass the time with ignorant babies who cannot see that Adar Rhîw is nothing more than a story."
"He is not!" came the shrill voice of Orophin from behind Haldir. He was clutching Hwest* in one hand and a half eaten candy apple in the other. "He is real. I talked to him." His voice reeked of authority, which mimicked Haldir almost perfectly.
Haldir turned and looked at Orophin. "There is no such thing as Adar Rhîw. The presents are left by our parents, not some magical being."
"You are a liar, Haldir," Orophin said quietly, his eyes beginning to shimmer with tears.
"That was Lord Celeborn dressed up as Adar Rhîw." He looked sternly at Orophin. "It is time you quit being such a baby. You are an embarrassment to Rúmil and me."
"I HATE YOU!" Orophin screamed before sprinting from the glade, tears streaming down his face. His candy apple lay discarded on the ground.
Rúmil jumped up and started to run after Orophin.
Haldir grabbed his arm and restrained him. "Let him go. He needs to learn to grow up."
Rúmil wrenched his arm from Haldir's grasp and stared hard at him. His fists were clenched and he looked like he was ready to strike his brother. "I should -"
"You should what?" Haldir sneered. "Hit me? I will beat you to a bloody pulp if you try."
Rúmil took a step back.
"I am not afraid of you, Haldir! You are nothing but a big stupid bully!" Arwen cried before she gave Haldir a vicious shove.
Haldir was knocked off balance, but quickly responded with a shove back.
Arwen fell down on her butt. She got slowly to her feet and looked at her white dress, the back of which was now emerald green with grass stains. "This was a new dress!" She screamed before popping Haldir in the nose with her fist.
Elladan and Elrohir had stood up by this point, unsure of which side to take. Haldir was their best friend, but Arwen was their little sister.
Legolas was ready to come to Arwen's defense, should she need it.
Haldir clutched his nose with a cry and blinked back tears. He pulled his hands away from his face and saw that they were covered in blood. "You gave me a bloody nose!"
The altercation may have degenerated into a free for all, but Celebrían chose that moment to intervene.
*~*
Orophin stuffed Hwest down the front of his tunic and began to scamper up the ladder that led to the Lord and Lady's talan. His breathing was hitched and tears clouded his vision. He refused to believe that his hero would be party to such a deception. He would get the Lord to tell Haldir that he was wrong, that there was a real Adar Rhîw.
His face was set with determination by the time he reached the open terrace and scrambled up the steps that led to the throne room.
Celeborn had just entered the room from a hallway leading to Galadriel and his private chambers. He was dressed casually in blue leggings and a dark gray tunic. He caught sight of Orophin as he bolted across the hall towards him. His face was wet with tears and his chest heaved. "What ails you, Child?" he asked gently, lifting the small boy into his embrace.
"Hal.dir.s.s.said that.[hic] there.w.w.as no real [hic] Adar R.hîw. He said.that y.you were [hic] jus..st pretending to b..be him."
Celeborn sighed inwardly and crossed towards the thrones in the bole of the tree. He settled into his, arranging Orophin on his lap so he could talk to him. His mind raced, as he tried to figure out how to deal with the dilemma Haldir had so generously presented him with. One day, he would see that arrogant Elfling standing guard on the most boring and desolate border Lothlórien had to offer.
Since their escapade in the haunted talan, Orophin had been following him around like a loyal puppy dog. He didn't want to crush the boy. "Haldir was both right and wrong."
Orophin's face scrunched up and his eyes squinted, heralding another bout of crying.
Celeborn was quick to continue his explanation, in an effort to stave off more tears. He wanted to comfort the boy, not send him into another bout of hysterics. "There is a real Adar Rhîw. Haldir was wrong about that. However, he was correct when he said that it was I dressed up as Adar Rhîw for the festival. Adar Rhîw is very busy getting ready for tonight and he sent me a missive asking me to pretend to be him."
Orophin sniffled and looked at Celeborn intently. "Will you tell Haldir that? Will you tell him to not call me a baby anymore?" The last bit of his sentence came out as a wail. Orophin threw himself against Celeborn's chest and sobbed.
*~*
Orophin slipped from his bed. He quietly padded across the room, careful not to awaken Haldir or Rúmil from their reverie. He went to the wardrobe that they shared and pulled out the warmest clothing he owned. Most of his things were light tunics and leggings because he never ventured from Caras Galadon. He dressed quietly and pulling on an extra tunic, just to be safe. He carefully pulled out a tiny tunic made especially for Hwest and dressed him in it. Then, he wrapped his light cloak about him and crept from the room. He stopped by the doorway leading to the balcony outside the talan and grabbed the small sack he had hidden behind a chair earlier in the evening.
Haldir gave Orophin a good five-minute head start before he roused Rúmil from his bed. "Get up lazy bones." His voice held a slightly nasal quality.
Rúmil blinked at Haldir irritably. "What?" he hissed.
"Orophin is up to something," he replied, tossing clothing at Rúmil. "We need to follow him and see that he does not get into trouble." He was feeling guilty about his earlier treatment of his youngest brother.
Rúmil reluctantly dressed and followed Haldir from the talan. Haldir ordered him to follow Orophin while he roused the rest of their little gang.
*~*
Haldir returned with Arwen, Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir in tow. He hadn't meant to bring Arwen and Legolas along, but they unfortunately heard him rousing the twins. Nothing could convince them to remain behind. Arwen had even gone so far as to threaten to wake her parents if he didn't allow them to go.
"Where is he?" Haldir asked Rúmil, once they found him at the boat dock.
"The little fool took one of the boats and crossed the Anduin," Rúmil was wring his hands frantically. He had been making bird whistles for what seemed like hours, in an effort to help Haldir locate him. He had been torn between waiting for Haldir and following Orophin.
They all piled into an awaiting boat. Haldir and Elladan picked up oars to paddle the boat, while Arwen and Rúmil cast off the ropes holding it to the dock.
*~*
Orophin sat shivering by the small fire he had built, Hwest clutched to his chest. His keen eyes swept across the barren, snowy landscape. Galadriel's power held no sway here, for he had left the confines of Lothlórien. He was waiting patiently for Adar Rhîw to appear, just like in the story the Lady had told earlier. He could tell by Haldir's expression that he hadn't believed Lord Celeborn when he had told him that Adar Rhîw was real. So Orophin had decided to prove once and for all that he did exist. He would have Adar Rhîw wake Haldir up and show him his magical horse.
He caught sight of dark shapes moving and excitement gripped him. He forgot that Adar Rhîw was supposed to shine and glow in the darkness.
The lead Orc paused and sniffed the air. In the distance, he could just make out a fire. The scent of nice, tender, young Elf flesh carried on the wind. If his nose weren't deceiving him, there would be plenty to go around. He salivated and pondered their good fortune. It had been a long time since they had feasted on such a delicacy. He motioned for the four others in his band to follow him and he started to run towards the fire.
Orophin screamed as the first Orc stepped into the circle of light created by his fire. The Orc was followed by four more. Orophin was rooted to the spot, unable to do anything but scream.
The first Orc reached out to grab him. That's when a bellow sounded from behind him and Haldir leaped into view, swinging an oar.
The Orc ducked the wooden oar and backhanded the pesky Elf who was trying to defend the little one. He had claimed the youngest morsel for himself.
Haldir landed in the snow. Bright spots danced before his eyes and his face throbbed from the blow.
Arwen shrieked as another Orc lifted her up by her arm.
Elladan swung his oar again and again, but it seemed to have no effect on the Orc currently clutching his sister.
Legolas was desperately clinging to Orophin's legs, trying to wrench him from the first Orc's grasp. Elrohir and Rúmil had gathered oars from Orophin's boat and were attacking their own adversaries.
Just when the children thought all hope was lost, a brilliant flash of white light lit up the area. The Orcs screamed in pain and before they could fathom what had occurred, they were dead. Each body resembling a pincushion from all the arrows stuck in them.
The children got shakily to their feet and turned in the direction the arrows had come from. There stood a large Elven war party. Their parents and Lord Celeborn were at the head, surrounded by Elven guards from all three cities.
The next thing they knew, they were swept into the embraces of their parents. The reality of what had almost happened, hit home. All the children who had not been in tears suddenly were, including Haldir.
Between sobs, sniffles, and shudders, the children explained why they had ventured beyond the safety of Caras Galadon.
"There is no such thing as Adar Rhîw!" Haldir all but screamed at Orophin. "Forgive me, my Lord, but your effort to spare his feeling almost resulted in all of us being killed."
Haldir's parents gasped at the disrespectful tone their son had addressed Celeborn with.
"You have much to learn, Elfling. Your arrogance may be your undoing one day," Celeborn said sternly. "No lie has passed my lips. Look there!" He pointed out beyond the firelight.
Haldir turned and his jaw fairly dropped off. There on a great white steed sat an Elf-lord. He was dressed just as Galadriel had described him. He was surrounded by a luminous white glow.
"Tis by Adar Rhîw's benevolence that we arrived in time to save all of you. At the very least, you owe him recognition and the most, your lives." Celeborn continued.
Adar Rhîw nodded and then in a flash of light, disappeared.
Haldir apologized profusely to both Celeborn and Orophin. His parents, however, demanded much more than words for his behavior. He spent many a week in the Caras Galadon kitchens, scrubbing pots.
The End
34 Hrívë - Elvish date for Christmas Eve Hwest - Sindarin word meaning Puff Adar Rhîw - Sindarin for Father Winter Rhîw - Winter Lossen - Sindarin word meaning Snowy Daer Enthil Kani - Great Spring Bunny [Note: Daer Enthil is Sindarin for Great Spring There is no word in either the Quenya nor Sindarin language for bunny or rabbit. Quenya was based on Finnish and Sindarin on Welsh. I couldn't find the Welsh word for bunny or rabbit, so I used the Finnish word for rabbit.] Enthil - Spring
Maia - singular for Maiar. The Maiar were lesser Ainur (Valar). They could not appear to the People of Middle Earth in their true forms so they took on whatever guise pleased them. In this story, the Maia chooses to appear as a Elf (though larger in stature then normal Elves) with a long flowing beard.