Ch 2 Rumil

In the morning she arose late to find both Brandir and Elenna already at work. She entered and took a brush off the wall and started to run it through Yavanna's coat. Slowly the fur began to get its sheen back to it. As she continued she talked to her of what she thought of Rivendell along a million things.

"Who are you?" A young male voice questioned from across the room.

She let out a little startled gasp and turned around to see a young elven lad about her own age standing behind her. First her instinct was to hide because she felt so out of place and alone, but now that she had hesitated it was too late. "I am Luthien...Who are you?" She finally asked.

"I am Rumil. I live here. What are you doing here? I don't remember ever seeing you before." He questioned his green eyes filled with curiosity.

"I came late last night. I am to staywith Elenna and Brandir and we are to serve here. Are you the son of the Lord of this house?" She replied.

"Yes, I am." He replied crossing his arms. "We are in need of more servants. So, servant girl, go fetch me some water now." He ordered.

"Very well." She replied quickly. "But where do I fetch some?"

"There is a well outside, quickly now! Am I to wait all day?" He snapped his fingers. His face looked as serious as serious gets, but in his eyes there was a slight twinkle of mischief; he was testing her patience.

"Here you are." She handed him a glass of fresh well water.

He drank it without a thank you and asked, "Is that thing yours?"

"What thing?"

"That sad steed in the corner." He pointed.

"It is not a sad steed and how dare you to call her one!" Her mood quickly swung into the defensive.

"She looks it! The poorest looking thing I've ever seen in my days." He said more quietly a hint of a smile crossing his face.

She gasped. "You are so bad, so mean, so insulting, so evil---so corrupted! " She paused after each description using adramatic tone. Her gaze met his hoping some of the insults had sunken in. Instead he burst out laughing.

"Son of Morgoth!" She exclaimed. Before she even knew what she was doing she gave him a push backwards. Because he was laughing he was easily caught off guard. With a splash he fell backward into the water trough. Glaring at her he remained perfectly still.

Realizing what she had done she apologized. "I'm sorry!" She offered him her hand.

He took it, stood up and then pulled her back straight into the place where he had been. The waters splashed again with a wave as she fell. "Your temper needed cooling off." He chuckled softly.

She sat there motionless; her mind raced. What should she do? She wanted to cry, scream and laugh all at the same time. So blankly she stared at him. Immediately his conscience was convicted. "I'm sorry." He helped her up and still she said nothing.

Still having his hand she walked off to the nearest towel and dried her face. With a quick push she hurled him into a small pile of hay she had set for Yavanna. He pulled her in with him. They rolled about in it half laughing, half screaming as they tickled and wrestled with each other. Hay flew everywhere matting in their hair and sticking to their wet clothes.

Yet, this was all interrupted when the stable door opened. At the entrance stood Lord Ingwe in his long robes. The two children froze and stared at him. Luthien's hair was a curtain over her face so she had to brush it away to clear her vision. At the time Rumil had her in a headlock. A bit awkwardly he broke the silence. "Suilad Ada."

"I see you have been kept busy. I only wish… That you had not done it in such a… mess making manner." The elder stated as he looked at the hay scattered all about. Luthien seemed to shrinkunder his steady gaze. At first it seemed to pierce her, but then it softened as he let out a soft little chuckle under his breath. "I am sorry to break this first meeting so short, but you must come, Rumil. Namarie young Luthien." He waved as he and his son left the stables.