The 'Life in Imladris' Arc – stories focused on the inhabitants of Rivendell.
Deception and Heartbreak

Disclaimer: This fictional story is completely made up for fun and no profit is made from it. Any similarities to real events or other writings is purely coincidental.

Please leave me a review or constructive criticism. I want to be a better writer. Thank yous are at the end of the chapter.

I hope everyone in the US had a good 4th of July weekend!

Chapter Eleven

A large brass bell, located near the main courtyard, began to ring late in the afternoon, alerting all in the hidden valley that travelers had arrived. "Menelluin's escort must have arrived," Erestor stated, looking up from the trade agreement he was checking for Elrond.

"Let us go greet them," Elrond spoke, obviously pleased to be able to temporarily stop working on the boring trade reports. Lindir and Erestor exchanged a look and Erestor made an expression of exasperation before standing to follow his lord. Lindir went as well, eager to greet the escort for whom they had been preparing the feast for so many days.

The party that clattered into the courtyard was larger than the one that had set out a few months prior. A few of the Galadhrim had made the trip as well, eager for a chance to visit the beautiful refuge. Elrond stepped forward to greet Menelluin and the others, welcoming them to Imladris. Lindir and Erestor made their way over to where Glorfindel was standing with Celebrían and Legolas.

"Look who is among the 'Lórien warriors," Celebrían exclaimed, looking towards one of the younger Galadhrim, dressed in the customary grays of Lothlórien. The warrior chose that moment to look in her direction and he smiled. He slid from his horse and walked over, the stallion following him complacently.

"Mae govannen, little brother(1)," Celebrían smiled, hugging him closely and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"How many times have I asked you not to call me that?" the warrior asked good naturedly.

"Not enough," Celebrían grinned.

"Mae govannen, Rúmil," Lindir spoke up, drawing his old friend's attention to him. The youngest of the well-known 'Lórien brothers was only six years older than Lindir and the two had become fast friends over the decades, when either Lindir would accompany Glorfindel to Lothlórien or Rúmil acted as an escort from the mystical forest to Imladris.

"Lindir, how fare you?" Rúmil asked.

"Well enough. How long are you here for?"

"As long as Elrond will have me," Rúmil grinned. "I have many things to tell you."

"They better not be bad things," Celebrían warned, giving the most rambunctious of the three brothers a knowing look. Rúmil gave her an innocent smile.

"Of course not, my lady." He turned to Glorfindel and Erestor. "Mae govannen, my lords. It pleases me to see you well."

"Mae govannen," Erestor and Glorfindel spoke at the same time, though Glorfindel's tone was a bit more gruff than Erestor's.

"And who, my lady, is this?" Rúmil questioned, finally addressing the youngster clutching Celebrían's hand. He knelt down so he was eye level with Legolas.

"I am Legolas Thranduilion," the blond prince said proudly. Even at his young age Legolas must have realized that there was not much love lost between his father and Celeborn, the lord of Lothlórien, and his father must have convinced him that the Galadhrim were not to be trusted.

"Really?" Rúmil replied, a sly smile slowly spreading across his face. "I am pleased you meet you, my prince."

"My ada says that the Gal-"

"Oh, I am sure your father has wonderful things to say about the Galadhrim," Celebrían interjected, catching the prince under the arms and lifting him to her hip.

"Wonderful things indeed," Rúmil said sarcastically. "Would you like to hear what the Galadhrim think of your father, little prince?"

"No, I am sure he would not," Celebrían answered for Legolas. "Behave yourself, Rúmil." Legolas scowled at the 'Lórien warrior. Rúmil gave him a dark look.

"Come, Rúmil, and tell me of your adventures," Lindir interjected, trying to drag his friend away. He didn't want Rúmil to upset the little prince and in turn, upset Celebrían. Rúmil conceded, allowing Lindir to lead him to the stables where his stallion would be quartered during his stay in Imladris.

"Rúmil!" they heard shouted towards them when they were about halfway to the stables. The twins appeared on the path before them, faces flushed with excitement at seeing the familiar Galadhrim solider.

"Naucos!" Rúmil laughed. "Look how big you are." He pinched Elladan's cheek. The older twin laughed and pushed his hand away. His large gray eyes held insurmountable idolization for the older elf. Sometimes Lindir didn't understand why the twins looked up to Rúmil and his brothers, for Haldir wanted nothing to do with them, Rúmil teased them mercilessly, and Orophin had only met them one time. However, Lindir had witnessed some of the rare occasions when the brothers actually showed the twins compassion and he figured that was enough for Elrond's sons, who wanted nothing more to grow up to be as renowned for their battle skills as one of the Galadhrim.

"When did you arrive?" Elrohir asked.

"Just a few minutes ago," Rúmil replied. He pretended to look critically at the younger twin. "Wait, do not tell me… Elladan is it not?" Elrohir's face fell. "Oh, I am simply joking," Rúmil laughed, ruffling Elrohir's hair. "I could never mistake you for your brother." Elrohir brightened slightly at this.

"Tell us of what you've done since the last time we met," Elladan begged.

"Perhaps I will later," Rúmil promised. "Now, I am quite tired and wish to sleep before the festivities in the Hall of Fire." The twins looked disappointed but neither pushed the matter, respecting their guest's wishes to refresh himself.

"I am sure your mother is looking for you. It is nearly time for dinner," Lindir said to the twins.

"Will you be at dinner, Rúmil?" Elladan questioned hopefully.

"If I am able to wash before then," Rúmil replied. "Run along now, lest your mother worry."

"She doesn't worry about us. We are almost to our majority," Elladan insisted.

"She does worry about you," Lindir corrected. "Now shoo."

"Fine, fine," Elladan sighed. "We can take a hint. Come, 'Ro, I will race you back to the house."

"On my count," Elrohir insisted.

"Go!" Elladan shouted without thought for his brother's statement. Elrohir frowned and took off after his twin, leaving the two older blonds alone on the path.

"They really have gotten big," Rúmil mused, watching their retreating backs. "How old are they again?"

"Forty-three," Lindir replied. They continued to the stables in companionable silence.

tbc…

(1) I don't actually believe Haldir, Orophin, and Rúmil are true siblings of Celebrían, but I like the idea that perhaps the brothers lost their parents when Rúmil was still small and Galadriel and Celeborn took them in as their own.

please review.

Thank you:
Arian – You'll find out near the end of the story.

Arialas – Hehe, you'll have to be in suspense for a few more chapters!

Seeing-spots – That would be an interesting idea… of course, now you know that the visitor isn't tied to the murder, but that would have been a neat twist. I wish I'd thought of it. :(

Andromedia – He feels a bit better, but he's not entirely sure his ada is in the clear yet.