Disclaimer: Do I truly need to do this? Didn't think so...
A/N: We've fast forward a few years now. Niamh is now 12, so two years have passed. This chapter deals with the day before Orophin's wedding... oh dear..
To my reviewers:
Fuji the Hobbit: Read the A/N at the end for your answers. The plot.... hmm.. I can't tell you!
CanonKillerEllieInElfPajamas: Whoa! Long name there. Thanks. I was just dissatisfied with the chapter. I am kinda in a hurry to get to the later chapters.
Naomie: I am beginning to wonder how you always know when I update... something to ponder. The was a nice long review you gave me, thanks! *Hands her a cyber cookie* No monkey. Sorry I didn't update by the 19th. I kinda lost all inspiration. Thanks for a being a constant lift when I get disheartend.
elvinscarf: You don't like monkies either? Fine, ok, have a cyber puppy.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: *Hands over a dozen Haldir lollipops* Enjoy!
Gothic Angel of Death: Whoa! Name change, I was scared for a secong there. Thank you for the support. *hug*
almatari-of-arda: Pronunciation? I've kinda forgot, sorry! I'll look it up for you! And thank you for reviewing my story. I also reviewed your new chapter!
~*~*~*~
Hail the Conquering Heros!
Chapter Six: The Wedding- Part One
~~~
"Wake up brother! Wake up! There is much to do today, and you will sleep it all away!" Orophin's eyes refocused and he glared at the offending figure jumping on his bed. He groaned loudly and pulled the figure into a hug.
"You shall be the death of me, mellonamin." Niamh grinned and snuggled closer. These instances of tenderness from her big brother were becoming less frequent. He told her she was becoming to big for such behavior. Niamh pulled Orophin out of bed and threw some random clothing at him.
"Get dressed then come eat breakfast. And yes, Haldir is not cooking." Niamh ran from the room, eager for the day's events. Tomorrow Orophin was getting married. They had to check on all the clothing they had made. Orophin had been unable to choose one of his brothers to stand by him on his day, and Niamh was to stand next to Annarima, so many outfits had been made for the event. They also had to move Orophin into the flet he would be sharing with Annarima. Niamh smiled sadly at the thought of being unable to wake him every morning. She quickly cheered at the sight before her. Rumil and Haldir were at the table, arguing over what exactly was going with Orophin.
"I like that chair!"
"Too bad, I want to keep that vase." Niamh sat in Rumil's lap.
"Morning, Ada!" Rumil raised an eyebrow at her.
"Why are you so cheery?"
"Yes, Niamh, why? We all thought you would be crying over Orophin by now." Niamh stuck her tongue out at Haldir and got out of Rumil's lap. Men, can't live with them...
"And I could live without them..."
"What was that Niamh?" Niamh gave Haldir a smile and shrugged. Oh yes, she could live without these hell raisers. They still treated her as a child. She was twelve for goodness sakes. Niamh began putting breakfast on the table in front of three elves, as Orophin had sat down. Another chore that had been added in the last year. She could just hear Haldir's voice telling her that a proper woman knows how to cook. After putting the pitcher holding the milk down, she also sat. Niamh took the opportunity to glance at the three men, no, elves, that her life revolved around. Orophin, as she had thought earlier, was began to pull back a little bit from her. He had told her recently that she was becoming to old for certain behaviors to be 'proper.' Niamh stopped the snort that threatened the silence. No more sitting on his lap in public, no more kisses, no more nothing. She had no feelings for him, that way. She really had no feelings like that for anyone. The attraction to the opposite sex hadn't yet started. Niamh felt the twinge of sadness inside as she thought of Orophin leaving... She had known it was to happen, but she wanted to keep him for herself. He was her big brother. Niamh looked down at her plate so none would see the tear that fell. There were no children her age, so she would play with older elves. She really didn't like some of them though. There were girls who were jealous of her, but she didn't know why. They taunted her, telling her that they weren't really her family. Pity. It was only pity. Niamh pushed the thoughts back and turned her gaze onto Rumil. Her Ada. She had only recently started calling him that. She liked the happy look on Rumil's face when she did. He would tell her tales of those that came before, of great battles, and heart wrenching romances. Their bond had only grown over time. Then there was the last elf. Haldir. He was the cold and stoic March Warden. But she knew the other side too. It was emerging less and less. And Niamh couldn't help but feel that it was something she had done. She still ran to his room when she had nightmares, but they happened less frequent now. Haldir had slowly put a wall up, maybe he didn't even know it. She would have to talk to Rumil.
"Niamh? Are you well?" Niamh glanced up at Rumil's concerned face.
"Nay, Ada. Just thinking..." Rumil smiled and stood up. Breakfast was finished. Niamh went to the bucket of hot water to help wash the dishes. Niamh began to softly sing in her native tongue. She didn't miss Rohan, she barely remembered it. Yet, at times, she found herself dreaming of open skies, far plains, and the wind on her face. She was beginning to grow restless stuck in Lothlorien.
"Are you sure that you are well?" Niamh nodded and threw soap suds at Rumil's face. He looked shocked. Niamh giggled and ran to her room to change. Rumil could handle drying the dishes on his own. Niamh stopped as she passed the door to Haldir's room. He was leaning against the wall, gazing out the window. Niamh crept into his room and stopped a few paces away from him.
"Niamh?" Niamh cursed her human blood and walked up to him. He still hadn't turned around and held an unfamiliar look on his face. Niamh grabbed his hand and leaned up against him.
"I will miss him too..." Haldir glanced down at her.
"What do you mean?"
"Orophin, I'm going to miss him. And you will too."
"Nonsense... He will be close."
"But it will not be the same..." Niamh felt a tear fall and turned to hide her face. But it was too late and Haldir was pulling her into a hug.
"No, it will not. But he will be the happiest he has ever been." Niamh buried her face into Haldir's tunic.
"I know, I'm being selfish. I wish he didn't have to move out. He's leaving me..." Haldir sighed, finally realizing what was wrong.
"Niamh he isn't leaving you. He is finally growing up." Niamh looked up at Haldir. He wore a proud look on his face, "Niamh, my brothers have always been, well, immature at times. Orophin is getting married, starting a family. Rumil was matured remarkably thanks to you. He feels a need to act as a father to you. To see Orophin walking on his own now, without me to hold him up, is a proud moment for me." Niamh nodded, still unhappy. "Niamh, you are welcome to go stay at his new home any time you wish. He does not want you to fade from his everyday life. Perhaps you should talk to him." Niamh nodded and wrapped her arms tighter around Haldir.
"Are you going to get married?" Haldir couldn't stop the look of surprise that came.
"Me? No!"
"Why not?"
"Have you seen me courting any maiden?"
"Well, no, but..."
"Do I have any extra time at the moment for courting?"
"I suppose not, but..."
"Then it is settled." Niamh giggled, thinking that Haldir was acting rather silly.
"You should go dress now Niamh. There is much to do today." Niamh nodded and ran to her room. She opened her closet, and tilted her head to the side. She always did that while thinking. Rumil thought it was adorable. Niamh pulled out different dresses, not really sure what she wanted to wear.
"I'd wear the green one." Niamh turned and threw a shoe a Rumil.
"I would love to see you in a dress Ada." Rumil smiled and pulled out the green dress.
"Well, don't hold out hope. Think of what it would do to my reputation. Yes, wear the green one. I like what it does for your eyes. Just think Niamh, in a few years I will have to beat the males away with a stick." Niamh rolled her eyes. Rumil and his high opinion of her, it never wavered. She could marry an orc and he wouldn't care.
"You are silly Ada. What male would ever eventually be interested in me? The things in that head of your's... I will wear the green dress. Now go away so I can change." Rumil grinned and mussed her hair before leaving. Niamh quickly pulled on the green dress. She turned to her shoes, nose wrinkling in disgust. She would go barefoot today. Shoes were so, so, so....confining. She grabbed her hairbrush and a few hair ties before running to Rumil's door. She knocked. A few months ago she had entered without knocking... Niamh shook her head and walked in at Rumil's call.
"Can you fix my hair?" Rumil gave her that gentle smile and lightly pushed her into a chair. Niamh closed her eyes at the comfort of having her Ada so close.
"Niamh, will you always run to me to braid your hair."
"Yes, even when I am...um... eighteen." Rumil laughed and finished the braid. Niamh stood up and gave him a hug.
"Go see if the other two are ready Niamh, and then we will head on out." Niamh nodded and skipped to the other rooms.
~~~
Niamh was first to enter the flet, the one that was to be Orophin's. It was as large as their own. Niamh put down the bag she had been carrying and held open the door for the three elves. They were dragging in the rest of the furniture. Most had been purchased, but a few items had come from the joining homes. Haldir dropped a small table and stretched. Glancing over at Niamh, he remembered that she had wanted to talk to Orophin.
"Rumil, let's go get that last item."
"What?" Haldir gave him a look and pulled him out the door. Niamh quickly clued in to what he was doing and thought about how to start the conversation with Orophin.
"You better thank me later little brother." Orophin came in with a silly grin on his face. He dropped his load and gave his brother a hug.
"Thank you Haldir... and Rumil." He turned to give his other brother a hug. Niamh felt herself smile in a silly manner at the affection between the brothers. She was a little jealous, she missed Haleth. And maybe she missed Morwen, just a little. Orophin picked her up and twirled her around.
"And thank you Niamh. I owe you for many things." Niamh simply smiled and Held on to Orophin.
They began to rearrange the furniture. But, bickering amongst themselves led to slow progress. Niamh walked over to where Orophin was moving a chair and pulled on his shirt.
"Orophin?"
"Yes?"
"Can I talk to you?" Orophin turned around, giving her his full attention.
"Um...I was wondering, well, you know how you are....and how I think, and then..."
"What is it Niamh?"
"Do you not like me anymore?" Orophin gave her a confused look.
"Of course I like you. You are my little sister."
"But, you are leaving me..."
"I am not leaving you. Niamh... I'm happy... Annarima is happy. Are you not happy?" Niamh glanced up at his face, suddenly feeling guilty. She just knew that if she begged hard enough, Orophin would delay the wedding.
"I am. If you are happy, I am happy." Orophin set her on his knee and tilted her chin up so she would look at him.
"What are you afraid of?"
"I don't want to lose anyone else. I'm afraid you will forget about me and won't want to be my big brother anymore."
"Niamh, that's is silly. I love you. Tell you what, your thirteenth birthday is coming up, how about I let you come stay with Annarima and myself." Niamh's face quickly brightened up.
"Really? Oh, that would be great Orophin!" Niamh pulled Orophin into an almost painful hug and laughed. Orophin chuckled and hugged back. Little Niamh still had a lot of maturing to do.
~~~
Niamh walked briskly down the path, her step light. They had finished organizing the flet. Niamh knew Annarima would be pleased. Orophin ran off right when they had finished, hopefully he wasn't getting cold feet. Niamh began to hum as she neared her favorite garden. She stopped suddenly when a figure stepped in front of her.
"Hello Brilthor!" Brilthor grinned and picked her up.
"You are big now. I guess I should stop picking you up."
"No! I'll stay twelve forever." Brilthor chuckled and carried into the garden.
"I think there is something you may want to see." They stepped into the bushes and Brilthor carried her over quietly to the other side of the garden. Niamh saw Rumil talking to an elleth. He was smiling rather big. The elleth laughed and walked away, leaving Rumil with a dreamy expression on his face. Niamh jumped down from Brilthor's grasp and approached Rumil.
"Who was that Ada?" Rumil quickly lost the dreamy expression and turned slightly pink.
"Who was who?"
"The elleth you were talking to of course."
"Oh, her. You see, she, I mean, I was, her name.... Why are you asking?"
"Just answer the question!"
"Rana."
"What?"
"Her name is Rana..."
"Ada, do you like her?"
"Of course I do..."
"I mean, do you want to court her?" Rumil blushed and mumbled something. Niamh giggled and hugged him.
"I shall help you win her heart." Rumil grinned and glanced over at Brilthor, who had now emerged from the bushes.
"You were watching also?"
"Yes. It's not every day one sees the great Rumil stumbling over his words." Niamh laughed at Rumil's now frowning face. Rumil shot Brilthor a look and led Niamh off towards home.
~~~
Niamh frowned in concentration as an elleth was pinning her dress. They were now going through one last wardrobe check, and it seemed that it would never end. Niamh glanced over at her counterparts and grinned at their own suffering. Orophin was a slight shade of green, everyone was saying it was his nerves. Rumil kept swatting a seamstress's hand away, on account that she kept sticking him. Haldir was staring straight ahead at the wall.
"Ouch!" Niamh grimaced as she was stuck again. Some things never changed, no matter what land you were in. The seamstress smiled and told her that she was done. All talking stopped as the elves in the room watched her as she twirled around.
"It's pretty!" Niamh pulled on Rumil's sleeve, "Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful Niamh." Rumil had a soft smile on his face as he gazed down at her. Niamh started twirling again. She suddenly stopped when she realized what she was doing. She was acting like a child. Frowning, she sat down and waited for the others to finish.
An hour later the foursome left the building with their clothing for tomorrow with them. They walked in silence, letting soft singing descend on their ears. Haldir turned to see Niamh singing along, in Elvish. He reminded himself to thank Brilthor for his work with her. Haldir turned and patted his brother on the back.
"This is our last night all together." Orophin nodded slowly, turning green again. Rumil noticed his brother's discomfort.
"What is wrong Orophin? Nervous?"
"I'm just worried....."
"Are you going to elaborate?"
"What if Annarima becomes unhappy? What if the wedding is a disaster? What if I trip?" Niamh giggled as she imagined Orophin tripping over his own feet. Right as Annarima was walking down the aisle.
"Don't worry big brother. Everything will be fine." Orophin gave her a small smile and walked first into the talan. Niamh walked into each room, making sure the elves hung up their clothing. Sensing her brother's unease, she slipped back into her room when she was dressed for bed. Orophin was sitting in a chair by the window, gazing at the stars. He turned to her when she entered.
"Yes Niamh?" Niamh walked over and handed him her hairbrush. Orophin smiled and sat her down in front of him. He began to gently brush her hair.
"It has been awhile since you last came to me before turning into bed."
"I know, but I thought you would need some company." Orophin continued brushing her hair. When he was finished he pulled her off his lap and gave her the brush.
"Go get some rest Niamh."
"I think you need your rest." Niamh grabbed his hand and pushed him into his bed. She pulled the covers up over him and sang to him softly. He was asleep in a few moments. She tiptoed out off the room. Pausing, she entered Haldir's room as she heard him call.
"Yes Haldir?" He was also looking out at the stars. He smiled at her.
"I was thinking about my father. He would be proud of Orophin. And Orophin wishes that our father would be there tomorrow..."
"It's not your fault. You have done a good job raising him. And now you need to go to bed too." Niamh pushed him over to bed and tucked him in also.
"Will you sing me to sleep too? Naneth used to..." Haldir gave her a strange look. Overcome with sadness, Niamh sat on the edge off his bed and began singing.
"Lately I've been noticing
I say the same things he used to say
And I even find myself acting the very same way
I tap my fingers on the table
To the rhythm in my soul
When I look in the mirror
He's right there in my eyes
Starin' back at me and I realize
The older I get
The more I can see
How much he loved my mother and my brothers and me
And he did the best that he could
And I only hope when I have my own family
That everyday I see
A little more of my father in me."
Niamh trailed off when she saw that Haldir was sleeping, breathing softly. She tiptoed out of his room and checked on Rumil, who was sleeping like a baby. Satisfied, she went into her own room and climbed into bed. As she fell asleep, she was thinking of the vulnerability of the three elves she loved.
~*~*~*~
Hmmmm.... Yes, a boring filler chapter. I have to work up to where the story really shoots off. There are three more chapters with young Niamh. The next one is obviously the wedding. Then there are two 'growing pains' chapters. They will be cute. Then when jump into her being around the age of 16. We'll have her first love, rotten teenage mood swings, finding out more about her family, and a very rebellious act.
Then it gets really good. Or so I think. So please, hang on until it starts to really pick up. My best friend already knows the outcome of the story, she doesn't like it. Says it is cruel.
Oh yeah, please read and review! I really look forward to it.
Nenuial
A/N: We've fast forward a few years now. Niamh is now 12, so two years have passed. This chapter deals with the day before Orophin's wedding... oh dear..
To my reviewers:
Fuji the Hobbit: Read the A/N at the end for your answers. The plot.... hmm.. I can't tell you!
CanonKillerEllieInElfPajamas: Whoa! Long name there. Thanks. I was just dissatisfied with the chapter. I am kinda in a hurry to get to the later chapters.
Naomie: I am beginning to wonder how you always know when I update... something to ponder. The was a nice long review you gave me, thanks! *Hands her a cyber cookie* No monkey. Sorry I didn't update by the 19th. I kinda lost all inspiration. Thanks for a being a constant lift when I get disheartend.
elvinscarf: You don't like monkies either? Fine, ok, have a cyber puppy.
Haldir's Heart and Soul: *Hands over a dozen Haldir lollipops* Enjoy!
Gothic Angel of Death: Whoa! Name change, I was scared for a secong there. Thank you for the support. *hug*
almatari-of-arda: Pronunciation? I've kinda forgot, sorry! I'll look it up for you! And thank you for reviewing my story. I also reviewed your new chapter!
~*~*~*~
Hail the Conquering Heros!
Chapter Six: The Wedding- Part One
~~~
"Wake up brother! Wake up! There is much to do today, and you will sleep it all away!" Orophin's eyes refocused and he glared at the offending figure jumping on his bed. He groaned loudly and pulled the figure into a hug.
"You shall be the death of me, mellonamin." Niamh grinned and snuggled closer. These instances of tenderness from her big brother were becoming less frequent. He told her she was becoming to big for such behavior. Niamh pulled Orophin out of bed and threw some random clothing at him.
"Get dressed then come eat breakfast. And yes, Haldir is not cooking." Niamh ran from the room, eager for the day's events. Tomorrow Orophin was getting married. They had to check on all the clothing they had made. Orophin had been unable to choose one of his brothers to stand by him on his day, and Niamh was to stand next to Annarima, so many outfits had been made for the event. They also had to move Orophin into the flet he would be sharing with Annarima. Niamh smiled sadly at the thought of being unable to wake him every morning. She quickly cheered at the sight before her. Rumil and Haldir were at the table, arguing over what exactly was going with Orophin.
"I like that chair!"
"Too bad, I want to keep that vase." Niamh sat in Rumil's lap.
"Morning, Ada!" Rumil raised an eyebrow at her.
"Why are you so cheery?"
"Yes, Niamh, why? We all thought you would be crying over Orophin by now." Niamh stuck her tongue out at Haldir and got out of Rumil's lap. Men, can't live with them...
"And I could live without them..."
"What was that Niamh?" Niamh gave Haldir a smile and shrugged. Oh yes, she could live without these hell raisers. They still treated her as a child. She was twelve for goodness sakes. Niamh began putting breakfast on the table in front of three elves, as Orophin had sat down. Another chore that had been added in the last year. She could just hear Haldir's voice telling her that a proper woman knows how to cook. After putting the pitcher holding the milk down, she also sat. Niamh took the opportunity to glance at the three men, no, elves, that her life revolved around. Orophin, as she had thought earlier, was began to pull back a little bit from her. He had told her recently that she was becoming to old for certain behaviors to be 'proper.' Niamh stopped the snort that threatened the silence. No more sitting on his lap in public, no more kisses, no more nothing. She had no feelings for him, that way. She really had no feelings like that for anyone. The attraction to the opposite sex hadn't yet started. Niamh felt the twinge of sadness inside as she thought of Orophin leaving... She had known it was to happen, but she wanted to keep him for herself. He was her big brother. Niamh looked down at her plate so none would see the tear that fell. There were no children her age, so she would play with older elves. She really didn't like some of them though. There were girls who were jealous of her, but she didn't know why. They taunted her, telling her that they weren't really her family. Pity. It was only pity. Niamh pushed the thoughts back and turned her gaze onto Rumil. Her Ada. She had only recently started calling him that. She liked the happy look on Rumil's face when she did. He would tell her tales of those that came before, of great battles, and heart wrenching romances. Their bond had only grown over time. Then there was the last elf. Haldir. He was the cold and stoic March Warden. But she knew the other side too. It was emerging less and less. And Niamh couldn't help but feel that it was something she had done. She still ran to his room when she had nightmares, but they happened less frequent now. Haldir had slowly put a wall up, maybe he didn't even know it. She would have to talk to Rumil.
"Niamh? Are you well?" Niamh glanced up at Rumil's concerned face.
"Nay, Ada. Just thinking..." Rumil smiled and stood up. Breakfast was finished. Niamh went to the bucket of hot water to help wash the dishes. Niamh began to softly sing in her native tongue. She didn't miss Rohan, she barely remembered it. Yet, at times, she found herself dreaming of open skies, far plains, and the wind on her face. She was beginning to grow restless stuck in Lothlorien.
"Are you sure that you are well?" Niamh nodded and threw soap suds at Rumil's face. He looked shocked. Niamh giggled and ran to her room to change. Rumil could handle drying the dishes on his own. Niamh stopped as she passed the door to Haldir's room. He was leaning against the wall, gazing out the window. Niamh crept into his room and stopped a few paces away from him.
"Niamh?" Niamh cursed her human blood and walked up to him. He still hadn't turned around and held an unfamiliar look on his face. Niamh grabbed his hand and leaned up against him.
"I will miss him too..." Haldir glanced down at her.
"What do you mean?"
"Orophin, I'm going to miss him. And you will too."
"Nonsense... He will be close."
"But it will not be the same..." Niamh felt a tear fall and turned to hide her face. But it was too late and Haldir was pulling her into a hug.
"No, it will not. But he will be the happiest he has ever been." Niamh buried her face into Haldir's tunic.
"I know, I'm being selfish. I wish he didn't have to move out. He's leaving me..." Haldir sighed, finally realizing what was wrong.
"Niamh he isn't leaving you. He is finally growing up." Niamh looked up at Haldir. He wore a proud look on his face, "Niamh, my brothers have always been, well, immature at times. Orophin is getting married, starting a family. Rumil was matured remarkably thanks to you. He feels a need to act as a father to you. To see Orophin walking on his own now, without me to hold him up, is a proud moment for me." Niamh nodded, still unhappy. "Niamh, you are welcome to go stay at his new home any time you wish. He does not want you to fade from his everyday life. Perhaps you should talk to him." Niamh nodded and wrapped her arms tighter around Haldir.
"Are you going to get married?" Haldir couldn't stop the look of surprise that came.
"Me? No!"
"Why not?"
"Have you seen me courting any maiden?"
"Well, no, but..."
"Do I have any extra time at the moment for courting?"
"I suppose not, but..."
"Then it is settled." Niamh giggled, thinking that Haldir was acting rather silly.
"You should go dress now Niamh. There is much to do today." Niamh nodded and ran to her room. She opened her closet, and tilted her head to the side. She always did that while thinking. Rumil thought it was adorable. Niamh pulled out different dresses, not really sure what she wanted to wear.
"I'd wear the green one." Niamh turned and threw a shoe a Rumil.
"I would love to see you in a dress Ada." Rumil smiled and pulled out the green dress.
"Well, don't hold out hope. Think of what it would do to my reputation. Yes, wear the green one. I like what it does for your eyes. Just think Niamh, in a few years I will have to beat the males away with a stick." Niamh rolled her eyes. Rumil and his high opinion of her, it never wavered. She could marry an orc and he wouldn't care.
"You are silly Ada. What male would ever eventually be interested in me? The things in that head of your's... I will wear the green dress. Now go away so I can change." Rumil grinned and mussed her hair before leaving. Niamh quickly pulled on the green dress. She turned to her shoes, nose wrinkling in disgust. She would go barefoot today. Shoes were so, so, so....confining. She grabbed her hairbrush and a few hair ties before running to Rumil's door. She knocked. A few months ago she had entered without knocking... Niamh shook her head and walked in at Rumil's call.
"Can you fix my hair?" Rumil gave her that gentle smile and lightly pushed her into a chair. Niamh closed her eyes at the comfort of having her Ada so close.
"Niamh, will you always run to me to braid your hair."
"Yes, even when I am...um... eighteen." Rumil laughed and finished the braid. Niamh stood up and gave him a hug.
"Go see if the other two are ready Niamh, and then we will head on out." Niamh nodded and skipped to the other rooms.
~~~
Niamh was first to enter the flet, the one that was to be Orophin's. It was as large as their own. Niamh put down the bag she had been carrying and held open the door for the three elves. They were dragging in the rest of the furniture. Most had been purchased, but a few items had come from the joining homes. Haldir dropped a small table and stretched. Glancing over at Niamh, he remembered that she had wanted to talk to Orophin.
"Rumil, let's go get that last item."
"What?" Haldir gave him a look and pulled him out the door. Niamh quickly clued in to what he was doing and thought about how to start the conversation with Orophin.
"You better thank me later little brother." Orophin came in with a silly grin on his face. He dropped his load and gave his brother a hug.
"Thank you Haldir... and Rumil." He turned to give his other brother a hug. Niamh felt herself smile in a silly manner at the affection between the brothers. She was a little jealous, she missed Haleth. And maybe she missed Morwen, just a little. Orophin picked her up and twirled her around.
"And thank you Niamh. I owe you for many things." Niamh simply smiled and Held on to Orophin.
They began to rearrange the furniture. But, bickering amongst themselves led to slow progress. Niamh walked over to where Orophin was moving a chair and pulled on his shirt.
"Orophin?"
"Yes?"
"Can I talk to you?" Orophin turned around, giving her his full attention.
"Um...I was wondering, well, you know how you are....and how I think, and then..."
"What is it Niamh?"
"Do you not like me anymore?" Orophin gave her a confused look.
"Of course I like you. You are my little sister."
"But, you are leaving me..."
"I am not leaving you. Niamh... I'm happy... Annarima is happy. Are you not happy?" Niamh glanced up at his face, suddenly feeling guilty. She just knew that if she begged hard enough, Orophin would delay the wedding.
"I am. If you are happy, I am happy." Orophin set her on his knee and tilted her chin up so she would look at him.
"What are you afraid of?"
"I don't want to lose anyone else. I'm afraid you will forget about me and won't want to be my big brother anymore."
"Niamh, that's is silly. I love you. Tell you what, your thirteenth birthday is coming up, how about I let you come stay with Annarima and myself." Niamh's face quickly brightened up.
"Really? Oh, that would be great Orophin!" Niamh pulled Orophin into an almost painful hug and laughed. Orophin chuckled and hugged back. Little Niamh still had a lot of maturing to do.
~~~
Niamh walked briskly down the path, her step light. They had finished organizing the flet. Niamh knew Annarima would be pleased. Orophin ran off right when they had finished, hopefully he wasn't getting cold feet. Niamh began to hum as she neared her favorite garden. She stopped suddenly when a figure stepped in front of her.
"Hello Brilthor!" Brilthor grinned and picked her up.
"You are big now. I guess I should stop picking you up."
"No! I'll stay twelve forever." Brilthor chuckled and carried into the garden.
"I think there is something you may want to see." They stepped into the bushes and Brilthor carried her over quietly to the other side of the garden. Niamh saw Rumil talking to an elleth. He was smiling rather big. The elleth laughed and walked away, leaving Rumil with a dreamy expression on his face. Niamh jumped down from Brilthor's grasp and approached Rumil.
"Who was that Ada?" Rumil quickly lost the dreamy expression and turned slightly pink.
"Who was who?"
"The elleth you were talking to of course."
"Oh, her. You see, she, I mean, I was, her name.... Why are you asking?"
"Just answer the question!"
"Rana."
"What?"
"Her name is Rana..."
"Ada, do you like her?"
"Of course I do..."
"I mean, do you want to court her?" Rumil blushed and mumbled something. Niamh giggled and hugged him.
"I shall help you win her heart." Rumil grinned and glanced over at Brilthor, who had now emerged from the bushes.
"You were watching also?"
"Yes. It's not every day one sees the great Rumil stumbling over his words." Niamh laughed at Rumil's now frowning face. Rumil shot Brilthor a look and led Niamh off towards home.
~~~
Niamh frowned in concentration as an elleth was pinning her dress. They were now going through one last wardrobe check, and it seemed that it would never end. Niamh glanced over at her counterparts and grinned at their own suffering. Orophin was a slight shade of green, everyone was saying it was his nerves. Rumil kept swatting a seamstress's hand away, on account that she kept sticking him. Haldir was staring straight ahead at the wall.
"Ouch!" Niamh grimaced as she was stuck again. Some things never changed, no matter what land you were in. The seamstress smiled and told her that she was done. All talking stopped as the elves in the room watched her as she twirled around.
"It's pretty!" Niamh pulled on Rumil's sleeve, "Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful Niamh." Rumil had a soft smile on his face as he gazed down at her. Niamh started twirling again. She suddenly stopped when she realized what she was doing. She was acting like a child. Frowning, she sat down and waited for the others to finish.
An hour later the foursome left the building with their clothing for tomorrow with them. They walked in silence, letting soft singing descend on their ears. Haldir turned to see Niamh singing along, in Elvish. He reminded himself to thank Brilthor for his work with her. Haldir turned and patted his brother on the back.
"This is our last night all together." Orophin nodded slowly, turning green again. Rumil noticed his brother's discomfort.
"What is wrong Orophin? Nervous?"
"I'm just worried....."
"Are you going to elaborate?"
"What if Annarima becomes unhappy? What if the wedding is a disaster? What if I trip?" Niamh giggled as she imagined Orophin tripping over his own feet. Right as Annarima was walking down the aisle.
"Don't worry big brother. Everything will be fine." Orophin gave her a small smile and walked first into the talan. Niamh walked into each room, making sure the elves hung up their clothing. Sensing her brother's unease, she slipped back into her room when she was dressed for bed. Orophin was sitting in a chair by the window, gazing at the stars. He turned to her when she entered.
"Yes Niamh?" Niamh walked over and handed him her hairbrush. Orophin smiled and sat her down in front of him. He began to gently brush her hair.
"It has been awhile since you last came to me before turning into bed."
"I know, but I thought you would need some company." Orophin continued brushing her hair. When he was finished he pulled her off his lap and gave her the brush.
"Go get some rest Niamh."
"I think you need your rest." Niamh grabbed his hand and pushed him into his bed. She pulled the covers up over him and sang to him softly. He was asleep in a few moments. She tiptoed out off the room. Pausing, she entered Haldir's room as she heard him call.
"Yes Haldir?" He was also looking out at the stars. He smiled at her.
"I was thinking about my father. He would be proud of Orophin. And Orophin wishes that our father would be there tomorrow..."
"It's not your fault. You have done a good job raising him. And now you need to go to bed too." Niamh pushed him over to bed and tucked him in also.
"Will you sing me to sleep too? Naneth used to..." Haldir gave her a strange look. Overcome with sadness, Niamh sat on the edge off his bed and began singing.
"Lately I've been noticing
I say the same things he used to say
And I even find myself acting the very same way
I tap my fingers on the table
To the rhythm in my soul
When I look in the mirror
He's right there in my eyes
Starin' back at me and I realize
The older I get
The more I can see
How much he loved my mother and my brothers and me
And he did the best that he could
And I only hope when I have my own family
That everyday I see
A little more of my father in me."
Niamh trailed off when she saw that Haldir was sleeping, breathing softly. She tiptoed out of his room and checked on Rumil, who was sleeping like a baby. Satisfied, she went into her own room and climbed into bed. As she fell asleep, she was thinking of the vulnerability of the three elves she loved.
~*~*~*~
Hmmmm.... Yes, a boring filler chapter. I have to work up to where the story really shoots off. There are three more chapters with young Niamh. The next one is obviously the wedding. Then there are two 'growing pains' chapters. They will be cute. Then when jump into her being around the age of 16. We'll have her first love, rotten teenage mood swings, finding out more about her family, and a very rebellious act.
Then it gets really good. Or so I think. So please, hang on until it starts to really pick up. My best friend already knows the outcome of the story, she doesn't like it. Says it is cruel.
Oh yeah, please read and review! I really look forward to it.
Nenuial
