hmmm is Haldir a rapist? who knows...oh wait, I do! lol

CHAPTER 9

Celeborn had sent for Rumil the moment Brethiel had vacated his talan. Rumil sat in front of him. Celeborn did not know whom to trust, but he had to get to the bottom of this situation. Celeborn looked at the younger elf in front of him.

" Rumil, I have something to ask you."

Rumil nodded.

" Anything, my Lord."

Celeborn took a deep breath.

" What do you know about the relationship between Haldir and Brethiel?"

Rumil's eyes widened.

"W-What do you mean my Lord?"

Celeborn raised an eyebrow.

"Why did they part company?"

Rumil looked down.

" I cannot say."

Celeborn stood and grasped Rumil's chin, forcing Rumil to look at him.

" Tell me now."

Rumil swallowed hard.

" It was years ago. Why should it matter now?"

Celeborn let go of Rumil.

" They are telling me opposing stories. Apparently, only you can tell me the truth."

Rumil swallowed hard again.

" When Brethiel and Haldir were courting, I knew of Brethiel's past. How he would hurt elves. I had tried to keep Brethiel from Haldir by attempting to court Brethiel myself, but it was not me he wanted. They were not together for long, my Lord. Haldir told me that Brethiel struck him on numerous occasions. Haldir had become angry."

Rumil stopped for a moment. Celeborn waited for him to continue. Rumil took a deep breath.

" One night, I was walking through the wood and I heard screaming. I ran toward the sound and saw an elf being taken rather violently. I tried to make out both of them, but I could not from where I stood, so I approached them. I saw who it was lying on the ground and I couldn't help but gasp. I attacked the elf who hurt him. The elf ran from me and I turned to the elf I had saved. He could not see me because of the darkness. He does not know that I saw him, not even to this day."

Celeborn felt tears stinging his eyes. Rumil was friends with Brethiel, which could only mean one thing. Celeborn closed his eyes, then asked his question.

" Who was the elf that was raped?"

Rumil felt the tears fall from his eyes.

" Haldir."

TBC...