Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Path of Honor	By : IdrilsSecret Category: +Third Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 1995 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings, nor the characters from it. I make no money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Chapter Five

Again, my brothers and I found ourselves in the hall attending another dance. This one was held in a different hall. It was slightly smaller than the main hall where most events took place. It was a little more intimate, as there were not as many in attendance. This celebration was about the new recruits more than anything. Tonight, the celebrants were beginning their soldiering career.
I paused before entering through the threshold of the room, its white curved frame carved from beech in the shape of two women elves, their hands joining at the peak of the entrance. Inside, the ceiling was actually boughs of the trees growing on either side of the hall. The branches stretched from one side to the other, their ends drooping down like garland. They were some ancient species of willow trees, but they grew much taller than the ones that thrived next to lakes and ponds. The trunks of the trees grew close together, making the walls for the hall. Above me, fastened to the low hanging branches, were perfectly round globes of light, each globe housing a single candle. It gave the room a very soft romantic glow, like the light of a yellow moon when it was full. This was by far my most favorite hall in all of Caras Galadhon.
The air smelled fresh and green, the scent of leaves in a dense forest. I closed my eyes for a moment, and absorbed the atmosphere around me. These willows were almost as old as Middle-earth itself. They were very wise, but too important to speak to any elf, even me. Still, I longed to know what stories they could tell of the days before my home had a name. Perhaps one day they would honor me with a single tale.
“Listening to the trees again?” Orophin said in my ear, interrupting my thoughts.
“I wish you could hear them,” I said sadly. “It’s altogether a different melody from anything you’ve ever heard. I wonder why it is that I can hear them and you cannot.”
“I don’t need to hear what trees have to say,” he said blandly. I looked at my brother to see what was distracting him, and found him watching a group of ellith who were eyeing him. He smiled at them, and winked an eye in their direction, causing the ladies to blush and giggle amongst themselves. Orophin was in his element just now. “I do, however, wish I could hear what goes on in the minds of elf women.” He broke his gaze away from the group and patted my back. “Come, Rúmil. I’m sure one of them will strike your fancy.”
“Actually, I think not,” I dared to say. “Tonight I would rather be on my own.”
“Suit yourself then. More for me,” he said impishly. With that, he was already making his way to the women, leaving me alone under the willow branches. I wasn’t alone for long.
“Captain Rúmil, my, don’t you look dashing tonight.”
I smiled before I turned to him, my heart leaping from my chest. “Túron, I’m so glad to see you.” More than anything, I wanted to take him into my arms, and kiss him passionately. We settled for a courteous bow instead. “Shall we go in?”
“Together?” he asked surprised.
I pulled him to the side and gave him a fiendish look. “Wait a moment.” Just entering into the hall was a group of elves, men and women. I waited until they passed us, then I gave Túron a wink, and we blended in with the others. “See,” I said once we were inside. “There’s always a way of doing things so as not to draw attention.”
“Clever,” he smiled, and we broke away from the group only to find Orophin approaching.
“There you are,” said my brother, eyeing both me and Túron. Orophin hadn’t officially met Túron before, and I liked it that way. Seems there was no getting around that now.
“I’d like you to meet a very good friend of mine.” I gestured to Túron, my palms turned up. “Túron, this is my middle brother, Orophin.”
Túron bowed with his hand on his heart, eyes closed and a simple friendly smile on his face. “Ah, Captain Orophin, it is an honor to finally meet you.”
Orophin’s brows creased as he looked over Túron. “Are you certain we have not met before? You seem familiar to me.”
“Túron is a servant for the events held in the great hall,” I interrupted.
“Oh, I see.”
“Yes, I’m sure I have waited on your table in the past,” Túron added.
“That must be it. So, what brings you out tonight, Túron?” Haldir asked.
Me, I thought to myself. “I invited him. He has worked several celebrations of this kind. I thought he might like to see it from our perspective.” I regretted my words as soon as they left my lips.
Orophin gave me a wary look, or maybe it was confusion. I was terrible at this, which is why my brothers have never accidentally met any of my past lovers. “Have you known each other long?” my brother asked.
“We met at the spring renewal festival,” Túron answered. “Rúmil stepped outside for a bit of fresh air, and I was on my break. We struck up a conversation, and found we had much in common. We’ve been friends ever since.”
Orophin turned to me. “I believe I remember you mentioning that before.” His attention went back to Túron. “Well, it was nice to meet you. Unfortunately, I must be on my way. I’ve a bit of business to discuss before the evening commences. I do hope you have brought someone with you tonight, Túron. The ellith at these events can sometimes be insistent when they know you are alone. Fortunately, I’ve found my accompaniment.” He glanced towards the group of ellith I’d seen him join earlier. “There are still a couple looking for dates, if you’re in need.”
“Oh, why no, I’ve brought someone very special with me,” Túron answered. I felt my nerves turn to mush, and did not dare look at him. “Around here somewhere,” he added. “You know what it’s like, I’m sure.”
“Of course, off with her friends, I suppose, gushing over the scenery or something of the like,” Orophin laughed then turned to me once more. “My brother would rather take his chances. He’s chosen not to seek out company this evening, but don’t let the word get out.”
Túron was quite charming as he laughed on my behalf, and teased me about coming out alone tonight. Orophin finally went on his way. I took a quick look around for Haldir. Last thing I needed was another embarrassing moment, but he was on the other side of the room, seemingly impressing two beautiful ellith with tales from the borders. I could tell what he was talking about by his hand gestures. It was the story about the orcs we fought who brought cave trolls with them, hoping to demolish the elves. Long story short … it ended poorly for the orcs and the trolls.
“Your brother is charming,” Túron said, bringing be out of my thoughts. “And he has more of a sense of humor than I would have thought.”
“Yes, he’s an absolute riot,” I said indifferently. “Come, let’s take our seats.” I chose a table off to the side hoping for a bit more privacy there. We sat on opposite sides of the table, but I wished we didn’t have to. My gaze found Túron more than a few times, watching the couples dancing. I knew what he was thinking because I was imagining the same thing. “Are you a good dancer?” I asked.
“I’ve been told that I am. And you?”
“I had instructors growing up. It’s all part of preparations for a military career. There’s always a social that one must attend.”
Túron gave me a narrowed eyed glance across the table. “Have you ever danced with an ellon?”
I’d never thought of that before, but . . . “No, the opportunity has never presented itself. Perhaps sometime soon, we can–””
“Captain Rúmil?” a female voice interrupted.
I looked up to find a pretty little blond elleth giving a curtsy to me, another girl with dark auburn hair standing just behind her, copying her friend’s moves. “Good evening, ladies.”
She smiled shyly when I spoke and bowed her head, her eyes looking at the floor. “I’ve been informed that they are about to have a Round, and … well … if you have no partner, and you would like to dance . . .” Her words trailed off.
“I’d be delighted to partner with your friend,” the auburn haired friend spoke up.
Both girls were obviously smitten with Túron and myself. It was a perfect opportunity to dance with him, without actually dancing with him. “I’m game, only if my friend here is.”
“I’d be delighted,” Túron answered. We got up from our table and led the girls to the dance floor where couples were already lining up, men on one side and women on the other.
I stood next to Túron and smiled at him. “Have you danced a Round before?”
“Of course I have, though I’ve seen them more than I’ve participated in them,” he said, offended.
A lively tune started up, and the women curtsied while the men bowed. Then we crossed into the middle and took our partner’s hand. Staying at a respectable distance, the couples bounced from foot to foot while moving in a circle. Then they switched hands and spun in the opposite direction. The elves standing off to the side of the dance floor started clapping along to the music. I kept an eye on Túron whenever we passed each other while spinning in the Round. He was enjoying himself, as was I. The girls were very good dancers, delightful partners for this kind of dance. Túron’s girl was giving him a sultry stare, but he did not look one bit uncomfortable. Like me, he was good at participating in the rituals of dancing couples. The good thing about a Round was that it was a lot of quick movements that left little time for communication. The other good thing was that at one point, the women went back in line, leaving the men to dance, hands on our hips and one arm locked at the elbows with the ellon closest to us. The women watched the men dance for their honor, clapping along with the musicians. The men looked like they might battle, but with dance instead of weapons.
I looked Túron squarely in the eye as we turned around and around, our arms interlocked, and our weight shifting from one foot to the other as we hopped. I gave him my most deathly stare, and he did the same thing, but we were actually trying not to laugh at each other. We released each other and danced in a way that resembled sparring. Whoever told him he was a good dancer was right. We stayed in step during this part of the Round. Eventually we came back together, face to face.
“Do you surrender?” I said, trying with all my might not to crack into a smile.
“Never,” he said seriously, his face set in a scowl.
We changed the direction of our dancing, our opposite arms intertwined, as we spun around each other. Our eyes were set upon one another, and I felt my heart give a bit more. Túron was absolutely gorgeous, with his long sable hair, so dark it was almost black. I wanted to feel it in my hands, to pull him in for a kiss, and taste those full lips again. His blue eyes slanted like a feline cornering its prey, two topaz gems targeting me. I was enjoying myself immensely, as I concentrated on Túron.
“You like to lead, Captain,” he stated.
“Most of the time, yes, depending on the dance of course,” I flirted.
“I admire your determination,” he said, trying to make me switch direction. I was having none of it. Then his mouth curved into a smile as he surrendered. “You win this time.”
“Perhaps next time I will not be so lucky,” I said.
“Oh, I think we shall both be lucky at the finish,” he commented with an amorous look in those beautiful sultry eyes. I had no time to respond, as the women rejoined the dance. It was just as well. Túron left me without words. My visions, however, were quite vivid, and I found myself wishing to leave the dance.
Before I could regain myself, the blond elleth was back, and I had to release Túron. I feared that my line of sight had fastened to him for too long, but no one seemed to notice. We finished out the Round with the women, and when the music finally ended, we bowed to them, taking an elegant leg while the women curtsied low. Túron’s lady went so low as to allow him to see straight down the neckline of her dress. He played right into it, allowing himself a good look before she stood straight again. The auburn haired elleth flashed him an arousing smile and a wink. He pretended to be shocked, and she laughed, proud of herself for the reaction she caused. Túron had no trouble acting like an ellon seduced by a beautiful woman.
“Thank you for the dance, my lady,” I said, as Túron and I helped the women from the dance floor. We started to escort them back to their seats, which was luckily far from our table.
“We can dance to the next song, if you like,” the blond said eagerly, hoping to elongate our time together.
I gave my best smile to let her down easily. “My dear, I’m afraid you exhausted me with that one dance, but it was most agreeable.”
“Thank you Captain,” she said.
“Yes, thank you,” the other elleth said to Túron, who was gazing upon her as though he still reacted to her flirting.
“Evening, my lady,” he said and bowed. When he stood upright again, she kissed Túron on the cheek, then took her friend by the arm and led them away. Túron and I watched the women head back to their table before turning to take back our own.
We sat down, finding two full glasses of wine waiting for us. I raised my glass to him and he did the same. “Thank you for the dance,” I smiled.
“The pleasure was all mine, Captain,” he smiled. We watched each other over our glasses as we drank. There was no mistaking that look. He wanted me, and I him, but it was too soon to leave. We would have to be patient and finish out the night, or at least until everyone was well enough into their cups before making our excuses for retiring.
We sat and talked about this and that, keeping the conversation as plain as possible, but there was no help for the occasional innuendos that further heated the moment. If we kept this up, I just might have to drag him off to another closet.
“Have you received word about your new assignment?” I asked, trying to bring the subject around to something a little more innocuous.
“Tomorrow, bright and early. I do hope it will be something with similar hours as I have now, and something that is not on the other side of the city.” He seemed slightly worried.
“Do you have reason to believe the latter?” I said, trying to detect his concern.
“I don’t know. I’ve heard talk, but that’s all it might be.” Túron sipped his wine, and when the glass left his lips, he was smiling. He was good at changing his mood. “And what is in store for you tomorrow?”
“First day with the new and complete regiment. There will be orientation for the new recruits, the process of assigning them to the barracks, fittings for uniforms, and weapons inspections. Other than that, it should be an easy day,” I said facetiously.
“You don’t fool me, Rúmil. I can see that you look forward to keeping busy.”
I laughed. “I do have a difficult time keeping still. It’s a very exciting time, getting to know the new soldiers, shaping and molding them into Lothlórien’s best warriors. I’ve always been the one being shaped, and now I get to watch from the other perspective. Being a Captain has its perks.”
He looked into his glass, a distant memory reappearing in his eyes. “I remember what it was like to be a new member of the Guard in Imladris. I felt so … accomplished. My brothers were very proud of me. It felt good. It felt right.”
He was silent and after a while, I spoke quietly. “Do you miss it?”
Túron closed his eyes and nodded. “I miss the order, the organization, knowing where I needed to be, and what needed to be done.”
I could relate to that. There was something about being a soldier that one never forgot. It was being told what to do, where to go, and when to be there. And then giving it your all, never quitting, never giving in. I could sympathize with Túron. He was forced to leave, and that was much different than leaving on your own.
“I guess I still have a little of that, being a servant and all, but the reward is much different. No one tells you when you are doing a good job. They just come up with more things for you to do, and take you for granted,” he admitted.
“If you don’t enjoy it, then why do you still do it?” I asked curiously.
He looked up from his glass, his eyes settling on me, the pain from his past still evident within them. “Because there is nothing else for someone like me to do.”
“That’s nonsense. There are plenty of other things you could do,” I challenged.
“What, become a scribe like my father?” he said cynically. “Sit at a desk all day, transcribing, or writing orders for messengers, trying to learn a language that I might or might not need one day? No thank you. I’ll take my chances as a servant. At least I meet new people all the time. I get to work in different parts of the city, help those in need of it. I may not be a soldier anymore, but I am still making lives easier by being there. I like what I do.”
“That’s good then. That’s what’s important, isn’t it?”
Túron finished the rest of his wine, and turned to the side, his fingertips tapping on the table. I had struck a raw nerve it seemed. “Hey,” I called to him. “I think what you do is a noble art.”
“As noble as being a soldier?”
“In the end, aren’t we all just trying to accomplish the same thing, to help people?” I asked.
“The difference is that you are recognized for your service. I am just expected to do my duties and do them again, day after day, without thought of my existence.”
We had been talking for a while, and I noticed that a good many partiers had left. “Want to get out of here?” I asked, hoping to save what was left of the evening.
Túron’s face softened, forgetting about his troubles. “I’d like that very much.”
* * * * *
We arrived at Túron’s home after slowly strolling through the city, trying to look like friends in conversation and good company, stopping every now and again to speak with someone he or I knew, introducing each other to acquaintances, that kind of thing. Now, we cautiously checked the surrounding area, and finding it abandoned, slipped through his door and locked it behind us. I rather liked his small cozy home. It was not much, but it was perfect for just the two of us. I felt so safe and secure inside, as though the world could never find us. I turned to Túron, took him by the waist with one arm, and took his hand in mine.
“What are you doing?” he said.
“You owe me a dance,” I said matter-of-factly. I began humming the chorus of one of the songs from earlier tonight, and we danced like a real couple. I even let him lead, and that gave me an idea.
“You’re a very good dancer,” Túron complimented.
“Not so bad yourself, especially when you lead.”
“When you let me lead,” he jested.
We twisted and turned, making small circles around his flet, while I hummed a lovely tune. Our eyes caught sight of each other, and our movement slowed until we stopped altogether. I was easily lost in his blue depths.
So often he looked like he was in turmoil. I knew it had everything to do with his past. He’d loved and had been cast out. His ability to make his own decisions had been taken from him. Now he was a servant, still being commanded by others. He’d chosen this career, perhaps as punishment to himself, but I wanted him to know he still had control.
I knelt before him, and looked up into his handsome face, framed by his long unbound hair, smiled softly, and rested my head against his body.
“What are you doing?” he asked, confused by my submissive actions.
“Tonight, I am at your service.” My hands began undoing his belt.
“Rúmil,” he said in quiet protest.
“No. You deserve this, and I want to.” I took the ties of his leggings in my teeth and pulled slowly, seductively, loosening the material, and freeing him from his confines. Before I did anything else, I looked up at him again, waiting for permission. He gave a single nod and I began my work, tasting, swallowing, taking him in. He sucked a heavy breath through his teeth as his hands cupped my head. Then he moved back and came free of me. He pulled me to my feet with only an inching of his finger in gesture. I obeyed my master of the evening, and he undressed me before commanding that I do the same for him.
Standing naked before him, Túron walked around me in a tight circle, his hand roaming over my skin, cool from the chilled air of the room. “You are perfection,” he whispered as his fingers graced the muscles of my chest and stomach. His eyes roamed over every inch of my body, and his tongue moistened his ruby lips when he saw parts of me react involuntarily.
“I want you, Túron,” I said, unable to contain my need.
“Not quite yet, love. I want to play with you first,” he said wantonly, and I knew I was in for a long torturous night.
A few hours later, we woke from our light slumber, entangled in each other’s limbs. He had used me thoroughly, and I was well sated, if not a little sore.
“No one has ever done that for me before,” he admitted shyly.
“No one?” I asked surprised. “Not even your Rivendell lover?”
He shook his head. “Especially him. He was a commanding officer, and I guess it carried into the bedroom too. I … I just assumed that all officers were like that.”
I shifted to my side and sat up on my elbow. “I am not like that. In my eyes, we are equals. It has to be that way if a relationship is ever going to work.”
“Is … that … what this is?” he asked carefully.
“It’s what I want, what I would like to have … with you.”
His mouth curved slightly, still unsure of this new freedom, but he answered as I hoped he would. “I want that too, Rúmil. And I know it will be difficult at times, but I want this to work.”
My heart pounded loudly, feeling like it would leap from my chest. Maybe I shouldn’t have said what I was about to say to him, but I couldn’t withhold my words another moment. I took his chin in my fingers, and captured him with my eyes, looking solidly into their depths. “I’m drawn to you, since the first time I saw you. There’s no help for it. I’m falling in love with you, Túron.” We kissed and I rolled onto him. His legs came up, clutching my waist, and I buried myself. We made love, slow and intensely, and all the while I reassured him of my feelings so that there would be no more doubt.
* * * *
I made sure I was gone – but reluctantly – before the sun rose, and arrived at my home just in time. Barely home long enough, there was a knock at my door. I opened it to the sight of my middle brother, Orophin, with a ridiculous grin stamped on his face, and leaning against the door frame.
“Oh no,” I said and turned to go to the kitchen to make a pot of tea for the two of us. “Don’t tell me,” I called over my shoulder.
Orophin floated into my home, a far off look on his countenance. “I’m in love, brother,” he sang.
So am I, I wanted to say, but held my tongue. “Who is she this time?” I asked. It was a known fact that Orophin fell in love at least once every few months or so.
“You don’t understand. This time it is for real. She is the last elleth I will ever need.” Orophin followed me into the kitchen and took a seat at my table. He slumped back in his chair, a dreamy look about him. I’d seen him like this before, and heard him say those exact words more often than not.
“You don’t say.” My words came without emotion. It surprised me. I’d never known to be jealous of my brother before, but all of a sudden, I felt like he was being selfish for sharing his news, and not even asking about me. Then I realized the problem. As much as I wanted to share my own good news about my love life, I couldn’t. I never could.
My reaction earned me a harsh look from across the table, as Orophin observed me. I ignored him and busied myself with getting a fire started in the stove. “And just where were you last night?” he asked.
“At the dance, of course. But then, you might have known that if you had lifted your eyes from your woman once or twice,” I said begrudgingly.
Orophin stood and came to the stove, grasped my shoulder and roughly turned me towards him, looking from one eye to the other.
“What!” I said with impatience.
“I thought I saw someth—oh yes, there it is,” he bedeviled me. “Seems you have a jaundiced eye. No worries. It should clear itself up.” He suddenly noticed that I was still wearing my uniform and his brows creased. “You have not changed from last night. Did you just get home?” He cocked one brow and his mouth twisted into an impish smile. “Why, you sly silver fox. Who was it? That sweet looking elleth with the blond hair that you danced with or her friend?”
“So you were paying attention,” I said, trying to shift the conversation.
His eyes went wide and he smiled. “Both?”
“Excuse me?” I said, offended by the gesture.
“You can’t fool me, Rúmil. It’s written all over you. You spent the night with someone, and from the look of it . . .” he said, casting an eye over my person, “. . . it seems that you had almost as good of time as I did.”
“My personal life is none of your business. What? Do you think I would spend the night out in the throes of passion when today is such an important day?” As I said before, I was terrible at these kinds of things.
“I say that is exactly what you did,” he accused. “And may an orc drop me dead right now if I’m wrong.” He looked from one side to the other, threw his hands up and shrugged his shoulders. “Still alive, and you, my brother, spent the night in someone else’s bed.”
I gave him a slit-eyed stare, but he wasn’t backing down. “Alright, fine. And so what if I did?”
“Nothing. I just wanted to hear you admit it. You’re not as squeaky clean as you make yourself out to be after all.”
Well, he’d get no argument from me about that. “Why are you here?” I asked.
Orophin slapped my back and laughed, shaking his head. “Fine, keep your secrets. I just hope she was worth it.” He roughed up my hair, which was not all that much in order anyways, and answered my question. “Haldir sent me to make sure you were ready, and to tell you that you’ve been assigned an assistant. He wasn’t sure you knew or not. You’ll need to get a list of tasks ready, so that he’ll know what to expect from you.”
“An assistant?” I wondered. “Is that normal?”
“Well, you don’t think you’re going to do it all, do you?” he jested.
Actually, I did think that, and I was prepared to do so. “What kind of tasks?”
“Mostly errands and taking notes … the busy work that you won’t have time to do. You’ll be down with your troops more often than in your office. If you expect to be home at a decent hour, you’ll need someone to do your footwork.”
I found that I rather liked the idea of an assistant. “When must I have this list ready?”
“By the end of the morning. First things first, though. You’ll need to meet with the new recruits, assign them their duties and get them fitted for uniforms and weaponry.”
“And just when am I supposed to create this list?”
“Well,” he said, drawing the word out long. “Every time you think of something that needs to be done, and you are too busy to do it, jot it to memory. That is your list.”
“Arse,” I said under my breath as I rolled my eyes to the ceiling.
Orophin laughed. “You’re welcome.”
I would have preferred to sip my tea slowly and allow my mind to wander back to last night and Túron, but there wasn’t enough time. While my cup cooled I dressed and braided my hair. I was done just in time to gulp the whole cup in one swallow before Orophin was nudging me out the door. As we walked to the military grounds, he told me more about the elleth he’d met at the dance. He really did seem quite smitten with her. They’d spent the entire evening together, and despite what he said earlier, nothing more serious than a kiss took place between them. This information alone was enough to convince me that Orophin had felt the first tugs of his heartstrings. It also told me that this elleth was quite smart in making my brother reign in his usual behavior. Aye, what if this really was the one, like he said? I’d always imagined Orophin settling his wild ways much later than now. But one never knew when the heart might speak. I smiled to myself at the thought, for I never thought it would happen for me either.
It was an absolute madhouse today. As soon as I arrived, I found Haldir barking orders, soldiers scrambling to get out of his way, and new recruits looking dumbfounded. First order was to get the petrified recruits out of the way by sending them for their fittings. Most of them were standing around like shocked deer, but soon I had them grouped together and, with the help of my prized fledgling, Romon, they were on their way and out of Haldir’s line of sight. He was definitely not in a good mood today. Obviously, he hadn’t met his true love at the dance last night.
The rest of my men were awaiting my orders, so I sent them to the barracks to get settled and changed into their training outfits. I would have them out on the fields practicing maneuvers before the newly enlisted elves came back. Then they could join the rest of the regiment and pair up with the second and third years and begin training.
Next, I made my way back to my office, finding a line of messengers and other people’s footmen waiting for me. One by one, they came in. Some messages needed immediate response, and so those I had to deal with while the courier waited. I found that I despised that kind of correspondence. I liked to take my time answering someone’s questions, but I could not do that with an elf waiting and watching me. Most notes didn’t need a reply right away, and I kept them in my head, turning the information around as I came up with my professional response. Now I began to see the necessity of an assistant. And just where was he anyways? When would he get here so I could start delegating tasks to him? Now it was too late, and I had to get to the training grounds and make sure my men were there and ready. I left a list and the notes I’d been given, telling my assistant what I needed him to do so that my responses to these things would get done in a timely manner. It felt strange giving orders to someone I hadn’t even met yet, but there was nothing more I could do, and I left to perform my duties.
I arrived and found Haldir on the observatory platform, watching the activities below. He wore a scowl, and the line between his brows ran deep today. “Do you have a twin brother that Father never told us about?”
He spared a quick glance over his shoulder and returned to watching. “What?”
“You seem to be everywhere at once,” I commented.
“Good, that’s the way it should be.” He was not in a humorous mood, and got to the task of our business right away. “Your men, Rúmil, they need more practice. They move as slow as Oliphants.”
I watched them as they sparred with each other. They didn’t seem slow to me, but I would not argue with Haldir this morning. “I will speak to them about it.”
“Your recruits, you should take time to choose their training partners. Pairing them up with someone you think they will work well with means they will learn faster. As for the man you traded for, Romon, put him with your best officer. He is far advanced compared to the other recruits. He’ll need challenging or he’ll get bored. And test him yourself. You’ll be able to judge his technique best by actually interacting with him. He’s the best you have. Wouldn’t want to waste his talent.”
“I understand,” I responded.
He turned to leave, his grey cloak billowing out behind him. “One thing,” I said. “The assistant you said I’d be receiving was nonexistent this morning.”
“Oh yes, forgot to tell you. The elf assigned to you was reallocated last minute. Your new subordinate should be there when you get back to your office.”
That was one less thing to worry about. Hopefully he saw my instructions and was busy with correspondence. Now it was time to go down and speak with my men. The recruits would be along soon. I thought it best to start mentally pairing them up with the second and third years before they arrived and things might go much quicker. I had to constantly stay a step or two ahead of myself.
* * * * *
Things went well, though it took all morning. I could see it was past midday. My stomach alerted me of this news also. I hadn’t had anything since the tea I shared with Orophin earlier. I wondered how my brother was faring. He was probably fine. He’d done this before. It was a lot of work and organizing, but I looked forward to the day when everything ran much smoother, when everyone knew where to go and what to do. Today was chaos, and probably the hardest day. I almost looked forward to our march to the borders. There, I would be in my element amongst the trees and the wilds. Being a Captain had its perks, but I was a soldier first … a warrior. Fighting was in my blood and my fingers itched to hold my bow, to swing my sword.
And that’s when I noticed the tendrils of dread curling around my heart. Marching to the borders meant leaving Túron for months at a time. We’d only just begun our relationship, and already I’d be away on my first mission of the season. I wondered if he’d thought about this, and if he knew what he was getting himself into. I’d tried at a relationship in the past and failed, but I hadn’t loved the others as I loved Túron.
I entered the main building of the Captain’s quarters, and headed in the direction of my office. As I was about to go inside, Haldir appeared.
“I apologize if I seemed a little harsh,” he said.
“No, you were right. They were a little sluggish. I addressed my men and corrected it.” I turned to look at him, and he seemed worn. “Are you alright?”
Sensing my concern, Haldir flipped his demeanor like one flipped a coin and smiled. “First day is always the toughest. Chaos.”
“Yes, as I’ve learned for myself. It gets easier though, doesn’t it?”
He chortled cynically. “You’ve a lot to learn.”
I nodded and turned the handle to my office, finding my assistant sitting with his back to the door, sitting in front of my desk, hunched over and scribbling away on a parchment. My messages from earlier spread across the desk top. I was happy to see him busy. “So, you got my instructions, I see. I’m Captain Rúmil, and you’ll be my–” Words escaped me as my new assistant stood and turned around.
“Your new subordinate. Hello Captain. Good to see you again.”
Before me stood Túron. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I think my mouth flapped like a fish gasping for a drink, but I couldn’t really say, as everything went numb. And then Haldir pushed in through the door behind me. Túron looked past my shoulder, and seeing my brother, was at a loss for words.
“Túron, is it?” Haldir finally said. “What a complete … surprise.”
“What are you–” I started, my words sounding too angry. I took a deep breath and feigned a smile. “What are you doing here?” I said more polite and friendly. After all, Túron and I were supposed to come across as friends to outsiders.
“This is my new assignment,” Túron answered.
“By whose orders,” I demanded.
“I don’t know. I received my original orders early this morning, but soon after a messenger came with another letter saying that my first assignment had been canceled, and that I was to report here instead … as your new subordinate. Orders are orders, Captain. No one signs their name to it.”
Haldir had a look of concern, as he seemed to try to figure out the mystery. I was at a complete loss, and Túron must have wanted to shrink and disappear between the floorboards. An officer passed by my door and looked in, stopping short. “March Warden, there you are. I’ve something for you.”
“Yes, what is it?” Haldir replied hastily and left the office for a moment to speak to the officer in the hall.
I took the opportunity to interrogate Túron, and grabbed his arm, pulling him to the far corner. I wasn’t sure what was going on, and I wasn’t sure if Túron had anything to do with it. “What is the meaning of this?” I said with ire.
Túron pulled from my grip and adjusted his shirt sleeves. “I’m just as surprised as you are. This wasn’t where I was supposed to be placed.”
“You can’t be here, Túron. You can’t work for me. We’re too … close.” I complained.
“Do you think I requested this?” he accused. “I’m crazy about you, Rúmil, but not this crazy.”
“Send the order back. Decline it. Give them some excuse,” I ordered.
“I can’t. I tried, but the original position has been filled already.”
“You don’t understand,” I said slowly. “No one I’ve ever been involved with has ever stepped foot onto the base. My military life and my private life must be kept apart.”
“What do you think I’m going to do, fling you across your desk and have my way with you? Give me some credit, Rúmil. I think I can contain my emotions.”
We had been speaking at a whisper, though heatedly when Haldir came back in. “Is there a problem here?” he asked.
“Actually–” I began, but Túron stepped in front of me, cutting me off.
“Everything is fine, March Warden,” he said cheerily. I didn’t think this was an accurate assessment of our situation.
Haldir came up to us and spoke quietly. “I know the two of you are friends, and this job can be quite commanding at times. If either of you think this might be a matter of difficulty . . .”
“Not at all,” Túron answered for us both. I had a sudden urge to ring his neck.
“Very good then. Rúmil, get Túron organized. I’ll check in later to see how things are going.” Haldir nodded and left the office. He closed the door on his way out, and Túron and I stood there for a moment. Eventually, I walked over to my chair and had a seat behind my desk.
“This is craziness. We can’t work together. We are lovers. This is too dangerous of a situation.”
“Don’t you trust me?” he asked. “I’ve told you before that I would never do anything that would jeopardize your career.”
“I know you wouldn’t, but that’s not the point.” I felt defeated and gave a great sigh. We sat in silence for a few minutes, trying to figure out how we were going to pretend day after day that there was nothing romantic between us. I feared that we might become too comfortable and let something slip that someone might pick up on.
“Well,” Túron said, finally breaking the silence. “It’s better than my original orders.”
“Why? Where did they assign you to?” I asked.
“I was to be a scribe’s assistant in the libraries, half way across the city. They work very long hours and well into the night. We might never have had time for each other.”
That didn’t sound good at all, though our current situation didn’t seem much better. We would see each other throughout the day, but we would have to be under constant awareness of how we acted together. I didn’t know whether to be happy or upset. A part of me was thrilled to know he would be near, that I could just drop in and see him whenever the need arose. But then, I couldn’t be myself around him until we left the base. Aye, why did these things always happen to me?
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Path of Honor