Hidden Paths

Chapter 4

Many days passed before they finally reached Minas Tirith.  The ringing of the trumpets rose from the White Tower to welcome them. A few minutes later they arrived to the tunnel one of the guards escorted them to the Citadel, while two stableboys promised to take care of their mounts.

Rumil was gazing around with wonder, never before had he seen the White City. It looked so completely different from his Golden Woods! Just a mass of rocks, one could say. Nonetheless it was indeed a quite fascinating mass of rocks, so very different from the gloomy Men's keep at Helm's Deep, too.

Gilraen was walking quietly, her hands entwined with Rumil's, and she looked at the high white tower of Echtelion.  Everything was new and strange to her, many years had passed since she left Lothlorien.  When they reached the great palace, she saw another elf walking toward them, smiling at Rumil.  “Mae govannen, Rumil. I'm glad to see you here.”

"Legolas!" Rumil smiled, hugging him tight for a moment before he recoiled and pointed at Gilraen. "This is Gilraen," he announced solemnly, just to smile and take her hand a second later. "She's one of the Galadhrim, a wonderful, skillful archer. And I'm actually quite proud to say that she's also my loved one."

“I'm honoured to know you, my lady,” he said, bowing and giving her a light kiss on her hand.  “I'm Legolas, Thranduil's son."

“I've heard about you. You're the prince of Mirkwood. It's an honour to meet you,” she smiled shyly.

“Come with me, I'll take you to Aragorn.”  They followed Legolas through a maze of large corridors, until they reached the door to the King's consulting room. The elven prince knocked twice, then entered the room. There was Aragorn, sitting at the wide table in company of a young man, and they both stood to receive the newly arrived guests.

"Rumil," Aragorn greeted the Elf with a smile, "It's good to see you. This is Faramir, the Prince of Ithilien."

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

“She is Gilraen. A galadhrim warrior,” smiled Legolas, putting one hand on her back.  She bowed to the man, watching them carefully.  “I think they should go to their room and have some rest. If I know Rumil I can say that they marched almost without rest…” chuckled Legolas, eyeing his friend.

Rumil just smirked at the remark, while Aragorn nodded and said with a smile: "Could you accompany them, Legolas? I still have a couple of things to discuss about with Faramir."

The young man bowed when their guests left the room led by the Elf. He stopped before a richly carved wooden door on the upper floor and opened it. The room was wide and almost shamefully sumptuous. Crimson curtains hung at the broad windows and many soft carpets wholly covered the cold stone floor. Just in the centre of the room stood towering a huge canopy bed dressed in the same crimson velvet of the curtains, and scattered with matching cushions. The rest of the room was a revel of marbles, velvet and the finest dark woods.

“This is your room,” Legolas smiled, looking at their entwined hands.  He had never seen Rumil in love, but that time it seemed that all of his face screamed his love for this she-elf, his eyes light every time he looked at her.  He'd heard about him, he was one of the heart breakers in Lothlorien, as were his brothers.  But this time was different, and he could sense it clearly.  “See you at dinner this evening,” he bowed and he left the room.

“I'm exhausted,” murmured Gilraen, removing her boots and walking toward the large bed. 

"Sleep then," Rumil said with a smile, sitting on a soft armchair in front of the fireplace. "I'll wake you up before dinner, if you wish."

“This bed is large enough for two. Come here if you need some rest,” she murmured, smiling at him before closing her eyes and falling asleep.  A few minutes later Rumil finally layed down beside Gilraen and watched her intently for a while before snuggling closer with a contented sigh.

Gil woke up when she heard someone knocking at the door.  It was a servant who told her that dinner was almost ready.  She gave a quick kiss to Rumil, indicating that he had to prepare himself and she opened her bag to find some clean clothes.  Then she went into another small room and she dressed quickly.  “I'm ready,” she smiled to her gorgeous elf when she came back into their room.

He took hold of her arm and they went down the stairs together, following a servant who led them to the dining room. Many of the diners had already took their place around the long wooden table and Rumil noted that someone had reserved them two near places. He greeted everyone with a smile and sat down, motioning for Gilraen to follow his lead.

She sat near to Rumil and looked around the dining room.  In that moment the Lady Arwen arrived.  Gil knew it was her because once she saw her in Lothlorien.  Her skin was smooth and flawless, and the dark curl of her hair descended on her shoulders.  She was beautiful.  Feeling a wave of jealousy, she turned to Rumil, squeezing his hand, hoping that he would consider her as beautiful as Arwen.  Everyone seemed to look at her with admiration in the eyes; everyone seemed to be thinking how stunning the elven princess was.

Rumil, however, just bowed his head with reverence at the sight, and squeezed Gilraen's hand in return. He didn't seem too impressed by her beauty but rather by the almost unnatural light that surrounded her. It kind of reminded him of Lady Galadriel.  Arwen noticed Rumil's presence in the room and smiled at him, approaching.

“I'm glad to see you here, Rumil,” she smiled, and then turned her attention to the she-elf that was sitting near the archer.  She saw her just one time in Lothlorien, but she sensed she was strong.  When she saw their hands entwined, she smiled for the sweetness of it.  “I'm Gilraen,” smiled the she- elf, bowing her head.

“It's a pleasure to meet you. Lady Galadriel told me you were coming. I have a dress for you. I would be honoured if you'll decide to wear it at my marriage,” told Arwen, studying her face.

Stunned, Gilraen flashed a smile to Rumil and simply nodded, unable to say more.  “Make yourselves at home and enjoy your dinner,” Arwen smiled again before seating herself near her Aragorn.

The food was delicious, and Rumil did honor to the cooks by serving himself deer stew twice, much to Aragorn's amusement.  "I'm glad to see that you like our victuals, Rumil," the King said with a smile, flashing him a visibly satisfied look while the Elf chuckled in response, and lifted his goblet up.

"I do, indeed," Rumil replied, smirking. "Cheers, your Highness."  Legolas lifted his goblet and nodded, followed by Aragorn, Arwen and Gilraen.  Then he started to speak to the she-elf, who wasn't eating.

“Don't you like the food?” he asked, his voice concerned.

“Everything is good, don't worry. It's only that everything is so new for me…” she answered, smiling shyly.

“Did you ever leave Lothlorien before this?” he asked, a smile playing on his face.

“Yes, but centuries ago…and I've never seen so many men,” she confessed, her gaze never leaving his eyes.

“If you want tomorrow we could go to Ithilien, it's a wonderful place. Not as beautiful as Lorien, but there you can relax and be alone.”

“I'd like that,” she smiled back, a little more relaxed.

Rumil eyed the two curiously for a while, then took Gilraen's hand and smiled at her in an attempt to ease her discomfort.  "It'll be alright," he reminded her in a whisper, while soothingly caressing her delicate hand without averting his eyes.

She squeezed his hand, smiling and nodding.  “I'm happy you're here with me,” she whispered back, knowing that even if they were just whispering, Legolas and Arwen would understand every word for they were elves.  But she didn't mind; she was really happy to be here with Rumil. The mission gave them the occasion to face their long denied feelings, and from that first kiss, nothing else seemed to exist.  Legolas studied their expression, and understanding that they were concentrated on each other, he quietly walked away.

After dinner they dwelt in the hall with the King and the young Prince Faramir, chatting pleasantly about the White City and the Golden Woods, about how different their homes were, until late. Back in his room with Gilraen, Rumil sat on the edge of the bed, stretching lazily, and smiled at her.

"Still upset, little one?"

“No, I'm fine, just overtired,” she giggled, and then she sat near him, putting her head on his shoulder.  “I love you, you do know that, don't you?”

"I do. And I love you terribly , my treasure," he whispered with a smile, while lovingly stroking her silken hair. Then he chuckled softly, and put his thumb under her chin to lift her head, so that he could look straight into her eyes. "I absolutely need a kiss. Right now."

“Anything you want, my Lord,” she smiled at him, caressing his lips with her thumb then kissing him lovingly on the mouth.

"Mmmh now I feel so much better," Rumil remarked with a smirk when they parted, and with that he dragged her backwards with him until they both fell on the bed.

The morning after, Gilraen, Rumil and Legolas went to Ithilien. It was a wonderful place, but it was nothing compared to the beauty of the Golden Wood.

“Did you sleep well?” asked the prince, walking with Rumil.

"Indeed," the other replied, smiling. "I needed a good slumber really badly, I guess. It's been a long journey, after all."

“I know that,” sighed Legolas. “I was wondering who the Lady Galadriel would send instead of Haldir. I was really sorry to hear about your brother. He was a valiant warrior.”

Rumil quickly averted his eyes, and took a deep breath. "Indeed he was," he muttered, then smiled a bit and shifted his gaze to Gilraen. "I'm still trying to cope with his loss… but she's helping me a great deal."

“You did the same when Ellin died,” she murmured, squeezing his hand.  Averting the tension, Legolas decided to change the subject.

“I'm worried. After the war of the ring we have finally found the peace. We are forging new alliances, but we have to be careful. There are too many races and differences between all those creatures and just a simple misunderstanding would mean another war. Middle Earth can't take it. With this marriage there will be the union of a man and a she elf. It's important for all of us.”

“And then there will be another important alliance. I know that the prince Faramir of Ithilien will marry Lady Eowyn of Rohan,” he told Gilraen, who was carefully listening.

“Yes but you don't have to think that it will be a political marriage. They are really in love, Arwen and Aragorn,” explained Legolas.

"Ah, ain't love wonderful?" exclaimed Rumil, staring somewhat amused at his beloved. "The hardest part is to get people to admit that they're actually in love, sometimes. Now isn't it, little one?" with that he raised an eyebrow purposefully, and flashed her a wicked grin.

“I admitted that I was in love with you a long time ago,” she grinned. “It's you that were too busy with elven maidens to understand your feelings…”  Legolas grinned, too.   “We heard rumours about you also in Mirkwood…”

At those words Rumil had to do his best to stifle a laugh, and he somehow managed to keep a straight face.  "Oh Valar, is that so?" he smirked, "Well, no more elven maidens from now on, I swear. I'm totally in love with this beautiful creature, and all I want is to spend the rest of my life with her."

“Me too,” she announced in a solemn tone.

“Oh, well, so we'll have another marriage, soon?” smiled Legolas, eyeing the two, and noting the light in their eyes.  It was the light of love.

"Most probably… but I think you should ask her, for I don't know if she would ever agree to marry me…" said a quite amused Rumil, apparently in a playful mood.

“To marry you? Well it's a quite difficult decision,” she laughed, and then suddenly embraced him tightly.  “My answer is yes…you should have known that,” she whispered against his chest.

Rumil couldn't help but smile, and then hugged her tight before sealing their promise with the sweetest of kisses.

The velvet green dress Arwen had sent her had a square neck and laces down the front.  The sleeves were wide, tied on and lined in brocade, while the full skirt was opened in the front to reveal the brocade underskirt.  She eyed the mirror and smiled at herself.  It was so different from her usual tunic, and she hoped that Rumil wouldn't laugh at her.

"Turn around," his voice said softly from behind her. He was leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed across the chest. When she slowly turned to face him Rumil watched her intently for a while, an almost eerie light glimmering in the depths of his blue eyes and his lips slightly parted, as if in awe.  "I just… can't find the words, Gil. You are a dream. A dream come true."

She walked toward him and took hold of his hand.  “Let's go to the church,” she murmured, giving him a light kiss on his cheek.

The whole city was there. The many people who couldn't find a place inside the church were in the courtyard, waiting for their newly married King to walk out with his bride. Two guards escorted Rumil and Gilraen inside, leading them to their reserved places. The church had been richly adorned for the event, decorated with silken ribbons and scattered with white flowers, and many significant guests were there.

The ceremony was not too long, and Gilraen watched intently for the elves didn't have these kinds of marriages.  When they finished, Arwen and Aragorn went outside to their people, while the guests where guided into the castle for the party.  A smiling Faramir welcomed Rumil and Gilraen when they entered the hall, and handed them two goblets half filled with an inviting, ruddy wine.

"Are you enjoying yourselves?" he asked politely. Rumil nodded and smiled back taking a sip of the wine.

“I've heard you'll marry the Lady Eowyn,” smiled back Gilraen, sipping her wine.

"As soon as possible," replied the young man with a smile, darting a quick glance to his beloved, who was talking with her brother Eomer near to the balcony, then turning his attentions back to the couple in front of him just a second later. "And what about you two? Are you planning to get married?"

"Definitely."

“As soon as possible,” she answered, looking amused at the young man. 

That evening, Gilraen was in her room and she disrobed and climbed the bed.  “Men are so noisy…I've got an horrible headache,” she told to Rumil, moving her arm across her face.

The elf sat on the bed and chuckled as he removed his boots. "I told you they would have been pretty elated about the marriage, now didn't I? I bet that wonderful red wine helped them a lot to get noisy and overexcited. My head hurts too, and quite badly."

“I would like to heal you, but I can't do it for my head hurts too much,” she told him, a little worried, gently caressing his cheek, brushing a lock of hair from his face.

"Don't worry little one, I'll get over this. I most likely just need some sleep," he replied, and kissed her lightly on the lips before settling down on the bed.  "Come here," he whispered then, patting the mattress and smiling at her.

She did as he wanted, and just some minutes later they were asleep.

“I'm so happy that tomorrow we will go back home,” she smiled to Rumil, while walking in the gardens.  Those days in Minas Tirith had been boring because they didn't have a practice area and they just spent time walking together or reading.  Legolas, Aragorn and Faramir were busy with administrative jobs and so they saw their guests just few times.

"Oh, I just can't wait until tomorrow," Rumil admitted, trying his best to appear absolutely miserable. "I miss my Golden Woods. I miss my home and yes, I even miss Orophin. It's all so different here, I don't think I could ever get used to this," he stated solemnly, glancing critically at the surroundings.

“We belong to the Golden Wood, where everything seem to shine with an inner light," she said, sighing deeply.

“Did you like your journey here?” asked a voice behind them.  It was the Lady Arwen, that was walking toward them.  Gilraen supposed that she should feel a little lonely because Aragorn was really busy and she didn't have any friends here.

“Yes, but we miss our home,” Gilraen admitted, smiling lightly to the queen.

“I understand. I miss Imildris sometimes. Minas Tirith could never be as beautiful as the elven reins, don't you think?” Arwen asked, glad to have someone to talk to.

"Indeed," Rumil replied, "I kind of like this place, though…it's just… well, different. I'm not used to all this buildings and rocks instead of trees and bushes. And the sun seems to shine differently here, but maybe it's just because I'm used to see it through the high branches of our Mallorn trees." He sighed as his thoughts raced through the memories of his beloved home, and then he chuckled lightly and shook his head, glancing at Gilraen. "Oh Valar, I'm homesick."

Gil chuckled and then embraced him, a happy smile playing upon her lips.

She just couldn't stop thinking that once they reached Lothlorien they would marry and seal to the Undying Lands together.

When the morning after a servant awoke them, the sun was just peeping from behind the Mindolluin and showering the City with his first, pale rays. Rumil stretched while still in bed, and flashed a look at the window before turning his attentions to Gilraen.  "Good morning, my beloved."

She smiled back, yawning, before kissing him lightly on the cheek.  “Let's go home.”

They ate silently. The castle was still asleep.  Before they left, Arwen gave them a letter for Galadriel.  “It's very important to me,” she said, giving it to Gilraen. 

Legolas and the others escorted them to the gates.  “I hope to see you soon, my friend.”

Rumil hugged him, a smile on his lips, and when he released Legolas a sudden thought came into his mind.  "You could pay us a visit on your way back home, what do you think?"

“It would be an honour for me,” he smiled back. “But I'm planning to stay there a little longer.”   With that, Legolas hugged Gilraen and then said wickedly: “But I will come when you get married!”

“So you'll have to come as soon as possible,” she chuckled, eyeing Rumil.

"Indeed," he nodded, then greeted them with a bow and mounted on his horse.  "Farewell," he said, before he turned around and galloped away with Gilraen at his side.

When they reached the borders, Gilraen noticed the warden on the trees.  They where hidden to any human eye, but she knew that they were there.  “Welcome home,” said Orophin, jumping down with a content smile on his lips.

Rumil dismounted from the horse and hugged him tight, then he admitted with a wicked grin: "I would have never thought it possible...but I've missed you, brother mine. How are you?"

“I'm fine. And I missed you, too,” he said, then he hugged Gilraen, caressing her back.

“And I've missed our little one very much.”

“I'm happy to see you, Orophin,” she smiled at him, inhaling his fresh scent.

"So tell me…any news? Did anything worth of consideration happen during our absence?" Rumil asked his brother when they set out to reach Caras Galadhon, relishing the familiar quietness of the woods he'd missed so much.

“I think you'll have a little surprise at the party for the Summer Celebration,” he smiled wickedly, then he watched around to see if they were alone, and with a curious look on his face asked the question that haunted all of his latest dreams, trying to choose the right words.

“Are you and Gilraen a couple?”

Rumil chuckled, and eloquently took her hand in response. Then he shifted his gaze to Orophin and smiled.  "Not only we are a couple…but we want to marry as soon as possible."

“You want…”  Orophin was stunned.  This couldn't be the same Rumil that at least one year ago was going out with a different maiden each day.

“Oh my… I'm so proud of you!”

"Are you?" Rumil teased him, smiling. "Now it's your turn to grow up and become a responsible Elf, my dear Orophin."

“Well I think you'll see that tomorrow evening, my beloved brother,” he smiled wickedly.

“The Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn want to see you now.”

They made their way through the thick Lorien undergrowth, talking about the journey to Minas Tirith and greeting the Elves and the guards they met along the path, until they finally reached the Lords' talan. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were waiting for them.  "We are glad to have you back," the Lady said, smiling, and Rumil bowed his head reverently.

Gilraen bowed her head, and then walked toward the Lords, giving the Arwen's letter to the Lady and speaking softly to her.  Then she went to Rumil's side and stood, waiting.  Galadriel eyed first the one and then the other and nodded, evidently pleased by what she saw.   "I know that some matters of importance took place during your journey," she said softly, "and it is something that I have long expected. You have both found your right place, finally, and yours is a bound that will never be broken."

“We are really happy for together you will seal for the Undying Lands with my beloved wife. That's why we sent you on that quest,” smiled Lord Celeborn, noting that Gilraen had blushed a little.

"Thank you, my Lord. 'Tis a high honour for us both," said Rumil, flashing him a smile before bowing his head once again.

"Go now, and take some rest," smiled the Lady. "We will see you tomorrow at the Summer Celebrations."

They walked side by side, hands entwined, slowly approaching Gilraen's talan.  When they arrived she turned to face him and brushed the tip of her finger on his face.  “I don't like to sleep alone…Now I'm used to sleep with you,” she murmured.

"We'll sleep together then," he whispered, drawing her closer to surround her in a tight embrace. And then he claimed her lips for the sweetest of kisses, regardless of the fact that someone could actually see them. It didn't matter.

She slowly opened the door, and took hold of his hand, guiding him inside.  Once they were on the bed, she curled against him, putting her head on his chest, and closed her eyes.  “Rest well, my love,” she whispered, a content smile on her lips.

"I love you."  He affectionately kissed her forehead goodnight, and he couldn't help but smile as he began to caress her back, while listening to her steady breathing. He'd never felt this happy before. His eyes fluttered close, and he was still smiling when a few minutes later he fell asleep.

She was draped head to foot in white.  The wide square neck of the bodice showed off her collarbones nicely, and the skirt of the dress was detailed with tiny, delicate glass beads sewn in patterns of leaves and vines.  The long sleeves were flared and sheer, showing off her shapely arms and shoulders.  She wore little white slippers, and upon her head sat a translucent-white tiara, made of Ithildin and crafted by the Lórien silversmith who also happened to specialise in mithril casting.  The brilliant white of her attire made her pale skin appear darker and the setting sun pouring through the windows cast an eerie, angelic glow about her.

Rumil actually gasped when he entered the talan and saw her. He was clad in the grey uniform of the Lorien Guard, and was apparently ready to leave save for his hair, unbraided and loose upon his shoulders like a sheen fall of pale gold. He was wearing black leggings, a finely embroidered grey tunic and matching boots and cloak.

She smiled at him, delighting in the sight of him.  He was incredibly handsome with his uniform, and she felt a pressing urge to kiss him, but she held it back.  “I'm proud to walk to your side because you're the most beautiful elf I've ever seen, and you're also a brave, skilful and honoured warrior,” she murmured. “Do you need some help with your hair?”

"You bet I do," he smiled before enclosing her in a warm embrace, yet paying attention not to rumple her dress. "And never…ever suppress the desire to kiss me. I can see it, you know?" he murmured against her lips, chuckling lightly.

“You are a wicked elf…” she chuckled. “I have to learn more of that techniques to close my mind to you, a'mael.”  And with that, she nibbled playfully at his lips, before soothing the light pain with a kiss.  She gently braided his hair and watched him with satisfaction.  “You look wonderful.”

"You do, not I," he smiled, and took hold of her arm to guide her outside, visibly proud to have this fair creature at his side. When minutes later they reached the wide glade chosen as a venue for the Summer Celebrations, many of the attendants turned to look at them in awe. They were indeed a beautiful couple. And even the Lady and the Lord seemed utterly pleased by the sight.

As they greeted their lords, Gilraen's attention turned to Orophin.  He was with a fair maiden, and his eyes glinted of a strange light.  “It seem that you brother has found his lady…I think that he's in love, look at his eyes.”

Rumil turned to look at him and frowned slightly in concentration, trying to see through his brother's glimmering eyes. After a while Rumil's lips slowly curved into a sly, mischievous smile. "Oh well," he grinned, "So much for the ' I have plenty of maidens who can't wait to untidy my bed ' thing…"

“Do you think we should go to greet him?” she asked, smiling wickedly.

"Definitely," he nodded solemnly, and then he took her hand to reach Orophin and his pretty maiden. "I think you should at least introduce us, don't you think?" he said once they stopped in front of them, raising an eyebrow purposefully.

Orophin was visibly embarrassed, and Gil noticed that he almost blushed.  “Rumil! I didn't see you coming…this is Elenath”

“Nice to meet you, I'm Gilraen,” she told, taking her hand. 

When his brother was introduced, Orophin looked at her, “Why don't you take something todrink, lirimaer?” Before letting her go, Orophin gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and then faced his brother.

"So... I guess she's the little surprise you were talking about yesterday?" asked Rumil, smiling wickedly. "A nice surprise, indeed. And I can assure you that seeing that love-struck, dreamy look into your eyes is truly priceless."

“I see the same look into your eyes, little brother!” he chuckled.  “She's incredible…I…I feel so good when I hold her into my arms…”

Rumil couldn't help but smile at his brother's words, and he exchanged an amused glance with his beloved, while squeezing her hand. Things seemed to turn the right way, finally. He was awfully in love, awfully happy with Gilraen, and even Orophin seemed to have found his perfect match.  "What about a pledge to celebrate the event, then?" he suggested, a content smile upon his lips.

“I propose a toast to our happiness,” he smiled, handing them two goblets of wine.

"To eternity." said Rumil solemnly, lifting high his goblet with a happy, bright smile lighting his features.

Gilraen lifted her goblet, her eyes never leaving Rumil's.  Elenath arrived with her goblet and they sipped the wine smiling brightly.

The end