HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUIN!!! (Just made it!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY luin77!!!

Semi-Drabble: It's the thought that counts.

"I cannot believe you FORGOT. How could you forget? He has been your friend forever!" Rúmil shook his head in despair as he helped Orophin load his saddlebags. "You will never make it."

"I will, I have to," Orophin replied. "I know I should not have forgotten, but all I can do now is hurry, so do not nag."

Rúmil shrugged and stepped back. "I was only being realistic. Do you have everything?"

Patting the bulging bags, Orophin nodded slowly. "I think so... I hope so, I do not have time to check again. If I at least get myself there, that will be something." He smiled wryly. "Thank you for you help..."

Shaking his head, Rúmil waved him away. "Stop talking and go. It is a long ride." He gave the horse an encouraging pat as he steered it onto the path.

Knowing his brother was right, Orophin gave him a brief smile and then rode out of Lothlórien and into the wilds.

**************

It had rained. Stormed, actually, while he was out in the open with no shelter in sight. As a result, he was now wet, dishevelled, tired and in a generally poor mood. At least he had arrived - and with an hour before the day came to an end. The guards recognised him and sent a runner ahead, leaving him safe in the knowledge that he would soon be in the comfortable, dry palace, a glass of warm spiced wine in his hands.

He approached the palace and as he did so, the doors opened and a delighted Oropher rushed out, arms held open. "Orophin, welcome! I did not think you were going to make it!"

Orophin opened his mouth to reply, but at that moment his horse stumbled, throwing him forward. He tried to grab the saddlebag, but only succeeded in pulling it with him. A moment later, he landed inelegantly in the mud with cookies, pineapples (imported at great cost from Harad) and chocolates flying everywhere.

Looking down at the muddy, wet, scruffy Elf, Oropher tried not to laugh. Tried, and utterly failed. "Oh my friend, you do know how to make an entrance," he chuckled, holding out a hand to help Orophin up.

Wiping an irritating splodge of mud out of his eye, Orophin looked up at Oropher and grinned. "Happy birthday."