This is Me

Title: Always There
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: G

**********


It had been one of those days. A long patrol, with endless small skirmishes that had left him feeling tired, dirty and world-weary. He just wanted to sleep, but was reluctant to go home – Lindir was probably still angry with him. He hadn’t meant to spill his tea that morning, but he had been rushing and had knocked the cup over, sending the hot liquid directly over a newly written sheet of music. The ink had run everywhere, the work utterly ruined.

Lindir had been furious and Rúmil had left in a hurry, preferring the borders to his lover’s wrath. Yet now the day was over, he was unsure of what to do with himself, especially since his brothers were both still on duty.

He deliberated for a moment before changing direction and going down a path some distance away from his own talan. Climbing up a tree rather taller than the one he lived in, he came to an old, large talan. He knocked briefly and then let himself in, going directly to the main room and sinking into an old, but soft and comfortable chair.

A woman appeared from the kitchen and looked at the grimy and dejected figure sitting there. Wordlessly she went back into the kitchen before returning a minute later with a large mug of tea and a generous slice of apple cake. She set them on the table before Rúmil, who reached out eagerly and took and took a large bite of the cake before washing it down with the tea.

He let out a long breath then, and settled back into the chair. She sat next to him and wrapped one arm around his shoulders before giving him and affectionate kiss on the cheek. “Better?” she asked softly.

Rúmil smiled and returned the gesture, so grateful for her always being there. “Much better… thank you, Mother.” Reaching round, he hugged her tightly and said the words they both knew but rarely said. “I love you.”

END


Happy Mother's Day! It's not Mother's Day in the UK, we had ours in March, but there's never a bad time to celebrate mothers, says I! ^_^

Title: Lost and Found
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Pairing: Rumil/Lindir pre-slash
Rating: PG
Notes: For laur_melyanna

*******

Lindir had not wanted to come here. He had been happy in Imladris, amongst the people and places that he knew. Yet Lord Elrond had urged him to accept when Lady Galadriel requested his presence, even though he knew she would wish him to stay for some years. It was a great honour, he was told, and should not be easily cast aside.

So here he was, alone in a realm he did not know, where the trees were too tall and the Elves so different, all for the sake of politeness.

And where he was inclined to get lost, he realised with a sigh. Lothlórien was so much bigger than Imladris and it was all too easy to take the wrong path, as he had done. Stopping, he looked around, trying to work out which way he had come from. All the trees looked the same to him; he had enough trouble finding his own talan when he was right in front of it.

Frustrated, he cursed under his breath.

“Do you need help?”

Lindir jumped at the voice and only barely refrained from muttering something uncomplimentary about sneaky Lórien Elves.

“Are you lost?”

Composing himself, Lindir turned to face the tall Galadhel who had crept up on him. “Yes… I was looking for the rose gardens and seem to have gone the wrong way.”

“I can take you there,” he replied. “My name is Orophin.”

Lindir smiled. “I am glad to meet you, Orophin. I am Lindir, from Imladris. He inclined his head slightly in friendly greeting – Orophin was the first to openly approach him and it was refreshing.

“Ah yes, the new minstrel. Welcome, I look forward to hearing you play.”

A slight rustle in the leaves was heard then and Orophin smiled again. “”Ah, Lindir, allow me to introduce my brother.” As he spoke, another Elf stepped into view, slightly shorter than Orophin, but still tall, slender and far too handsome. “This is Rúmil.”

The Minstrel looked up at the tall Galadhel, who offered a friendly smile of greeting, and found his heart beating much faster and his sour mood suddenly much improved.

All of a sudden, Lindir found himself with an excellent reason to stay in Lothlórien.

END

A true drabble this time - this one is for dwarrowchild who wanted Daeron/Saeros.

Different

He was not as beautiful, nor did he sing so sweetly. He declined to dance entirely and his hair was pale, rather than dark. He was not coveted by all who laid eyes upon him – indeed, many barely marked his presence until he spoke. He was everything she was not – and it was that which had saved him.

In arms so utterly different from those he had dreamed of he had found peace, comfort and love. Saeros’ calm tones and gentle touches had lifted him from the despair he was wallowing in.

And with every touch, Lúthien’s beauty faded away.

Title: Insignificant
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: G
Characters: Rúmil, Haldir

*********

“Haldir?” Rúmil wandered into his brother’s room, a hopeful smile on his face and the book clutched tightly in his hand. “Can you help me with this?”

Glancing down at the younger Elf, Haldir caught sight of the workbook in Rúmil’s grasp. Clearly, he was after assistance with the lessons his tutor wanted him to complete at home. He tried not to sigh.

“I do not have time tonight,” Haldir replied as he picked up his hairbrush. “I am going out and there are people waiting for me. I will help you tomorrow.”

Rúmil’s face fell. “Tomorrow? That is too late - I have to have it done before my lessons in the morning! Please, I will not keep you long!”

“I said I do not have time!” Haldir snapped and Rúmil backed away, looking distressed at the sharp tone. “I am sure if you just sit down and think about it, you will manage! Just put a little effort in!”

Grabbing his cloak, he pulled it on as he moved out of his room and towards the main door. “Or ask Orophin. I am sure he will find the time.”

“But Orophin is out tonight too!” Rúmil cried plaintively, reaching out for his brother.

Yet it was too late for Haldir was already gone and Rúmil found himself standing alone in the darkened talan.

End

Title: Tainted Snow
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: PG13
Summary: Maedhros realises that darkness is easily concealed - for a time. Angst.
Notes: For ford_of_bruinen, as only she could inspire… this.

( Tainted Snow )

This is the long-overdue birthday semi-drabble for gwaelinn. I'm sorry it took so long, It seems I no longer have an Erestor-muse! Luckily, Lindir convinced him to co-operate finally! :P I hope you like it.

Restless

Lindir opened one eye as the body next to him once again shifted so violently as to rock the whole sturdy bed. As he watched, the restless body turned again and again until the final tug pulled the warm covers off him.

Closing his eyes briefly, Lindir sighed and then sat up, looking down at the rumpled form. “Erestor, what in Eru’s name is the matter?”

Turning again, Erestor rolled onto his back and looked up at his slightly irritated lover. “I am sorry,” he apologised. “I have been thinking too much on the preparations for the upcoming festival and now I cannot relax enough to sleep. I did not mean to wake you.”

Yawning, Lindir shook his head. “This has to stop, love. At this rate we will be in no state to enjoy the celebrations ourselves.”

“I agree, but what do you suggest?” Erestor replied. “I cannot simply will myself to sleep, as the rumours of Men would have you believe.”

“I could sing you a lullaby,” Lindir suggested, smiling at his lover.

Erestor looked affronted. “Lindir! I am not a child!” He protested. “Do not treat me as such!”

“It was only a suggestion,” Lindir retorted, annoyed himself now. “You did not have to be so dismissive.” Huffing in indignation, he grabbed the covers and lay back down with his back to Erestor.

For a time neither spoke, until Erestor at last broke the silence.

“Lindir?”

“What?”

“Sing to me.”

End.

Title: Three
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: PG
Summary: After Doriath
Notes: Another 100 words.

**********

They had been through so much together, their childhood, the sundering of their family, their grandfather's death, the oath and the terrible kinslaying at Alqualonde, where their innocence had been swept away in a wave of blood.

Despite it all, the pain and the suffering, they had all survived. Until today.

Today three of them had fallen, leaving those that remained reeling in grief and shock. No doubt that they deserved it; their deeds had been evil and their doom was of their own making.

Yet, to lose three of them in a single battle - truly, they were cursed.

End

Title: Acceptance
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: G
Summary: Everyone needs someone...
Notes: This is an *actual* drabble - 100 words dead on!

*****

Outcast.

That was what he was. So unlike the others, he might well have been from another family. Blonde hair, not dark. Blue eyes, instead of grey. A hunter, rather than a craftsman. An oddity.

Sighing, Celegorm pulled his knees up to his chest and stared out at the woods, wondering why no one ever accepted him.

A wet nose at his elbow made him jump but then he smiled as a huge, furry body nuzzled up to him. Wrapping his arms around the great beast, he buried his face in the soft fur. He’d been wrong. There was someone.

End

Title: The Chase
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: G
Character: Thranduil
Summary: A chase in the palace.
Notes: I was bored.

( The Chase )

For aglarien1 - I hope you like it. :)

A Warm Welcome

The long, empty hallways were lit only by the glow of a single candle that Erestor carried as he made his way to his rooms. It was often long after all the others residents of Imladris were abed when he finally ended his daily work. Lately, however, he had not been quite so bad. Even tonight, it was not as late as had once been usual for him – before his life had changed.

Until then, he had always returned to empty rooms, and gone to bed alone. However, this no longer held true and the thought of it warmed his heart. Eagerly he increased his pace, coming swiftly to his rooms.

Pushing open the door, he laughed in delight when a warm, loving body flew into his arms. Burying his face in the soft fur, Erestor smiled and carried the cat into the sitting room, delighting again at having something so wonderful to welcome him home.

END