Origins - Ch. 4

[samtyr]

~ Ch. 4 ~

*Lindon*

Gil-galad looked out his window and down at the courtyard where a large, ragged group of Sindar had gathered.

“They are refugees from Doriath?”

“Yes, My Lord,” Erestor replied quietly. “And no, the sons of Dior are not with them.”



Gil-galad turned from the window, his brow furrowed in pain. He had a strained relationship with the Fëanorians at best and the loss of Eluréd and Elurín had only exacerbated the growing tension between them. And now the Sindar were here, looking for his help.

“Very well,” he said. “I will meet with them as soon as possible. Do they have a leader, or perhaps leaders?”

“Their leader is an elf named Oropher,” Erestor said. “He seems to be well-loved by them, and that is the important thing.”

“How can you tell such a thing? When have you met with him at such length?”

“We had the briefest of meetings just now before I came to you. Yet I saw the elflings come up to him, to lean against him or hold on to his cloak. He never brushed them off or sent them away; he always managed to smooth their hair, pat them gently or even hold them if needed. That is how I know.”

Gil-galad nodded and walked slowly down the staircase and hoped for the best at this meeting. His grey eyes were thoughtful.

“Such an elf is worth knowing.”

He paused on the steps, turning back and motioned to Erestor.

“Yes, My Lord?”

“See that he and his second-in-command are given rooms near to mine. A small en-suite would be nice.”

Gil-galad was unsurprised when Erestor nodded as if he had expected this all along. But then, Gil-galad mused, Erestor often seemed to know things before anyone else did - even himself.

“Yes, My Lord. Is there anything else?”

“Not right now,” Gil-galad said. “I am sure there will be more later.”

*

Oropher stood patiently, watching as Ereinion Gil-galad walked toward him. So much depended on this meeting! The people were exhausted after their flight from Doriath and even now, they had traveled far longer in the waning months than was practical. He had no idea if the Noldor king would permit them to shelter here, nor did he have any idea what sort of price might be demanded. They had little in the way of gold or coin but they would be more than willing to earn their keep. Just as long as it did not turn into a form of indentured servitude for them… Oropher felt secretly uneasy about meeting the High King of the Noldor; something told him that his life would be changed forever.

Gil-galad watched as several elleth came up to Oropher and spoke to him. The tall blond elf listened patiently, nodding as they spoke to him, laying gentle hands on their shoulders, and giving them either a gentle hug or a kiss on the forehead before dismissing them.

“I am so pleased to meet you, Oropher.” Gil-galad extended his hand and the two elves shook hands. “Welcome to Lindon, cousin.”

“Cousin?” Oropher raised his eyebrow in surprise. He hadn’t known what to expect but this friendly greeting - and to be called cousin by Noldor royalty - was unexpected and unsettling. He was certain that his parents would have mentioned being even distantly related to the Noldor. “We are related?”

“I apologize if I have been too forward.” Gil-galad looked earnestly at the Sindar leader. “We are all Elves, are we not? Therefore we are cousins, however distant the ties.”

“That is true,” Oropher admitted.

“How can we be of the most help? What I have is yours.”

“That is very generous of you.” Oropher was slightly taken aback, feeling a belated sense of wariness. Had he led the people in search of help only to be lulled into a false sense of security? Was this some kind of elaborate trap after all? The Sindar of Doriath always had an uneasy alliance with the Noldor even at the best of times. Were the Noldor planning to take them as slaves?

“We heard the news several weeks ago,” the king said quietly. “I know what it is like to be a refugee myself, Oropher.”

“Ah yes. Yes, of course.”

“There are only about two hundred in the group I lead. There were more but…” Oropher paused for a moment. “About a dozen of the men left to scout ahead for a new home, perhaps in the forests near Lindórinand.” Despite everything, Oropher had no wish to disclose too much accurate information about Amdír and Malgalad’s expedition to the forest lands.

“I see. So you will not be staying long?”

“I honestly do not know,” Oropher said. “If you will permit us, we would like to stay the winter and try to regain our strength before deciding anything more definite. In the spring,” he sighed, “I believe that some will wish to sail of course, but the others, I do not know. I need to speak to Lord Círdan as soon as possible. I would be most grateful if you could arrange a meeting.”

“That will be no problem. Círdan will be here in a few days. He has heard there were survivors and he thought some of you might come here first.”

“Thank you, My Lord.”

“And you, Oropher?” Gil-galad’s keen grey eyes studied him. “I saw you speaking to several elleth earlier. Is one of them your wife, perhaps? Or a sister?”

“There is no wife or sister for me. I am the last of my family. I have only a single male cousin, Galion, left.” Oropher paused briefly. “The elleth you saw - they are the widows of the ellon I led; I have taken responsibility for them until things become stable again.”

“Taken responsibility?” Gil-galad sounded puzzled and looked askance at Oropher. “Do you mean that they are your - concubines?”

“No, no.” Oropher was stunned when he saw that the High King had no idea of Sindarin customs. He did not know of any elves who might believe in having multiple wives, let alone concubines. He hoped it was not a bad sign, for he liked the elf. “They are - for lack of a better word - my law-sisters. It is my duty to see that they are cared for until they decide what they wish to do now that they are alone. If they do not sail, I will see that they are settled in a home of their own, and have someone to provide essential services: to plow, to bring wood - whatever may need to be done.”

“But what do they do for you?” Gil-galad queried. “Surely they do something for you in return.”

“They help keep my house in order.” Oropher sighed sadly as he looked at the large group of elleth who turned to him for help. “I hope that some of them will decide to stay, and perhaps find a new mate.”

“You permit this?” Gil-galad widened his eyes in shock or perhaps surprise, Oropher could not decide which.

“Yes. After all, none were separated by choice but by force. We were not meant to live alone, apart from all. If they can find companionship or even love again with another… well, the Belain can decide later if their decision was right or wrong.”

“I see.” The Noldor gave him an oddly shuttered look but Oropher’s attention had been drawn away by one of the children. “Very well, then.”

“Will you excuse me, hir nin? I would like to see that the elleth and elflings are settled inside before nightfall.”

“Of course, of course.” Gil-galad nodded toward Erestor and Galion, who were already deep in quiet conversation. “Erestor will help your advisor -.”

“Galion. He is my only living relative, and also my second-in-command.”

“Oh yes, you already told me. My apologies, Oropher. Well, it looks as if they have things in hand now. If there is anything else I can do, you need only to ask.”

“Thank you, hir nin.”

“If you have time later, I would like to speak to you privately - at your earliest convenience, of course. There is much we need to talk over.”

“Very well then.” Oropher hesitated for a moment. “Perhaps tomorrow?”

“That will be fine,” Gil-galad replied. “I have taken the liberty of giving you rooms near my own as well.”

“That’s very generous of you, hir nin.” Oropher hesitated for a moment. “Though I don’t want you to go to any extra trouble. If there is a spare bunk in the barracks that will be quite sufficient for me.”

“There is room for many more here.” Gil-galad smiled charmingly at him, and Oropher couldn’t help but smile back. “Believe me, it will be no trouble at all. Why don’t you stop by later, and we will have a drink to welcome your arrival.”

Oropher knew a command when he heard one, no matter how politely it was phrased. “Then thank you, hir nin. I will see you in an hour or so.”

“Excellent.” Gil-galad smiled once more and waved his hand briefly in dismissal. “Erestor will show you where everything is located.”

*

Oropher and Gil-galad entered the Noldo’s private sitting room. Oropher looked around in surprise. It was simply and plainly furnished, in sharp contrast to the elaborate decorations of the much larger public gathering rooms. A large hound lying by the banked fire raised its head at their entrance and made as if to get up, but at some sign from the high king, it lay back down and closed its eyes, appearing to doze off. But Oropher knew enough of dogs to understand that the animal was fully alert and knew every move that was being made by the two elves.

“Please, be seated and rest.” The Noldor king motioned to a large armchair and Oropher sank down into the cushions. A small footstool was nearby and Oropher stretched his long legs, grateful to have his feet up. He winced slightly at the sight of his worn boots on such fine needlepoint tapestry, but there was nothing to be done about it. Besides, he didn’t think Gil-galad clearly was going to insist they stand on ceremony, not now. He could hear the faint clink of bottles as they were opened and he smelled the scent of liquor being poured into glasses. /Brandy/, he thought.

He looked up as the other elf walked over to the chair and held out a glass to him.

“I hope you will like this,” the Noldor said. “Círdan gave it to me a few years back; it has aged well, I think.”

“Thank you.” Oropher took the glass and sniffed at the dark liquid before taking a sip. He held it for a moment, nodding in approval as he swallowed. “It is excellent, My Lord. Thank you.”

“You are most welcome.” Gil-galad seated himself in a chair opposite of Oropher and slowly sipped from his own glass. “It is good to have some quiet time, is it not?”

“It is indeed.” Oropher nodded toward the dog. “That is a fine dog you have. What is his name?”

“I call him Roch.” The dog’s ears flickered and the other elf smiled at Oropher’s surprised glance. “He was a huge pup; Erestor insisted that he was no dog but a small horse, hence his name.”

“I see.” Oropher smiled wistfully. The big dog looked as if he would make a fine companion. It had been years since he had a dog and he felt a small twinge of envy. But with things so unsettled, he had his hands full dealing with the people. There was no point in having a dog as well.

“He is descended from Huan,” Gil-galad remarked as he finished his drink. “Can I get you another?”

“No thank you. I will need a clear head for tomorrow.”

“Let things wait for one day and rest yourself. If there is one thing I have learned, you must make time to relax on occasion; it will only help you deal with the complexities of governing.”

“Perhaps I will.” Oropher considered this. He was exhausted, and a day of rest would be nice. “If you will excuse me then?”

“Of course, of course.” The other elf rose and walked across the room to open the large double doors. “Erestor will show you to your rooms.”

“Thank you, My Lord.” Oropher bowed slightly and turned to follow the advisor to his room. He only hoped it wouldn’t be too far, for he was tired.

“It is very near,” Erestor said softly, as if reading his thoughts. “Your cousin Galion will be sharing your room - unless you prefer it otherwise?”

“That will be fine. Galion is my second in command; we lived as neighbors…” Oropher’s voice trailed off. He didn’t want to think of the past just now; fortunately Erestor soon came to a stop.

“Here are your rooms. I hope you find them in good order.”

“I am sure they will be fine.”

“There is a bell pull just inside the door. If you need anything, a servant can be here in less than a minute. “

“Thank you, Erestor.”

“I will see you at breakfast then? Of course, you can be served in your room if you prefer.”

“No, I will eat when the others do. You have gone to a lot of trouble for us already.”

“It is no trouble,” Erestor replied. “Sleep well, hir nin.”

Oropher opened the door and slowly took off his heavy coat. Galion was instantly at his side, carefully hanging the garment on a nearby peg.

“It is a nice room,” he told his cousin. “Do you wish anything else?”

“No.” Oropher hoped he didn’t sound rude but he was so tired that he thought he could sleep on the stone floor and feel as if it were a warm, down-filled mattress. “It’s fine.”

“I put some warm stones under the blanket for you.” Galion said. “Sleep well.”

“I will.” Oropher half-stumbled and half-crawled to the waiting bed and was instantly asleep, his eyes tightly closed from exhaustion. Galion smiled as he pulled off Oropher’s boots, and then straightened the blanket over the sleeping form before adding a fur coverlet as well.

*

The sun was high above the horizon when Oropher awoke with a start. He felt foolish and ashamed; he had not overslept since he was a child and he had not meant to sleep in on his first day at the High King’s court. Hurriedly he threw the covers off and sat up, looking around for a wash basin so he could clean up before breakfast.

But Galion was already there, and smiled at him.

“Good morning cousin. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, too well.” Oropher muttered. “Am I very late to the morning meal? I hope I have not bungled things by being late.”

“Everything is fine,” Galion soothed. “The King always eats privately in the morning, Erestor told me. So you can have breakfast delivered here or we can go to the main hall for a buffet.”

“Then I will eat here.” Oropher sat back down on the bed and was very tempted to go back to sleep, but he only shook his head and looked up at his cousin. “Make sure you order for yourself as well, Galion. I have much to tell you.”

Galion nodded and left the room - presumably to speak to a servant outside in the hall - and was back in mere moments.

“The room is quite large,” he began conversationally. “It is actually a series of adjoining rooms, with a bathing chamber attached. There is even water piped to it - all you need do is open a tap. And there is even an indoor commode as well. Erestor calls this an ‘en-suite’.”

“They certainly have many luxuries,” Oropher conceded. “But where did you sleep? Surely not on the floor?”

“My own room is through there.” Galion pointed to a small archway that was divided by a heavy curtain.”I have a bed and dresser of my own, and a fireplace too - just as you have.”

“That is good. I hated to think of you sleeping on the floor or being uncomfortable in order to give me the bed. Indeed, I meant to ask if you wished to share last night.”

There was a light tap at the door, and Galion opened it, watching as a serving boy wheeled a small cart into the room. In addition to a large pot of tea, there were several hot covered platters, a pitcher of cream and a large bowl of fruit on the top of the cart, while the lower shelf held a variety of cups, bowls and silverware.

“I hope we are not being fattened up,” Oropher muttered as he inspected the large array of food. “Or are we being shown favor while the rest of our friends eat scraps?”

“I am sure they are given the same. We must try to be less suspicious.”

“I suppose so.”

“Everything is fine, cousin. Truly,” Galion said as they began to eat. After their meal, he continued to follow Oropher about the rooms. Together they explored further, noting the unusual Noldor changes in traditional room design and looking out the windows to stare at the city and outlying grounds. Neither of them had realized just how large the town really was until now. “Your clothes are put away; Erestor has been hinting that we are welcome to take what we need from their stores.”

“Oh, really.” Oropher felt suspicious once more. Things were a little too nice for his liking, and he still did not quite trust that some sort of elaborate trap was not being prepared. “And what is the price for all this? I am no fool, Galion. I do not expect something for nothing, especially from the High King.”

“Of course not. Erestor told me a little but he said the king would speak to you at length. But it sounds as if we are expected to help out with whatever might need to be done - doing that for which we are best suited. Many of the elleth will no doubt be helping with cooking, cleaning and sewing; the ellon will probably help in the smithy or with the animals and other heavier work that takes them outdoors.”

“That seems fair enough,” Oropher conceded. “But make sure you note what our people have taken from their stores, and how much - and what they do in return for such. I do not wish for anyone to take advantage of them.”

“I agree. But I think that we can trust these Noldor to do the right thing.”

“And you? What will you be doing, Galion?”

“I will help Erestor and his students to copy the most important scrolls that were salvaged and try to repair some of them. As for you…” Galion paused briefly. “I imagine the king will want to know as much as possible about Dior, and everything else that happened in regard to the Fëanorians.”

“I am no help to him, then. Only Father really knew those things. He was one of the closest to Dior, but he said very little to me, even when I came back from patrolling the border.”
Oropher closed his eyes against the sudden pain. “Perhaps that is why he said so little; he feared what might happen if I were to be captured by the - enemy. I could not say what I did not know.”

“You could have dealt with the Five easily enough.” Galion said thoughtfully as he considered this. “Only the eldest princes have any degree of... subtlety in their methods.”

“Perhaps so. But only the Terrible Three are gone; the others are still alive, and bound by that evil Oath. Galion, I fear that there will be even more trouble to come of it - and them - ere the end.”

“But that will be another day, cousin.” Galion moved to stand behind Oropher and began to knead his shoulders. “Now rest - go to bed before you fall asleep on your feet.”

“It is full morning,” Oropher argued, even as his eyes began to close. “There is so much to do.”

“And it will be done. All in good time, cousin. I will make your excuses if any should ask.”

“You would tell them I am sleeping in the day like a sick child?”

“No, I will say that *we* are going through paperwork.”

*

“And these are the latest reports on…” Erestor paused as he saw that Gil-galad stared moodily out of the window. “Try to pay attention, Gil. We have much to do.”

“I know, I know.” Gil-galad scowled at Erestor, and the dark-haired advisor was reminded of a sulky toddler - an attitude that was most unbecoming for the High King. “It’s just that I’d rather be outside today.”

A small smile tugged at Erestor’s lips but he quickly sobered when the king glared at him again.

“Perhaps you can go outside later once we have finished.”

“Maybe.” Gil-galad sighed as if he were very put-upon and turned his gaze from the window.

“Continue, Erestor.”

“As I was saying, these latest reports…” Erestor continued, hoping that Gil would not allow his attention to lapse again. Erestor knew that the king would rather be outside, watching the Sindar - or at least one particular Sinda - working out in the practice ring and he agreed - he would have preferred to be there himself, but there was a kingdom to be ruled and as always, duty must come before pleasure.

*

Gil-galad sighed as Erestor finally left the room. He was tired and the hour was later than he had hoped, so he decided to go to the baths and relax before the evening meal.

Lindon had been chosen in large part for its hot springs. Gil-galad had treated with the Dwarves to come and help with building, for few Elves could equal their skill in construction on a large scale. It had taken the Dwarves just over a year to complete everything for they worked quickly and the new capital had been ready in far less time than it would have taken otherwise. Most of the builders had left once the heavy, major construction was completed but the artisans remained behind to put the finishing touches on many of the interiors.

Gil-galad walked tiredly down the corridors to one of the more private baths he frequented. It was a rare luxury to have time to himself.

*

The first Yule the Doriathians spent in Lindon was a very quiet affair, for Gil-galad had ordered the celebrations to be scaled back and more emphasis placed on the solemnity of the occasion.

Every attempt was made to see that there was extra food available and each child received a toy.

For once though, it was Oropher and not Galion who remained faintly suspicious of the Noldor High King’s continued generosity. It was all a little too good to be true, and he hoped he had not made a mistake in seeking shelter with the Noldor.

But when he confided his worries to Galion, the silver-haired elf had merely laughed at him.

“I dare say that the Noldor king wants something in return, but it is not what you think.”

“What is it he wants then?” asked Oropher. “Tell me.”

“Oh, Oropher.” But Galion had only laughed again as he left their rooms. “I am sure you can figure it out, Cousin.”

Oropher sighed in annoyance. He was never fond of riddles, especially ones of this sort. So Gil-galad wanted something - that he had known all along. But what could it be? Not once did it occur to him that the Noldor king had more than mere friendship on his mind.

*

Galion and Erestor soon developed a strong friendship for both were devoted to their respective kings, often acting not only as valets but advisors as well.

Erestor was pleased to note that Galion was very astute and eager to learn all he could of the various political strategies. In fact, the Sindar’s gift for understanding the broader implications of a scenario was nearly equal to Erestor’s own.

Of course, Erestor was no fool - the better the relationship between them, the better they could help both Oropher and Gil-galad in the onerous chores of ruling their realms and more importantly, continue the fragile peace that was slowly being built between the Kindreds.

The two elves often met in one of the sitting rooms near the royal wing to enjoy cup of tea (or a glass of wine if it were in the evening) and discuss their mutual love of books or perhaps discuss Elven philosophy and history. Later, as their friendship deepened, they slowly began to speak of their families.

Not for the first time Galion wondered about the dark-haired ellon, for he learned that Erestor’s earliest known ancestors were of the Falmari, a small distant branch of the Teleri who had remained by the shores of the sea rather than journey to ‘a foreign land’ as Erestor put it. When the light was just right, Erestor's sleek dark hair appeared freshly oiled and his black robes seemed to gleam iridescently, clinging to him as if they were a second skin. It reminded Galion of the old legend of seal-people - selkies, he believed they were called - and he wondered if there might be more truth to it than he first thought.

“However, I myself came here from Gondolin,” Erestor told him as they enjoyed a glass of wine together. “My elder kinsman was Echthelion of the Fountain.”

“You belong to the nobility.” Galion said. “You must have known everyone of importance there.”

“Yes, I did.” Erestor took a sip of wine, pausing to gather his thoughts. “I hope you will forgive my forwardness but I am curious about your cousin. Did his family come from Gondolin?”

“I believe that his father did.” Galion paused and eyed the other elf oddly. “Why do you ask?”

“It’s just that he strongly reminds me of Legolas of the House of the Tree,” Erestor said at last. “I knew him quite well and he was with those who managed to escape.”

“It is possible, I suppose.” Galion replied. “But Oropher’s father said very little about his past; he said the past was best forgotten and that we should concentrate on the future.”

“That sounds very like something Legolas would say,” Erestor exclaimed. “If I may be so bold, what was Oropher’s father’s name?”

Galion hesitated for a moment. Was it right for him to talk of such things? On the other hand, he was already working with Erestor on repairing many of the scrolls and books rescued from Doriath and Gondolin both; it would be easy for the Noldor elf to simply look up the name on his own.

“His name was Etya.” Galion said with a long sigh. “But you must understand, Erestor, that Oropher and I are nearly the same age, and we are related through the maternal line. If his father had another name, I never knew of it.”

“I see,” Erestor said but whatever else he planned to say was lost when a large calico cat walked in, proudly carrying a newborn kitten in her mouth.

“Ah, Tinnu. Are you planning to settle your little ones in my wardrobe again?”

But Tinnu had more important things to do and ignored Erestor with proper feline dignity as she continued her journey into the next room.

“That should teach me to ask silly questions.” Erestor chuckled at the expression on Galion’s face. “Did you ever keep pets, Galion?”

“Occasionally, my family did.” Galion smiled wistfully. “I always thought when I had my own house… maybe one day I will. How is it that you have so many cats, Erestor? I have often wondered, for many here seem to prefer dogs.”

“Tinnu and her family were a gift from my daughter,” he said at last and looked at the fire.

“You have a daughter? Have I met her?” Galion quickly tried to think of the different elleth he had seen in the past few months; surely he would have noticed one who had Erestor’s striking features.

“She is no longer here,” Erestor said in a tight voice, still staring at the fire. “She was such a tiny elfling and she adored cats. I had finally gotten her a kitten - Tinnu - for her begetting day a month before the city fell… well, you know the story.” The dark elf paused to take several long swallows of wine before resuming his tale. “I managed to carry her to safety but it was too late. The healers said her lungs had been scorched from the heat, and there was no time to reach the Havens. But they were able to make her comfortable at least and the last thing she asked of me was to take care of Tinnu for her.”

“But this is surely not the same cat, is it?” Galion asked. He didn’t think any cat could live quite that long but it was often said they had nine lives - perhaps that referred to longevity?

“No, she is a descendent of the first Tinnu.” Erestor said after a long pause. “The first Tinnu was also a calico; I have kept the name in use in honor of my daughter. Indeed, I often fancy…” Here Erestor broke off, reddening slightly. “Come, let us speak of other matters. It will be travelling weather soon. Have any of your people spoken leaving for the Grey Havens?”

“Yes, they have.” Galion said with a sigh. “Not many, but a few of them wish to go as soon as the weather permits.”

*

“I would like to court you, if it were only permitted.” Gil-galad said to Oropher. “But it is not, and we can do nothing to change that. I can offer you something else, however, if you will permit it.”

“And what is that,” Oropher asked with a skeptical look in his eyes.

“I offer you myself - if you will have me.” Gil-galad gave a nervous little laugh. “Of course, we must be very secret, which I loathe. But there is no other choice, I fear.”

“I am sorry, My Lord but I must refuse your offer. I cannot allow the others to see me as a Noldorin puppet; and you certainly cannot afford to be seen as ‘weak’ or worse, ‘unmanly’.”

“You need not worry. I have it all planned,” Gil-galad replied. “Indeed, no-one will say a thing.”

“How is that possible? You are the high king; you have no expectation of genuine privacy.”

“No one can get past Erestor, as you know. Besides, many people have seen us playing chess together late into the night, or sharing a drink as we talk… true, they are mostly servants but there have been a few of the lower-ranking couriers as well.”

“Erestor is only one elf with many other duties. You cannot expect him to be a permanent fixture as your only guard.”

“That is where you are wrong. I do not intend to rely only on Erestor. That would be unfair.” Oropher noticed how Gil-galad’s gaze rested on his big dog, which raised his head and looked at his master with an expression of worship. “None can get past Roch; he will hear or see or smell any who would dare to trespass on my privacy.”

“Well…” Oropher hesitated. It was a very tempting offer and one that he didn’t want to refuse. But there was such risk involved!

“Watch.” Gil-galad whistled, and Roch’s head snapped up and instantly leaped to his feet, eyes trained on his master, fully alert. With a snap of his fingers, the high king pointed at the outer door as Roch waited for his next order. “Roch, guard.”

Roch silently padded over to the outer door and lay beside it.

“Come, Oropher.” Gil-galad took him by the hand and led him toward his private bedchamber and opened the door.

*

“You must be extra-careful, Oropher.” Galion looked worriedly at his younger cousin. “Since you are able to bear life, the responsibility is yours even more than it would be for a woman. The Noldor do not know of the Blessing our line carries, nor should they.”

“I know, I know.” Oropher sighed. “But I cannot help the feelings I have for him and I believe he feels the same for me.”

“I don’t want you to be hurt, my dear.”

“I know you don’t, Galion.” Oropher reached up and squeezed the hand that rested on his shoulder. “But I must go now, or insult him with being late.”

“Very well.” Galion settled the new robe on Oropher’s shoulders and carefully looked him over. Oropher did look exquisite, almost enough to tempt even him, if he were inclined toward males. But he wasn’t and Oropher was. Though sometimes Galion did think that maybe - just maybe - Oropher simply didn’t wish to commit himself to a woman in these uncertain times and was just taking a safe way out to avoid any entanglements.

But to be the lover of the High King… that could not bode well for either of them. Galion fought back a sudden feeling of uneasiness. It was rumored that the crown of the High King had been cursed since the death of Finwë and if that were true, then any relationship between Ereinion Gil-galad and his chosen one was doomed before it even started.

*

Oropher strode quickly down the hall, nodding to some of the different servants and courtiers who rushed past him in the hall. He slowed as he neared the king’s chamber, not wishing to appear too obvious on his so-called late-night meeting.

But Erestor was there ahead of him, nodding to him as he held the door open for Oropher. Erestor, with his wise kind eyes that never held any disdain or reproach toward a Sindar king.

“He is waiting for you,” the dark-haired advisor said softly as Oropher walked in the room. Oropher smiled and nodded to him. He had learned long ago that Erestor did not always expect a reply in words. Discreet as ever, Erestor withdrew almost immediately.

*

As he entered the sitting room, Oropher noticed Roch appeared to be asleep. But the big dog opened one eye and thumped his tail in greeting before resuming his nap. It was a reassuring sight for Gil-galad had long ago discovered the dog would wake at the slightest sense of being watched or overheard.

Their evenings together followed no set pattern. Many nights they merely sat by the fire, quietly sipping brandy or perhaps wine and discussed the problems that had arisen during the day. Other times were devoted to playing chess, or reading books. On occasion Lindir, a prodigy of Gildor who had decided to make the king’s court his new home, would quietly play the harp for them, singing his latest composition before debuting it in public.

The exceptionally gifted young musician had also designed something he called a ‘fortepiano’*- an oddly shaped box fitted with strings that Lindir believed would revolutionize music. Gil-galad, intrigued despite himself by such a claim - authorized the woodworkers’ guild to work in conjunction with the musicians’ guild so that the instrument could become reality. Even Oropher had to admit he was curious about the new musical invention and looked forward to its debut.

“Has Lindir finished his newest invention?” he asked, noticing that they were alone once more. Oropher was secretly pleased at this; they had little enough privacy and as much as he enjoyed Lindir’s music, he enjoyed having Gil-galad all to himself even more.

“It is progressing surprisingly well. Lindir is a skilled draftsman, and his designs are easy for others to read and understand.” Gil-galad sipped at his drink and stared thoughtfully out of the window. “I wonder if he has any mapmaking skills.”

“Mapmaking?”

“Just an idea I had,” Gil-galad said and turned his gaze to Oropher. “But all that can wait.”

“Do you want your usual?” Oropher had stepped over to the liquor cabinet and was preparing their usual drinks.

“Yes, I do.” The Noldor said as Oropher handed him his glass before pouring his own drink.

“And thank you, my friend.”

*

Oropher lay beside Gil, luxuriating in feel of the fine sheets and their own shared warmth. In Doriath, he had never dreamed he would take a lover, let alone one who was male; he had assumed that he would marry a woman one day when he was more settled in his career and they would have a family - there was plenty of time. But that was before he met Gil…

“What are you thinking, beloved?”

“Nothing in particular.” Oropher turned on his side so he could see Gil’s face, the strong Noldor profile illuminated by the moonlight. But his dark eyes were shadowed. “Just… how things never seem to turn out the way we imagine them.”

“Very true.” Gil nodded in agreement. “Were you ever engaged? I suppose it is a bit late to be asking you now, but I have wondered.”

“Oh, I did fancy a few ladies but nothing was ever serious. I thought there would be time…”

“Yes, time.” This time it was Gil who sighed and closed his eyes. “We always think there will be time, don’t we?”

“Too true. But don’t you have a special lady? I imagine that as king you are expected to marry and beget an heir or two.”

“There was, once.” Gil-galad closed his eyes briefly once more. “But that is in the past. I will be the last High King; even though I plan to name my kinsman, Elrond as my heir to placate the Council for the time being, they still believe that I will marry one day.”

~*~