Here is the story behind ‘Rúdh’ that several reviewers had pleaded for. Hope you have as much fun reading as I did writing it.

Ch 14 Rúdh

As Anar showed her face above the treetops, Elrond had breakfast ready. He woke everyone.
Glorfindel scowled at the Lord of Imladris. “Why did you not wake us for our turn on watch,” he growled. Elrond merely gave him a look, then spoke. “You all needed your rest. I was the least wounded. Therefore, I let you rest.”

Estel woke and Elrond went over to him, kneeling and checking his wounds. He could see his foster son was in pain, and he added athelas to the small pot of boiling water. The scent was a cleansing one, lifting the spirits of all.

Estel smiled at Elrond, and was able to sit with help from Legolas. “I’m feeling better, Ada,” said Estel after eating.

“Now, will you tell us the story behind rúdh?” asked Elladan and Elrohir. Both Legolas and Estel looked up expectantly at Elrond.

Glorfindel and Elrond both sighed theatrically, making the four younger members laugh. “Very well, ions nin.”

“It was really the fault of Gil-galad,” Elrond started the tale. He grabbed the back of Glorfindel’s tunic as the golden-haired elf tried to leave. “Oh, no. If I must tell the tale, you also must stay.”

Glorfindel grumbled good-naturedly, then sat back down.

“I had only begun my training as a healer, learning of plants and herbs. It was a time of comparative peace, and the High King had decided there should be a feast…”

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“Elrond! Where are you?” Gil-galad walked around a group of elves as they readied beams for placement. The building and settling of Imladris was on schedule.

The High King finally found his herald as he was poring over plans for living quarters. “Peredhil, did you not hear my call?” asked Gil-galad.

“Aye, I thought I heard a noise,” Elrond said as he bowed and smiled. “How may I be of service, My Lord?”

“I wish to show my gratitude for the hard work everyone has put in. I have sent Glorfindel out with a hunting party. When they return, we will have a feast. It will be not be a feast such as we have known before, but will, I trust, show my appreciation. I realize it will not be easy to at such short notice.”

“It will be my pleasure to assist in any way possible. I will have everything ready for this evening, if that is your wish,” replied Elrond.

“I do have one request. I need some soap so I can wash this dirt and dust out of my hair. It would feel so much better,” pleaded the High King. “It does not need a scent; just so it will clean.”

“Aye, I believe I can make some for you, My Lord.” Elrond mentally catalogued the herbs he had, and decided to make a light floral scent for the king. “I will make it immediately. I will have it ready for you shortly. I had already started a batch earlier. I will have it ready by later afternoon, if you wish.”

“I would be most grateful. Diola lle, Elrond. Please set it in my tent when it is ready.”

“Lle creoso, Your Majesty. It will be waiting for you.” Elrond bowed again and laughed as Gil-galad cuffed him alongside the head as the king growled, “Quit bowing!”