Gifts of the Valar.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the Original Characters and their adventures. Everything else belongs to JRR Tolkien, the Tolkien Estate, New Line Cinema/Peter Jackson, et. al. This was done purely for entertainment and as an exercise in creativity.
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Rumil reclined on the couch in his chamber, watching Charika as she dressed for dinner. She had become more like her old self, though she seemed to have no memory of having borne a child and was still prone to bouts of sudden fear, occasionally darting looks around as if seeing things which were visible only to her. Still, though, she no longer avoided his gaze and even touched him on her own. She did not seem as timid as she had when he first arrived in Rhun.

Some color had returned to her cheeks and she was gaining some weight back, thanks in a large part, to his insistence that she eat. He no longer hand-fed her, but did make certain she finished everything on her plate. He spent hours brushing her hair and in the baths with her, massaging oils into her skin and now her flesh had lost the ashy tint and once again reminded him of rich honey. The scars from where Lastharos had stabbed her and had whipped her with Eru-only-knew-what were visible to his keen Elven eyes, but barely noticeable once her skin began to regain its suppleness and glow. They still had not joined with each other, though their kisses had become more intimate than before. He would not pressure her, but her presence often tested his self-discipline.

She wore a pale blue skirt that rested on her hips, held by a heavy gold belt. The soft fabric swirled prettily when she moved, making a faint swishing sound Elven hearing could detect. Her midriff was bare in front except for a thin mithril chain about her waist, so delicate it was almost invisible except when it caught the light. She wore a short blue vest that just covered her breasts and fastened just below them and in the center so that they were not bared when she raised her arms. It fell short of her hips and was open in the front below her bosom. The neckline was wide and the gentle swells of her lush globes were visible over the top of the scrap of cloth that served as the vest’s material. It was not quite sheer, but to keen Elvish eyes, it hid nothing.

Her hair was braided with entwined gold ribbons and he thought she looked particularly beautiful. She caught his eye in the mirror and smiled shyly, her demeanor at odds with her provocative clothes.

“Do I please you, my lord?”

“You please me very much,” he said, holding out his hand. “Come.”

She crossed the room and entwined her fingers with his as he pulled her onto his lap. He said nothing, but studied her closely, his fingers idly caressing her arm. She sat quietly for a moment, then gave him a sideways glance, the look in her eyes so unexpected, he almost thought he imagined it.

He smiled and pulled her closer so that his lips could touch hers and he felt her respond. Charika’s small, delicate hands brushed over his body to slide up and wrap in his thick, silver and golden hair. She nibbled at his lips then sucked his tongue gently while moving to sit facing him, her knees on either side of his hips. He gave a soft groan and, placing his hands on her firm, rounded bottom, pressed her body against his.

She ended their kiss and looked at him, smiling. “Why have you not joined your body with mine, my lord? I have shared your bed these many nights. Yet, you do not take me as is your right.”

“I would not join with you unless you desired it,” he answered, stroking the smooth flesh of her arms. “I have no right to your body; you can only give it to me.”

She traced the line of his jaw with a fingertip as she studied his face. “If what my memories tell me is true, I gave you my body before I came here,” she said. “I have not taken it back.”

He gave a small smile then kissed her again. “Then, tonight, I will see to that which I have apparently neglected.” She laughed softly and they reluctantly stood and, hand in hand, proceeded to the dining hall.


Down the hall, another Elf watched his lady dress and was having similar thoughts. Legolas had pulled a light grey tunic on over his dark grey leggings, but hesitated as he began fastening it. The gown Alex wore was unlike any he had seen her wear before and he forgot he was supposed to be getting dressed.

Alex wore the green gown she and Pomea had picked out that afternoon, and had been lucky enough to find a pair of silver colored slippers that she had packed matched the gown perfectly. Her hair of dark gold, faint copper and light brown was pulled up and tied on the crown of her head so that it hung loose down below her shoulders, but was off of her face and neck. She turned to say something to her husband but her words died on her lips at his expression.

“You look …” He wanted to say ‘beautiful’, but somehow that word did not quite convey what he felt at the moment. The sheer material hid nothing, yet also revealed nothing. He felt himself growing aroused at the sight of his somewhat shy, proper wife looking for all the world like an eastern courtesan.

“You don’t like it?” She still thought she looked rather ridiculous: she was nowhere near as exotic as the gown required. Still, she just thought it a beautiful gown and liked the way it felt on her and, more importantly, how it made her feel.

“Oh … no, I like it very much,” Legolas said as he walked over to her. His fingers ran lightly over the beaded strands that served as straps and sleeves, and that connected the bodice to the skirt. He lifted the mithril ring in her navel with its attached stones and studied it a moment.

“This is new.”

She bit her lip. He didn’t like it.

“Yes, well, I figured it would be more attractive than my plain belly. Besides, I think it’s rather interesting.”

He glanced up with a wry smile. “You do not have to defend yourself to me, my love. I think it very … attractive.” He dropped the ring and let his hand slide back up the flesh of her torso to caress her breast through the thin fabric. “We shall have to find you some more charms to wear so you can change them to suit your clothes.”

She smiled slowly. “I was afraid you would be upset with me,” she said, her fingertips stroking his bare chest where he had left his tunic undone.

“Why would you think I would object?” His other hand moved lightly over her hip.

“I … umm … don’t know,” she sighed as his lips met hers and she slid her hands over his smooth flesh beneath his open tunic.

Later, after he had re-laced his leggings and helped her pull her hair back up and tie it, he picked up the tunic from where it had fallen. Slipping it on and fastening it with nimble fingers he gave her another appraising glance.

“You look particularly enticing my love,” he said. “I hope I do not have to challenge anyone tonight.”

“Oh, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that,” she said with a laugh. “With all of the beautiful Elves and she-Elves and these mortal women who have somehow been bred from beautiful Elves, I’m certainly not noticeable.”

He finished fastening his tunic and walked over to her, standing behind her and sliding his arms around her waist, nuzzling her neck. “Do not think others do not notice you, my love. I have seen the eyes of my kin as they watch you. As a mortal, it may not be as perceptible to you; as an Elf, it is quite obvious to me.”

She was surprised. “I … I’ve never tried to be …”

He laughed as he nibbled her earlobe. “I know. Actually, I rather like knowing others may desire you, but I am the one to whom you are bound.”

“Really?” This was a side of her husband she had never fully seen. He seemed quite masterful and not a little … ‘predatory’ was a good word. It called to something inside of her she had never consciously acknowledged.

He once again reached up so that both of his hands caressed her breasts. “Yes, my sweet,” he said, planting another kiss on her shoulder. “Shall we go tempt my brethren?”

She turned to look at him, noting the mix of mischief and desire in his gaze and nodded. “Oh yes, let’s do.”

Dinner was, as usual, lavish and relaxed. Alex noticed Charika and Rumil seemed to be much more wrapped up in each other than she had seen them since before the business with Lastharos. The others of the group of western Elves seemed to have found suitable companionship during their stay and she was amused to see Orophin and Helcarin never seemed to have the same number of females---in fact, seldom even the same females, except for Pomea---surrounding them. Glorfindel and Erestor were usually with the same group of ladies, and Haldir, like Orophin, looked to be sampling the feminine treats of the east. She mentioned this to Legolas and he laughed.

“I would imagine he is quite enjoying himself. Vanurion told me the females here seem to find our blonde hair fascinating. Besides,” he gave her a knowing glance, “when we return to Ithilien, I believe our friend may finally ask Meriel to bind with him.”

“Really? When? Has he said anything to you?” Alex hoped they would do so. She had not yet had the opportunity to attend a true Elven wedding and, though she was not the typical female, obsessed with clothes and children and other domestic topics, she was a pushover when it came to weddings.

“Patience, my wife,” Legolas said, slipping a grape between her lips before kissing her, the juice sweet on their tongues. “You will know when I know.”

“You have made yourself scarce,” Glorfindel commented to Erestor as he opened another bottle of the Rhunian wine and poured himself and the females on either side of him, each another goblet full.

“There is much work to be done,” the raven-haired counselor replied as he accepted a piece of cheese from Durisia, who sat nestled in the crook of his arm. She had been a most agreeable companion during his time here.

Glorfindel watched his friend with some amusement. “You mean to tell me you are spending this entire trip working? By the Valar, Erestor, I will never understand you. Did you not advise everyone to relax?”

“I am relaxed,” Erestor retorted. He glanced at his companion and smiled at her. “I am quite relaxed.” She laughed softly and kissed him, the dark-haired Elf returning the kiss in a surprisingly possessive manner.

Glorfindel shook his head. Only Erestor would find the disorganized libraries of the Rhunian Elves a source of entertainment and a venue for dalliance. No doubt, though, Durisia was providing some much-needed distraction for his friend. No wonder Erestor did not leave the library until dinner time every day. Still, it was good to see the counselor so obviously content, not at all like the serious, seemingly burdened Elf who had ridden here from Ithilien.

He leaned back against the cushions and the two females---one an elleth, one a mortal descendant of Vanurion’s House---settled against him. He could see how it would have been easy for Goroth and his minions to fall into decadence and debauchery. He believed Vanurion and his adherents to be of stronger stuff than the old regime; and hoped they would not fall into the same trap. He had to admit, however, the relaxed atmosphere was tempting. Surveying the room, he could see how their eastern kin seemed to enjoy the tangible blessings of Eru. He was reminded of Siensia’s words about her kind not being able to experience the pleasures the children of Iluvatar enjoyed daily and thought that indeed Eru had given them these things to relish.

After dinner, there were gifts, dancing, singing, more treats and even more wine. Cunion accepted the good wishes of his kin with grace and tried to remember exactly how old he was. Vanurion said he had to be at least 8200, though Cunion insisted it was closer to 6000.

The music was lively and Legolas dragged a reluctant Alex out to dance. She felt rather silly, but enjoyed herself tremendously. She found herself dancing with many of the Rhunian Elves, including Vanurion, Sarendir and Cunion, and could not believe how much fun she was actually having. When she and Legolas paused to take some more refreshment, they found themselves between Erestor and Haldir in an out of the way corner that still gave them a good view of the room, but also provided a modicum of privacy. Durisia had joined many of the females of the household dancing and the two Elves were watching the others with slight smiles.

“And why are you not dancing?” Alex asked Haldir, taking his goblet and draining it before sinking onto the couch between him and Erestor, leaning back between Legolas thighs, her husband having settled on the back of the couch, reclining against the wall.

Haldir took the empty goblet and sighed. “Because I do not feel like dancing,” he said, as if that answered her question. Technically, it did. But he knew the answer would irritate her. “You seem to be enjoying yourself,” he added with a smile. He had to admit, Alexandra was looking particularly fetching tonight. He noted the way Legolas’ eyes followed her every move and his friend’s love and desire for his wife was palpable. Again, he wondered if his relationship with Meriel would be similar if they bound to one another.

Legolas fingers lightly stroked Alex’s throat and shoulders and her body felt pleasant against his. He had seen some of the other males present watching her, a few with barely disguised lust, though it would only be apparent to an Elf who knew what to look for. That his wife was oblivious made it all the more exciting---if she had been trying to be deliberately provocative, it would not have been as arousing.

Alex felt a pleasant buzz from the dancing and the wine, but wanted more. She wanted … something and wasn’t sure what. A craving was building inside of her and had been for some time, if she were honest with herself; yet she could not point to what would satisfy it. Well, she knew her husband could, but she always yearned for him. She was just unsure of what else she was wanting. She supposed it would come to her eventually. Legolas always knew exactly what she needed.

Erestor watched his young friends with some amusement. The prince and his lady were giving off an almost visible aura of desire and he idly wondered what had either occurred---or was going to occur---between them. He looked at the couple. Legolas seemed to be in quite a … dominant, he supposed was the word---mood. It reminded him of how it felt to be in that place where one was completely self-assured and knew exactly that he was master of the situation. It was a feeling he was familiar with, though also a feeling one did not always associate with romance and desire; he identified it as a feeling shared by Elven assassins.

Alexandra seemed to be responding to her husband’s demeanor in an interesting and unexpected way. In the years he had known the young woman, she had always been self-assured, somewhat headstrong and always quite proper, deferring to her husband, at least publicly. However, she had never demonstrated behavior that could be even remotely considered submissive, though she seemed to be responding to Legolas’ palpable mastery in a corresponding manner. It was actually rather erotic and he smiled to himself.

“I’m thirsty,” Alex murmured.

“Well, you drank my wine,” Haldir responded laconically.

Legolas chuckled. “I have no wine, my love,” he said caressing her shoulders, his fingers drifting down to brush over the tops of her breasts where they swelled from her sheer bodice. He glanced at Erestor. “Perhaps, if you ask nicely, Lord Erestor may give you some of his.”

The dark-haired Elf raised a brow at Legolas and noted the unmistakable look the young prince gave him. He smiled slightly, then turned his attention to the woman. Alexandra opened her eyes and her gaze was … not pleading, but definitely ‘wanting’, and she gave him a smile he had never before seen on her lips.

“Please, my lord,” she said in a low, soft voice. “Will you give me some of your wine?” For a moment, he almost considered that she might be asking another question entirely; but he knew Legolas and Alexandra, and wine was what the lady desired from him.

“Certainly, my lady,” he answered. Taking his goblet he started to hold it to her mouth, then, with a subtle look from her husband, instead took a long sip, and leaned over to her. She inhaled softly as Legolas gently laid her head back against his lap, closing her eyes, her lips parting slightly. Erestor did not touch her, but his lips hovered just above hers, so close she could feel their warmth; then he opened his mouth a bit and let the wine drizzle onto her waiting tongue where it slid down her throat. When the small stream ended he smiled and handed her the goblet, then sat back, turning his attention to the dancing.

Haldir watched the interplay between Legolas, Alexandra and Erestor and had to admit it was … interesting. It was also somewhat arousing and showed a side of the quiet counselor he had never seen. He glanced across the room and saw Orophin’s gaze was also fixed on their group. His eyes met his brother’s and Orophin raised an eyebrow, an amused smile touching his lips.

Alex remained with her head lying back against Legolas’ lap as the taste of the wine, warmed by Erestor’s mouth, lingered on her tongue. She opened her eyes and saw Legolas looking down at her with a slight smile. She returned it as his hands slid down her arms to her hands where he took the wine goblet, handing it to Haldir, and his fingers entwined with hers. He bent his head down.

“Is your thirst quenched, my love?” he whispered softly. “Or do you desire more?”

“More …” she sighed and he laughed gently as he slid down to sit behind her, his thighs on either side of her, pulling her body back against his. His tongue lightly tracing the outline of her ear, he pressed against her.

She moaned softly as his mouth moved down to kiss her just below her jawline and her head dropped back. He trailed kisses back up until their lips met. His tongue slipped into her mouth and teased hers gently as her fingers squeezed his, an outward expression of her growing desire. He raised his head and looked at Haldir.

“It seems my wife is still thirsty,” he said.

The Lorien Elf met Legolas’ eyes and smiled. Taking the goblet, Haldir dipped his finger into the wine and held his finger just over her parted lips, the wine dripping into her mouth. Her tongue snaked out and caught the last drop just as it fell from his finger. He laughed gently and dipped two fingers into the wine, letting it drip onto her tongue, soft sounds of contentment coming form her throat. Her husband watched her as she accepted the wine from Haldir’s elegant fingers, occasionally planting kisses on her throat, her cheek, nibbling her ear. His self-control was being sorely tested, and he found the strain on his Elven discipline intensely arousing. He did not know how much longer he would be able to resist his increasingly insistent need to make love to his wife.

Haldir tilted the goblet against her lips and she drank deeply. After she had finished, he took the goblet and drained the remains.

“Legolas,” she murmured against her husband’s lips. He could taste the wine on her tongue and sucked it gently.

“What is it, my love?”

“I want …”

“What do you want?”

“I want … I need …” His lips moved to her throat and he sucked gently just over the spot where her pulse beat rapidly. His fingers released hers and slid over her flat, muscled belly.

“What do you need, my love? Name it and it is yours.”

“I … don’t know. I … you. I need you. Now.”

He smiled to himself. “We can go back to our chambers …”

“Now, Legolas,” she said, reaching up to entwine her fingers in his hair, pulling his mouth down to hers, kissing him possessively.

“We are not alone,” he whispered, once their kiss ended.

“I don’t care,” she murmured and he laughed softly. Usually, their roles were reversed in such a conversation. He glanced around and spied an alcove even further back in their corner. Standing, he led her out of the casual view of others and sat on the bench hidden in the niche, pulling her onto the cushioned seat between his thighs. Reaching down behind her, he unlaced his leggings with one hand, his other still pressing against her belly, holding her to him.

“Lift up and sit in my lap,” he ordered quietly and she did as he said, and as she lowered herself, he guided her onto him. Her voluminous, but light skirts covered them, but any who might look for them would know exactly what was going on.

Erestor and Haldir maintained their decorum, having been in similar situations. Before he had married Alexandra, Legolas and his friends had not thought twice about indulging themselves wherever they pleased when in one another’s company; however, Alex had proven quite shy in the past and both Elves remained watchful of the couple’s privacy. Apparently, she was getting over her reticence a bit tonight.

Legolas’ breath caught as he was enveloped in her body and he smiled to himself before once again lowering his lips to his wife’s shoulder, nibbling gently. Alex could think of nothing but her husband and making love to him. She did not care if everyone in the room watched them, at this point.

Erestor’s perfect lips above hers, Haldir’s elegant fingers dripping wine onto her tongue, her husband’s hands, lips and body pleasuring her---all combined to take her to a place she had never known existed inside of her. Alex’s fingers entwined with Legolas’ as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her against him. She tensed her muscles and felt her crisis wash over her, her head falling back against his shoulder.

Legolas could sense her peak and covered her mouth with his, kissing her deeply as she cried out softly. Fortunately, the music, laughter, conversations and other sounds of the celebration helped to mask her soft sighs of pleasure which could not all be absorbed by her husband’s mouth.

She rested against his body, her breathing slowly returning to normal as his mouth teased hers. He had not allowed himself release and the delicious ache in his body only served to heighten his arousal. He was not only pushing his wife beyond her limits, but himself as well. He lifted her from him and deftly re-laced his leggings, though it was painful and he knew his desire would be obvious. He pulled her back into his lap and she laid her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her softly, waiting until she had regained her composure before going back to sit beside Erestor and Haldir.


Rumil and Charika enjoyed the celebration, but were more interested in each other. They slipped out early, running along the corridors and stairwells of the keep like two children escaping the watchful eyes of their parents in order to get into mischief. Rumil opened the door to their chamber and pulled her inside, closing the door behind them, and turned to where she leaned against the ornately carved door. They were both laughing and his heart felt joy at her seeming return to the woman who had shared so many other days laughing and loving with him.

His hands pressed against the door on either side of her and he leaned down and kissed her softly. Her lips parted under his and their kiss deepened as her hands moved up to smooth over his chest, fingers nimbly unfastening his tunic and delicately drifting over his bare chest. He shrugged out of the garment and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body against his. She gripped his shoulders as he lowered his mouth to her throat, nibbling gently.

She moaned softly and he deftly removed the scrap of vest, her lush breasts spilling out. Bending lower, he squeezed one possessively as his mouth teased the other. Her head dropped back and she closed her eyes, her fingers moving up to wrap themselves in his hair. Rumil reached down and unfastened her skirt and then scooped her up into his arms, the thin garment floating into a silky puddle at their feet.

Without breaking their kiss, he carried her to the bed and laid her in the center, reluctantly releasing her so he could quickly remove the remainder of his clothing. She stretched languidly, the mithril chain about her waist the only thing she wore. He kissed her again, then moved down, his mouth trailing across her flesh, pausing to nibble at her breasts, then dropping to her navel. His tongue teased her flesh lightly and she inhaled sharply. Wrapping his arms around her thighs he lifted her hips and began making love to her with his mouth.

Charika’s body arched as she squealed in delight. It had been so long since she had made love to her lord and it felt so incredibly … marvelous. She had forgotten what it was like to simply abandon herself to pleasure---the joy of reveling in the touch of a lover whose desire to bring her bliss was just as great as---or exceeded---his desire for his own gratification. She achieved her peak quickly, the pent up longing exploding as she screamed his name.

Rumil laughed with sheer happiness. He had longed to feel her body tensing, not in fear, but in the throes of pleasure; to hear her scream, not in terror, but in delight. He moved back up her body and kissed her as she tried to catch her breath. She wrapped her arms around him and gazed at him with pleasure-glazed eyes.

“I … Oh, my lord,” she sighed and he smiled, lowering his lips to hers again, teasing her tongue with his own, nibbling her lips. His need was painful and he took her hand, placing it on him.

“Take your pleasure from me, my love,” he said. He wanted to simply plunge into her, but forced himself to allow her to set the pace. She caressed him, her touch feather-light and it was all he could do to control his yearning. She smiled and reached up with her other hand, pulling his lips down to hers as she guided him. His tongue slipped into her mouth as he slid into her body, her legs wrapping around his waist.

He groaned as he was enveloped by her body and time lost its meaning as they spent the rest of the night making up for the lost months. When he achieved release, he almost allowed himself to spill inside of her. But even though he now knew it was certainly possible to share one’s seed without binding, all he had ever known of his kind caused him to hold back. Still, the pleasure was exquisite.

The sun was well up before they finally drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms. Charika could not remember feeling so safe since before … the darkness. She refused to think about it and instead allowed herself to relax in the arms of her handsome Elven lord.


The celebration went on throughout the night and the Elves and their mortal kin ate, drank, danced, sang and loved the night away. Haldir brought several bottles of Rhunian wine over to their secluded corner and he, Legolas and Erestor sat back, watching their brethren, both eastern and western, as they sampled the delights available. Durisia, tiring of dancing, joined Erestor and they shared one of the bottles of wine. Legolas and Haldir shared another, with Alexandra occasionally taking some from her husband. He did not wish his wife to become completely inebriated, but, by giving her small amounts along and along, she remained relaxed, much to their mutual delight.

“In truth, this reminds me of the days in Mirkwood before things became so … dark,” Legolas said, taking a long swallow of wine before handing the bottle to Haldir.

“Indeed,” the Lorien Elf replied, taking a drink. “I recall one or two such occasions when visiting your father’s kingdom. Alas,” he sighed, “we were not so … exuberant with our celebrations in Lorien.”

Erestor gave a wry laugh. “You should have dwelt among my people,” he said. “Seldom did we celebrate in such a manner, especially after Celebrian’s departure.” He paused as Durisia stroked his cheek and he kissed her forehead. “It is no wonder Elrond’s children often traveled from Rivendell. They all enjoyed laughter, dancing, singing---things that were not often found in the later years in Imladris.”

“How did Glorfindel endure it?” Legolas mused. “He appears to enjoy the tangible pleasures of life.” Indeed, the golden-haired Elf Lord was happily immersed the attentions of the two females who had been his companions at dinner. None of the three seemed to notice---or, at the least, seemed to care about---the boisterous crowd carrying on around them.

“Oh, there were … diversions,” Erestor said with a distant smile. Both of the younger Elves glanced at him sharply. Something in his tone brought to mind decadent delights that seemed quite at odds with the somewhat sedate and dignified demeanor of the Noldor.

“I see Rumil and Charika have departed,” Legolas observed.

“Yes,” Haldir replied, taking another drink before passing the bottle back to Legolas. “They seemed most anxious to retire. It gladdens my heart to see them both looking so happy.”

The Elven prince nodded. “Perhaps Rumil’s love was all she needed to bring her back from the prison in which she has dwelt these many months.” He glanced down at his wife, nestled in his arms, her fingertips lightly moving over his chest where she had opened the first few fastenings of his tunic. “The love of one’s mate can work wonders,” he added, tilting her chin up so he could look into her eyes. She smiled lazily and he kissed her softly. “I highly recommend it”

Haldir bit back a sarcastic comment. In truth, he yearned for the kind of connection with Meriel that Legolas and Alexandra seemed to share. Perhaps it was time to take that step. But … it would not be tonight, he thought as Orophin and Helcarin joined them, an entourage of laughing females in tow. One of the eastern women---at least he thought she was mostly mortal---smiled at him and Haldir pulled her onto his lap. She gave a muted squeal of laughter and he caught her goblet before any of the wine could spill and took a long drink, then lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her thoroughly.

“Sarendir tells us you and Vanurion are planning a trip to Goroth’s keep,” Helcarin said to his father. “Do you mind if we join you?” He had his arm around Pomea and was idly stroking her bare back.

“Not at all,” Erestor replied. “It will be a few days hence. Durisia and Cunion tell me there are still many documents that were left in Goroth’s dwelling place and none have been back to sort through them. I must admit to curiosity about what may be there. I have already made some fascinating discoveries here.”

Helcarin glanced at the elleth in his father’s lap. “So I understand,” he said, diplomatically. He turned his attention to Legolas and Alexandra and bowed slightly, “I see you gave up dancing, my lady.” Indeed, once she had joined her husband in the alcove where the couch was located, she had not ventured back to the main part of the vast room.

She lifted her head to look at him and smiled. “Yes. I found much more interesting diversions.” He could see she was in a mildly euphoric state and not all of it was attributable to the Rhunian wine. She met Pomea’s eyes and the two ladies exchanged meaningful glances that were not lost on the Elves; however, the message was clear only to Alexandra and the eastern she-Elf.

Helcarin kissed the top of Pomea’s head and glanced at Orophin. “Shall we take our leave, my friend?”

Orophin nodded and smiled, bowing slightly to the others, bidding them a good night. He and Helcarin, Pomea between them, one of her arms around each of them, left the room. Alex watched them go and again felt a twinge of envy at the elleth’s easy manner. She looked up and saw Legolas watching her and the look in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Come, my love,” he said softly. “I will not wait to sate my desire any longer.”

“You can do it now,” she said, meeting his eyes. “You do not need to wait.”

He smiled slowly. “My need will not be satisfied with a surreptitious joining as we had earlier. Everyone would know---there would be nothing discrete about it.”

“Then take me as you wish,” she said, her tongue pressing lightly against his throat, feeling his pulse beating steadily beneath.

In truth, he would do it … and she would let him. She had been responding to him all evening exactly as he had known she would. For all of her strength and independence, his wife yearned for the freedom to indulge herself and let go of her inhibitions; the freedom that came from yielding control. He had seen her watching the way the females of the east behaved and could see that she was jealous---she wanted to be as relaxed as they were. He did not believe she wished to take lovers or be quite as free with her favors as his eastern cousins; but still, she wanted to be … not quite so easily embarrassed; not quite so repressed.

He did not mind her shyness---it was oddly arousing, the way she combined her propriety with surprisingly wanton behavior when they were alone. Still, she found herself embarrassed easily and he knew it bothered her---and he would do anything to eliminate any annoyance for his beloved Alexandra.

She trailed her tongue down his throat moving to encircle one of his nipples before lightly biting it. She turned in his lap to kneel astride him, unfastening his tunic as her mouth moved over his chest licking, sucking, nibbling. Her hands stroked his body and she let her lips move over his muscular belly and looked up, meeting his gaze.

Sweet Eru, he would take her now. He watched as she swirled her tongue over his chest and lowered her hand to where his leggings were being strained by his insistent need. She did not touch it, but he could feel the heat of her flesh as her fingers floated just above him. All he had to do was let her know he desired it and she would release him regardless of the others still present. He felt no qualms about doing anything with his friends around. Alex, however …

She had responded to Erestor and Haldir readily and he knew she would be embarrassed later. The sight of his wife behaving in such an uncharacteristically submissive manner had been quite arousing; and her current willingness to pleasure him publicly was almost more than he could bear.

He stood and held her in his arms for a moment, then his eyes sparkled mischievously and he threw her over his shoulder and strode from the room. She tried to stifle her shrieks of laughter, but the image that came to her mind of the picture they must present simply would not allow her to remain silent.

Legolas took the stairs two at a time and fairly ran through the corridors to their room, pushing the door open with one hand, then kicking it closed behind them. He dropped her onto the bed and plopped down atop her, joining in her laughter. Sweet Eru, but he loved his wife. As their giggles subsided, he caressed her cheek, his thumb moving over her soft lips as he studied her eyes.

“I love you, Alexandra,” he said.

“I love you, Legolas,” she answered, her fingers drifting up to caress his chest as she pushed his tunic off of his shoulders. He extricated himself from the suddenly troublesome garment and she gripped his upper arms, loving the way his muscles felt so strong and solid. He lowered his mouth to hers and they kissed for what seemed an eternity. His nimble fingers unfastened her gown and managed to peel it down. She lifted her hips and suddenly, the gown was gone, joining Legolas’ tunic somewhere on the floor.

Legolas trailed kisses down her body, stopping to nibble lightly at her breasts, then down to her navel where he gently tugged the mithril ring with his teeth. When he moved lower, she gasped and tried to push her body against his teasing mouth. In truth, he did not have the will to taunt her any longer. He must have her. Reluctantly pulling back, he quickly removed his boots and leggings. When his desire was released, it caused him to inhale sharply, so sensitive was his flesh. The merest touch of her body would send him over the edge and he did not dally.

He stroked her thighs and belly, drawing out his yearning to the last possible moment. Then, holding her gaze he plunged into her quickly and fully, both of them groaning at the sensation. Alexandra raised her legs and wrapped them around his hips, his hands grasping hers, holding them on either side of her head as he began to move inside of her. He was already on a knife’s edge and as soon as she achieved her release, he would allow himself his own.

It did not take long and soon both of them were crying out each other’s name as they reached their mutual peak. Their entwined fingers relaxed only a bit and neither moved for a long time, simply nuzzling each other, kissing softly and whispering words of love. Like Rumil and Charika, the sun was already up by the time they finally fell asleep in each other’s arms.


In another part of the keep, Pomea lay in Helcarin’s arms, her back against his chest as he propped against the pillows in the large bed. Orophin’s head rested on her flat belly and she idly stroked the Lorien Warden’s silky silver and gold hair. Her other hand was draped over Helcarin’s thigh as he traced along her fingers with his own. They were pleasantly exhausted from the night’s merriment, not to mention the prodigious amounts of wine each had consumed. Even for Elves, the Rhunian wine packed quite a punch.

Orophin turned his gaze to his friends.

“Speak your thoughts,” he said with a smile.

Pomea’s green eyes gazed upon him with compassion. “You care for the prince’s wife a great deal.” Though he had laughed and indulged himself with others, she had noticed his gaze straying to Alexandra at times, and, in an unguarded moment, she saw both the love and pain his friendship with Legolas and his wife sometimes brought him.

The Lorien Elf turned on his side so he could face the two of them, his cheek resting against the firm, but comfortable muscles of her stomach. She continued to run her fingers through his hair and he smiled faintly.

“Was I that obvious?”

“Yes,” they replied in unison. Helcarin added, “I had sensed something troubling you earlier, when we spoke about the dangers of loving a mortal. I had thought you were concerned for your brother, but the feeling you emanated caused me to believe it was something more. When I saw you watching her tonight, I realized that you, too, have given your heart to a mortal, though yours is a …” He trailed off, uncertain of how to diplomatically express his thoughts.

“Forbidden, doomed love?” Orophin finished for him. “Believe me, my friend, I know how hopeless it is. She is my friend, as is Legolas. Though I have known her only a few years, I value her no less than the friends I have had for millennia. I … did not seek to change the love I naturally felt for her into something more. In fact, at times it is as though something else simply tempts me with her, twisting my love into something … wrong. Still, I cannot help how I feel; only how I act on those feelings.”

“You have behaved with honor, so far as I can see,” Helcarin said. “I do not believe the prince or his lady see anything dishonorable in your care for Alexandra. But your pain is sometimes palpable, my friend. I would see you happy.”

“As would I,” Pomea added. “Your strength of character is borne out by the honorable way you have dealt with your dilemma.”

“Again, you have my thanks,” he replied, reaching up and stroking her arm as Helcarin continued to caress her cheek. Pomea smiled and closed her eyes and thought how fortunate she was not to be forced to restrict her affections.