Broken Hearts

Broken Hearts

Chapter 13
Author: Frosty the Kingpin
Codes: Legolas, Haldir, Elrond, Thranduil, OC, AU, N/C, INC
Rated: NC-17
Summary: During talks of combining Mirkwood and Imladris into one force, a relationship takes a downward spiral.

You people are lazy. REVIEW ME!

*

She knew he was in there. Haldir had informed her when he had arrived, and for nearly two hours afterwards she roamed the city, asking the occasional elf if they knew if he had returned. She was avoiding, she knew, but at least she recognized that she was doing it on purpose. Her stomach fluttered nervously as she thought about what she was going to say, and what he would say as well. The thought that perhaps he had changed his mind about her crossed hers, and it made her feel even more anxious. The last thing she needed now was rejection.

But here she stood, in front of the door that would lead her to the room of her husband. They had separate quarters, in separated buildings located quite a distance from each other. He had not visited her there even once. Tári kept reminding herself that he had good reasons for not making her a priority, but she still felt slightly ruffled by it. Her wedding had been less than a week ago, and not once since then had she felt even cared for.

Raising her hand to knock, she bit her lip and rested her palm against the wood grain instead. Was she being selfish by doing this now? Haldir's advice kept repeating in her ears, though, telling her to speak to him immediately. The Marchwarden was a good, loyal friend. She knew he would never tell her to do something that would be considered disrespectful.

Taking a deep breath, she rapped her knuckles against the door. Her heart pounded in her chest as she heard his footsteps approach, then the lock on the door slide open. Forcing a pleasant smile, she greeted Elrond when he appeared. "Good evening."

"Tári," he responded, smiling sincerely. It gave her relief to see that he seemed genuinely pleased to see her. "What can I do for you?"

Her happiness faded slightly. He was not inviting her in. "I was wondering if I could speak with you?"

He seemed to hesitate, but then opened the door wide. She wondered if perhaps she had imagined it. "Of course. Please come in."

Stepping inside, she widened her eyes and looked around the room. It was bathed in reds and golds, and was only slightly larger than her own quarters. It felt regad ind inviting in his room. Looking back at him, she thought it matched Elrond perfectly.

"Can I offer you a drink?" Sweeping by her, he approached a small table that held a teapot and cups.

Her stomach turned in nervousness. "No, thank you," she replied, stopping him from pouring.

Setting the pot back upon its base, he turned and narrowed his eyes slightly. "Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but you seem agitated." When she unconsciously knit her brow and looked away, he tilted his head. "Is something wrong?"

Clasping her hands in front of her, Tári sat down upon one of the chairs and tried to get comfortable. She felt too tense to do so. "Nothing is wrong, but yes, I suppose I am agitated." Looking up with apologetic eyes, she jumped into her explanation. "I did not want to bother you at such a time, but the need to speak with you was great. It is a personal matter, and I hope you don't find it too petty."

He looked worried now as he sat down across from her. "Your happiness is important to me, Tári. Any concern of yours is a concern of mine. Tell me, what do you wish to speak about?"

The corner of her lips turned up into a smirk. "You may think it foolishly romantic of me, but..." she sighed and turned her downcast eyes up at him, "I wonder why you do not spend more time with me."

Sitting back slightly, Elrond's expression turned surprised. "You want me to spend time with you?"

"I know there's a war to worry about," she said quickly, "I know that is the most important thing. It's just that...I am lonely."

"Haldir...?"

"Haldir's my friend," she interrupted, "You are my husband." Swallowing heavily when he looked away, she gathered her courage and continued speaking. "I know this is not the arrangement wuld uld have chosen, but it has chosen us. I want to make the best of it. I do not dislike you, Elrond, and if I remember your words correctly, you care for me as well. I would like to get to know you. If you want to get to know me, that is."

He looked up, his eyes sharp and serious. "Of course I want to get to know you." Sighing, he rubbed his forehead and smiled. "I must apologize, for I believe I may have been inadvertantly avoiding you. When I told you I cared for you, I feared I may have overstepped my bounds. I have been trying to repair that ever since, and I perhaps have gone too far. You are my wife. I understand that. I am sorry I have not been a better husband."

Tári smiled, holding it back slightly to maintain composure. "You greatly relieve me. I feared you perhaps had changed your mind."

"Not at all." Elrond's eyes grew soft as he leaned forward and looked over her face. She could feel herself blush. "You are a beautiful, lovely lady. I consider myself lucky to have such a companion."

She shook her head and smirked. "I was so worried about coming to talk to you. I just didn't know what to expect."

He was watching her closely as she spoke, and Tári found herself averting her own eyes from his as he continued to regard her. His face was contemplative. "I think maybe I was worried as well, about what your feelings were about me," he said finally. "Our situation is unusual, and has the potential to be upsetting."

"I don't want it to be that way," she replied quietly, "I want us to be friends, othiothing more."

"I as well." Reaching across the space between them, Elrond placed his warm hand upon her cheek and gently stroked ski skin. She watched him closely as he slowly trailed his hand along her hair. Her breathing became heavy as he fingered her hair softly before brushing it behind her ear. "You have great beauty, Tári. Has anyone ever told you that?"

Her father had. Legolas had. She shivered slightly when his finger traced her ear. "No one who was not related to me."

Elrond laughed and pulled his hand away. She felt as though she wanted to move closer to him so she could once again gain his touch. "I have hope that this war will end soon, or at least quell. I will have more time for you then."
tingting her lip, she stood and walked to the window. Evening was settling over the city, but the place still sparkled in the pale moonlight. She was beginning to miss Mirkwood more and more.

Not knowing how to respond to Elrond, she only sighed and kept to herself, staring out at the garden below. She listened as he stood from his chair and walked towards her, and trembled when he laid his hands upon her shoulders. Turning her gently, ippeipped her chin so she looked up at him and he smiled. "My dear," he spoke quietly, "Not only have you given up your freedom, you have also lost your home to be my wife. It has not been easy for you, I know. I understand, and appreciate the patience you have shown me." The smile faded from his expression as he let out a breath. "You have been through much. I wish I could make things better for you."

That caring he had shown her in Mirkwood was apparent in him once more. "None of this is your fault."

His hand cupped her face as he looked her over. Tári felt her skin flush, and she instinctually bent her head into his hand. Reaching his other hand towards her, Elrond brushed the hair from her face and it was then that she felt a flutter in her stomach. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to feel him closer to her.

Still, though, when he leaned down to her and pressed his lips against hers, she tensed. His kiss was soft and fleeting, more gentle than she had ever felt before. Trembling slightly, she realized that this was her first kiss from someone who cared for her in a way that was pure. It was worlds different than how Legolas had treated her.

In the few seconds it took for their kiss to end, Tári knew that she wanted to be loved by someone who would treat her kindly. Her only experience with sex had been her brother, and she did not want to live with not having known what it's like to be with someone who wanted to give pleasure as well as receive it.

When Elrond moved away, she touched her hands to his chest and looked up at him with wide eyes. "I want this," she breathed when he began to look uncertain. His hand stilled on her shoulder. "I have never been loved by someone gentle. I want to experience it."

She could see he was struggling. "Are you sure? If we do this, our relationship will never be the same."

Tári could understand that. Swallowing away the dryness in her mouth, she nodded. "I know. It could be better, though." Pushing away her fears, she gazed into his eyes with confidence. "I feel I could love you, Elrond. Tell me if you do not feel the same."

His eyes softened considerably. "I will not tell you that, for it is not true." His hand again met her cheek and he rubbed tenderly, smoothing his fingers through her hair. "I have desire for you."

Smiling and stepping forward, she stood up on her toes and kissed his mouth, resting her hands on his shoulders for support. Closing her eyes, she felt his hands moveher her arms and grip tightly as he brushed his tongue along her lips, losing himself in the exploration. Tári opened her mouth to his and moaned softly as he dipped in, stroking his warmth against her own.

She felt herself become hungry for him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she heard him groan low and became urged on by that, deepening their kiss. She was ever aware of his warm hands as they moved to her waist and held tight.

As they parted, Tári took hold of one of his hands and gently pulled him along as she moved to the bed. She was sure of this, confident, and he was looking at her like she was something to be devoured. It made her feel wanted and very powerful.

He stared down at her with eager, heated eyes, using his hands to touch and caress her face. "Will you be gentle with me?" she asked breatlessly as he planted tender kisses along her neck.

"I will show you true love," he replied, loosening the ties of her bodice. A thrill passed through her as each ribbon slipped from its knot.

Tári stood still, allowing him to undress her. The slow, mild movements made her ache with need. Legolas had treated her so roughly, she felt as though she was craving a delicate touch.

As he pushed the top of her dress from her shoulders, she felt a flutter of anxiety pulse through her body. She stood naked from the waist up, exposed. "Beautiful," he breathed as his fingers rubbed over her collarboneri fri felt her trust and want build as he leaned forward and captured her lips in a fiery kiss that made all but the now disappear.

In the midst of their kiss, Elrond undid his shirt and pulled it from his shoulders. As he pulled her close to him, she felt his naked flesh touch hers and a spark rushed through her body. Her tongue meshed with his as he rubbed her bare back, warming her chilled skin.

The want between them became charged as Elrond slipped the dress from her hips and allowed it to hit the ground. Tári's fingers pulled at the strings of his pants as he moved her back to the bed so her legs hit the mattress, causing her to fall back upon it. He wasted no time in climbing over her as she pulled herseigheigher.

Her arms fell upon the bed as he attacked her throat, sucking at the sensitive skin. She sighed and moaned as his mouth continued downward and his hands locked tightly around her waist. Arching as he lapped at her breast, she curled her legs up and unconsciously secured them around his hips, which urged him on. Elrond sucked warmly at the upraised peak of her breast, alternating between them and causing Tári to throw her head to the side in pleasure.

When he sat up, she looked at him with hazy eyes and relaxed against the bed, panting. He slipped the pants from his body, exposing his nakedness to her. Once again leaning over, he dipped his fingers into the straps of her lace panties and drew them down her legs.

Free of all clothing, Tári pressed her hands to his chest as he kissed her on the lips, biting at the fullness. A hand slipped over her hip and, without asking, he gently inserted a finger into her wetness. She whimpered at the intrusion, rolling her hips into his hand without thinking and blinking back the onslaught of pleasure. "Are you ready?" he asked, sliding his finger along her sensitive flesh.

Biting her lip and fighting to remain coherent, she breathed a "yes". In one swift movement, he removed his hand and positioned himself against her. Tári could feel the tip of his hardness against her.

In an achingly slow act, he pressed himself into her body. Arching her neck back and groaning low, she tightened her legs around his hips and breathed heavily until he rested upon her. His wet mouth traced her neck as she panted, and in a deep, husky tone he asked, "How does it feel?"

Her arms gripped his body tight as she fidgeted. It felt so different from Legolas. "Good. Warm." When he raised his face up to look at, sh, she smiled and rolled her hips forward, watching his eyelids flutter in pleasure.

With one arm supporting him against the bed, Elrond hooked his other hand around her thigh and pulled it up, pushing down just a little further. Tári gasped in a breath as he pulled back and thrust forward, starting a gentle, rhythmic pace between them.

Sweat began to bead on her forehead as she pressed her hips to his as he rolled over her again and again. His actions were paced and gentle, and in no way disappointing or threatening. Tári felt comfortable with Elrond, and kissed him hungrily when he dipped his mouth to hers. She could taste the salt of his own sweat as he increased the pace, furthuring the pleasure in her body.

A dull aching crept into her abdomen as he thrust inside her body. Tightening her arms around him and gasping his name, she allowed the pressure to increase until she finally succumbed to the flutter within her. Elrond groaned, driving harder into her as she writhed beneath him until he met his own release and fell against her body, breathing hard on her moist skin.

Tári's mind felt hazy and tired as she laid there, his warm body blanketing her. His breath echoed in her ears and she found it comforting. When he pressed a kiss against her neck, she smiled.

"That was...nice," she breathed, inhaling his scent.

Pushing himself up on his elbows, Elrond kissed her lips softly and smiled. "I am pleased you enjoyed it."

Grinning, she released her hold on his body as he pulled himself from her and laid down beside her. "Did you enjoy it as well?"

His eyes roamed over her naked body as she maneuvered herself under the covers. "Yes," he replied, touching her face, "Very much."

"I feel better now," she said quietly as he stroked her hair. It was so comfortable beside him. "I'm glad we did this."

His gentle, rhythmic touch began to lull her into haziness. "I as well," he said, his voice low and calming. She tried with all her effort to remain awake, but the peace was just too overwhelming. Within minutes, she was sound asleep.

*

Tári planted her feet firmly on the ground and eyed her target. The red of the bullseye was vivid in her sight and, with a slight pull on the arrow, she released it to the wind.

It thumped into its target, just off centre. "You need practice," said Haldir, raising an eyebrow. She didn't say anything, only casting a disparaging glare in his direction before stringing another arrow. When she let that one fly, it missed the target completely. "A lot of practice."

Frustrated, she set her bow down and pursed her lips. "I'm just distracted."

Smoothing the feather end of an arrow between his fingers, the Marchwarden narrowed his eyes. "What distracts you?" When she did not respond, he inquired, "Did you speak with Elrond?"

Shuffling her foot in the dirt, Tári relented. "Yes."

Now fully interested, Haldir set down the arrow and titled his head so he could look into her downcast eyes. "And?"

She looked up. "And things went well." A small grin that she coult hit hide appeared on her lips.

He mimicked the expression. "I am very glad to hear that. Will you tell me more?" He knit his brow when she blushed furiously and looked away, pretending to fiddle with her bow. "Or are there details I do not want to know?"

She laughed despite herself. "There might be." When she looked up, Haldir was watching her with an unreadable expression. "Did I do the right thing?"

He shook his head. "I can't answer that."

"But what do you think?" She bit her lip in concern. Her friend's opinion meant something to her.

"Are you happy?"

Without hesitation, she answered, "Yes."

"Then I think you did the right thing,"replreplied, smiling. When she exhaled a deep, held breath, he asked, "What is next?"

Pushing herself up on the stone wall lining the courtyard, she considered. "I'm not sure. We spoke this morning, and decided to have dinner together tonight. To talk. I expect we will continue to explore our relationship." When he continued to watch her with searching eyes, she began to wonder what he was thinking. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You're relaxed." When she raiser eyr eyebrows questioningly, he added, "You spent the night with your husband, something that could have caused you stress for many different reasons." She looked downward as Legolas entered her mind. "But you're so relaxed. It pleases me to no end to see you like this." He hesitated before continuing. "You have not even asked me about your brother."

"I know," she said quietly. "I was worried at first as well, but it was fine. It was more than fine." Kicking her feet against thel, sl, she smiled. "I think I'm beginning to look forward to the rest of this marriage, and I think I might not need to know about Legolas. Perhaps it is time to move on."

"I think that's a good idea."

Closing her eyes in a moment of weakness, she asked, "Have you found out anything about him yet?"

"No. I was going to today. Do you still want me to?"

Looking up, she sighed and thought about it. Part of her wanted to know. Another part wanted to forget. "No," she finally replied, "Let it be. It is time to move beyond him." Speaking those words brought her relief, as it felt like a weight had been lifted from her.

"Good." Taking on humour, he smirked and added, "Still, your newfound life does not excuse your poor archery skills. You need more practice."

Sliding from the wall, she lifted her bow and slid an arrow from her quiver. "We will practice then," she replied, raising the weapon and concentrating on her target. When the arrow released, it hit the centre bullseye.

Haldir grinned. "That's better."

*

TBC