Strength & Joy.

Disclaimer/Author's Notes: 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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Over the next several days, Orophin and Lassea found themselves in the company of others, never actually alone together. She was a bit embarrassed by her perceived lack of self-control and found she craved his company yet was oddly afraid to be alone with him again. For his part, Orophin longed to once again hold her and spend quiet, companionable time together, but did not trust himself not to push the lady further than she should go, willing or not.

At last, the feast of Lord Celeborn’s begetting arrived and there was much merrymaking throughout not only Caras Galadhon, but the rest of Lothlorien as well. Orophin found himself with Taurnil and their friends drinking the fine wines and enjoying the excellent dishes. He was laughing at a story Calaglin was telling when he happened to see Lassea with a group of ellyth across the clearing.

She looked up at the same time, meeting his gaze, and something unspoken and unconscious passed between them. Both moved toward each other, meeting in a quiet area under one of the trees.

“We have not had the chance to be alone for several days,” he said with a smile.

She blushed slightly. “I know. Things have been busy preparing for the celebration.”

“Indeed,” he replied. He lowered his voice. “I have missed our talks and our time together.”

She was very aware of his proximity. “As have I,” she answered softly, not daring to look at him. She unconsciously twisted the end of one of the laces of her gown and bit her lower lip.

“Come, my lady. Let us sit for a moment.” He held out his hand and she hesitated only a moment before taking it. His fingers entwined with hers and he smiled, leading her to one of the stone benches secluded in the shelter of the forest. They could still see the dancing and hear the revelry, but were not visible to others.

They were quiet for a few moments, holding hands and listening to their kin as they sang and celebrated. Finally, she spoke.

“How much longer will you be in the city?”

“Two more weeks,” he replied. “I do not know when I will return from the border.”

She nodded. Two weeks was no time at all and it may be years before he returned. With the growing shadow, there was always the chance that she would not see him again in Middle-Earth. They may not meet again until they both dwelt in Valinor or in the Halls of Waiting.

Orophin could sense her turbulent emotions and was struck with the realization that he did not wish to leave her under these circumstances. He knew his duty as a Guardian could keep him from Caras Galadhon for years, and though it was not long for one of the Firstborn, he was surprised to find the thought of being away from Lassea for an unknown length of time was unpleasant. He reached up with his other hand and turned her face to his.

“I would speak honestly with you,” he said softly and saw sudden fear and hope at war in her eyes. He smiled. “I do not wish to leave you with things as they are. There is a chance this growing threat in Middle-Earth could claim the lives of many of our kind. In defense of our realm, there is a very real chance I could find myself in Mandos’ Halls. I … do not wish to wait until I am released to be with you again.” He watched her eyes for her reaction.

Lassea felt a frisson of mingled fear and pleasure run through her. She could not deny that she desired him and wished to be with him; yet it was also something about which she felt apprehensive. She knew he was much worldlier than she, and was struck by the thought that he might find her relative innocence tiresome. Yet, they had known each other for centuries---granted, it had been a casual acquaintance and he had always seen her simply as Dinendal’s younger sister---and she knew him to be honorable. Her parents definitely approved of him and, most importantly, her heart told her that Orophin was the one meant for her.

“Do … do you wish to---to …” She could not find the correct words. “I have known no male, my lord,” she said, looking away. “I am unaccustomed to casual sport.”

Orophin felt a wave of affection tinged with a bit of shame wash over him. That she felt it necessary to tell him of her innocence was both endearing and sad. “I do not wish casual sport, Lassea,” he told her gently. Tilting her chin up, he brushed her lips with his. “I do not believe you would object if I were to ask you to be my wife.”

As soon as the words were spoken, he could not believe he had just asked her to marry him. He had never considered marriage before---well, only in an abstract sense. The notion had never been one of serious consideration until he had become reacquainted with Lassea. He supposed it was true, what the older Elves had always said: When the one you were meant for came along, your heart knew.

Lassea could not believe what she was hearing. Orophin of Lorien, the object of her adoration for many years, had asked her to marry him. She opened her mouth to speak and no words would come.

He watched her, a small smile touching his lips. He resisted the urge to kiss her, so tempting was her sweet mouth in her confusion.

“I … I would be most honored to be your wife, my lord,” she finally managed to whisper.

“Then we shall seal the agreement,” he said, lowering his lips to hers, kissing her softly.

Her lips yielded to his and her hands brushed over his shoulders. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace, deepening the kiss despite his best intentions. Yet, he did not simply wish to sate his desire with her; he wanted to protect her, hold her, comfort her and keep her with him always.

She gripped his upper arms tightly as his mouth took possession of hers and again felt that odd fluttering in her lower belly. Being held in Orophin’s embrace was both comforting and a little frightening. All of these feelings were overwhelming; but with Orophin beside her, she felt secure.

Their kiss finally ended and they parted reluctantly though their fingers entwined. She smiled up at him shyly and his gaze was tender, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Shall we speak to your parents?” He almost laughed at her quick nod. “From what you have said, I do not believe it will come as a surprise to them.”

She blushed. “It is true, my parents have known of my feelings for quite some time. I … I never knew how you felt, though. You were not often here and so it was difficult to know your feelings, though, in my heart, I knew it was you.” She met his eyes and he could see her sincerity. “I knew I always felt safe and happy around you, but was never certain of the reason. Then, that evening in the bathing pool, I saw you and I knew---I simply knew---you were the one.”

He recalled how she had seemed surprised and a bit frightened when they had met that night. Now he knew the reason for her seemingly incongruous behavior.

“I was not as fortunate as you,” he said with a small laugh. “I did not know until just a short time ago that you were the elleth I desired above all others. That evening in the wood, I realized that my feelings for you were more than simply those one would have for the sister of a comrade. Can you forgive my tardiness?”

She smiled and reached up, tentatively touching his cheek. “I believe you can convince me.”

He chuckled and kissed her again. When it ended, they stood and went, hand-in-hand, in search of Lassea’s parents.

Fordredir and Calrhodel had just poured themselves goblets of wine to refresh after dancing. Lassea’s mother saw them approach and, being a mother, recognized the look in her daughter’s eyes. She felt a flutter in her heart but knew Orophin was the perfect choice for Lassea. They were of similar temperament and he was a natural guardian and protector, the right complement to her daughter’s occasional timidity. Fordredir followed his wife’s gaze and saw the couple approach and knew the day he had long expected had finally arrived.

Orophin bowed respectfully to the couple. “My lord, my lady. Lassea and I have chosen to join our lives as husband and wife and are asking your blessing.”

Fordredir smiled. “You were never one to mince words, Master Warden.” He looked at his daughter. “Though we have known of your affection for Orophin for some time, I would ask you again, my daughter, if it is truly your desire to bind with him as his wife.”

Her fingers tightened on Orophin’s and he squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“I love Orophin with all of my heart, Ada. I want nothing more than to be his wife.”

Glancing at his wife, Fordredir nodded. “Then you have our blessing. We know you will honor our daughter and we welcome you as her husband.”

Calrhodel kissed Orophin on the cheek. “Take care of her,” she whispered, then embraced her daughter. “You have chosen well,” she said with a smile. Lassea nodded, realizing she was now in uncharted territory. Once she and Orophin lay together and bound themselves one to the other, she would no longer be primarily the daughter of Fordredir and Calrhodel. She would be the Lassea, wife of Orophin, Guardian of the Golden Wood.

They discussed the details of announcing the marriage and Fordredir and Calrhodel were not surprised that the couple did not wish to wait the usual year of betrothal. With the growing threat of evil in Middle-Earth, all faced the very real possibility of being sent to the Halls of Waiting at any time, though the people of the Golden Wood were safer than many others, most notably their Mirkwood kin. Still, Orophin, as one of the Wardens of Lorien, was in a particularly dangerous position, and they had not the heart to insist the couple go through the entire formal betrothal and marriage ceremonies. They would have a banquet announcing the marriage just before Orophin returned to the border.

“Will you return home or,” Fordredir’s smile was tinged with sadness, “will you remain with your husband-to-be?” He already knew the answer.

Orophin felt Lassea’s grip tighten reflexively on his hand and he returned it calmly.

She glanced at Orophin. “I …” Now that the question had been posed, she could not find her voice. Once she lay with Orophin and they bound themselves to one another, her life would be irrevocably changed. One look, however, at his calm, loving gaze was enough to drive any lingering anxiety from her mind. “I will go with my lord,” she said, meeting her parents’ eyes. “We have but a short time before he must return to the border.”

Calrhodel smiled, having known it would be her choice---she would have done the same. Still, it felt odd to turn her daughter over to another’s care for eternity. She nodded.

“We will see you next week and discuss the banquet. I will make the arrangements.” She hugged Lassea close then gave Orophin a smile before stepping back. Fordredir kissed his daughter on the forehead then put his arm around his wife.

“May the blessings of the Valar go with you both as you begin your life together,” he said.

Orophin bowed again to his future wife’s parents then led her toward his talan. Lassea gazed for a moment at her parents, then turned to Orophin. He smiled at her as they walked away from the festivities and entered the quiet of the forest. They strolled hand-in-hand through the Golden Wood, the moonlight filtered through the trees giving a soft glow to everything. They had gone far enough that the echoes of music and singing were a pleasant backdrop, and Orophin stopped and turned to her.

The soft moonlight gave her already pale blonde hair a sheen that made it look as though a cloud of spun mithril fell about her shoulders. Her dark blue eyes glittered and he could see excitement tinged with anxiety in them. He also saw implicit trust and his heart was touched.

Pulling her close, he kissed her softly.

“I love you, Lassea,” he murmured, inhaling the scent of the sweet oil she combed through her hair.

“Oh, my lord,” she sighed. “I love you more than I can say.” Her cheek rested against his shoulder and she felt so safe in his arms. The worries of the world were far away at this moment and she would not allow them to intrude on her perfect happiness.

They held each other for some time, each simply enjoying the feel of the other, the sense of knowing the other half of one’s heart was within your arms. Finally, Orophin tilted her chin up so he could gaze into her eyes.

“We should go to the talan,” he said. “If, that is, you are ready, my love.”

She swallowed. “I … I am ready,” she whispered. “But … my lord, may we …? I would like for our first joining to be …” She trailed off, blushing and he bit back a chuckle.

“Would you like to remain in the wood?” he asked, knowing what she desired. “We will eventually need to return to the talan, but there is no hurry right now.”

She nodded, not looking up. He leaned down and kissed her. “Then we shall remain a while.” Taking her hand again, he led her further from the path to an isolated area near a small stream where they would be sheltered from view and unlikely to be disturbed. He knelt on the soft carpet of grass and pulled her down beside him. Looking into her eyes, he smiled and kissed her again.

Lassea yielded to him, secure in the knowledge that Orophin would never hurt her and would protect her from all harm. Normally, she would be a little frightened to be so far from others; but with Orophin, she felt safe.

Her lips parted and his tongue lightly teased hers as he lowered her to the soft ground, keeping his arms wrapped around her. She sighed and let her fingers drift up to entwine in his long, silver and gold locks.

Orophin deepened the kiss without hesitation, knowing there was no need for restraint anymore. She was his and, before the evening was over, she would be his bonded wife.

He unfastened her gown with nimble fingers, his touch so light she was not even aware of it until he pulled the silky garment from her body. She looked up at him, her eyes showing desire, apprehension and a touch of embarrassment. He smiled and kissed her again.

“There is nothing for either of us to hide, my love,” he said. “You are beautiful and I wish to worship every part of you.” He lowered his mouth to hers again, kissing her, then trailed his lips down to the hollow of her throat where he sucked gently, his hands moving over her smooth flesh.

She sighed softly. Her body tingled and his touch sent shivers through her. When his lips moved down to capture one of her nipples, she cried out and arched her back, pushing up toward his teasing mouth. His tongue swirled around the rosy nub and his hands stroked her lower belly and thighs, pushing them gently apart.

He moved further down, pausing to lightly nip at her navel then kissed her smooth mound, his fingers lightly sliding over her inner thighs. He could hear her quickened breathing and feel the tension in her body as he wrapped his arms around her thighs, pulling them up and lowering his mouth to her center.

“Orophin!” She could not believe how good it felt---whatever he was doing, it was unlike anything she had ever felt before. Her fingers grasped the blades of grass on which she lay and she tried to push her body closer to his teasing mouth. Her gaze was fixed on the mallorn leaves in the trees high above, the moonlight glittering on the golden leaves. She felt as though she was floating through the realm of Elbereth.

He could sense her body responding and felt something he had never known with all of his previous lovers. In the past, he had known the satisfaction of bringing pleasure to his partners; this time, he was making love to his wife and the feeling transcended any mere fulfillment brought by sating a physical need. His mouth brought her to her peak and her cries were sweeter to him than any Elf-song. When she relaxed he raised up and moved back to cover her body with his. He kissed her deeply, her lips pliant in her sated state.

“I would have you know perfect pleasure,” he murmured as he planted soft kisses over her face.

“I know perfect pleasure right now, my love,” she sighed. Her hands moved over his body and she began unfastening his tunic. His arms around her, he rolled onto his back so that she lay atop him. She pushed open the tunic and knelt astride his hips, smoothing her hands over his firm-muscled chest. He smiled up at her as she explored his body.

“You are beautiful,” she breathed. She leaned down and kissed his neck, then lightly pinched one of his nipples, looking at him to see his reaction.

He laughed gently. “Do whatever you think would feel good,” he encouraged her.

She laughed with delight and lowered her mouth to suckle gently on one of his nipples. She moved across his chest and belly, lightly nipping, sucking, licking, until she reached his leggings. Her hands brushed over his desire which strained against the laces.

He inhaled sharply when her fingers trailed over his obvious need. She glanced up at him questioningly. He chuckled.

“Yes, my love. I do not believe I can wait any longer.” She pulled the laces of his leggings and began to undo them. Her obvious unfamiliarity with them was both sweet and seductive and he again was struck by how much he loved her.

He rose and sat up, covering her hands with his and smiled at her. She blushed and he ducked his head down so he could look at her.

“Forgive me, my lord,” she said. “I … I have never unlaced leggings before.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” he said. “I will confess it took me a while to learn how to do it myself; no easy task when one is an elfling and has been drinking watered wine and one’s parents and older brother are not around to help.”

She laughed and he felt her relax a bit. He showed her the easiest way to release him and then she sat back on the ground, propped against his knees, her legs resting on either side of his hips as she beheld him. He could not help but feel a mild sense of satisfaction at the slight widening of her eyes and her sharp intake of breath.

Lassea reached out slowly and touched him.

“It is so … It feels like velvet covered mithril.” Her fingers stroked his flesh lightly and only his extreme self-discipline prevented him from groaning aloud. That she did not know what affect she was having on him made her all the more seductive and he knew he could wait no longer.

He shrugged out of his tunic and then cupped her chin, kissing her tenderly, but with growing passion. Her fingers tightened on him and he could not help but moan softly as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him, his aching desire pressed between their bodies.

She felt a thrill of fear mingled with excitement and something she could not name. All she knew was that she wanted to be closer to Orophin; wanted to become one with him and she clung to him, her legs folding around his hips as she tried to meld her body with his.

Orophin could sense her need and it matched his perfectly. He lifted her hips so that he entered her slowly, pausing just as he reached her maidenhead. She moaned at the unfamiliar sensation and he broke their kiss, one arm holding her firmly against his body, supporting her. He looked into her eyes.

“You are certain you wish to bind with me as my wife,” he said, searching for any sign of doubt. “Once it is done, there is no turning back.”

“I want to be your wife more than anything, my love,” she said, her hands brushing over his cheeks to rest on his shoulders.

He smiled and then they spoke the words, sealing their marriage bond and he lowered her quickly, piercing the thin membrane of flesh and claiming her as his mate.

Lassea cried out and gripped his shoulders. He wrapped one hand in her long locks and kissed her tenderly. “Shh, my love. That is the worst.”

“It---it was not so bad,” she said, embarrassed that she had given in to the discomfort. “I was simply startled.”

“It is alright,” he said with a chuckle. “I understand it is sometimes painful for females.”

She nodded, burying her face against his neck, becoming accustomed to the feel of him inside of her. His hands stroked the smooth flesh of her back and hips and she began to relax. His hips started to move slowly, gentle thrusts that began as a little uncomfortable for her, then grew more and more pleasant. Soon she was clutching his upper arms and moaning softly as he kissed and nipped at her throat, his arms holding her firmly against his body.

She was exquisitely tight and Orophin lay back, pulling her with him. He kissed her deeply, his hands smoothing over her rounded bottom as he thrust up into her.

“Sit up and ride me, my love,” he murmured against her lips and she pushed herself onto her knees. She began to undulate her hips against him.

“Like this?” she asked, reaching back to grasp his thighs for balance.

“Yes, oh yes,” he sighed.

She could not believe how … wantonly she was behaving, but it felt so good. She looked down into his eyes and saw love and desire and pleasure in them and felt a shiver go through her body. She had never been responsible for bringing such a look to anyone before and it was exciting and humbling.

Orophin could see her beginning to give in to her passion and his heart felt such joy that Lassea---his wife---was finding such pleasure in their joining. His hands slid over her thighs and he pressed on either side of her pleasure center as he found her internal pleasure spots as well. Her eyes widened and he felt her body tense, and when he brushed his thumbs over the hardened nub of flesh she tightened reflexively on him and let out a squeal of delight. He drew out her peak for several long moments then she collapsed against him, her breathing ragged. He wrapped his arms around her and rolled over so that he lay atop her and looked down into midnight blue eyes, glazed with desire and satisfaction.

Orophin kissed her softly. “I love you, my beautiful wife,” he whispered.

“I … Oh, Orophin. I love you so … so much,” she gasped. She felt as though a thousand tiny shivers were running through her body, all starting with a warmth that seemed centered in her lower belly. She stroked the muscles in his arms. They were strong arms that would protect her and hold her. She looked up into his piercing blue eyes and smiled. He returned her smile and, holding her gaze, began to once again move inside of her.

She gasped and clutched his shoulders again.

“Wrap your legs around me,” he ordered gently and she complied, groaning as he began to move even deeper inside of her. Soon she was meeting his thrusts, arching up and using her legs around his hips for leverage.

Orophin could feel himself beginning to reach his crisis, but held off, wanting her to once again find her pleasure before he released his own. He pushed into her and at the deepest point, ground his hips against her body, massaging her internal pleasure spots as well as her center, which was pressed against his body.

Lassea let out a cry of joy. “Oh, Orophin!” She could barely gasp out the words.

“Look at me,” he ordered. “I want to see you reach your peak.”

She fixed her gaze on his and he saw her eyes light up as her body was wracked by shivers of pure ecstasy. She dug her nails into his flesh and her legs tightened, pulling him even deeper into her body as she called his name.

He let go of his own self control and spilled his seed inside of her, moaning her name, then lowering his mouth to hers, their tongues wrapping around one another as they tried to melt into one body, so tightly did they cling to each other. They felt themselves becoming one being, one heart beating in two bodies, and could not have let go of one another had they wished it.

How long they lay together, neither could say. Neither wished to disturb the perfect peace and joy they had found. They made love a few more times, and by the time they parted and dressed, the sun was rising, the mallorn leaves giving everything a golden glow.

They walked back to the talan he had always shared with his brothers, fingers entwined, not speaking. No words were necessary for they now were joined in not only body, but in heart, soul and mind. They ate a simple breakfast of fruit and juice, feeding one another, kissing between bites. When they were done, they once again undressed and slipped between the smooth sheets of his bed. They made love once more before falling asleep in each others’ arms and even shared their dreams.

*****

Orophin and Lassea spent the next week cloistered from everyone in his talan. Their marriage bond deepened and they spent their time making love, talking and planning for their future. They had only a week left before Orophin would have to go back to the border and, though neither wished to be apart from the other, each knew it was something that could not be avoided.

They went to her parents’ talan and she became aware of how odd it now felt. It was no longer her home; merely the place where she had lived as she had grown. Everything that had happened, her entire life before she had become Orophin’s wife, now seemed but a prelude to her life with him. It was as though now that she was bound to him, her life could truly begin.

Cie came from Lassea’s sleeping chamber and the cat wound between Orophin’s legs before jumping into his lap. He merely raised an eyebrow before stroking the cat’s soft fur. She purred contentedly and settled in his lap, giving Lassea a look that said she definitely approved of her choice.

“I take it she will be coming to live with us,” he said in an amused tone.

“You do not mind, my love? I have had her for some time and she is … quite precious to me.”

“Of course not,” he replied. “She will certainly be welcome and will be great comfort to you when I am away.”

They discussed the details of the banquet, to be held two days before he was to return to the border. Both Orophin and Lassea wished to have the last night before his departure, to themselves. Orophin also helped her to gather the things she wished to take back to the talan she now shared with him. Though she could have stayed with her parents when he returned to the border, she felt it important to remain in her new home.

Orophin and Fordredir discussed building the new couple a talan of their own and his father-in-law said he would see to the details in Orophin’s absence. When next he returned from the border, he and Lassea would likely have a place completely theirs without parents or brothers for company. He thanked Lassea’s father who chuckled gently.

“It is the least we can do. Consider it our wedding gift. You have much responsibility on your shoulders and concern over a new home is one less burden you will have to bear.”

“Nonetheless, it is kind of you,” Orophin countered. “I would like to take care of it myself, but my duties leave no room for many personal considerations.” He, Lassea and her parents carried her personal belongings back to Orophin’s talan where Cie decided Haldir’s bed was the perfect spot for her.

“It is good he seldom returns to the city,” Orophin mused as the cat gazed at them serenely from her spot in the center of the Marchwarden’s bed. “I do not know how he would take to having a feline bedmate.”

Their days passed pleasantly, but too quickly, and soon the day of the banquet arrived. Orophin and Lassea walked through the forest to the grounds around her parents’ talan. Garlands of flowers and leaves adorned the tables laden with fruit, fresh roasted game and aged cheeses. Freshly baked breads and pastries, sweet cream butter and fine wine were in abundance and the guests were enjoying goblets of the exquisite vintage. Orophin squeezed Lassea’s hand reassuringly as she gave him a plaintive look. In truth, she would rather have stayed at home with him. But the proprieties must be observed.

They smiled and greeted those gathered. Taurnil, Calaglin, Fereveldir and several other Wardens who were scheduled to return to the borders when Orophin did were present and they saluted their fellow Guardian and his bride. The circle of ellyth with whom Lassea had grown up were all there to congratulate their friend on her good fortune. When Orophin had married her, quite a few of the females of the Golden Wood, while happy for Lassea’s good fortune, were forced to admit they would miss his … eligibility.

Blessings and good wishes were bestowed upon the couple, both of whom were quite uncomfortable with so much attention focused on them, but too well-disciplined to let their discomfort show.

“My face hurts from smiling so much,” Lassea whispered to Orophin at one point, causing him to almost choke on his wine. He recovered nicely, swallowing before accidentally spilling any, and covered his laugh by kissing her. They became quite oblivious to the activity around them as the kiss deepened and it was some time before they became aware of eyes on them. Looking up they were surprised to see Galadriel and Celeborn watching them with amused smiles from where the couple were standing near Lassea’s parents.

Orophin and Lassea bowed respectfully and she grasped his hand tightly.

“Do not stop on our account,” Celeborn said with a laugh. “It brings us joy to see such happiness among the Galadhrim.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Orophin said. He looked at his wife and kissed her fingertips gently. “My beloved brings this son of the Galadhrim much happiness.”

Lassea blushed, but pulled his hand back and kissed his palm. “My lord is my happiness.”

“As it should be,” Galadriel said, placing her hand on Celeborn’s arm. Her husband covered her hand with his. “One’s spouse is one’s partner and a source of strength. Each of you will support the other and be one another’s joy.”

Celeborn smiled at his wife’s words. “A good wife is a treasure beyond compare,” he told Orophin, who looked at Lassea lovingly.

“Indeed, I have found a jewel of great worth, my lord.”

“And a good husband is a blessing from the Valar that I thank Eru for every day,” the Lady of Light said, her eyes showing such love for her lord the young couple felt almost as though they had intruded on a private moment between not the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood, but simply Celeborn and Galadriel, an Elven couple completely devoted to one another.

“May Eru’s blessing follow you both,” Celeborn told them, and Orophin and Lassea again bowed to the Lord and Lady as they moved on to join the other well-wishers. Orophin looked at his wife and smiled.

“Well, have we celebrated enough?” he whispered in her ear. She looked at him and nodded vigorously.

“Let us say our farewells,” she murmured and taking his hand they began moving through the crowd, thanking those who had come to celebrate their marriage. They gave special thanks to Lassea’s parents for hosting the banquet and soon found themselves rushing back to their talan.

They fairly sprinted up the stairs and barely made it inside before they were locked in a passionate embrace, unfastening each other’s clothing and pulling the suddenly constricting garments from their bodies.

Orophin picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he entered her and carried her to their bed. His fingers entwined with hers as they kissed passionately. They made love almost desperately and when they reached their peaks, calling each other’s names, neither noticed the tears that fell unconsciously from both of them. They fell asleep in each other’s arms, the silver, gold and mithril strands of their hair making a cloud around them.

The next day was spent getting ready for Orophin’s return to the border. Lassea had helped her brother many times and so knew what he would need. The hardest part for her was steeling herself for the inevitable goodbye the next morning. He would be gone for at least six months, probably a year or maybe more. It was not long in the life of an immortal Elf, but to a newly married husband and wife, it was an eternity. Still, both knew his duty and neither would dishonor him by displaying weakness, though, secretly, both felt the pain of impending separation in their hearts.

One advantage of having joined in their marriage bond, however, was that they could now sense one another in their hearts. When they were apart, they would always have the comforting presence of each other as a constant. The only danger was if something were to happen to one or the other; they would also sense the loss.

They spent the evening together, not saying much. Orophin sat on the ledge near the top of the stairs, Lassea sitting between his thighs, leaning back against his chest, his arms around her. They listened to the sounds of Elf-song in the distance and added their own voices to the haunting and intricate melodies at times. He had left Caras Galadhon, returning to the border, for centuries without thought. This time would be the first one where he felt regret at leaving. Still, he was a Guardian of the Golden Wood, sworn to protect the realm from all danger. Lassea had married him knowing his duty was dangerous and would mean potentially long separations.

When they finally retired, they made love slowly, speaking softly at times, but mainly they simply drank in the sight of one another, each memorizing every feature, every curve and plane, every taste, every sound, and even the scent of the other. They did not sleep, not wishing to miss a moment together and when the first grays of dawn began to light the sky, Orophin rose and dressed.

Lassea pulled on a simple gown and helped him to gather his things. He held her close and kissed her tenderly.

“It will not be so long, my love,” he said with a smile. “We will always have each other in our hearts and I will return when it is prudent.” He gave a small laugh. “Besides, I cannot return until your father has completed our talan. It would ruin the surprise.”

She could not help but smile, though her heart ached.

“May the Valar guard you, my love,” she whispered.

“And may Eru watch over you until we are together again,” he murmured, pulling her close. They held each other wordlessly for a moment, then he kissed her once more. Parting, he picked up his pack and bow, then giving her a smile, turned and ran lightly down the stairs of the talan.

Lassea watched until he melted into the rapidly lightening shadows of the forest then turned to go back into the talan. Cie rubbed against her legs and she leaned down, picking up the cat, taking comfort from the soft warmth of her longtime companion, then went back to the bed she and Orophin shared and pulled off her gown. Lying down, she wrapped her body in the sheets that still bore his scent and her arms around his pillow. Cie found the perfect spot against the elleth’s back and settled down to await the return of the other half of Lassea’s heart.