Season's Greetings from Mirkwood

By: Malinorne and Mary A

Summary: Mary and Mal's celebrate Yuletide with the elves during their first winter as subjects in Mirkwood.

Warning: Mild adult sexual situations, nudity, implied threesome sex.


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A/N: Did the elves recognize Yule? Mal and I are supposing they did based on a passage in The Hobbit that describes Gandalf and Bilbo's spending Yule with Beorn after returning from Laketown and the Battle of the Five Armies. Whether or not the elves celebrated Yule is anyone's guess.

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~ Mal ~

We arrived back to Mirkwood from Esgaroth in the middle of the night and Thaladir carried me from the sleigh. I could have walked, of course, but I had slept most of the way and was too pleasantly drowsy to want to move. It was also nice just to be close to him, and I heartlessly ignored the kitten, which squeaked pitifully as the furs that had been covering its basket were removed. I knew that it wouldn't harm it to wait the few minutes it would take the seneschal to take me to my room.

All my drowsiness disappeared when Thaladir whispered in my ear as we approached the halls, "I do hope that you are reasonably well rested, my lady, as His Majesty will expect you to express your gratitude most actively." His voice was husky and without doubt he had no trouble imagining how the king wished to be thanked. Neither had I, and my expectations rose with each step. Only the seneschal's apparent affection for his king prevented me from feeling a pang of guilt at taking my lust from him so quickly.

Then the magic gates opened and, with a last squeeze, the seneschal handed me over to Thranduil, who was waiting right inside. I revelled in the king's musky scent. I wanted to look at him, and hug him, but was afraid to move or even open my eyes. Which was silly, of course, as the king had sensed me as soon as the sleigh crossed the river and already knew that I wasn't sleeping.

Thaladir said something like 'mission accomplished', and disappeared out again as soon as the king had answered: "Le hannon, sadron nín." [I thank you, my faithful one.]

The king then started to walk towards the palace area but said nothing, just held me close, as if it suited him to pretend that he didn't know that I was just feigning sleep. I couldn't resist touching him for a very long time, and he smirked when I opened my eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck, snuggling up closer.

"I am very grateful, my lord." I whispered into his ear and nibbled on the lobe, just a little.

Now the king chuckled and put me down, but kept an arm around my waist. He looked at me with an amused expression on his handsome face.

"I trust you enjoyed your visit then. Good. And was the inn... satisfactory?"

I nodded, a bit hesitantly.

"Excellent. Mary told me about your tradition of giving gifts this season. That was my gift to Thaladir." He looked me straight into the eyes, serious at first, and then he winked, suddenly grinning like mad. I realized that I had been tricked.

Thranduil had known exactly what would happen when he made me share a room with the seneschal, and though the experience was pleasurable, I couldn't just let him get away with it. I kicked his shins. Or rather, tried to. Of course, he moved his foot in an instant, and I lost my balance. I was caught in mid air, and flung over the Elvenking's shoulder, and he continued towards his sleeping chamber in a quick stride.

As we went, I hammered at his back for a while and even shouted at him to put me down, but Thranduil soon calmed me by sneaking his free hand up under my cloak, moving it tantalizingly over my backside. It was impossible to be angry with him for long.

When he had put me down on the bed and sat beside me, beginning to free me of my winter clothes, I told him again how much I had enjoyed my trip to Esgaroth. He insisted I tell him everything about it, and I was almost naked by the time I had finished my tale. His hands over my bare skin made me remember the seneschal's words, and I asked: "How can I express my gratitude?"

The king continued to let his hands glide up and down my body and his eyes gleamed in a very familiar way when he finally spoke. "I am sure you can come up with a way. And then I will show you some more."


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~ Mary ~

For a few frantic days, after Mal returned from her shopping trip, we locked ourselves away from the king and his seneschal and busied ourselves with our winter holiday preparations. We both required yarn for the gifts we were making for Thranduil. Neither of us told the other what we had planned. I had her pick out some red and gold colors for me during her shopping trip and we visited the Mirkwood seamstress-elves for the other items we needed. We were both stumped when it came to Thaladir.

"Maybe," I suggested, "I could use some of my left over yarn and knit him up a little beanie cap? If you have any left, maybe you could make him some socks or, mittens? Maybe if he is warmer, he will be nicer?" I pondered the thought of Thaladir in a striped red and gold beanie cap. Then I asked Mal, "Do elves even wear mittens?"

We both had been spending most of our spare time in the royal kitchen as we tried to recreate our own favorite seasonal treats. Before the shopping trip, we had been using only the provisions found in the royal pantry in our recipes and our choices were limited.

The kitchen elves had grown accustomed to us and our candy and cookie making experiments. Limited to ingredients such as honey, raisins, dried berries, fresh apples, and a variety of nuts, our early attempts were mostly just burnt, until we found our way around the wood-burning ovens and the use of the fresh fruit mixed with the dried ones.

After Mal brought back sugar and a more refined type of flour, we improved dramatically. The night before the Yule Holiday, I shooed Mal out while I struggled with an apple pie with Miriel's assistance. Mal then shooed me out while she made preparation to bake her own surprise for the next day.

"Do you think the king will like my pie, Mal?" I asked before I left. It was not a pretty sight, but I was sure it would taste better than it looked. She examined it with a critical eye and told me she thought she could fix it. Maybe by making some caramel sauce out of the brown sugar and pouring it over the top of the whole mess, she could make it as least edible looking.

It was my night alone with the king so I bade her and Ithilwen a good night. As I left, they were chattering happily away to each other in the Mirkwood kitchen.


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~ Mal ~

The preparations for the festivities taught me more about the Mirkwood inhabitants than I'd learnt in the halls so far. Ithilwen was an angel and accompanied me everywhere; to the kitchen to inspect the supplies of ingredients for the buns and cookies I wanted to bake, to the seamstresses to find our if knitting pins were available, and, most important of all, to the smithy, where the dark-haired elf, hammering at a small piece of metal in the steam and heat, made me think of Celebrimbor in Eregion. But no rings were made here, only practical things for everyday use; pots and pans and hooks and door handles.

I had brought a piece of parchment, where I had drawn the items I wanted the smith to make for me, some small things that were important for my Christmas traditions. The elf looked a little confused when I showed him the first thing, a kind of crown, or circlet, of metal, with five candleholders attached to it, but he promised to make one for me. After that, the cookie cutters were easy, and the apprentices were told to start with them right away.

Early in the morning, hours before breakfast would be served in the great hall, now decorated with garlands of greenery, Ithilwen woke me, and helped me transform from sleepy mortal to Queen of Light. She had found a nightgown that was perfect for my purpose; floor-long with long wide sleeves and a little lace at the cuffs. The slit at the front was quite deep, but the gown was nicely held together at the neck with a ribbon, and would hopefully stay that way as long as I didn't make any sudden movements.

We tied a wide red ribbon around my waist, a nice bow with long ends almost down to the floor, and I arranged my freshly baked saffron buns and ginger snaps on a silver tray. Ithilwen had brought them from the kitchen and I could see that she liked the shapes of the cookies. I smiled at her and let her pick one of each; a heart, a star and a fir tree. She liked the taste too.

She had also brought a pot of hot tea and some cups that were already on the tray.

I put on the metal crown that I had bound with evergreen lingonberry twigs from the forest that was tied in place with red ribbon in such a way that the top of the candleholders were all the metal that was showing. The candles were left unlit until we stood in the corridor leading to the king's bedchamber, where I knew Mary was sleeping. At least I hoped that they would be asleep by now. I wasn't even jealous when she went to the king the evening before, because it was perfect for this.

Ithilwen lighted the candles and my appearance was now complete - I was a Lucia, in accordance with the customs of my homeland. I started to sing the traditional Lucia hymn, a sweet Italian tune that echoed pleasantly in the rock-hewn halls, and walked slowly towards the familiar door, that the elf-maid opened for me.

The room was dark, lit only by the candles in my hair, just like it should be. It looked like Mary was just beginning to stir, but the king was wide awake and rewarded me with the most appreciative glance I've so far received from him when so completely dressed. I could tell he liked the green wreath and the song, and his gaze made me feel like a Christmas gift with that red bow around my waist, a delicious feeling, even at this hour. I wanted to just drop the tray and jump into the bed, but was distracted when Mary sat up and looked at me.

I had hoped she would be pleasantly surprised to see me like this, so much that she would forgive this violation of our schedule, but I hadn't thought she would be this delighted. She even made me blush with her compliments and I quickly busied myself with serving tea to her and the king. I watched them eat the pastries and was satisfied to see that they enjoyed them.

Then the king rose from the bed, took my tray and proceeded to remove my crown. I wasn't sure what he had in mind until he suddenly tugged at the ribbon at my neck, which made the nightgown fall open and drop to my waist, where it was stopped by the wide silk ribbon. I normally did not mind being undressed by the king, but I was a bit startled at his doing it right in front of Mary, and I made futile attempt to cover myself.

Thranduil stopped me with a burning glance and I just stood there, still, while he reached out a hand to tug at my sash, all the time holding my gaze locked to his. I was breathing faster now, and couldn't care less when the gown fell all the way to the floor. The king looked marvellous in the candle light and I wanted him so badly.

"Ú-dellil annad mast erui, harthon," [I hope bread was not all you came to offer] he said hoarsely, slowly running his fingers over my skin, making me shiver with anticipation. I shook my head wordlessly and snuggled up to him when he put an arm around my waist. Then he spoke again, and I remembered that Mary was there, too. I felt my cheeks heat again when Thranduil led me towards the bed, and she smiled so warmly that I immediately complied when she invited me to join her between the sheets.

The king's grin went from ear to ear now, and my last coherent thought was regretting that I hadn't eaten a saffron bun myself, as we would likely all miss breakfast.


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~ Mary ~

"Mal is coming," the king was saying, "wake up." It was full dark in the royal bedchamber, which meant it was still night outside. Or early, early morning, before the sun came up early. Too early for visitors.

"Well, tell her to go away, it's my turn," I am sorry to say I whined a little. I tried to snuggle closer to him but he was sitting up. His hand was in my hair, then at my neck, as he gently urged me to awaken fully. "Maybe it's that Helca," I said. "Get your sword."

"Shhhh," went the king. I heard the door open but I remained lying down as I waited to see what mystery person was about to enter the royal bedchamber. One never knows what to expect in Mirkwood. I heard the singing, and I thought, for a moment, that an angel had entered the room. I slid over so I could rest my head on Thranduil's thigh as Mal approached the bed bearing a silver tray, with a wreath around her head studded with white candles. I was too stunned, at first, to even move as she drew near.

She looked like an angel wearing a long, flowing gown with her beautiful golden hair illuminated by the glowing crown of light she wore. She finished singing and stood at the bedside smiling at the king and me and I sat up and told her she was the most magical present that I ever awoke to see. Even in the dim candlelight I could see her cheeks grow pinker. I could tell the king was happy with the way she looked, too.

The silver tray contained marvelous treats, such as crisp iced gingerbread cookies in different festive shapes, glossy looking golden buns, and a teapot. Mal served the king and me and refused to sit until we had each finished our tea.

When we were done, Thranduil got up from the bed and took the tray from her hands and put it aside. Then he took the crown from her and placed it on the table, balancing it so that the candles stood straight and remained lit with nary a flicker. I could tell by the way his eyes shone hungrily as he looked at her that he was quite taken with her appearance. I cannot say I blamed him. She did look good enough to eat.

The king gently tugged at the ribbon around Mal's neck and her gown dropped to her waist. She gasped slightly and tried to retrieve it, but Thranduil stopped her and, after he untied the red sash around her middle, it fell in a milky puddle around her ankles.

He looked over at me, reading my thoughts at the sight of her smooth peaches and cream skin in the candlelight. Then he turned to Mal and said something to her in Elvish as he stroked her breasts before encircling her with his arms. It must have been nice, whatever he said, because she blushed even harder.

I could not be jealous of her; it was impossible. It would have been like feeling jealous of a work of fine art, or a glittering jewel, or a sunset. Then Thranduil turned back to look at me again. His smile was positively wicked, and beautiful.

"I think Malinorne deserves a gesture of gratitude for her performance," he said as his hands traveled over her smooth skin. "From both of us, do you not agree?" He drew her closer to the bed.

"Why, yes," I answered quickly. "I do agree." I scooted over to make room for her and held the covers aside. "Hop in, Mal!"

The king's obviously eager concubine needed no further guidance from either of us and soon we all were making merry in the royal bedchamber to welcome the dawning of the day that the sun was celebrated for making its return. Outside the Mirkwood gates there might be a frosty morning covered in snow and ice, but beneath the sumptuous coverings in Thranduil's bed we three were warm and cozy as we fully indulged in pleasures of a more fleshly nature.

Our monarch was in a cheery mood while did his regal best to satisfy both of us while we two worked just as hard to please him and each other. His steadfast scepter remained at stiff attention for many happy hours. Finally, the three of us were sprawled out on top of the bed, the covers long since kicked to the floor to get them out of the way, our limbs tangled with each other's, and were quiet. Mal lifted her head and looked at the king and her face was a little sad.

"It's too bad that…" she paused and glanced over at me."Never mind," she sighed and then put her head back down on his chest.

"Maybe later," said Thranduil.

"I don't even want to know what you two are talking about," I told them. But I was lying.


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~ Mal~

Mary and I had our festive meal with all the palace elves in the main hall and it was delicious, as always. The major differences from the other parties and official dinners we had attended, was that the meat served was mainly the result of the king's recent hunting expeditions; wild boar, fallow-deer and wood grouse. And the wine, of course, which was served hot and spicy.

Everyone was happy, and even Helca didn't disapprove when I asked her to follow us to the king's dining room. She smiled a little when I presented her with the white kitten, which looked extra adorable with the red ribbon I had tied around its little neck, and even thanked me before she withdrew to a corner of the room, burying her nose in the soft fur of her small companion.

Thaladir didn't look too impressed with the mittens I gave to him, but then I hadn't expected the stern elf to admit to being affected by cold. His expression lighted a little when I helped him to put them on, but he took them off again as soon as I wasn't looking.

The king's present was the one that I had spent the most time on, and I was very proud with the result; a green knitted scarf with embroidered silver leaves at the ends. He appeared happy with it, especially the silver decorations, and I sighed with relief. Come to think of it, I hadn't so far seen any of the elves wear a scarf.

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~ Mary ~

After an early Yule dinner that evening, we passed out our gifts in the king's dining room. I knew Thranduil liked my scarf but he had to tell Mal he liked the one she had made for him, too, so as not to hurt her feelings. We toasted the return of the sun and the destruction of the Dark Tower and a few things in Elvish that I never did understand. I was feeling so good I decided I was going to make friends with Helca. That was going to be my chief gift to the king.

The frosty elleth stood next to the fireplace holding her new kitten. She already bore a much more pleasant expression now that she had such a cute little creature to cuddle. I tickled the little ball of fluffy white fur under its darling chin and informed Helca that the wandering gypsy tribe that Mal had purchased the kitten from had told her it was a descendant of one of the famous cats owned by Queen Beruthiel.

I had learned about Beruthiel in the history book I had borrowed from the library in Rivendell. She was a wicked Queen in the bygone years who owned ten magical cats that she had used to spy on everyone for her, during the reign of her husband Tarannon Falastur, the twelfth King of Gondor.

There was a picture of the chubby Beruthiel in that book, but none of her cats. All the historians knew about them was they were white.

Helca swiftly held the purring kitten up to look at it again closely, as if seeing it for the first time. Mal overheard me and hurried over to us.

"Mary is lying," she told the elleth, "don't listen to her, and I did not purchase that cat from any wandering gypsies." Helca was not listening to her. I could see that she had already made up her mind that only a descendant of Queen Beruthiel's cats would have eyes of such a lovely shade of blue, and fur of such marvellous and refined texture. I had to be telling the truth. Why would I lie?

"Mal is so modest, sometimes," I explained, "she just didn't want you to know how expensive this kitten was." Helca smirked, too pleased with her little magical spy kitty to pay any further attention to Mal's protests over my story-telling. "Did you notice," I added," how the tips of her fur look silvery in the candlelight?"

"I shall call her," said Helca as she held the kitten close to her face, "Celebreniel, my little silver maiden, and she will dine only on the freshest fish from the river, and the freshest cream, and be fed only the daintiest bits of venison, yes she will." It was amazing how alike they were. Two cats in the halls of Mirkwood. I just knew they would be very happy together.


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~ Mal ~

It was getting late, but none of us protested too much when the king declared that stargazing was a traditional winter solstice pastime he would not allow us to go without. Miriel and Ithilwen brought the thick cloaks and fur-lined boots and Mary and I dressed. It was difficult to do that without taking our eyes from the king, who had proudly tied both our scarves around his royal neck. The mismatched items would have looked funny on anyone but him. The red and gold of Mary's scarf contrasted his emerald eyes, while the green and silver of mine was a beautiful accent against his black cloak.

Thaladir looked adorable in the knitted beanie cap and mittens, which the king had made him wear, and the combination of the silly little hat and his expression of wounded pride made him irresistible. On the way out, I quickly stood on my toes and gave him a chaste peck on his cheek when Mary wasn't looking. Despite how close we had become these last weeks, I didn't think her ready for this particular confidence. It was better if she could learn to accept, and hopefully eventually appreciate, the seneschal for whom he was, without the added complication of my less than seemly involvement with "that grouch".

The sight that met us when we came out into the courtyard can only be described as magical. The snow glittered in the moonlight and the stars were shining gems against the velvet of the dark sky. The four of us found ourselves in the midst of hundreds of elves who were standing in little groups, some talking softly, but most just gazing silently at the sky, smiling.

Varda's jewels glittered for us, and I admired the scenery until I felt Thranduil's arm sneak around my waist and looked up into his eyes, which now burned with a fire much hotter than the lights of the night sky. I leant closer to him and hoped that we could go inside soon, but didn't want to say anything that might disturb the elves around us.

It was Thaladir who finally broke the silence. "I bid you goodnight," he said with a small bow, "as the festivities interrupted my study of a highly remarkable scroll, to the perusal of which I shall devote the remainder of this night." It made me happy to see how his whole stature lightened up at the mention of the scroll. He was already smiling when he made to leave us, but Thranduil stopped him with a regal gesture.

"I," began the king, now looking at Mary and me, but was interrupted by the two of us continuing in unison; "want to show us something." The expression on the king's face was priceless; he looked like a big, satisfied cat who had just been offered a second plate of cream. "Exactly, my dears" he said with a drawl, dragging the syllables out and wrapping them around us, much like his arms. "Let us not linger."

"And you, sadron," he told his seneschal, "will let that scroll wait until the morning. Tonight you shall partake of the merrymaking in my bedchamber." I tried to steal a peek at Thaladir, but if there was an expression of delight, or disappointment, visible in his face I missed it. He just nodded stiffly to acknowledge the command, and I promised myself that I would make it well worth it for him.

Thranduil took us back into the halls, steering toward his bedchamber, with Thaladir following silently behind us, and I'm sure that Mary's happy and expectant face was an exact mirror of my own. This had been the best Christmas ever, and it wasn't over yet!


The End