The Crux of the Problem

Disclaimers: (In the spirit of Crimson Starlight)

Shana: *beaming*

Jan and Tal: *blink*

Jan: And just why are YOU so happy?

Tal: *points at chapter* Bet this has something to do with it.

Shana: *nods*

Tal: *to Jan* YOU should be pretty damn happy.

Jan: *blinks then frowns* Well I WAS but now I'm confused. Why is SHE *points at Shana* so damn happy?

Shana: Glory.

Jan: Glory?

Shana: *sigh* Glory.

Tal: Aahhhhh. Glory.

Jan: *blinks, throws up hands* Whatever! Shanastay owns nothing so bugger off. She doesn't get paid either. Oh and this is NOT edited, so if you have issues with sexual content don't read.

Chapter 4: Musings

While waiting for the two females to make their appearance Haldir let his mind wander back over the previous two weeks…

That first day Haldir had awoken from his slumber believing he had just had what could arguably be described as the best dream of his life. As his eyes regained their focus he registered the form wrapped around him and the undeniably intimate manner in which their bodies were linked. Haldir's eyes widened with the dawning revelation that wasn't a dream. Sweet Elbereth, if I could sleep every night in such a manner… A soft smile reached his lips as he shifted just slightly, burying his length deeper within her folds, confirming definitively that this was NOT a dream.

A soft moan escaped Janessa's mouth as Haldir moved slightly within her. Janessa awoke quickly as the most exquisite sensation brought her to full awareness.

In response to her soft moan Haldir decided to wake her in a rather unconventional way. He moved his hips slowly, his thrusts slow and gentle wishing to bring her from her slumber slowly.

Janessa's eyes fluttered open and she found herself gazing into bottomless blue-grey eyes. She opened her mouth to speak when she suddenly halted, snapping her mouth shut, realizing she wasn't gazing into Legolas' eyes. Oh no, oh no. I didn't, I couldn't… Oh shit, I DID! I slept with Haldir! SHITSHITSHITSHIT…

A look of concern furrowed Haldir's brows as he registered her rising anxiety, not understanding its source. "Melamin? Janessa? What's wrong?"

Haldir's voice broke through her irrational thoughts and she turned eyes filled with unveiled fear toward the powerful elf in whose arms she lay.

Haldir froze when he read the unbridled fear in Janessa's eyes, trying to search for the source of it. It's not me. She'd be fighting to get away from me if that was it. She's not moving at all, just staring at me. So what is she so afraid… Haldir mentally smacked himself as it dawned on him what could be causing her fear. Legolas. She's thinking about him. He's probably sending her a nice big guilt trip right now through that damn emotional link. Determination hardened Haldir's conviction. No. You will NOT regret what happened. That damn elf is NOT going to make you feel guilty about this.

Haldir knew full well that other than him Legolas was the only elf she had been with. Janessa was not free with her favors as evinced by the fact that despite Elrohir and Elladan's best efforts even their wiles could not coax her into their bed. More than a few elves curious and attracted to her exotic looks had tried to bed the red-head. It was apparently just curiosity that made her mention the addition of another to her and Legolas' bed. Haldir had learned later from Janessa herself that she never expected Legolas to act on her inquiry.

While Haldir had been contemplating his next course of action Janessa began trembling in his arms. Her eyes had lost their focus again, tears beginning to well up and he didn't even want to consider what was going through her head.

What WAS going through Janessa's head? One word. Nononononononononononononononononononononononono…

Janessa felt like she was being hit upside the head with wave after wave of anger and guilt. She was too overwhelmed to recognize that neither feeling was her own.

As soon as Janessa started shaking Haldir made up his mind. Damn you Legolas. No turning back now. Haldir dropped his head to catch Janessa's mouth in a scorching kiss, trying to convey with it every bit of emotion he could as he began to move his hips again.

Janessa stiffened in his arms, bringing her hands to his chest. Haldir ignored it when her nails dug into his chest, not stopping, knowing her reactions were not truly her own. Janessa suddenly gave a violent shudder and released a sob into their joined mouths.

Only then did Haldir remove his lips from hers to look into her eyes, slowing his hips, but not stopping their movement.

Janessa released a shuddering breath, her eyes finally able to focus on the face before her. Perceiving the intense look of worry on Haldir's face she couldn't hold back the tears that were threatening. The emotions that had washed over her had completely overwhelmed her senses and she recognized them now as being Legolas'. My own waking doubts must have opened the door for his emotions to be released through the link. Oh Haldir…

Janessa let tears silently roll down her face as she proceeded to wrap her arms around the Marchwarden's neck and bury her face in its curve. She tightened her leg's grip on his hip as she began to match his slow movements, the tension finally fleeing her body.

Haldir released a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding and rubbed his cheek against her face murmuring softly into her ear, "Shhhhh. It's alright now."

Janessa drew in a deep breath as she pulled her head back to look into Haldir's face, her body quickly responding to their movements. Her hands tangled in his hair and with a force that surprised the elf she pulled his lips to hers, kissing him with an intensity that curled his toes and hastened the movements of their joined bodies.

Haldir responded just as fervently sucking her tongue into his mouth in a manner similar to the one she had employed on him earlier, exploring the piece of metal embedded in her muscle. I do not understand the purpose of such a thing. Haldir quickly pushed the thought away as Janessa, using the leg wrapped around his hip, pulled him fully on top of her.

Janessa moaned loudly at the feeling of the full length and weight of Haldir's body pressed into her. She wrapped her other leg around him, crossing her ankles behind his back. Using this grip she matched his increased pace, pushing his length deep inside her.

Haldir rested his weight on his forearms, pulling his head back to look down on Janessa's flushed countenance. He dropped his head again, this time to trail kisses along her throat.

Janessa bared her neck to him, taking him by surprise when she twisted her head catching his ear between blunt teeth. She nibbled lightly on the lobe before drawing her tongue up and around to the sensitive tip. She smiled to herself at Haldir's audible intake of breath and the particularly deep thrust that came on the heels of it. Gotcha.

She continued her attentions on his ear, her hands holding his head in place as Haldir increased his pace in response, his breathing now ragged. She released his head for a moment and he used the opportunity to claim her mouth again, kissing her with a fierceness he had not previously displayed. When he came up for air she twisted his head, lavishing his other ear with the same attention she had shown the first.

Haldir moaned his approval of her ministrations sliding his arms down so they were on either side of her torso, hands gripping her shoulders. By the Valar, now I understand why Legolas has kept her so close. I could never share one such as this. Haldir chose to ignore the ramifications of his own thought focusing instead on the increasing intensity of their coupling.

He finally wrenched his head from her grip raising himself up on his hands he felt her hands move to his back. Her nails left fiery trails as she dragged them downward. Both were gasping with the intensity that their bodies met with every stroke. It was as if they were trying to banish the specter of Legolas from the room by sheer force of will.

Haldir let his gaze drift down Janessa's body with obvious appreciation to the place where there bodies were joined. He watched for a moment, mesmerized at the sight of his hard length entering and leaving her tight channel. He snapped his eyes back to Janessa's face at her growled demand. The sheer wanton look on her face nearly did him in right then. He managed to gasp out, "What?"

Janessa dragged her nails up his arms to his shoulders, surveying his form with an artist's appreciation until she gripped his shoulders. She pulled him down to her, bringing his face to hers, surveying the identically dilated orbs she gazed into. She gripped his hips with her thighs, her fingernails digging into his shoulders before she whispered her demand again, making no mistake about it.

"Harder!"

Haldir lost all semblance of control at the unmistakable whispered word, slamming into her body with complete abandon, each moaning along with the other. All thought of restraint had fled Haldir's mind as they lost themselves in the overwhelming sensations of their coupling.

Janessa pulled Haldir's lips to hers as she felt herself quickly nearing the precipice. She tore herself away as their movements sent her spiraling over the edge, an incomprehensible howl leaving her lips.

Haldir slammed into Janessa, at the same time as her an identical howl of completion exited his chest. Haldir dropped his full weight against her form, resting his face in the curve of her neck. He took several deep breaths, inhaling her scent as he felt her internal muscles milking him dry. She smells like vanilla and honey, the dark and danger, and something beyond description. He could smell himself on her skin as well, reveling in the fact he could smell no other on her. Mine.

Janessa moved her face against Haldir's neck, mimicking the way he was nuzzling her. Feeling absolutely saitiated, she began humming unconsciously, her chest vibrating with each intonation. Her fingers traced lazy patterns across the expanse of his back.

Haldir drew his head back a question on his face, "What is that? The melody enthralls me."

A small smile formed on Janessa's lips. "It's a song I came to love back in my world. It was written to go along with the 'play' about the journey of the Fellowship. For some reason it has always given me a sense of reassurance and… hope that things will work themselves out, somehow."

"A song. There are words?" Haldir asked.

Janessa nodded slightly.

Haldir twisted onto his side, bringing Janessa with him. He gently withdrew from her, registering her small murmur of protest. He rolled onto his back, as Janessa draped herself across his chest, one of his arms moving to curl possessively around her waist.

She continued to hum as she traced patterns across his chest, studiously avoiding his gaze. She finally looked into his face when he reached up and drew his hand through her hair, pushing it back behind her ear away from her face.

Haldir kept his hand on her chin, anticipating her reaction to his next question, "Melamin, would you sing it for me?" He held her chin in place as she tried to avert her face, "Please?"

Janessa closed her eyes for a moment. She took a deep breath, opening her eyes to meet his azure gaze. "Haldir, you know how much I dislike singing. I have a terrible voice. I have not the skill of the elves."

Haldir scoffed at her protestations, "You know that's not true. Your voice is beautiful to me. Please Janessa?"

She knew he would simply persist until she gave in so Janessa resigned herself to fulfilling his request. Janessa leaned back resting her weight on her arms on Haldir's chest.

Haldir let his hand trail from her chin down her arm as she took several steadying breaths. Eyes closed she began softly, her voice gaining strength as she progressed.

May it be
An evening star
Shines down
Upon you

May it be
When darkness falls
Your heart
Will be true

You walk along a road
Oh how far you are from home

Mornië utúlië
Believe and you
Will find your way

Mornië alantië
A promise lives
Within you now

Janessa opened her eyes to the look of wonder on Haldir's face and took several deep breaths before continuing.

May it be
The shadow's call
Will fly away

May it be
A journey on
To light the day

When the night is all gone
You may rise
To find the sun

Mornië utúlië
Believe and you
Will find your way

Mornië alantië
A promise lives
Within you now

A promise lives
Within you now...
Janessa finished, continuing to hum as she laid her head down on Haldir's chest. Feeling embarrassed but relieved that she was done she resumed tracing abstract patterns on his chest, drawing her fingers down over his abs. She found her hand caught up in his as he inhaled a hissed breath, abdominal muscles contracting. Ticklish are we?

Haldir let go of her hand and she sat up. Straight-armed she rested her weight on her hands setting them on his chest. Janessa continued to be amazed at the amount of tenderness the supposedly cold-hearted Marchwarden showed her. She cocked her head to the side as Haldir reached up to push the hair that had fallen back into her face back behind her shoulder letting his hand trail down her arm.

She's too quiet. What's she going to do now? Haldir found out the answer to his question shortly when Janessa ran her fingers down his torso to his abdomen and proceeded to tickle him!

Janessa giggled hysterically as she brushed her fingertips along his stomach. Haldir twisted beneath her hands, trying to turn away from her questing fingers. Sitting up he let loose a roar, snatching her wrists in his hands and pulling her to his chest. "Enough!"

Janessa continued to giggle, wiggling her fingers at him. Shaking his head in mock exasperation Haldir swung his legs around and stood from the bed pulling her up with him. He dropped her hands leaning forward to catch her about the thighs and lift her straight-legged off her feet, all the while sporting his own mischievous smile. Janessa's arms instinctively snaked around his neck as he looked up at her.

Haldir leaned his head forward sniffing at her then wrinkling his nose. "Milady, you smell. I think you need a bath." He then tried to reach forward and kiss her. He laughed as she pulled back.

Janessa gasped in outrage slapping at his chest with a hand, kicking her feet in the air as he backed them toward the bathing room. He stopped when he felt the edge of the bathtub hit the backs of his thighs. Shifting his grip, he held her with one arm, reaching back with the other to turn the handle that released sun-heated water from the receptacle on the roof.

Haldir sat on the edge of the tub with Janessa standing between his thighs her hands resting against his chest. As the water filled the basin he wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her to him while the other caught the back of her head, stroking softly.

Heeding his invitation Janessa dropped her head to kiss him only to receive a kiss on the nose. She giggled, leaning to the side past him to dip her hand into the rising water. Returning to her upright position she pointed out, "I believe it's ready."

Raising one brow at her Haldir removed his hand from her waist, reaching back to turn off the water. He looked away from her for a moment, considering a row of vials that sat upon a small table within reach of the tub. Haldir selected one and held it up to Janessa. Correctly reading his request she removed the top and watched as he poured a small amount into the slightly steaming water, breathing deeply as the scent of sandalwood and jasmine drifted to their noses. He held the vial before her again and let her recap it before returning it to its place on the table.

Haldir withdrew his hand from the back of her neck, placing both hands on her hips he spun her about as he stood up. Janessa's back now to him Haldir picked her up about the hips garnering a surprised, "Hey!" from her as he stepped back into the soothingly warm water.

Janessa had to pull her knees up towards her chest to keep from bumping her legs against the edge of the tub. Janessa let her legs drop into the water as Haldir turned to the side and slid the two of them down into the water, Haldir leaning against the back of the tub.

They both sighed as the soothing warmth enveloped them up to mid-chest on Haldir. Haldir slid down further so the water came to his shoulders. He lay braced against the back of the basin legs stretched out on either side of Janessa.

She sat forward, between Haldir's thighs, head tilted slightly back. The water reached all the way to her ears because she was shorter than the elf at her back. Her hands came up, grasping the sides of the tub, pulling her slightly up out of the water.

Once they had settled into the water Haldir had let his head fall back against the basin, eyes closing letting the warmth seep into his muscles. Hearing Jan's murmured protest, raising his head to watch her pull herself up and try to maneuver into a kneeling position. Sweet Elbereth, I forgot she is not as tall as I.

Realizing her predicament, Haldir lifted her by the waist and drew his legs together. He placed her back down so she was now sitting on his lap and in no danger of being engulfed by the bath water. Haldir exerted a subtle pressure with his hand just below her breasts, directing her to lie back against him.

Janessa shifted back before leaning against him, his length pressed against her back. He seems satiated for the moment. At least I don’t have a rod digging into my back. Though if recent events are any indicator that probably won't last long. Janessa sighed, relaxing into the powerful elf's embrace, letting her arms drop to her sides her hands lightly gripping his thighs.

Haldir wrapped his arms lightly about her waist, one hand lightly pressed to her abdomen, keeping her against him. The other hand slowly traced the subtly raised lines of the zodiac tribal tattoo inscribed beneath her breasts. She has metal embedded in various places on her body and these designs etched under her skin. Why I wonder?

Both let their eyes drift closed, letting the heated water relax away the tension in their muscles. Janessa let her entire body go limp, Haldir's hands keeping her in place. Haldir had let his head fall back against the rim of the basin, his eyes closed as his sensitive fingertips followed the path of the tattoo. Janessa turned her face so her forehead rested against the side of Haldir's bared neck. They breathed as one, the movement only causing slight ripples in the water.

Haldir heard Janessa's breathing slow, losing its sync with his. He opened his eyes and observed the angle of the light filtering in through the tree's branches concluding they had been asleep for just about two hours. She's still exhausted from the journey here. Haldir started mentally as the practical ramifications of that though dawned on him. She's exhausted yet she's kept pace with me. By the Valar, do I really wish to find out what she's capable of fully rested?

Dismissing the thought for later examination, Haldir brought his head forward, nudging Janessa's forehead with his chin. "No, don't wanna move." Haldir laughed lightly at her response. He had already concluded she adopted such a childish manner not just to be silly, but as a way of conveying her trust in him. She so seldom let her guard down. The face she showed the world was so different from this. He nudged her again, murmuring her name.

"Whaaaaat?" she whined softly. Haldir's laughter made his chest vibrate in such a soothing way she had no desire to move.

"Janessa, I need you to slide down and get your hair wet so I can wash it."

Janessa quickly sat up, twisting in his lap to look at him. "I can do it."

Haldir smiled at her defensive posture, "I know you can Melamin, but I would like to."

Janessa looked at him for a moment, thoughtful. "Only if I can wash yours," she bargained.

Haldir threw his head back, a full-fledged laugh leaving his lips. She is just not content to play a passive role is she? He looked back to her now somewhat annoyed expression. "Ay, you may," he conceded.

A smile lit her face as she ordered, "You first."

Haldir moved to protest as she grasped the side of the basin and lifted herself, twisting her legs so she now kneeled straddling his hips. The protest died on his lips as he watched water droplets run down her skin to drip off the rings in her nipples. Haldir closed his eyes, drawing in a breath, willing his body to remain calm.

After a moment he opened his eyes to Janessa motioning for him to slide towards her. He placed his hands on either side of the basin and slid down letting his head fall back into the water, closing his eyes. Haldir felt Janessa's chest press against his as she reached past his shoulders scooping palmfuls of water onto his scalp, supporting his head with one hand.

After she saturated his hair he felt her hesitate. Correctly guessing the reason he murmured, "Third from the right." He felt her reach past him to retrieve the vial, listening as she uncapped it, poured an amount onto his head and returned it to its place.

Haldir was slightly surprised when she drew him forward, encouraging him to rest his forehead in the curve of her neck. She then withdrew his hands from the sides of the basin, placing them on her hips so she supported his weight. She began humming softly and he recognized the melody from earlier. He breathed in the scent of her wet skin while she worked the soap into the length of his hair before moving to the crown of his head, massaging his scalp with circular movements of her fingers.

I've entered the Halls of Mandos. That is the only explanation for this sweet torment. Haldir kept his body quiet, enjoying the sensations of Janessa massaging his skin. He suddenly felt her reach for something else. Curious, he tried to raise his head, only to have Janessa exert subtle pressure with her cheek directing him to remain as he was.

Janessa reached out for the bar of soap at the end of the table, nudging Haldir to stay still. She dipped the bar into the water, rubbed it between her hands before resting it on the basin's side and bringing her lathered hands to Haldir's exposed back. She had laid the length of his hair across her shoulder so it was out of her way.

Haldir started mentally as he realized she intended to wash all of him, not just his hair. His hands tightened imperceptibly on her hips. By the Valar you will be mine for I will not relinquish you without a fight. Janessa continued to hum as Haldir moved his head slightly to place a kiss on her throat. He could feel her smile as she worked her hands across his back, skillfully kneading the muscles. Haldir sighed as her fingers found several knots and began working at them, releasing the tension there.

Janessa retrieved the bar of soap, running it along Haldir's lower back before replacing it to its spot. She slipped her hands under his arms to gain better access to that area of his body. She kept humming, knowing instinctively the melody was soothing to the ear. She smiled that Haldir had relaxed to the point that he was dead weight resting against her. She finished with his back and took his head in her hands.

Haldir kept his eyes closed as he felt her take his head in her hands and pull him away from her shoulder. He felt her shift her weight and then the pressure of her knee against his back. She had twisted herself halfway around his torso. She means to support me on her own. The gentle care she showed practically unnerved him. No elleth has ever behaved in this manner with me.

Janessa carefully maneuvered the relaxed Marchwarden so his back was arched over her knee. She balanced herself against his shoulders, one hand supporting his head, the other trailing through his hair releasing the lather from its length. Once satisfied she had gotten all of it out, she drew his head forward, turning her own to reach down and kiss his slightly parted lips.

Haldir responded immediately to her lips on his, returning the kiss with equal feeling. He sat up, bringing her back to his lap before releasing her lips. Somehow he managed to keep his body quiet despite his desire for her. She smiled up at him, clearly pleased that he had enjoyed her efforts.

All business now, Haldir placed a quick kiss on her nose then picked her up by her hips and turned her so she was in her previous position, sitting on his lap. He slid back in the basin so he was again flush against the end. Haldir pressed his hand against Janessa's stomach. Instead of leaning back she arched her head back, winking at him as she dipped her hair into the water and sat back up.

Growling, Haldir pulled her against his chest, annoyed at having his efforts thwarted. Janessa twisted in his grip so she could look into his face. Meeting her eyes, Haldir spoke slowly, "I acquiesced to your whims. Now I ask that you do the same."

Chastised, Janessa dropped his gaze, turning to face forward again. She sat straight up, visibly stiff under his hands. Haldir cursed silently. Is it that much that you cannot relinquish even this small amount of control? How is it you can bestow such total care upon another yet you are unwilling to receive the same care in kind? Haldir pulled her closer, feeling the slight resistance in her frame. He sighed audibly.

"Melamin?" No response.

"Janessa?" She turned her head slightly, chin raised defiantly. Haldir beheld her strong profile for a moment, pushing back his own instinctual response to go on the defensive. "Why do you fight me? I only wish to show you the same regard you have gifted me with. You know I will not harm you."

Haldir could see Janessa's chin tremble before she turned away again. Haldir cursed again. Damnit! If I could but put my hands on the men who twisted her so I would kill them many times over. She has clearly been conditioned to give, expecting nothing in return. It's become twisted to the point she shies from reciprocal actions. "Janessa? Please?"

It was the please that undid her. Haldir caught her as she slumped bonelessly back against him. He realized with growing pride that for the first time she was truly submitting to him. He had managed to push past one of her thickest barriers and she had not run from him.

Haldir turned slightly, bringing one leg up while Janessa sat still on his other thigh. Her eyes were closed and her breathing shallow. She had drawn her knees up slightly. You will not regret this Melamin. That I promise you. He turned her so her back was against his raised leg, one arm around her shoulders, the other cradling her head. He leaned forward to brush a kiss across her damp forehead. He watched, encouraged as the corners of her mouth quirked up just slightly.

Haldir let her head trail back in the water, supporting her with one arm as he retrieved the appropriate vial. He guided her back to him, holding her in a manner similar to that she had used on him, her cheek resting against his chest. One of her hands came up to grasp his shoulder, squeezing reflexively. Switching the vial to his other hand Haldir took her hand in his, kissed the inside of the wrist and gently guided it around his waist, satisfied when she held on.

Janessa now sat sideways to his chest, her legs trailing down past his thigh. She concentrated on quelling the rising anxiety in her chest. Haldir's slow movements and gentle touch helped reassure her.

She clung to him as he brought his hands to her head, working the later into her hair. He copied her earlier actions, working first on the length then moving to her scalp, massaging the pulse points just above and forward of her ears. At that she released a pent-up sigh and shuddered, relinquishing the last of her fears against his chest.

Haldir began softly singing an elvish melody he remembered his mother having taught him, still working the lather into her hair. Feeling all the tension finally leave her form, he dropped his shoulder into the water, her head resting in the crook. Using the fingers of his free hand he drew the soap out. Satisfied, he moved back to his original position leaning against the back of the basin.

Janessa still lay sideways across his chest. Taking her by the waist he turned her so her chest was pressed to his and her knees straddled his hips again. He kept his body quiet, focusing instead on her. He brought her arms up so they encircled his neck and she buried her face there in response. Haldir slid his hips down so her shoulders were covered by the water, reaching out to snag the bar of soap.

He draped her wet hair over his shoulder again admiring the shade that was so unusual. He rubbed the bar between his hands and put it aside, working his way across the expanse of her back.

Janessa couldn't understand what caused her to submit. Perhaps it was the fact that he had so easily given her control just moments before. Her problem was more complex than just that. It wasn't an inhibition per se, more like a conditioned aversion to relinquishing control. In giving she retained control, but in this action that was undone. No one had bathed her since she was a babe and this scared her more than she could or would admit.

Haldir's sensitive fingers worked their way across her back, registering the imperceptibly raised lines of the tattoos in various places. He traced some of them, never lingering too long in one place. When he finally heard Janessa's breathing slow, he carefully removed her arms from his neck, looking down at her face.

Feeling Haldir's gaze on her, Janessa slowly opened her eyes and gave him a small smile. "I think it's time for us to get out. The water is starting to cool."

Haldir smiled at her observation. He brought one arm down under her knees, the other circling her back as he drew his knees up under him and slowly stood with Janessa safely ensconced in his arms. He carefully stepped out of the tub and walked over to a rack holding several towels.

Haldir carefully set Janessa back on her feet, keeping his arm around her back and her body close to his. He took hold of a towel with the other hand, draping it around her shoulders. He proceeded to slowly dry her off. When he was done he allowed Janessa to return the favor before sweeping her into his arms again and carried her back to his bed. He gently laid her down, wrapping her in the covers.

She looked questioningly at him as he turned to move away. "Where are you going?"

Haldir looked back, "It is still early and I have things I must yet do. Rest now. I will not be far." Janessa scrunched up her nose. "What is it?"

"I can't sleep by myself."

"What is it you need?" Haldir asked, trying not to get annoyed.

"Legolas."

Janessa laughed at Haldir's visible flinch, "Not THAT Legolas. My bow. You know I named my bow long before I ever came here and met the real elf. Paranoid much? Way I see it, you got two options, let me borrow a robe and I go get the bow myself or throw some pants on and get it yourself. Or you can get your butt back in this bed and get absolutely nothing done today. Knowing you my dear Marchwarden the last option is not an option at all since I intend to get some sleep."

Muttering about demanding females Haldir stalked into the front room where his leggings had been discarded. As he went Haldir gave Janessa a glorious view of his retreating form. Janessa couldn't restrain herself and called out a snarky comment as he passed through the portal into the other room. "Gods Haldir, I hate for you to leave, but oh how I love to see you go!"

Haldir froze halfway through the arch and threw an absolutely incredulous look back at the woman on the bed. Sweet Eru, did she just say what I think she said? The look on Janessa's face was all the confirmation Haldir needed. Yes she did. Ay! He proceeded onward, shaking his head, looking for his leggings.

Finding them he quickly pulled them on and headed for his brother's talan. Entering the flat he quickly retrieved the bow from the daybed. Spying the quiver of arrows Janessa had lain within arms reach he took that as well and returned to his own abode. He strode to the bedroom, stopping at the entryway. Janessa laid under the covers her back to him, near to, but not fully asleep. I wonder… Hefting the bow, Haldir threw it at the prone form.

Janessa's hand came up, snatching the bow out of mid air. "Be nice Haldir. Respect the bow. I wouldn't disrespect your weapons. I expect you to treat mine with the same care as you treat your own." Janessa threw a reproving glare over her shoulder at him as she drew back the coverlet, sliding the bow in next to her.

Haldir walked into the room and around the bed to deposit the quiver within her reach. I've never seen a human do that. He was amazed at how she had caught the bow without even looking up. Haldir observed her as she tucked the bow against her, her body curving around it. As he watched her wrap herself around the weapon, he felt a tell-tale tightening in his loins. There's something blatantly sexual in the way she embraces her weapon that goes beyond simple security.

Haldir shook himself realizing Janessa had been watching him as he studied her. She raised one brow at him before lifting one hand to motion at him. "Shoo now. G'way. Sleep now." She then closed her eyes and settled in, resting her forehead against the upper limb of her bow.

Haldir shook his head at the blatant dismissal, but heeded it, leaving to retrieve the remainder of her belongings from Rumil's talan. She would stay with him for the remainder of her visit.

Haldir was shaken from his revere by a strong hand on his shoulder. Blinking quickly he looked at Celeborn's amused expression and realized he had reached down to adjust himself. "Milord?"

"Wherever you went it must have been nice if anything is to be gleaned from the look on your face," the Lorien lord observed.

Haldir smiled, the expression reaching his eyes, making them sparkle, "The past two weeks have been beyond description. Janessa has surprised and impressed me every day we have spent together. Her skill is unlike any human female I have seen. She makes mistakes an elf would never make, but she recovers unusually quickly and I have never seen her make the same mistake twice. She acquires new skills at an uncommonly fast pace as well, though she still has trouble with our language. She understands a great deal more than she speaks."

"Now aren't you glad I made you finally take some time off?" Celeborn remarked.

Registering the ramifications of his liege's words Haldir looked hard at him. "You planned this."

Celeborn laughed at Haldir's suddenly serious expression, "I planned nothing my dear Marchwarden. Twas a happy coincidence that I am glad occurred."

Both elves halted their conversation as silence fell in the room. They looked toward the entrance expecting to finally see the plotting females make their entrance. The sight they beheld caused their jaws to drop and both Lord and Marchwarden reached down to simultaneously readjust themselves, thankful their tunics were long enough to cover their now uncomfortable erections.

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Mornië utúlië ['Darkness has come']
Mornië alantië ['Darkness has fallen']
May It Be sung by Enya from the Fellowship of the Ring Soundtrack
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