Scenes from a Life

Author's notes: Timeline: December, TA 3013; This takes place in mid-winter, three months after the episode described in Part III "More".

***
"O blessed, blessed night! I am afeard.
Being in night, all this is but a dream,
Too flattering-sweet to be substantial."

William Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet)
***

Eadhild was happy. It was a bit surprising, considering her modest situation, but it was true nevertheless. These months at the inn had been far better than she had expected when she first came here with the merchants who had pitied her and had helped her get this position. The chores were many and she was often exhausted when she went to bed, but still, she reminded herself, here she got paid to do the same things she had done without pay in first her father's, and then her husband's, house. And she even didn't have to do much of the heavier work; the grooms took care of carrying water and firewood.

And most of the guests to the inn were not too bad. There were of course the local drunkards who just came in for the ale and to ogle at the Elves and in the hope of stealing a kiss, or perhaps something more, from one of her fellow maidservants. They could be annoying when their muddled minds prevented them from even noticing when their attention was undesired, but for the most part they were not bad men. There had been trouble once or twice with casual visitors, but the mere presence of a warrior Elf on the premises was usually enough to calm things down. Not that there were always Elven guests, but the reputation helped too.

Ah, yes, the Elves, she thought. They were everything her childhood fantasies had imagined and yet very different from these thoughts. They were even more beautiful than she had imagined, and every inch as frightening and deadly as the Rohan tales had it. They were dangerous, warriors all of them, but with proud hearts pure as gold... or maybe cold as stone in some cases, she thought, reminding herself of her first explosive encounter with one of this race. And still, even he had not been inconsiderate, but had shown her kindness in his own strange way.

It was only a pity that rarely the same Elf would come more than twice, perhaps their long lives made them unwilling to travel the same roads too often. Or maybe they don't want to spoil us mortals with frequent appearances, she thought. But likely it was just that their service to their lords didn't take them to this particular corner of Middle Earth too often. After all, they didn't come here for pleasure, even if they seldom wasted a chance to get it. She smiled to herself, fondly remembering the two brothers and how their art had subdued her.

Haldir looked around the hall with a smirk. The noise was deafening and the room was packed with drinking men and Elves and even a... Dwarf! So... now even the stunted folk had made their way here, he sneered to himself, not happy at the prospect of having this pearl in the dull world of humans soiled by the hairy midgets who had returned Elven generosity by eventually murdering their king! It was long ago, but not a thing to be easily forgotten! Even less as his Lady had been a kinswoman of the slain monarch. He turned his glance away from the undesirable creature and looked instead for an empty table, soon to be disappointed.

He had not expected the inn to be so crowded; this night must be of some special significance to the mortals since they had gathered here in such numbers... there was no way he would get a room now! Recognizing one of his own soldiers in the crowd, he played with the thought of ordering that one to give up his room to his superior, but dismissed it almost at once. Pulling rank was not honourable and he wouldn't use such means, except towards his brothers at times. He was not looking forward to spending a night in the stables in the winter! But perhaps there were other ...possibilities?

Eadhild was abruptly stopped in her musings by the constant influx of people eager to drown this longest of nights in ale, perhaps in an attempt to scare off the demons known to roam the streets during winter solstice. She shuddered. Her tutor in Minas Tirith had said that things like that were old wives tales, just like those about the evilness of Elves, but she couldn't help being uncomfortable at the thought of going outside this particular night, in this darkness!

She noticed the tall Elf who had just entered the room and was standing in the doorway with a smirk on his handsome face and an air of contempt around him. Oh, one of the haughty ones, she smiled to herself. Those who would pretend that they had come here only because there were no alternatives and who looked down on all mortals. You should keep to your forest then, sir Elf, she thought. But nevertheless, he was a guest like everybody else and she would serve him without letting her personal feelings show through.

Haldir looked around again, this time searching to draw the attention of one of the serving wenches without being too obvious about it. He arched a perfect eyebrow and sent a smouldering glance towards the nearest one, a tall blonde, and smiled to himself as her eyes widened with surprise at the cheeky, but still discrete behaviour.

Eadhild collected herself quickly and drew up to the Elf with her usual kind, but not over-friendly expression. "How may I serve you, my lord?", she asked matter-of-factly. "Bring me some wine... if you have any", Haldir drawled, thinking of a number of other ways she might have served him had he had a room. But perhaps the field wasn't lost yet... he would take his time and who knew what the night, ever his true comrade-in-arms, would bring?

"Thank you", he said when she brought him the wine, heated and spiced as was the custom at this time of the year. "I will let you know if there's anything else I require", he added, the coolness of his voice contradicted by the glance gliding over the woman's body.

She couldn't help turning to watch the Elf as she left him to his drink and his thoughts. His face, beautiful in all it's coldness, the fingers that had touched hers for a moment as she had handed him the jar, almost like a swift caress, and those eyes... burning through all her professionalism and making her feel... something. And his lips as they drew closer to the rim of the jar, full, sensual... now parted to touch the jar, indulging the warm liquid... She almost held her breath at the sight of his tongue licking away some of the dark red drops that had strayed onto his lower lip.

"Hey there, you lazy wench!" Eadhild s was interrupted by a harsh voice and an impatient hand tugging at her skirt. She apologized to the man and quickly brought him his ale. It was wrong of her to tarry, and yet she couldn't help casting a glance towards the Elf next time she passed him. He had obviously preferred to remain standing rather than joining the noisy crowd at the tables. She looked at his hair that reminded her of Orophin, but this Elf was different in appearance, and likely no gentleman at all, she suspected, despite his impeccable manners. She flinched as she noticed that he was looking at her, realizing that he had probably seen her staring at him. Eadhild blushed. This was embarrassing! After all, she was a grown woman and no silly maid child!

Haldir watched the reaction of the serving wench with some amusement. So... he had unsettled her, then, despite her cool attitude. And she had been watching him... perhaps she'd like a closer look? The next time she passed him, he reached out a strong arm and caught her around the waist, drawing her close. Before she could react he covered her lips with his in a kiss, not too demanding, but still very obviously more than a friendly peck.

Eadhild didn't know how to react. Normally she would have slapped someone this cheeky, or turned away with a giggle. But this short moment had felt so good. His strong body against hers, those soft lips... She didn't know what to say, so she said nothing, just took the empty jar from his other hand and hurried to the kitchen.

When Eadhild came back into the hall the Elf was gone. She had barely spoken with him, she didn't even know his name and he hadn't actually expressed any interest in her, only jested. She had absolutely no reason for feeling disappointed, but she did!

Haldir had left the hall, tired of the noise. Now he would seek out a place to spend the night and perhaps come back later for that wench, or another one, if he still wanted company.

The stables were the usual place for guests who'd not found lodging at the inn, so the stable-boys hadn't been too surprised at seeing the Elf, even though it was rare for one of that race to have to take to simpler accommodation. Especially for one of some rank. Nervously they had pointed out a corner where they had promised he would be undisturbed as soon as they had finished tending to the horses. It was already late, so it wasn't likely that any more guests would require their attention. And they would bring some furs and blankets, as the warmth from the animals was barely enough to heat the building to a comfortable temperature.

Many of the guests had left for their rooms and Eadhild would soon do the same as the few men that remained in the hall seemed to be too drunk to wish for anything more to wet their whistles with. She was a bit annoyed that the stable-boy had chosen her when someone was needed to bring some warm drink to some unkempt stranger who was to spend the night with the horses. She wasn't especially looking forward to going there at this hour, who knew what the villain would try to do to her? If he even was human, she thought, suddenly reminded of the childish tales from her youth. Only ghosts and phantoms would be outside on this night. She shuddered, but did go to fetch some wine, in a large jar so that she wouldn't have to go outside again if he would want more.

It was a clear, cold night with moonlight making the new fallen snow glister as if it were strewn with tiny jewels. Eadhild was grateful that she had put on her woollen mantle even for the short walk to the stables. 'Almost there,' she thought. And no demons so far...
She gasped when she saw something white moving against the dark wall in the stables, lit only by the faint light of the moon that filtered through the small window and scolded herself when she realized that it was only the flaxen hair of the night-guest and her childhood fears playing tricks with her mind.

Haldir had made himself comfortable in his corner. The furs were soft and the occasional sound of the horses moving only added to the rather cosy atmosphere. And soon someone would bring the wine... He praised himself for the thought to ask for something that would have to be fetched from the kitchen. Surely some maid would be chosen to perform the task and at this hour she would hardly be missed. There was of course the possibility that it would be one of the boys who would come, but that was a risk he was prepared to take. A little gamble to make life more interesting...

He watched the woman entering the building and smirked at her frightened look. That one clearly did not see darkness as a friend... but then he knew that mortals had poor eyesight. It didn't take him many seconds to recognize the maidsservant who had caught his attention earlier this night. Haldir was pleased. She could in fact be a quite enjoyable pastime.

Eadhild was relieved to see that the man in the stables was no man but the Elf from the inn and though she couldn't see much of him she thought there was a hint of approval in his glance as she came forth to him. "Your wine, my lord", she said, motioning to put the jar down on the floor beside the crude bed he had made for himself. He picked up the jar to take a sip and then he had done it again. Licked his lips with that tongue, slowly, forcing her to follow each movement. And then he had put the jar down, taken her hand, lifted it to those full lips and kissed it. Slowly, dragging the tip of his tongue along her palm.

"Have some wine with me?", he asked.

She thought for a second. It was hardly appropriate to drink with a guest here, but who would know? "Yes, please", she answered, adding a "my lord" as was the custom with all Elven guests, lords or not. They were all kings and princes to her anyway with their fine clothing and delicate features.

"I am Haldir", he said with a smirk. "You can save the "my lord" for those worthy of it, if one such should ever come here."

"As you will, Haldir. I am sorry, I was only trying to be polite", Eadhild said.

"It is not politeness I ask of you", he replied, sending her another of those glances that made her feel a stirring deep inside.

They sat down on the furs and he poured some of the red, sweet liquid into the mug she had brought. "You first", he said gently, putting the small container into her hands. She accepted it gratefully, suddenly feeling a little cold, and took in the sweet smell of cinnamon and clove before she swallowed the warm drink. "Thank you", she said, handing the mug to him.

"I would rather taste it thus", he said as he draw her close and brought her lips close to his. He plundered her mouth and made sure his tongue tasted it all, the fullness of the wine mingled with the sweetness of her soft lips. She was pliant in his arms when he embraced her and lay down on his back, pulling her with him to rest upon his chest.

Eadhild lay still for a moment. It felt so good just to rest, to feel the strong chest under her heave with the Elf´s every breath, to smell him and to touch that marvellous hair. So soft... And to feel his arms just holding her close before his hands began to wander up and down her back in long strokes to finally settle firmly on her behind. She rose on her elbows to be able to place a small kiss on his luscious mouth and then quickly caught his glance to watch his reaction. His eyes were smiling, so she kissed him again, deeper and less hesitantly this time, letting her tongue find its way between his half-parted lips.

"Some more wine, Haldir?" she asked when she finally let go of his mouth. He nodded and waited, curious to see what she would come up with. This woman was a surprise, he thought with anticipation. He wasn't disappointed. Eadhild just dipped her tongue in the spicy liquid and ran it over his lips, enticing him to lick them to catch the drips and meet her mouth with his again.

His hands were more eager now and he pressed her down to make her rub her body against his prominent bulge, which she did passionately as she continued to kiss his mouth now and then letting her lips travel down his neck. Suddenly he stopped her and pushed her off of him to be able to relieve her of her clothes. The mantle had long since slipped from her shoulders and he made a short work of her dress, quickly slipping it over her head. He covered her with a blanket until he had undressed himself and could replace the woollen cover with that of his own body.

She reached for him greedily, moaning and whispering to him not to hold back, not to let her wait. Haldir smiled at her fire, thinking that she was as hot and spicy as the wine that she had brought him. And who was he to keep a lady waiting? Eagerly he fulfilled her wish and allowed himself to be lost in the sensation of entering her warmth again and again, urged on by her enthusiastic little cries that he silenced after a while by slipping a finger into her mouth. She continued to suck it hungrily while he took her and the double stimulation soon sent him over the edge, bringing her with him as she felt the peak of his passion.

Eadhild sighed when he stood from the makeshift bed. She didn't want to leave this Elf; she was even considering begging him to let her stay until the morning when she heard his voice. "Wait here. I won't be long."

Haldir was pleased. This woman had been a good choice, a very good choice indeed. Ah, it had been so good to touch her, to bury himself into her, to listen to her whimpering desperate with need... He realised that he was ready again, but he would wait. A little.

Thinking that there would hardly be anyone outside he didn't bother to cover himself. He stepped out into the blackness, sending a grateful thought to Elbereth for the light of her stars and shivering slightly as his bare feet touched the frozen ground. He quickly collected some handfuls of the white fluff in the wooden bucket he had found in the stable and went back into the building that now felt surprisingly warm.

The woman looked as if she were asleep. She wouldn't be for long, Haldir thought as he removed the blanket to let his glance glide over her body, barely visible in the dim light.

Eadhild shuddered as she felt a cold hand on her stomach and became wide awake when something even colder landed between her breasts. "Haldir!", she yelped. "What are you doing?" "Pleasuring you..." he answered with a drawl and silenced any further protests with a passionate kiss as the snow was slowly melting against her heated flesh, sending drops of water trickling down her sides. "...and having something to drink", he continued, quickly lowering his head to catch the tiny rivers before they reached the furs under her.

At first she giggled with the absurdness of the situation, of having an Elf lapping melted snow from her body, and in a stable of all places, but his attentions soon aroused her. Gasp! More snow! And the warm tongue that roamed all over hunting for the liquid as if it had been precious miruvor. Tongue, hands, silky hair... "Haldir", she whispered as she turned to her side. "Please!"

He sank down behind her and fondled her breasts, his strong arm embracing her protectively. She moaned softly as he kissed the edge of her neck, nibbling the soft hair and moving closer to let her feel his arousal against her backside. His hand moved downwards to caress her stomach and then found its way to her core. Fingers striking, gliding between her folds, making her moan louder and twist as she tried to move closer both to his hardness and to the finger inside her.

When he removed his hand she shifted slightly to allow him to enter her from behind. They lay still for a moment before he started to push into her, slowly this time. He groaned with each thrust and she was moaning constantly from the pleasure he was giving her. After a last, explosive thrust, he withdrew and turned her onto her back. Settling between her legs he licked her nipples, making her moan again before he spoke. "I want to watch you as you come".

He didn't have to wait long until his wish was granted. She whimpered each time he thrust into her, each time a little harder, but still teasingly slow and when he began to speed up the tempo it became too much for her and she let out a shriek, clutching him hard as she shook with the waves of pleasure rushing through her body. Haldir´s low purring rose to a load groan as he spilled his seed into her. With a satisfied moan he sank down beside her, pulled the blanket over them and smiled when the woman snuggled up to him. He held her and felt strangely warm inside at the sight of the happiness in her eyes.

Eadhild sighed contentedly. Yes, she really was happy with her life at this inn.
And Haldir was thinking that he would not be too sorry should his service to his Lord and Lady take him to this part of the world again.