Taelin's Story

Author’s Notes: I’m a slasher at heart. I love it. I love everything about it. In fact, I’m so obsessed with it, that I find it REALLY hard to write het. I hope I’ve done alright, in this coming chapter. Please let me know! I value everyone’s reviews, greatly!

~~~*~~~

Months passed, and still no visits from Daela. Taelin was starting to think something had happened to her once more. He had asked, everyday, as to where she was. They always gave him the same answer. She lived. That was all anyone would ever tell him.

Late one night, however, he heard the familiar soft footsteps coming down the hallway. The elf jumped to his feet. When the door opened, and in walked the woman he loved, his breath nearly caught in his chest.

She was even more beautiful than when he’d last seen her. Her wavy, red hair now hung loose, falling softly to her hips. Her skin, though still pale, was bathed in a warm orange flow from the candle she carried before her. She wore a dark green dress, with a close-fitting bodice and full skirt. It accentuated all her curves, and drew ones eyes to her ample hips. A loving smile spread across her soft lips when she saw the elf standing before her.

“I’ve missed you, nin ind (my heart)” He whispered to her, wishing he could further close the distance between them.

“I missed you as well. I’m sorry I could not come sooner, I was forbidden to see you.” Daela nearly whispered as she crossed the room and embraced the elf. It saddened her when she felt him flinch away from her touch.

Taelin didn’t know why he flinched when Daela touched him. In fact, it angered him. He had longed for this moment, to hold her in his arms, and yet he couldn’t stop the cold chill that ran down his spine. Long months of dreams about this reunion, and yet, here it was, and he felt afraid of her touch!

Setting the candle down, Daela handed the elf a bundle of cloth, before eyeing the manacles at his ankles, with a growing frown.

“The mend had to leave this afternoon, they won’t return until the day after tomorrow.” Daela explained, sitting herself on the bed. “I thought you might like some clothes, while they’re gone. I didn’t know about the new restraints, though. I’m not sure how you can put them on with those chains.” Silently, she wished she knew where Master had the keys. She would have freed Taelin in their absence, though with her luck, Master had probably known that, and taken the keys with him.

“Perhaps a wash, love? I could bring some warm water in a bucket, I would offer a bath, but I don’t know where the keys are to release you.” She was babbling, trying to fight the urge to kiss the beautiful being before her. One look from those crystal blue eyes, and she had been completely under his spell.

“Thank you, my lady. The chance to wash would be a great gift, indeed. Though I do not want to cause you trouble when they return.” Taelin’s voice was soft as velvet and touched with concern.

Daela smiled, and gently brushed a golden lock of hair from his face. “If it will make you more comfortable, melamin (my love), then it will be worth the risk.” She stood to leave. I’ll bring water, some soap, and blankets when I return.”

~~~*~~~

It felt strange to be clean after so long. Daela had bathed the elf with the utmost of care. He had been nervous at first, but the feeling of water running over him had served to relax him greatly. Daela’s fingers combed softly through his matted hair, detangling as much as she could.

They both now sat on the edge of the small bed. Taelin in front, wrapped warmly in a blanket, while Daela sat behind and carefully brushed his damp, now silky hair.

“Taelin?” She whispered softly, afraid of startling him.

“Yes, nin ind?” (My heart)

“May I braid your hair? I know elvish customs hold braids as a sort of status symbol, but I think you would look wonderful with braids like my grandfather used to wear.”

“I am not worthy of wearing any sort of braids, Lady Daela.” The elf’s voice was quietly pained, and defeated.

“’Course you are, love.” She said softly, trying to comfort him. “Besides, there’s only me here to see you.”

The young elf considered this for a long while, before nodding in agreement. It felt very good to have someone brush and braid his hair. He drifted back to memories of his mother doing it when he was young. It brought a feeling of peace over the elf. For the first time in just over a year, he actually felt safe.

When she was finished the braids, Daela held a small silver mirror up for Taelin to view himself. He gazed at the elf in the mirror for a long time. He hardly recognized himself anymore. The long year since he had last seen his reflection had changed him.

His smooth, pale skin, which once held a luminous quality, now seemed to have grayed. The sparkle had left his eyes, and they now started back at him as though he were a stranger. There were faint bruises upon his cheeks and brow, and dark circles had formed under his eyes. His gaze now drifted to the small braids trailing back behind his pointed ears, and he guessed there was a herringbone braid hanging down the back of his head.

“Your grandfather was a highly respected warrior.” He whispered, unable to take his eyes from the elf in the mirror.

“He was.” She replied, combing her fingers through his hair once more. “He was killed in battle when I was a child.” She sighed softly and smiled. “There is much about you that reminds me of him.”

“I am no warrior.” The elf whispered, setting the mirror aside.

“Perhaps not, but you’ve the heart of one.” Daela slid out from behind him, and knelt before the elf, gazing up into his crystal blue eyes. “It is one of the things I love about you, Taelin.” Her look turned to one of soft pleading. “May I kiss you?” She asked quietly.

“You want my permission?” His voice shook with uncertainty.

“Yes, melamin. (My love) I know how they force you, and I want you to know that you have a choice with me. We are both forced to do things, that we do not want.” She took his hands in hers, softly pleading. “I love you, Taelin, and I wish to lie with you, to make love. I wish to show you how much I care. But if you are not ready, I under…”

Daela was unable to finish the sentence, as her lips were engaged in a bruising kiss. She had never felt such gentle passion. The warm lips pressed against her own were softer than any she’d ever felt before. A warm flush spread through her body.

“I’m sorry!” Taelin whispered as he pulled away.

“Shh.” Daela pressed a finger softly to his lips. “That was beautiful, melamin.” (My love.)

This time it was her lips that pressed his, as she guided his hand down her body. At first his hand stayed tense, but as the kiss lasted, he seemed to relax. She directed his hands once more to the button closures down the front of her dress. When his hand touched the soft curve of her breast, the elf pulled away from the kiss, apology written all over his face.

Daela nodded in reassurance, and lay back, pulling the elf on top of her. The surprised look on the elf’s face caused her to giggle softly. He was so insecure, so uncertain. She looked deep into the dark blue eyes and pleaded, almost begging.

“Please, Taelin. Please make love to me.”

“I … I’ve never …” Taelin stuttered slightly.

“I know. It will be a first for me, as we She She smiled and gently stroked his face. “No one has ever touched me with such love before. I’m a little frightened, too.” Daela whispered, blushing slightly.

Taelin looked at her, as though he were searching for the truth to her words. His eyes held a tiny glint of desire, which seemed to grow when he realized that she was telling the truth. He leaned down, and trailed feather-light kisses down her neck and chest.

Making love to the elf was like nothing Daela had ever experienced. She had been claimed with harsh acts of sex since she had been just a child. There was nothing harsh about this act, though. The elf never made any sudden moves. His touches and caresses were soft and gentle. He even paused now and then, as if asking her permission to continue.

They rocked together, making slow, passionate love by candlelight. There was no rushing, and each delighted in the care shown by the other. For a few hours, they both forgot the men. They forgot all other sexual abuse, beatings, and chains. For a few precious hours, they were free.

~~~*~~~

When dawn broke, they were curled against each other, and peacefully asleep. After so many months of torture, and pain, there was a feeling of safety at last. They were so relaxed in sleep, that neither heard the heavy footsteps cross the room.

“Ain’t this sweet! The two lovebirds asleep after a long night.” Master sneered, as he stood at the end of the bed, with arms crossed.

Taelin’s sleep-glazed eyes filled with awareness rapidly, and he jumped from the bed, pulling a blanket with him instinctively. Master just laughed heartily.

“Modest now, are ye, elf? Ye’ve been naked in front of me for over a year! There’s nothin’ ‘bout you I’ve not seen.” Master teased as he harshly ripped the blanket from the naked elf.

Daela, who had woken from all the commotion, gave a fearful squeak when Master’s attention turned to her. She clutched another blanket, which she’d pulled up to her neck. Another tiny gasp escaped her lips when the blanket was pulled from her as well. The chill air caused goose bumps to form on her pale skin. Master looked her up and down while a very queer smile grew on his face. He pulled her harshly to her feet.

“My dearest wife. How should I feel comin’ home to find ye in bed with my newest pet? I hope ye enjoyed each other’s company, as ye’ll be spendin’ the comin’ months t’gether!” Master spat, as he dragged the naked woman across the room, and closed a metal cuff around her left ankle. He stepped closer to her, pinning her trembling body against the cold stone wall. He licked menacingly up her cheek, before whispering in her ear.

“Ye best pray ye’ll conceive his child, wench. That’s all’ll save yer worthless life now, and it’d fetch a pretty price at market, too!”

With that he left the terrified lovers to comfort each other.