Emerald

Title: Emerald

Author: Ambur

Beta: The Magnificent Fianna

Rating: R

Summary: Emerald has a path placed before her. Will she chose to take it up when it means she may never see Orophin again?

Disclaimer: LOTR min mine.

Warnings: Adult themes

Feedback: Would be appreciated, amboo1979@yahoo.com

Chapter 6


A picnic! Orophin had asked Emerald to a picnic. He was leaving that evening and had wanted to spend his last moments with her. The significance of this was lost on young Emerald as all she was thinking of was how she was going to kiss him. Serena had spent the most part of an hour showing Emerald how she should go about this kiss. Emerald has been practicing ever since on the back of her hand and on her pillow.

Emerald paced around her room, trying on the fourth dress for the morning. She was very thankful to Arwen after all for removing her too-large garments and packing these beautiful gowns. After much twirling and spinning about the room, Emerald decided on the shimmering silver gown. She had even gotten Serena to braid her hair in the fashion of the she elves of Lorien, two braids circling the top of the scalp holding the rest of her blonde locks in proper placement.

She had just placed the last little flower within her braid when there was a soft rapt at her door. Her hands flew to her face as she giggled, bouncing up and down slightly at the realization of what she was going to do. Another rapt and she quickly calmed herself, trying to look nonchalant as she opened the door.

Orophin’s eyebrow quirked upward in amusement at the sight of her and he smiled; apparently, she hid nothing from him. She could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks and abruptly turned from him, “Won’t you come in?”

“Thank you, Emerald.”

She moved away from the door to allow him to enter. She closed the door and turned to face him. Her face warmed once again as he held her wrap out for her. He tucked her small hand in the crook of his arm, “Shall we away, my Lady?”

Emerald could only nod, her eyes glued to the ground.

**
Orophin glanced at Emerald from the corner of his eye as they walked. She was breathtaking this day. He would carry this image of her with him to keep with him as he guarded the lonely borders of his homeland. He knew she had done her hair special for him. He had wanted to tell her how beautiful she was to him, but he was afraid to let his feelings for her become known. The little voice in his head mocked him.

You could never be with her. What could you possibly offer her? You could not even make Celeste love you! And what if Emerald could returnr afr affection? She is mortal and you are elf kind. This love is doomed before it could even begin. You are a fool to thinkerwierwise.

So Orophin walked in silence, unaware how his refusal to comment on how she looked deeply hurt her. Emerald’s shoulders fell as they walked in silence. He had not even noticed how she had worn her hair, like the she elves of his city. She was wearing her most beautiful dress, silver with pearl trimming around the neck line and wrists. She had even worn the perfume Serena had given her, telling her this scent was Orophin’s favorite. Emerald could feel her anger begin to rise. Why had he bothered to ask her for a picnic if she meant nothing to him! She struggled against the voices in her mind. She had worked so hard to dispel them, but sometimes they could break past her defenses.

Foolish girl! Did you think he was truly different from all the others? Did you think he could find one such as you beautiful? Look at the unparralled beauty that surrounds him from his own kin, and look at you! Short, stocky, slow witted Emerald. What could possibly offer him?

Emerald quickly wiped the tear that spilled from the corner of her eye, masking her expression when she felt him turn towards her. She knew he was regarding her and she held her breath, hoping he would not ask her what was wrong. She sighed deeply when he lead her further without a word.

**

Serena watched Haldir pack his knapsack as he prepared once again to leave for the borders. She had not spoken to him of her concerns. She knew Emerald hame sme sort of vision concerning him, but the young girl would not speak of it. Haldir turned suddenly when he felt her eyes upon him.

Serena turned from him, trying to make her expression aloof. She stiffened when she felt his arms around her. “What is it my love? Why are you so solemn?”

She turned to regard him, struggling against the tears in her eyes. She did not want to show him weak eyes before he left. She did not want him to have this vision of her to keep him company while he was away. She tried to smile, but could not.

“I am already ing ing you, that is all.” Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper. She tried to turn from him, but he did not release her, He tightened his hold, trapping her arms against him.

“You are not in earnest, wife. What is truly behind your sadness and grief?”

Her brow burrowed as she struggled against him, “What do you think is a matter? You have been home less than a month and now you leave again for Eru knows how long! My heart is breaking.”

Haldir pulled her head to his shoulder, caressing her scalp gently with his fingers, “I know it is difficult Serena, but you must remember there are other wives, daughters, and loved ones who must bear tsamesame pain. I am the March Warden…I cannot leave my wardens without their Captain. I have a duty…”

“You have a duty to me!” She spat venomously as she tried in vain to wrench herself from his grasp. “Let me go!” Her plea came out as a choked sob.

“Nay Serena. I will not let you go until you tell me the meaning behind this. For over three centuries have we been bound and you have had to be without me for nearly years at the time. What has changed so much that you can no longer bear it?”

Serena still struggled in his grip, but soon fell against him sobbing. “It is Emmie…I know she has seen you…in her visions. She will not tell me what she sees, but I see the fear for you in her eyes. She refuses my questions! She tells me I am only being silly…she a child telling me I am being silly!”

Haldir rocked her gently as he spoke soothingly to her, “You are being silly Serena. Nothing is going to happen to me. Our borders are as safe as ever. These aot vot visions this child has, they are nothing more than nightmares. Her brother, Elladan spoke of how these dreams have plagued her for years. Ever since she was a small child. She began having them when her mother was killed.”

Serena wretched away, “You ignore her gift! I have heard both Orophin and the Lady speak of it. I have watched her when she yields her magic. She thinks no one is watching her, but I have seen her do wondrous things. I know she has had a vision of you! She has seen your death, I know she has!” Serena turned from him, her shoulders trembling, “One day soon you will leave me…and I will lose you.”

Haldir had known ever since the night Emerald had the nightmare on the border that she had seen something to do with him. He had ignored the nagging in his heart and brushed his worry away as if it were nothing. After all, she was only a child who had been through so much grief. Would it not be expected for her to have nights? Ps? Perhaps there was more to what Emerald had seen than he was willing to admit.

Haldir moved to stand behind Serena and gathered her in his arms. She cried freely now against his strong embrace. Her heart was breaking and she wondered how many more moments she would have in his arms.

**

Orophin watched Emerald tug at the grass around her legs. She had barely spoken to him since they had reached the brook.

“Emerald, are you angry with me?”

He noticed her stiffen and make a fist in the grass, “Nay.” Came her soft reply. Orophin studied a few more moments before an idea formed in his head. Smiling evilly to himself, he moved with lightening speed, scooping Emerald off the grass before she had time to register that he had even moved.

“Orophin, what are you doing! Put me down this instant!”

“Aye, I plan on putting you down.”

Emerald squealed and began to wiggle in his arms when she saw he headed for the water.

“Orophin, don’t you dare put me in the water! This gown is satin. You will ruin it! Orophin…no…” Her voice broke into a shriek when he tossed her into the air. She released the breath she held when she did not hit the water, but fell back into his arms.
He had only tossed her straight up above him. She glared at him struggling furiously against him as he giggled mercilessly at her.

“Ooh, you! Put me down!” She snapped.

He relented finally and sat her on her feet. He was still so am he he was not prepared for her counter attack. She charged full speed, tackling him around his legs and knocking him to the ground. She fell on top of him and made herself comfortable, quite pleased with herself that she had been able to knock him down.

Orophin grinned widely at her, “I suppose you are proud of yourself for your victory Emerald?”

“Aye. I have always told Elladan that I was strong and capable.”

Orophin nodded, “Yes you are quite strong, but Emerald, you forget one thing.”

She cocked her head to the side as she regarded him, “And what might that be?”

He favored her with a lecherous grin, “I am stronger.” And with that, he grabbed her against him, rolled her underneath him, and pinned her to the ground. He laughed heartily when her arrogant smirk fell into a frown.

“Now you will tell me why you are so dour today.”

She huffed, “I am not dour. I am never dour.”

“Ha! I would be jollier in the company of my elder brother. Come now Emerald, this will be our last day together for a long time. Do not leave me without the gift of swe sweet smile when I go.”

Tears pricked her eyes at his words. His hand reached down to cup her face, “No tears Emerald. I do not want this to be a time of sadness.”

“What else can it be when you are leaving me all alone!”

“You will not be alone Emerald. We have already discussed this. You and Serena can keep each other company. She will need you while Haldir is away.”

“What about what I need? Do you not care that I will grieve for you while you are gone?”

His sigh was one of exasperation. It was times like these her whining reminded him she could still be such a child. Orophin leaned down and kissed her forehead, “Tis no simple matter for me to leave you either Emmie. I have grown to care for you deeply.”

Emerald’s hands moved over his chest. He stiffened at her touch, gasping softly when her finger tips made contaith ith his nipples through the fabric of his tunic. She locked her hands around his neck, stroking the back of his neck gently.lls lls ran down his spine as the fire of her touch stirred him, causing him to groan slightly. She continued to stroke the back of his neck with one hand while bringing her other hand around to caress his cheek.

His breath quickened and he closed his eyes, trying to ignore the passion she was igniting within him. He ground himself into her, his hardness pressing against her belly. He heard her sharp intake of breath. This was something he new she had never felt before. He opened his eyes and watched the look of wonderment on her face. Her fingers now moved to trace the tip of his ear. He shuddered against her, knowing he should stop this, but not being able too.

“Emerald…you must stop this.”

She smiled innocently, “Why? Don’t you like it?”

Again he groaned as both sets of fingertips stroked both of his ears. He swallowed hard, sweat beading upon his forehead as he ground himself into her again. By Eru how he wanted her. It took all of his control not to crush his h agh againt hers. How easily he could carress her soft body, coax her into given up her kisses, but when he looked down into her trusting, innocent eyes, he could not. He would not insult her in this way. She was too precious to him and she deserved better than he.

He pulled himself off her with another groan. He glanced at her, seeing the confusion and hurt in her eyes. He could not bear to see the tears that formed. How could he make her understand that he only meant to spare hore ore pain? How could he make her understand that some day she would meet a wonderful man who would love her and cherish her for always. How could he make her understand she would meet far better than him?

“Did I do something wrong, Orophin?” Her voice quivered with her tears.

“Nay Emerald, I am the one who was wrong to allow that to continue.”

He was startled when she stood suddenly, turned, and ran from him. He followed her, hearing her cries as she went.

“Emerald…wait…you misunderstand me!”

She ignored him, running faster, but he was quicker. He caught her just as they reached the gates to the city. The Lord and Lady’s Sentinels ignored them, keeping their expressions aloof as Orophin pulled the mortal girl back into privacy of the forest.

“Let me go Orophin! I already feel like a big enough fool!”

Orophin shook his head and spoke gently, “You have nothing to feel foolish over.” He lifted her chin and saw her face was hot with humiliation, “Emerald, you did nothing wrong. It was my own response to you that caused me to break away.”

She stared at him, needing to know the truth. Dare she risk more heartache? She was already humiliated, could she bear any more? She drew in a shaky breath, “Do you think I am pretty?”

“You are more beautiful to me than anything I have seen in my many centuries on this earth.”

She swallowed hard, not sure shoushould take this further, “Then why will you not kiss me?”

“You are nothing but an innocent babe Emerald…”

“Then teach me Orophin! Enlighten me to the ways of the world”

He chuckled softly at her innocence, “You do not know what you ask. What you are feeling now is nothing more than a passing fancy. One day, you will meet someone and fall in love…”

“I love you, with all of my heart, I do. There will never be another.”

“You are too young to realize what you are sayiYou You do not love me Emerald, not in that way. You are too naive to understand it.”

Her eyes narrowed as her face grew hot once again, “How dare you trivialize how I feel? I do love you but you are too much of a coward to accept it Orophin of Lorien! I have heard tell of your precious Celeste. You live in the shadow of the pain she left behind. You are right, someday I will meet anothnd ynd you will be very sorry! Very sorry indeed!” She screamed at him before turning to run. This time he did not follow.

His shoulders sagged in defeat as he watched her retreating form, her beautiful silver hair fluttering in the wind behind her as he disappeared into the city.


**

Orophin would be gone for nearly week before the Lady called Emerald to her. Emerald had felt for some time now that change was upon her, was upon them all. She knew whhe Lhe Lady would ask her would require much inner strength and much grief.

Emerald stood at the spiral stairway that would take her to the Lady’s audience chamber. Slowly climclimbed the many stairs, knowing that when she reached the top, her life would change forever. The Lady was going to send her away…far away.