Haldir's First Love

Title: Haldir’s First Love
Type: FPHet
Author: Lori Anne
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Haldir/OFC, Rúmil/OFC, Orophin/OFC
Warning: OFC describes her rape in ch. 6 & graphic sexual content in several chapters.
Disclaimer: Tolkien is the master, not me! I own nothing except my OFC’s and one lowly OMC. I have made nor intend to make nothing from this story except one or two Haldir fans sated.
Beta: Alex
Timeline: Before, during and After the fellowship (which is inconsequential to this story)
Notes: Enjoy!!!!
Summary: After a torturous week, Lorinaura finds comfort in the arms of her childhood love.

Haldir's First Love

Chapter 6 Tales that bind

The next several days all ran together for her. There were many times Haldir and she were with others. Rúmil, Orophin, Galadriel and Celeborn came to her house at regular intervals, bringing food and clothing, wine and good conversation. However, her favorite time spent was when she was alone with Haldir. It was as if they had picked up where they left off so many years ago. They spoke to one another as if they had been best of friends for two millennia. Playfully teasing and the kissing…the kissing still made her weak in the knees, even though her wounds had healed.

They took several walks down to the bottom of the stairs leading to the southern gates. With each trek she was not only exhausted by the time they arrived home, but she was also still amazed the other elves still found it interesting to see their Marchwarden with her. "You would think they would tire of staring at us," she said to him on their last walk.

"They must be staring at you. I do not tire of that either," he replied with a grin.

He did not desire any more from her except kisses since their first bath and she felt something had changed for him on that afternoon. He was waiting for her to be comfortable enough to tell him her story, to tell him of her time with the Orcs. But she could not. Not yet. The grief and pain of it was too overwhelming. When she thought of it, her chest tightened and she became unable to speak.

Now, she sat on the couch, her back against the arm and her knees draped over Haldir's legs. She loved when he held her close like this, especially in front of the warm fireplace. He liked to nip at her neck and ears and the chills he brought about made her laugh. It was a very quiet, intimate time for them both.

A knock at the door interrupted them and as usual, Haldir arrogantly bellowed, "Enter!" Which made her giggle a little more.

Rúmil opened the door, poking his head only a little way into the room. "Haldir, I need to speak with you…um…privately, please."

Lorinaura looked to him and then back to Haldir who shrugged a little, telling her he had no idea what it was about, but she did. "You have not been to the border in nearly two weeks. Don't you think it is about time for you to go to work, my love?"

"Most likely you are right. But let us not jump to conclusions just yet," he looked to Rúmil, and waved him into the room. "Has Celeborn called me to duty? Is that what you do not want to say in front of Lorinaura?"

"I am sorry Aura; I should have guessed you would know," he said with a great grin. "I suppose I could have been a little more subtle."

"Rúmil, I understand that Haldir is the Marchwarden. Did you think I believed I could hide him here? Or, perhaps, elf-nap him and tie him up to keep him from the fences?" she asked with a small teasing smirk.

"I would not put anything past you, dear sister, for I am the only one to know your…true nature."

"Rúmil! You should not tell all my secrets! Mystery plays a great part in life, does it not?"

"I am sorry, Sister. I shall keep my mouth closed on the subject." Before she could speak, Rúmil put his hand up to halt her words. "Do not bother to correct me. I have called you my sister since I could barely walk. I do not intend to break the habit. I suggest you get used to it, again," he said with a grin and then turned his attention to Haldir. "Celeborn wants to see us in his library first thing in the morn. I think there is an Orc party heading in from the South. I am going to get Phin, as well."

"Then I will be there early," he stated and Rúmil left the house. Putting all of his attention back on Lorinaura, he tightened his arms around her and said, "Now, just what are those secrets Rúmil seems to know about you and I do not?"

"The moment you return from the border, I want to kiss you and then tell you everything. I am sorry I have put it off this long. I hope you know I did not mean to, it is just so hard for me to find the words whenever I start to think about it."

"Well then, do not think of it until I return," he said and kissed her on the tip of the nose. "Are you ready for bed?"

"With you, I am always ready for bed."

"How convenient that is for me!" he said as he lifted her from the couch and carried her to the bed, tossing her into the pillows as she squealed. He raised the quilt, helped her put her leg around his thighs, and then lifted a little, giving her more room to arrange her arms the way she had for the last two weeks. How he loved the feel of her. As they drifted to sleep, enveloped in the warmth of one another, his last thought for the night was how he would survive the fences without her.


**********


Waking without him was down right depressing. What would she do without him to keep her company? Without him to kiss her and make randy little remarks, causing her to laugh? With a sigh, she heaved herself out of the bed and into the kitchen where she found a platter of bread, honey and several nice red apples. Just to the side of the tray, sat a note he had written on a scrap of parchment.

Aura,
Did not want to wake you only to say goodbye. Know that I love you and will think of nothing but returning to you. This tray will help keep up your strength. Remember, you will need it! Orophin has already mentioned screaming. I believe the count is now at three!
All my love,
Hal

She smiled as she read it, but her heart ached for him. She wished he would have woken her, but it was probably much easier for him this way. What in Arda was she going to do with herself now that he was gone? As if her mind had conjured the answer, a knock came to the door.

She smiled and shouted, "Enter!" Then giggled just a little.

"You are even beginning to sound like him, my dear. Whatever will we do with two of you?" asked a familiar voice.

"Yavannea! Aren't you a sight!" screamed Lorinaura as she rushed to the door to hug her. "We have been friends for how many centuries? And you are just now coming to see me? I have been here nearly two weeks, you know."

"Oh, settle down. I only arrived yesterday. I have been in Mirkwood for the past month or so. King Thranduil summoned me to catalogue some new scrolls. Well, that isn't really what he summoned me for, but it is the only excuse I will give," she said casually and then smiled wickedly.

"Well, tell me everything since your last letter! I am dying to hear about Mirkwood!"

"Oh, no you don't! I have been your best friend since you started in Elrond's library. That was what? Two thousand years ago? Just because I moved back here before you, does not mean I must go first," she said with a grin. "I want to hear about you and Haldir. I have lived here for the past five hundred years and have never seen Caras Galadhon in such an uproar over their Marchwarden."

"Oh, they are just being silly. There is really nothing to tell. We were raised together and have much in common."

"Uh huh. Well, let me tell you of the elf with which you merely have 'much in common'. He does not kiss, hold hands, or take ellethin into alcoves. He does not speak to them. He does not allow them to touch him nor does he touch them out in the open, ever."

"All I can say about the subject is he has done all of those things with me and much more. He has shown me nothing but courtesy and has never flinched at my touch."

"Well, whatever it is you have done to him, I think it is wonderful. He has always been a bit stuffy."

"So I take it you were never one of his lovers?"

"Great jumping Valar, no! Not in a million years would I have lowered myself to be treated as such. Do you know how he picked them?" she asked, wrinkling her nose. Lorinaura shook her head with great interest. "Well if you let me share your breakfast tray, I will tell you the whole sordid affair."

Lorinaura waved her hand telling her to take as much as she wanted and when Yavannea got to the tray, she read the note Haldir had left for her friend. "Oh, Lorinaura! I had no idea the two of you were in love. To tell you the truth, I did not know it was in him. But, I am so happy for you!"

"Thank you. I do not know what I am going to do without him here. He left for the Southern border this morning and it is the first day I have been without his company since I arrived."

"Well then, get up, get dressed and we shall walk to the Gardens. I will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the Haldir before you came…possibly more. And perhaps you can tell me of the Hal you love."

"It is a deal!" said Lorinaura. She got up and dressed quickly, taking an apple from the tray. "Let us go. I haven't seen the garden, yet."

"It is much the same as it was when we were elflings, a few new plants, but otherwise unchanged. Beautiful as always."

Walking out the door, the two she-elves were glanced over by another pair of ellethin. Lorinaura rolled her eyes and then asked, "Now, tell me of Hal. How did he choose his elleth for the night?"

"Well, there is a posting in the Archery storage shed by the training fields telling when each elf will go and return from the fences and also which border they will be protecting," Yavannea started. "As Marchwarden, his name is first on the list and he has the longest periods out. Usually a month or more at a time."

"That information is not making me feel any better," she scolded inciting Yavannea to laugh a little.

"When he returned, many of the cities most beautiful she-elves got themselves all prettied up and waited by the Southern gate for him to come home. He, of course, knew which ones were waiting for him…" She trailed off thinking deeply for a moment. "You know? Come to think of it, he never really looked interested. I think he would have preferred them not to come at all. Hmm." Shaking the thought from her head, Yavannea continued, "Anyway, he would briefly look them over. I know you have seen the deep evaluation he can give with the smallest glance?"

Lorinaura nodded. "I know it very well. He truly misses nothing."

"Well, the elleth he wanted would know by an ever so slight nod of his head and then he would not look upon her again. The one he chose was not permitted to show it in any fashion, for if she did, he would not be home when she came calling. She would go to his house, stay for a few hours and then be escorted out well before daybreak. If she ever spoke of the night or if she spoke to him concerning anything, she would never again see his bed."

"It was truly a sight to see him walking about the city. He would set his face and body in the most stoic of postures and stride about the stairway with a long smooth gait. He is a very handsome elf, but his condescending attitude is a force to be reckoned with. I always thought he must be extraordinary in bed to command such actions…and get them. Of course, you would know more about that than me."

"No, I would not," said Lorinaura.

"You mean to tell me...you two…you haven't …honestly Aura, he loves you, what are you waiting for?"

"On our way to Eregion, Mendolir was killed by Orcs and I was held captive." Lorinaura looked down to her hands. "Haldir found me just inside the woods."

"NO! I had no idea!" she gasped, Yavannea led Lorinaura inside Galadriel's garden and they sat upon a bench. "Tell me what happened to you."

"You remember the stories of the old witch who collected ancient scrolls?" Yavannea nodded. "Well, Elrond found her. Mendolir and three of Elrond's guards were escorting me to the ancient city so I could speak with her and perhaps look at some of the writings. The trip was uneventful until we were within a league of the ruins. They came out of nowhere, killing the guards and wounding Mendolir. We were forced upon their wargs and when we passed Isenguard, I thought for sure the Valar were smiling upon me.

The night we passed by Fangorn, I kept hearing deep yells and horns blaring in the distance. The Orcs were getting nervous and though Mendolir had been shot in the leg by one of their black arrows, he stood in front of me, shielding me from what was to come." She hung her head and tears began to flow steadily. “Four of the beasts took hold of him and pulled him apart. I nearly passed out from the screams he thrust upon my mind and know I will never be able to silence them fully.

Lorinaura sat quietly for a moment, trying to collect herself. As she began to breathe deeper, gaining more control of the raging emotion, she continued. "They ate him. He still held breath as they feasted upon him. I closed my eyes once, unable to bear the sight any longer, and one of them stabbed me in the leg. I thought I would be next and could think of no worse form of torture…I was naive."

It was heart breaking for Yavannea to see her friend like this for she was usually so light natured and sinfully playful. "Lorinaura, I am so sorry. I know you loved Mendolir. He was a good friend to us both."

She nodded, sniffled and then began again. "We made camp by the Limlight and I tried to read the largest one. He seemed to be in charge of the others. The images...Gods, Yavannea, they were horrible. He thought of me as 'his she-elf' and I felt my head would explode from the things he contemplated! I became frantic and started to run! I had to escape! I could not let him do those things to me! I would have rather died!" Her voice began to crack and her body shook uncontrollably.

She paused a long while, until finally Yavannea enclosed her friend's hands in her own and said, "Lorinaura, you do not have to proceed, but I think it will help you if you do. You have not told anyone of this, have you?"

Lorinaura shook her head. "Galadriel picked up on it, but I did not speak of it with her, I could not. I was too ashamed to tell her, though I knew she would never judge me. I know you will not, either." She began to cry and Yavannea thought she might not be able to continue.

"You are wrong, my friend, I have already judged you as the bravest one elleth I know. Anyone who would hear this story thus far would do the same. Now, keep going, get it over with and then you can move on."

Through the tears, Lorinaura began her story again. "They easily caught me, bound my hands and threw me in a vat they had been digging. It was filled knee deep with what I can only describe as grey filth." She looked her friend in the eyes, "Yavannea, it was like nothing I had ever smelled or felt. It was oily, sticky and thick, like honey, only this was rancid. They called it rankiln. It coated my skin and hair and its foul smell took my breath, yet they kept me in it. I thought they were going to drown me. The largest one waded into the vat with me, ripped off my dress and licked my arm. I do not know what was worse, the smell or witnessing his smile at the taste of me. That was when I knew he meant to do it first. He was the lead and I was his she-elf. His prize."

"They took one of the dead Orcs and smeared its blood in my hair and along my breasts for him to lick off as some sort of rite. I screamed and tried to get out, but the others pushed me back in. They stood above the vat encircling us like a great, solid wall. He took hold of my hair and forced me to my hands and knees, pushing my face into the rankiln, repeatedly. When I kept moving away from him, one of the others came into the vat and stood in front of me, pulling my hands to the liquid's surface. He held them outstretched over my head so tightly, I thought he was going to take them off. I tried to move forward to relieve some of the pressure in my shoulders, and again, felt the one behind me."

Yavannea tightened her grip on Lorinaura's hands and drew in a quick breath, terrified for her friend.

"He had let go of my hair and was holding my hips, maneuvering me in front of him. He kept jerking me back to him, nearly ripping my arms off each time he pulled. Then it happened, with one strong thrust, he forced himself inside me, tearing me open." Tears streamed down her face, but she forced herself to keep speaking. "He kept doing it for what seemed like an eternity and every time I screamed, he shoved my head into the filth. I begged him to stop and when he did finish, he told the others to share. They all had me before the night was out. Some, twice."

Lorinaura put her face into her hands and started to cry even harder, barely able to speak at all. It was all Yavannea could do to calm her by rubbing her back and pulling her to her shoulder to cry there. Never had she heard such a story. When her cries lessened, Yavannea tried to comfort her, "Oh, Aura, I had no idea. You have been through so much," she said as tears began to form in her eyes as well. "The worst is over now and I promise you will feel better when you are done."

Lorinaura nodded her head and tried to gain enough composure just to get through it. she said, "Finally, when they had their fill of me they took me out of the sludge and threw me in the dirt to dry. The foul paste covered me from head to toe and when it dried they began to cake more of it on me starting with my hands and chest."

"Several of the Orcs wanted to find food so they dressed me in their clothes and armor and then put one of their helmets on me. If there was trouble, they did not want me killed. They were planning another little party with their she-elf."

"How did Haldir find you?" Yavannea asked.

"When we crossed the Nimrodel, I thought the Valar had finally answered my prayers. I could be allowed to fade once upon Lórien soil, my homeland. Therefore, I sat down and refused to move. I wanted them to kill me, the pain was bearable, but the disgrace I felt...I still feel..." She looked at Yavannea, who was nodding solemnly. "The leader took out his knife again and sliced my stomach, then pulled me up. As he dragged me along behind him, I knew I did not have long to live. I could sense my body dying, could feel my soul walking toward Mendolir, my protector. I no longer had fear, for I knew my suffering would be over soon, so when he paused, I sat beneath a large Mellyrn and again, refused to go further."

"These trees were such a beautiful, comforting sight with their leaves shimmering in the sunlight and the smell of the bark. Just as I found the peace I was asking for, a scorching pain in my shoulder drew me back into this world and I looked down to see an arrow in me."

"The lead Orc pulled me up from my tree so forcefully, the ropes slipped from my hands. He dragged me along the ground until I started to walk with him. The last thing I remember is being shoved behind a smaller tree and sinking to the ground. There were white feathers all around me."

"I woke in my own home, clean and smelling of lavender. At first, I thought the whole thing was a horrible dream, but then I felt the pain and heard voices in the other room. One was distinct and caring and the moment I heard it, I knew I was safe but also that it was no dream. I knew Haldir would let nothing hurt me and could feel his love for me.” She turned her head up to Yavannea, looking her in the eyes. “I had not seen him in over two thousand years, and still I knew, straight away, he loved me, yet I could not tell him of this."

She took a long, deep breath, to clear the thought. "Shortly after, Galadriel came. Upon my request, she asked him and Rúmil to leave us, so she could heal me completely. Hal was so concerned with the poison in the arrow and my cuts, he did not sense I had been raped, however, Galadriel knew immediately. She healed all the parts Hal would never have thought needed healing."

"Well, what did Galadriel tell you to do?" asked Yavannea.

"She told me to tell him, in my own time. To let my mind find its way and then my soul would follow."

"I think that is grand advice."

"When Galadriel and I were done, she sent Hal back in to see me and I immediately began to seduce him." Lorinaura looked up to her friend for disapproval, but found none. "I wanted him to replace all the pain and torture I had endured, with thoughts of him, with the feel of him, with his love. I wanted him to love me as he had loved no other and when I found he did, I had to be honest with him before we joined. He has to know, but I do not know if I can tell him."

"You will tell him this exact story, word for word, when he arrives home from the fences," Yavannea said sternly. "He will not pity you and he will not discard you. Even I know he is not cruel. He will think you as courageous as I do. He will think he is the one with the Valar's light shining upon him, for you survived and you came to him."

They were silent for a long while. Lorinaura actually found herself a little relieved and oddly at peace with the whole ordeal. Perhaps she could tell him, after all. "He asked me to bind with him," she said hesitantly with her first smile since they sat.

Yavannea's eyes became wide, "You have got to be joking!" Then she saw Lorinaura was very serious. "Well? What did you say?"

"I told him to ask me again after I told him what happened."

"And was he hurt?" asked Yavannea.

"Deeply. But he told me he would keep asking until I said yes."

Yavannea hugged her. "Lorinaura, if you were the one telling me this, I would never believe it! Our famed Captain wants to take a wife! How wonderful!” She looked to Lorinaura’s face again seeing sadness and defeat, so she asked, “You are troubled by this?”


"I have been tainted by Orcs. I feel their touch even now and I know I will never be able to cleanse them from me, completely. I plead with them in my dreams every night." Lorinaura shuddered, asking, "How can I expect him to want to touch me, after he knows?"

"Why would you think such a thing? He loves you. He will know you did not want it to happen."

She considered this for a moment. "Thank you for listening to me. I do feel much better. Perhaps you are right." She wandered off in thought for a minute and then asked, "Do you think I should tell him about the twins and me as well?"

"Is he going to tell you of all his lovers?"

"Gods, I hope not! That would probably take years!" she exclaimed, making a feeble attempt to laugh. "I think I will consider keeping it between me and them."

Giggling a little at her friend, Yavannea exclaimed, "Yes, you shouldn't give away all your secrets!"

"About that," Lorinaura smirked, "Rúmil just about told Haldir of my gift yesterday. I take it you and he had a chat?"

"I had no idea they did not know! Honestly, they grew up in the same house as you. How could they not know you are a telepath?" she asked.

"Even back then I could pick up on strong images, but I was not very good with it. Elladan and Elrohir helped me develop it," Lorinaura said, smiling in remembrance.

"Yes, and that is not all they have a talent for, now is it?"

"Yavannea, you are so bad!"

"And that is exactly why we are the best of friends!" She snorted a little laugh and asked, "Have you had fun using your gift?"

"A little. I can tell when he wants to be alone with me…well, that one really cannot be counted as telepathic; he likes to be alone with me all the time. But, there are other things. I know when he is hungry or thirsty. I know which muscles are in need of attention and the way he likes them rubbed."

"I will just wager you do."

"Let us go now! You are getting way too frisky! Anyway, Celeborn doesn't know it yet, but he is summoning us to the library." Seeing Yavannea was amazed at her ability she explained, "Oh, his thoughts are easy to read. He usually keeps himself open so Galadriel can speak to him."

**********

"Lorinaura, I am so glad to see you. I was just thinking about you and Yavannea." Then Celeborn looked to her suspiciously and asked, "Or did you know that?"

"It is why we are here, my Lord," said Yavannea with a grin.

"One would assume I could be a little more subtle with my thoughts since I am married to Galadriel. However, I just do not have the will power to block them most of the time, since she uses them for such fun."

"Celeborn! Good Gods! That was more than I needed to know!" exclaimed Lorinaura.

"Well, it serves you right!" he stated with a slight laugh. "Now you know how I felt when my wife told me you were seeing my grandson...or should I say my grandsons! I truly wish you and she would keep some things between yourselves." Seeing her blush, he said, "Well, come here child; give me a hug. After all, this is the first time we have been able to see one another without your personal guard watching over us!"

Lorinaura hugged him so tightly, she was actually lost in his robes for a while. When they finally broke away from one another, she said, "I miss you and Galadriel when you do not come to see me." She smirked a little. "And now that you have sent my 'personal guard' to the fences, I expect to see you more often. Right?"

"Well actually, I can do better than that. Galadriel and I are going to the Winter Solstice Celebration in Mirkwood and need you and Yavannea to do some things here in the library. If you are feeling up to it."

"Oh, yes, I would love to!" replied Lorinaura excitedly.

"As would I," said Yavannea.

"We planned to leave in three weeks, but Arwen is taking council with Thranduil and his advisors in her father's stead. She will leave Rivendell in a week's time and Galadriel thinks if hurry, we can catch up with her party. Between you and me, I would just as soon my granddaughter not be within a thousand leagues of the King." Yavannea could not contain her laughter and Celeborn raised his brow. "I see you know of what I speak!" he exclaimed.

"Well, it all sounds wonderful. Will Elladan and Elrohir be joining the festivities?" asked Lorinaura.

"No, you know they never go to such things. They are usually out hunting Orc. I believe they have doubled their efforts now they have lost so much in the past weeks. The three guards who fell protecting you had been their friends since they were elflings. Aura, they were most relieved to hear you were safe." She smiled a little and looked to her to make sure he had said nothing to cause her more pain and thankfully saw he had not.

"Normally, Haldir would accompany us on such a journey, but on this occasion I do not think he will mind being left out of the celebration. Glorfindel has dwelt here for several months and will be going with us. He has business with Thranduil as well." He raised an eyebrow at Lorinaura and began speaking to both girls out of the side of his mouth, looking this way and that, as if someone might hear him. "I believe it has something to do with a handmaiden the King seduced while in Rivendell a few years back, though, one cannot be sure. Glorfindel is able to keep his thoughts to himself quite well, so my lovely wife has said."

Giggling a little at him, Lorinaura asked, "Though not taking Haldir on your long journey makes me happier than I can say, does not the safety of the Lord and Lady of Lórien fall under his command? He may not like the fact his duty was taken away so lightly. Has he not earned the right to at least be given the choice?"

"You are absolutely correct, my dear, on all counts. I did give him the choice. We have planned this since Glorfindel brought us word of it. I told Haldir I would rather he stay in the city during my absence, but he was more than welcome to make the trip if he so chose. He said he would stay only if Glorfindel agreed to travel in our party with an entourage of wardens."

Lorinaura was visibly relieved at this. She would never want to put herself in between Haldir's love for her and his duty to protect Galadriel and Celeborn. Their safety was much more important to both of them than being apart a month or so.

"I told him of the trip last week, but at the time we were not supposed to leave for another two. Word only came of Arwen's plan a little while ago. If we leave tomorrow, we should be able to meet her before crossing the Anduin. She will have several in her party, so never fear, we will always be well protected."

"We would be glad to straighten the library for you, then," said Lorinaura. She glanced at the array of scrolls and books scattered about the desks and added, "By the looks of things, it needs a good looking after. We will most likely start by making a filing system for all these scrolls strewn along your desk."

"We will have everything back in its proper order by the time you arrive home, my lord," said Yavannea.

"I knew I could count on the two of you to keep me in line." He started to leave them to it and then turned to Lorinaura once more. "I have been told you made a promise to Haldir? You are to tell him of your ordeal once he is home?"

"Yes, my lord, I did say something to that effect."

"You do know what it means for Haldir if I am to leave the city tomorrow morning, do you not?" he asked.

Yavannea put her hand on Lorinaura's shoulder. "It means Haldir has to be back in Caras Galadhon to take Celeborn's place for a time, to govern."

"Yes, that is right. He is my highest-ranking warden and the only one to which I would entrust the city's well-being. I have already sent a messenger to the fences for him, Rúmil and Orophin. I wish I had known of Arwen's arrangements before they left. Nevertheless, they will be back within the gates by morning. So, do not start here today, after all. Gather your thoughts and make good on your promise. I think you will be pleasantly surprised."

"If you think it best, my lord," Lorinaura stated, feeling a slight flush to her face. "I will miss you while you are gone."

"We will send word to you…well rather; Galadriel will send word to you at least once a day. Also, we will need you to let us know of things here in the same manner. Have you told Haldir of your abilities yet?"

"No, but it seems since someone…" Lorinaura leered at Yavannea, "...has told Rúmil,I will have to reveal that, as well. However, I would have preferred to let him think I just knew him well."

"Haldir has a fine mind, child. He would have eventually figured it out, don't you think?" he asked and then slid out of the library.

"You were right, Yavannea," Lorinaura decided aloud. "I am feeling much better about the whole idea of telling him. I am glad he is coming back…perhaps I will not lose my nerve if he arrives soon enough."

Yavannea wrapped her arm around her friend's shoulder and walked her home, where Lorinaura spent most of the afternoon and evening resting on the couch in front of the fireplace. She thought about how she was going to tell Haldir all she needed to, without breaking down. "I will just have to start at the beginning and work through it. There is no other way," she muttered to herself.

With the crackling of the fireplace and a glass of wine in her hand, she had every intention of waiting for Haldir's return, but soon her eyes began to close and she was fast asleep before she knew it.

"DARO! SAES BAW!" she screamed throwing herself off the couch and onto the floor with a hard thud, waking her. She felt strong arms lifting her and started to struggle until she realized they were not Orc's. "Hal?" she asked, confused for only seconds and then she relaxed into him, wrapping her arms around his neck, smiling.

He slid her into bed and then left her for a moment. She heard him pouring water into the basin and a few splashes later, he was sliding into the bed with her, holding her close. She rolled to face him, encircling his waist with her arms and draping her leg over his thighs. She nuzzled her nose just under his ear and whispered, "I missed you while you were away. I love lying like this, too. I am glad you thought of it."

"Aura, we have slept like this since you first woke here. You wrap yourself around me; I did not think this up."

She pulled away from him slightly so she could look into his eyes. "The first nap we took together, I woke, but you still slept. You were dreaming of me lying in your arms. You could hear me breathing and you could feel the warmth of my body surrounding you. So, I turned to you and put my arms around you like this," she said barely over a whisper, showing him just how she had done it without waking him. "I laid my leg over yours, just the way you had shown me. Your dream immediately ceased and you tightened your hold on me instead."

A little skeptical of her, he asked, "How would you know what I was dreaming?"

"The Valar have seen fit to give me gifts. I am a telepath. I am not nearly as proficient as Galadriel, but I can get what I need."

"So that is how you knew about the apple! Ha! I knew you would never guess on your own. I should tickle you until you scream for such treachery!" he said poking his finger at her ribs until she began to laugh and wiggle. "If I were not so very comfortable, you would be in big trouble, melamin."

"It is also how I knew about the bath and how I know you are tired and…" She slid her hand up to his shoulder and started to knead the large muscle. "I can fix that, too."

"Do you know everything I think?" he asked, moaning under her touch.

"No. You have had a little practice keeping the Lady out, I would imagine. However, like Galadriel, if I really concentrate, I can keep you from blocking me," she said smiling and then became very serious. "It comforts me to see what you are thinking, at times. I do not pry, but sometimes I need your stillness, your serenity. And of course, I can see enough to bring you small pleasures." She pressed in on the knotted muscle and the warmth of her healing touch made it relax.

"Yes, well, some things are private. Some things are secret and only to be shared at the proper times."

"I have a story to tell you. Will you be able to listen to it now, or would you rather wait until morning?"

"I want to hear everything you went through, Aura. Every last detail,” he said, pulling her closer. “I know you are afraid, though, I do not know why. So, what I want right now is for you to forget all your worries, forget everything you think you know and concentrate on only one thing."

"What is that, my love?"

"Well, you are not a very good telepath, now, are you?" he said grinning and she giggled a little. "Concentrate on nestling yourself against me and going to sleep in my arms. Know you are safe and so very loved." He kissed her lips gently and smiled, "Aura, please remember that last part, it is important."

"I know you love me. When I close my eyes, I can feel it all around me. I can hear it in your voice, Haldir. I taste it in your kiss. I see in my mind we are connected by it," she whispered. "Yet, you still do not know about... It troubles me, though not as much as it did before you left."

"Good. Now, start nestling. I need to feel you tonight. I thought it would be weeks before I held you again," he whispered as she teased one arm under him and the other around his waist. He closed his eyes and moaned as she wrapped her leg over him, "Gods, do you ever feel good. Promise me something?”

“Anything,” she replied.

You will hold me every night I am within the city."

"I promise I will hold you every night you want me to, whether in the city or not," she replied and then they both drifted to sleep.

**********

She woke to the smell of strawberries. The rough cold seeds grazing her lips made her smile. "How long have you been awake?" she asked not bothering to open her eyes.

"Long enough to get us breakfast, sleepy elleth," he said pushing the strawberry into her mouth and then kissing her deeply. "I adore you."

She opened her eyes and saw he held another strawberry. She grabbed the hand and pulled it to her mouth, sucking the fruit from him and then licking the juices from his palm. "As I do you, Haldir."

"After we eat, do you still want to tell me of your ordeal?"

"Will you hold me during?"

"Just like you could stop me!" he said, pushing her mouth full of grapes so fast, she was unable to chew. "Is it my turn to be fed yet?" Lying down, he opened his mouth.

One at a time, she dropped the fruit from her mouth into his, giggling, a lot. "There could be dire consequences for laughing at the Marchwarden, my dear."

"And what consequence do I bring upon myself for such levity at your expense?"

Before she could think, he rolled on top of her, pinning her hands above her head and ran his tongue along the tip of her ear, downward to her earlobe. Growling, he ended off with a gentle kiss in the tender spot just below her ear. He noticed she was perfectly still and looked to her face only to be dismayed by the fear in her eyes. "Aura, what is it? Have I hurt you?" he asked, backing away from her slightly. "Oh, sweet one, I was only teasing you."

As tears rolled down her face, she stared past him almost dazed and barely over a whisper, said, "Saes daro. Please let my hands go, Haldir. Saes." She was barely breathing and her heart was beating, no…pounding within her chest. The terror in her eyes, her pleas…why was she directing it toward him? How could she be afraid of him?

He quickly did as she asked, removing himself from atop her and letting her hands go. Just when he thought he could feel no worse, she put her arms around him and began to cry, "I am sorry, Haldir. I…I am so sorry."

"Aura, I should not have done that, I am the one who is sorry. Please, do not be afraid of me, I would never hurt you," he whispered as tears began to form in his eyes, as well. "Gods, do you know I would never hurt you?"

She nodded and he held her tighter as she began to tell him of her time with the Orcs. She cried almost non-stop while recounting Mendolir's death and the rankiln. How they held her in the foul vat and touched her. How they bound her hands and forced themselves into her. Suddenly, he understood. He had vanished the bruising on her wrists, yet he could do nothing to take the memory from her.

Never had he heard of such horrid acts, even by Orcs. He knew they were foul, loathsome creatures, but to have treated a female...to have mistreated his Aura like that. To have made her fear, causing her pain in this way was incomprehensible. Her words were almost unbearable for him to hear and for her to have lived it…she had immeasurable strength.

He kissed away each tear gracing her face and whenever she felt she could say no more, he kissed her lips, wanting to lend her the strength to go on with her story. Holding her tight to him, he made it clear he was still there, listening and loving. She told him of entering Lórien Forest and how she prayed for death; how she thought she had faded when she woke in her home. She told him of waking to his voice and the reason she was so aggressive toward him, at first. How she needed him to replace the pain she felt with love. And he did, though it was not in the way she first intended.

"I think you are the most courageous, most beautiful creature in all the world," he whispered gently and then gasped slightly. “Oh, Gods, You thought I would leave you if I knew?"

"I cannot imagine why you are still here now. I can barely stand to look at myself," she sobbed.

"Shhhh, please, Aura. It breaks my heart to hear you cry," he whispered to her, kissing her forehead and then cupping her face in the palm of his hand. "You listen to me. I have only just found you again, and I will never leave you, so you can put the thought aside." He moved his hand, only to replace it with his lips, grazing over her cheek and chin. "I can barely stand not looking at you. The mere sight of you makes me weak with need."

"How can you say that when I still feel their hands on me, I feel them inside..." She began to cry again. "How can you stand to touch me now that you know?"

"The question in my mind is how can I stand to not touch you? It is excruciating for me when I cannot. I yearn for your touch and my entire body aches to feel you."

"Then make love to me," she whispered, looking up to him with pleading eyes, but her face was set for him to refuse. She had never felt this vulnerable. Not even with the Orcs. "Make me yours. Show me what it is to be loved by you. Replace all those horrible sensations with ones of gentleness, ones of pleasure."

"Are you sure of this? As badly as I want you, I could simply hold you for now."

"I have wanted nothing else since I woke in this house two weeks ago," she stated, truth resonating in her words.

He looked to her and gently smiled. "I have certain rules you must follow if this is truly what you want."

"Oh really?" she asked rather surprised. "What are they?"

"You needn’t take that tone. The first rule only requires you to keep your eyes upon me. I want you to know who makes love to you." She relaxed a little, as he kissed her lips, turning her onto her back, moving to her cheek, jaw and then to her neck. "The second calls for your trust," he whispered, and then raised his head back up to look into her eyes once more. "Can you do these things for me?"

"I will do my very best," she replied honestly.

"Then I can ask for no more." He brushed his lips over hers, taking in the salty taste of her dried tears. "Only tears of joy will grace your eyes from now on. I promise this to you."

He moved his mouth to her chin, running his tongue down her throat to the small hollow and heard her whimper. Smiling, he placed one hand upon her breast watching as its tip hardened through her chemise, wanting so badly to kiss her there, but also wishing to go slowly with her. He never wanted her to be afraid of his touch, again.

"Please, do what it is you desire," she whispered. With her hands trembling, she gently pulled his head to her chest. Even through the gossamer cloth, he could taste of her, could feel her hardening in his mouth and was excited beyond measure.

He placed his hand on her hip and pushed the chemise upward, momentarily averting his attention from her breast. "If I help you sit, will you allow me to remove this garment?" With her approval, he rocked back to sit upon his knees between her legs, pulling her up with him. While caressing her lips with his, he slid his hands upward over her hips, her waist and her ribs, taking the gown with them. It fell to the floor with only a brief pause in his ministrations and he pulled from her, his eyes full of desire as he whispered, "Aura, I am in need of you. Please tell me this is truly what you want. Soon, I fear I will not be able to stop."

"This is all I want. You are all I want," she affirmed and it was all the encouragement he needed. Smiling, he gently nudged her to the bed to put all his interest back on her breast. He took it into his mouth, reveling in the soft smooth feel. How it rolled on his tongue and tasted sweeter than the freshest honey. When the first breast was fully peaked, she whimpered as if she could stand no more of this pleasure and he moved his attentions to the second, silently thanking Illuvatar he formed females with two.

She arched to him, moaning and her breath more ragged than he thought possible. Her short gasps and long sighs forced him to maintain a tight restraint over himself for fear the sensations would push him into bliss too soon. He kissed her chest and dragged his tongue downward leaving a moist trail, blowing cool air intermittently as he went. He was surprised by the way his body reacted to merely touching her. Never before had he felt such a powerful drive to be within any elleth. Never before did he have to control himself like this. His breath and heartbeat were wild, as if he was in the throes of passion, driving himself into the certainty of release. But, he had not even touched her there and if this was what he felt when he touched her breasts and stomach, Gods help him when he felt of the warmth deep within her.

"Lirimaer, you are so soft, so smooth…" He nipped at her waist. "So warm. But I dare say there are warmer places yet," he growled and looked into her eyes. "Will you open for me? Will you trust in me?" he asked as his hands slid from her knees, upward and rested on the inside of her thighs, lightly pressing them open.

She relaxed her legs under his touch, and as his hands moved upward, she could feel herself losing all thoughts, save him. He placed his fingers at her entrance, gently tracing the opening, thinking of nothing else but sinking himself into her. She groaned lightly at this thought, pulling him from the contemplation. He would not do that yet.

Instead, he dipped one finger into the wetness, caressing her gently at first, increasing in pressure each moment until she was thrown into a deep sensual void where there was no time or space, there was only him. Slowly, she began to feel the inevitability of release from the torturous pleasure he was bringing her. It crept upon her and lingered as he brought her to the brink and then stopped several times. When he touched his tongue to her, all sense of reality left her and she was shoved over the edge into rapture. As she began to shudder, he stayed himself and delved his fingers into the sweet depths of her core, pressing upward. When he heard her screaming his name for the first time, it nearly pushed him past the limits of his own endurance.

"Oh, Gods, Hal!" she panted, running her fingers through his hair.

"Lirimaer, I have barely begun!" He smiled and then pushed his fingers deeper within her, making her shudder once more while his other hand pressed under her thigh, lightly pulling it upward, moving her leg onto his shoulder. Lifting her to him, he removed his hand only to replace it with his mouth and tongue, lapping the sweetness of her, exalting in the fact that he could bring forth such passion…such hot, moist desire from her.

Once he felt her on the brink of reaching another climax, he retraced his path, kissing her stomach, licking her ribs and breasts and then settled his lips onto hers. "Are you ready for this, my love? Are you ready for me to claim you?"

"Yes, Haldir! Take me now! I am yours."

He rested upon his elbows, placing soft kisses on her cheek. He wanted to feel himself within her, wanted to make passionate love to her, but first he needed to feel the unity only she could grant him. He needed her to be his wife. "Aura, you know I do not just want your body. I want you to be mine, always. I want you to bind yourself to me. Please, let me love you forever." He kissed her again, poising himself at her entrance, waiting for her reply.

"Yes. That is what I want also, to be yours. Tell me what I need to hear."

"Lorinaura, with this act I bind myself to you; within you my heart will reside for all eternity." She arched toward him and their souls began to merge, their thoughts becoming one.

He looked to her eyes and his passion for her overtook him as she agreed to be his wife. "And so shall it be with me, Haldir."

He lowered himself onto her, taking her fully to him and as he felt the warmth of her, he gasped, drowning in waves of sheer desire. Backing away only to thrust himself into her again, he looked to her as she arched to meet him and knew he would not be able to hold out much longer.

Kissing her deeply, he felt her body shaking as he pressed into her once more. She could not help but close her eyes, a low moaning scream escaping her. "What do you feel?" he asked, stopping his motions.

"Our connection completes itself. Please, my love. Please, I beg you, do not stop now!"

Her pleas for more nearly finished him. He rested on his elbows, cradling her head in his palms as he plunged himself into her, again and again, she arched to meet him, shivering with pleasure. As fierce bolts of sensation swept through them, all the unbearable tension took over. With each slide of his body against hers, their connection grew. She felt their hearts and souls merge and their bodies moving as one. Grasping his strong shoulders, running her fingers down the broad expanse of his back, she pulled him to her, desperate to have him closer.

He paused once more, futilely trying to savor her, her embrace, her velvet skin against his, the heat of her body. As she slowly moved her hands to his face, she could see all the love she had for him, reflected in his eyes. Her fingers gently progressed upward, along his neck to his ears and as she caressed their sensitive tips, they began their descent.

It was as if they had leapt from the highest mountain and were falling free of any restraint into waters below. Sinking deeply, holding their last breath, they were bound with a force beyond comprehension. When they reached the bottom, they molded themselves to one another, completing each other.

As they slowly floated to the surface, a wave of excruciating pleasure engulfed them and her legs wrapped around his waist, deepening their rapture. Gasping as an all-consuming white blaze seared through him, for the first time, he closed his eyes and buried his face into the curve of her neck, in shear, blissful, pulsating agony. Never had anything felt so glorious, so divine.

He breathed in deeply, drinking in the lavender fragrance of her hair and then slowly brought his eyes to meet hers, once more. He smoothed a lock of her ashen hair from her lips and then kissed her with such force and passion it somehow extended their lovemaking.

Placing his head upon hers, brow to brow, they laid there for a long while in no mere lovers' grasp, but in an eternal embrace. At long last, he was able to speak the only words that came to his mind. "Amin mela lle, Aura. Amin mela lle." Which, nonetheless, seemed to say it all.

For quite some time, they laid holding one another, catching their breaths. When Haldir could finally muster the strength, he gently rolled from her onto his side while nuzzling her ear with his nose and whispering sweet endearments. Never would he have imagined he could feel this way. So much in love with this captivating creature!

He propped his head on his hand and she turned to him twining her legs around his, tracing his lips with her fingers. "You have nice lips," she said dreamily as she stretched up to kiss him. "So nice."

Gazing into her eyes, he saw as much contentment within her as he felt within himself and a lazy grin adorned his face. "My wife, you may kiss them whenever you see fit. I am helpless to stop you."

"My husband, you are not helpless!" A small curve played with the corners of her mouth and a twinkle came to her eyes. "But you will still not stop me."

She brought her hands to just above his ears and did something no other female ever dared. She began to undo his warrior's braids, occasionally kissing him on the lips, nose, or cheek. When she was done, she smiled. "There is the Haldir I fell in love with so many centuries ago. That young elfling I still love."

He kissed her lips lightly and rolled on top of her once again, enclosing their faces in an ashen veil of hair. "With your gift, do you have the power to form ideas in me or can you only read them?"

"I can form them as well. Would you like me to do that now?"

"No, wait until I recover, please!"

"As you wish," she said, smiling.

"Do you trust me now?" he asked. She looked to him questioningly but nodded her head. "Will you allow me to have your hands?"

Without thought, she gave them to him and he took hold of both wrists with one hand and lifted them over her head very slowly. Immediately she saw herself being held in the rankiln her hands tied, she could feel her shoulders begin to hurt, she felt the cold of the Orc's bodies upon her. She was looking into the eyes of the one elf she had loved her entire life. She was picking up such passion filled images from him and it seemed foolish for her to be afraid, yet she was. She was terrified and could hardly breathe. Her heart raced and when she started to tremble, she closed her eyes to try to steady her thoughts, to concentrate on him.

"Aura, can you feel my love for you? Can you feel that you are my life?"

"Yes," she whispered weakly on the verge of tears.

"But still, you are afraid of me," he stated, his voice a little saddened. He let her hands go.

"No, not of you."

Ignoring the statement, he said, "It is understandable; you have been through so much. But know this: I will not let you fear me," he informed her and then with a patient, adoring smile, he said, "I will love it right out of you."

"Will you hold me for a while?"

"Forever," he said and rolled from atop her, once more lying to her side. He wrapped his arms around her, letting her do the same to him. When she put her leg atop his, he sighed. "You feel incredible. I will never want to let you go."

"I could hear a 'but' coming a league away," she said as she closed her eyes, now smiling, too.

"I have to go to the southern gates this morning, to speak with Celeborn before their journey. You know that is why I am here now, don't you?"

"Yes, I spoke with him yesterday afternoon. I was hoping to go with you to see them off."

"Then we must get dressed, for they are probably waiting for us by now."

"Only if you promise we will be holding one another like this, soon after they leave."

"Mere moments into their journey, my darling. It will be as long as I can withstand being out of my wife's arms." He rolled off the bed and started quickly putting on his uniform.

She pulled the sheet around her and closed her eyes. "They are still packing…at least Celeborn is. Galadriel is in her garden waiting for him." She took in a quick breath and then smiled, her face growing bright red.

"What is it?"

"Galadriel says congratulations to us both and sends her gratitude to you."

"For what?" he asked, pulling on his boots.

"Apparently, she was going to send you a message, earlier.”

“They are ready and to start on my way. I received it...I just could not heed it right away.”

Her smile broadened and she began to laugh. “But you bombarded her with thoughts of such graphic positions, she and Celeborn had to try them for themselves.”

He cringed slightly. "Aura, next time, please keep that information to yourself, it is just…disturbing! They raised us for Valar's sake!"

Still giggling, she said, "Well then, I suggest you keep your thoughts under better control! Stop giving her ideas!"

"But then I would not be able to give you ideas, my love," he said throwing her gown at her.

"Well, that is quite a conundrum you have there." She laughed and slid her gown over her head. She stopped for a moment, as she was flooded with images of his hands upon her breasts before the dress covered her chest. "Haldir! You have apparently not learned your lesson!"

"Some lessons are not worth learning, lirimaer. Besides, I love your body…especially your bared body."

"The Lady is ready to leave now. She said she must get out of the city before she has to attack poor Celeborn again."

Squeezing his eyes closed, he exclaimed, "Gods! Now I have images of that!"

"I can see this is troubling you, so let me help you, my love," she said as she removed the gown, again, crawled to the edge of the bed with a wicked glint to her eye and licked her lips. She reached to him, grabbing the sides of his cloak and with them, drew him to stand before her.

"Aura, what are you doing? We do not have time for this!"

She smiled and unlaced his leggings once more, slapping his hands away twice, as he half-heartedly protested. She took him into her mouth, licking and suckling him, running her hands upward along his stiffening thighs. Digging her fingers into his taut backside, she drove him to her, swallowing him until he was fraught with need. When she felt him begin to tremble, she let him go. "Haldir, we don't have time for this," she mocked with an evil grin.

His eyes narrowed, his jaw set. "If nothing else, they taught us to finish what we start!"

"As you wish, my lord," she said and then climbed off and leaned over the bed, lifting her bottom slightly, enticing him to enter her. "Come into me, Haldir. Make me scream!"

"Gods, Aura, you are going to drive me mad!" he growled and with one fluid movement he entered her, cupping her breasts, shoving her down upon the bed. As he thrust into her with gentle but forceful motions, she began to raise herself up to him, deepening his elation.

When he could feel she was nearing completion, he leaned over her, licking the sensitive tip of her ear, tracing it until she shuddered and then gently sucked it into his mouth. She gasped in a short breath and began to cry out his name in hoarse, passionate screams of ecstasy.

He followed her, his voice husky and low, repeating some unintelligible phrase. At last, with one final thrust, he felt himself explode within her, sending waves of pure bliss throughout his body.

When he felt himself unable to stand any longer, he collapsed onto her, kissing her neck, her shoulders, her back. He took in the smell of her hair, the taste of her skin and he loved the feel of her lying beneath him. The softness of her bottom pressing against his stomach made him think if he never had to move again, he would be so very happy.

"They are waiting until this afternoon to leave," she said breathlessly and then smiled. "We now have time for a bath. Will you wash me?"

"That will teach her to invade the thoughts of others," he mumbled to himself with a sly smile and then said, "Of course, I will wash you! That has become one of my favorite activities!"

*****************
*****************

Melamin - My love
Saes - Please
Daro - Stop
Lirimaer - Lovely one
Amin mela lle - I love you