In the Middle of Middle-Earth

In the Middle of Middle-Earth

Chapter 7

Author: Frosty the Glo-Worm
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Legolas, Boromir, Aragorn, Faramir, Elrond, Eowyn, Elros, Haldir, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: Has evil come to the elves of Lorien? Can Legolas get control over his sister? Is Boromir not the coolest thing ever?!? R&R!
Author's Notes: Taking extreme creative license here: Aragorn and Arwen are married. Faramir and Eowyn are not together. Boromir is alive. Haldir is alive. All the hobbits are alive and well. s pls place after the defeat of Sauron. More notes as I think of them.
Disclaimer: LOTR is not mine! Who knew?!

Note to reviewer "Beth" - Thank you for your compliments. All of the stories of mine that are being posted are "finished", as in they have an end to them, though it might not be the most satisfying end. They are being posted one chapter at a time, after they've been completed. One of these days maybe I'll write a 'real' ending. ;) Thanks again.


*

When Aragorn's scouts arrived back in Rivendell with news that the group had indeed gone to Lothlorien, Legolas nearly went on a tirade.

"You sent people out to spy on them?" he yelled, "What is the use of that?"

Elrond appeared unfazed. "We needed to make sure they weren't going to take her somewhere else." He stood quietly while Legolas paced the room, riled with anger. He knew the wrong words could make the young elf take off in search of his sister himself.

"I don't understand why this is taking so long," he said, clenching and unclenching his fists. He stopped abruptly and glared at each person in the room. His gaze settled on Boromir, standing against the door. "We have a plan of attack," he said, pointing to the human and turning back to Elrond, "We should begin the journey now!"

Before Elrond could speak, Eowyn stepped forward and placed a hand on Legolas' shoulder. Her blue eyes were wide with concern. "Valawen wouldn't want you risking your life for hers," she said, "We need to do this right." She looked at him, willing him to understand that foolish displays of bravery wouldn't necessarily win her back. He looked at her sadly, and finally nodded in defeat.

She squeezed gently and turned to Elrond, "How long do you think it will be before Lothlorien sends word?"

Elrond considered her, then sat down in a chair and sighed, "I expect it won't be long." He didn't meet her eyes as he spoke, though, and that worried Eowyn.

Boromir stepped forward. "It's late," he said, "Let us retire." He urged Eowyn forward, and she led Legolas out the door. The others followed.

When they were a distance from Elrond's quarters, and only Boromir and Legolas were left wandering the grounds, Boromir stopped and crossed his arms, and looked at Legolas with hesitancy. "Elrond's wishes are not my own," he said, finally, "He is hiding something. If you wish it, I will ride with you to Lothlorien."

Legolas' eyes widened in surprise and hope, then quickly narrowed, "Why would you offer such a thing?" he asked, skeptical.

Boromir licked his lips and raised an eyebrow. "If it was my sister," he said, "I would not stand around and wait to bargain with the enemy."

The elf considered this for a while before sighing deeply. "What if they are right? What if we do this, and it ends up killing her?" He clenched his jaw and kicked at the ground in frustration. "I could never live with myself if that happened."

"What if they offer us a bargain, and kill her anyways?" The elf looked up at this and frowned.

Legolas shook his head. "I should never have brought her here," he said, beginning to pace, "She is too young, she won't," he paused, and anger flitted across his face, "She won't last."

To Legolas' surprise, Boromir laughed. "She's a strong girl," he said, smirking, "Not too bright, but strong. She will survive and we will rescue her. That is all that will happen."

He wasn't nearly as confident as Boromir, but Legolas shook his head in agreement. "We will set out at sunrise."

*

The sun was peeking through the cracks in the walls when Valawen awoke. Her sleep had been fitful, but she felt rested and alert. She winced as she sat up, still sore from the horseriding, and from Elros. Her face fell when she was reminded of the evening before.

She tried the door to the cabin, but it was locked. There was nowhere for her to go, so she sat on the bed and waited for what would happen next. She prayed that Elros would stay away.

Nearly an hour later Valawen heard voices, and the door opened to spill sunlight into the room. The two elves who had escorted her to the cabin were there again, and they motioned her to come forward. "We're going to see Elros," said one of the elves, and Valawen halted.

"W-Why?" she asked as they grabbed her arms and pulled her from the cabin. She fell into step with them but bit her lip in fear when they didn't respond.

She looked around at the city of Lothlorien. It was different from what the stories had told her. This place was darker, dirty. She shuddered at the cold breeze that touched her skin.

They walked up several flights of steps in silence and then entered a small, white room. Two blonde elves were there, one with almost silvery hair, and Elros stood between them. He smiled as she joined them; his expression one of amusement.

"My dear," he said, walking up to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. The elves that had escorted her left the room, and she wished so badly that she could go with them. "I would like to introduce you," he said, drawing her attention back to him, "This is Celeborn, and this is Haldir."

Celeborn, the older elf with the silver hair, only raised an eyebrow in her direction. Haldir, the younger one with hair like gold, looked at her with an expression of complete disinterest.

"Do you really think this girl is the answer to our problems, Elros?" asked Celeborn as he sorted papers on a desk. He looked at her in doubt, "She looks like any other elf to me."

Valawen could feel Elros' grip tighten on her shoulder. She winced slightly. "This girl is the sister of the Prince of Mirkwood, and of special concern to my own brother." Valawen looked up at the elf beside her, wondering if what he had said were true. "She will get us what we want."

Celeborn laughed quietly. "What we want is Rivendell, Elros, and I highly doubt Elrond will give it freely, no matter how special this young lady is." He turned and studied Valawen, seemingly deciding something. "We will try it your way, but I'm not sacrificing resources on her. I will send one elf with demands. When they kill him, we will move on to the next plan."

Valawen's eyes widened in fear. Not only was Celeborn looking like he was going to simply toss her away, Elros was livid. She could see it in his eyes. "The plan will work," he said through gritted teeth.

Celeborn turned back to him and narrowed his eyes. His gaze moved from Valawen to Elros and rested on the hand clasping her shoulder. "There is no matter if it will work or if it won't," he said, lifting his eyes to meet Elros', "We will try it. I do not take lightly to those who risk lives for a simple plaything. If your intention was indeed for Lothlorien, you won't mind Haldir here taking watch over our guest, while you assist with the battle strategy." He motioned to the elf beside him, who had been watching the exchange with vague interest, and Haldir walked towards Elros.

Haldir squinted at the dark elf, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to take your girl," he said, biting his lip and taking Valawen's hand, "You don't mind, do you?"

Valawen watched Elros' face; his eyes stared straight ahead and his jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Haldir pulled her from his grasp and led her to the door. "I'll take good care of her," he called back, then smirked when he noticed Elros' fists tighten. Valawen was grateful when they finally left his presence.

Haldir's living quarters were sparse but roomy, and she could tell that they had once been cared for. Now, though, they were pretty much a mess.

He led her in and locked the door behind them, and then went to the kitchen. Valawen stood there, unsure of what to do. She couldn't very well escape from such a place; the walk to Haldir's home had been crawling with elves. And they all looked at her funny.

She walked further in and looked around. Hearing him moving around in the kitchen, she was suddenly overcome with a worry: what if Haldir was just as bad as Elros? What if he took advantage of her, too? She crossed her arms over her breast and took deep, calming breaths. He hadn't looked at her that way, like he wanted to devour her. He had barely said two words to her.

"Thirsty?" he asked, and Valawen jumped. She hadn't heard him walk up behind her. He smiled carelessly and held out a glass of water. She took it willingly.

"Thank you," she mumbled, moving away from him and drinking deeply. She kept looking around, hoping that he would ignore her. She could feel his eyes on her, but then heard him sit down. Turning slightly, she saw that he was now reading, his feet up on the table in front of him.

She frowned. She didn't know what she had been expecting, but this certainly wasn't it. Not that she was complaining; being ignored was so much better than being raped.

She stood quietly for a few moments, staring out the small window, when Haldir spoke again. "Is that you?" he asked.

Valawen turned and looked at him, confused. "Excuse me?"

Haldir's face was contorted into a look of annoyance. He got up and slowly approached her. "That smell," he said, his nose upturned, "Is that you?"

Valawen's eyes widened as she took a deep breath. "I don't know," she breathed, noticing a certain smell, then she looked at her arms. They were filthy. "Probably," she said, hoping that maybe he would allow her access to a bathtub.

He scowled at her, taking in her dirty form, "You smell like a horse," he said, "Don't sit anywhere." He disappeared into a far room for a few seconds, and Valawen could hear water running. He came out moments later, "Go clean yourself up," he said, throwing a towel at her, "and wash your clothes, too."

She nodded and held tight to the towel, and entered the bathroom. The steam from the water was invigorating. She quickly disrobed and settled in, relaxing as much as she possibly could.

When Valawen had finished bathing, she wrapped the towel around herself and washed her dress. The dirt eventually came out, but the garment was soaked through and unwearable. Leaving it to dry on the shower rod, she went to leave the bathroom, then thought better of it. She was wearing nothing but a simple towel. And she was alone with an elf. An evil elf, she thought. So she took her hand off the handle and sat down, watching her dress and willing it to dry.

*

Legolas was not impressed when Boromir arrived with company. "Why are they here?" he asked, angry, as they approached the meeting spot. Legolas had been waiting for nearly an hour.

Boromir frowned at him. "They are here to help," he said as he mounted his horse, "Is there a problem?"

Legolas' eyes met Aragorn's for a brief few seconds before the elf mounted his own steed. "No problem," he said tersely, "The more people, the less chance I have of getting killed." He threw a nasty glance at the human on his left.

Faramir watched the exchange between the King and the Prince, but thought better than to intervene. He got up on his own horse and rode up beside Boromir, who was staring at Legolas and Aragorn with an expression of distaste.

"What is their problem?" he asked Faramir, "They do nothing but stare daggers at each other."

Boromir's brother pursed his lips and shrugged. "I wouldn't know," he said, starting on the trail out of Rivendell. Boromir followed suit, with Aragorn trailing and Legolas bringing up the rear.

It was but several minutes before the elf began to speak. "I suggest we move a little faster than this," he said, "Or the day might end before we get past the outer gates."

Boromir threw him a dirty look. "Would you have us draw attention to ourselves by galloping away like criminals? We will take the first leg slowly."

Legolas' eyes narrowed at the human's bossiness, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned his attention to Aragorn. "Why are you here?" he growled, "Feel you have to make up for something?"

Boromir noticed Faramir suddenly increased his gait. "I have nothing to make up for," said Aragorn, not meeting the elf's stare, "I merely thought I could help."

"You don't even care enough to make amends?" he said, leaning towards him, "Did you care enough to make amends with Arwen?"

The horses startled when Aragorn whipped out his sword and pointed it straight at Legolas. Looking him in the eyes, he whispered, "I suggest you keep quiet, elf."

Legolas looked about ready to retaliate when Boromir finally growled, "Enough! I don't know what you two are on about, but someone's life is at stake here, and if you can't understand the importance of that, then you should turn back. Both of you." He turned and walked his horse ahead, intent on catching up with Faramir.

Aragorn sheathed his sword. "If you have a problem with me, Legolas, I would be happy to hear about it after your sister is returned to Rivendell."

Legolas nodded and smiled darkly. "You will hear about it," he said, then followed Boromir. Aragorn sighed heavily and followed.

*

Haldir popped a piece of lembas bread into his mouth. That female elf had been in the bathroom much too long. He knocked on the door and heard shuffling inside. "What are you doing in there?" he asked, leaning his head against the door, "Don't make a mess!" He popped another piece of bread into his mouth and mumbled, "Bloody females.."

There was some movement, then Haldir heard a muffled reply, "I'm...I'm just waiting for my dress to dry."

He snorted. "It's not going to dry in there, you bint," he rattled the doorknob, "Bring it out here and I'll hand it up outside."

There was a long silence before Valawen spoke again. "It's okay," she said, and he could tell she was nervous, "I'll just wear it wet."

Haldir rolled his eyes and rattled the handle even louder. "Just open the damn door before I break it down myself." He licked his lips and waited, hoping he wouldn't have to actually made a show of doing that.

It took a while, but eventually there was noise, and the door opened. Haldir stepped back as Valawen peeked out. She was holding the sopping dress in her hand.

"Give me that," he said, holding his hand out. She stepped out of the room slowly and handed the dress to him. He left the house quickly, and she went to the window to watch him hang it up behind some trees.

She pulled the towel tighter around her body when he came back inside. His gaze raked over her before he wiped his hands on his tunic and told her to step away from the window. "Why?" she asked, moving back instinctively.

Haldir raised an eyebrow and sat down. "Haven't you noticed anything strange about this place?" He smirked at her confused expression, "About the people here?"

She swallowed heavily and shook her head. She didn't know what he was talking about. He leaned forward and smiled, "There are no women," he said, "No females. You didn't notice?"

Valawen blanched. She hadn't noticed. But now she knew why so many of the elves had looked at her funny. And why Elros...

Before she could finish that thought, Haldir had risen from his seat and stepped in front of her. "They all left a long time ago," he said, his voice gentle, "They couldn't...handle...it."

Valawen looked up. "Handle what?" she asked, afraid of the answer. She held her arms over her chest and stepped back from Haldir.

He laughed. "Come on," he said, grabbing her arm and yanking her towards him, "I think you know." Valawen gasped as he roughly pulled her out of the room and through a door. She pulled back when she saw that it was his bedroom.

Haldir turned and slapped her face. Whimpering, but still standing, she slowly turned to look at him. His eyes were dark. "I don't know what Elros let you get away with," he said, grabbing her again and throwing her to the bed, "But I'm not going to put up with any of it."

She watched in horror as he began to undo his belt. Sliding back on the bed, she tried to look for a weapon, but he was too quick. Before she realized it, he had seized her by the ankles and turned her around so her chest pressed against the bed. He yanked the towel out from under her and she closed her eyes tightly as the hand around the back of her neck held her steady.

"Please stop it," yelled Valawen, her voice muffled. She pushed frantically upwards, but he was too strong. He pulled her so her legs were hanging over the bed, and without warning she felt him enter her roughly from behind.

A hard moan of pain escaped her lips as she dug her nails into the bedding. Haldir let go of her neck and grabbed her hips, thrusting forcefully into her. Valawen began to cry softly at the searing intrusion, but he didn't seem to care. The only sounds were his groans of pleasure as he assaulted her.

His hot hands gripped her flesh tightly as he rolled over her again and again. His movement would slow and then quickly become more frantic as he used her body for his own release. It seemed to Valawen that the room was deathly quiet but for the harsh sounds of his laboured breathing, and her own breath in her ears.

She moved against the bed as he pulled her back over and over again. Theetheets began to burn along her cheeks and chest. It felt like an eternity before his pace quickened and he cried out in climax, fell against her, and slowed his breathing. Valawen clenched her jaw as she felt him pull out of her, do up his pants, and walk out of the room.

The pain in her legs and abdomen was unlike anything she had ever felt before. It was minutes before she moved up onto the bed and covered herself with the towel. She had never felt so used in her life. When Elros had taken advantage of her, he had done so because he was fixated. Haldir raped her because she was there. Nothing but convenient, and nothing but a receptacle.

Valawen curled her legs into her and cried softly as she leaned against the bed frame. She couldn't bear to go out there and face him.

*

Legolas peered out from his hiding spot in the forest. "One rider," he whispered, "Why just one?"

Boromir watched in silence as the lone elf slowly made his way towards Rivendell. When he was sure the elf was out of hearing range, he sat back against a tree. "They wouldn't send just one if they were serious about bargaining," he said, his eyes dark. "Something must have happened."

Legolas' eyes became steely. "What do you mean, 'something must have happened'?" he hissed, "Are you saying Valawen may be dead?"

Aragorn fidgeted slightly beside him. Boromir took a deep breath and spoke, "I am not saying that at all. I merely said they are not going with the plan Elrond found most plausible." He smirked slightly, "They may be planning an attack instead."

Faramir frowned, "Then why would they have taken Valawen? What was the point?"

Boromir shook his head. "I don't know. Perhaps there was simply a change in plans."

Legolas grew more agitated. "If there is a change in plans, then they won't need her anymore. We have to get there quickly!" He was about to jump up when Boromir's hand stilled him.

"We must rest, Legolas," he said, though he sounded disappointed, "But we will leave soon." He clapped the elf on the shoulder and positioned himself more comfortably. Legolas looked vaguely put-off, but leaned back against a tree trunk, crossed his arms, and glared at the mossy grass without a word.

*

Valawen hadn't realized she had fallen asleep until she awoke in the dark, still on Haldir's bed, her fingers wrapped strongly around her towel.

She swallowed and sat up slowly, allowing her eyes to adjust to the light. There were no windows in the room, making it nearly pitch-black. She sat still, listening for any noise, any breathing. She could hear none.

Getting up off the bed and holding the towel firmly around her sore body, she made her way to the open door. Peering out, she saw an empty room swallowed by moonlight. There was no one there.

After checking the house, making sure she was alone, she went to the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. Her cheek was till red from being hit. Her hips were bruised. Fingering her lips, she remembered how he had so brutally raped her, and her eyes began to well with tears.

Swallowing back her fear, Valawen went to the window. Nervously, she looked out; there was no one in sight. Cautiously, and not without fear, she made her way outside, grabbed her dress from its hanger, and ran back inside the house. When there, she swiftly dressed, and felt much better afterwards. acinacing in front of the window, she wasn't sure what to do. Running was forefront in her mind, but where would she go? And what if they caught her? She took some of the leftover lembas bread on the counter and ate it, preparing herself for an escape. Even if she did stay, there was no guarantee they wouldn't kill her anyways. She'd have to run and find help. And she needed to do it now!

Unfortunately, her decision to leave was blocked by a loud shuffling at the door. She swallowed heavily and slinked to the back of the room, looking around for something to defend herself. There was nothing.

The door jerked open and someone walked through. Valawen couldn't tell who it was right away because of the darkness. When he stepped into the moonlight, though, she tensed expectantly.

Haldir arched an eyebrow at her. "I see you've gotten dressed. Good," he said, taking off his gloves. "Celeborn will be here soon. You should be presentable."

He walked into the other room, and Valawen felt cold at how normal he was with her. It was only hours ago that he had violently raped her, and here he was, conversing with her like nothing happened. She felt a chill run through her at his lack of care.

She stiffened when he walked back in and sat down in a chair. He ignored her for a few minutes while she stared, but eventually turned to face her. Looking her over silently, his gaze turned from indifference to intense curiousity.

Valawen licked her lips and looked down, avoiding his stare. He smirked at that and got up. "Is something wrong?" he asked, smiling, as he approached her, "You seem a little...quiet."

She crossed her aoverover her chest. "I'm fine," she said, trying to sound controlled, "Just tired."

He stepped close and raised a hand to her face, touching the place he had hit. She winced slightly as his fingers traced her cheek, "I imagine you are," he said, but before anything could happen there was a knock at the door. Haldir looked slightly disappointed.

"Come in," he said, stepping away from Valawen. She exhaled a held breath, but again became nervous when Celeborn and Elros walked into the house.

"Our army is ready," said Celeborn, ignoring her, "We will leave as soon the day after tomorrow." He pulled several pieces of parchment from his pocket and handed them to Haldir. "These are the plans of attack."

Valawen watched in anxiety as the spoke of attacking Rivendell. She was keenly aware that Elros' eyes never left her. "And what about her?" asked Haldir, thumbing towards Valawen as though she was insignificant.

Celeborn looked at her for the first time since he entered the house. He seemed to be considering his options. "I have not yet decided," he said, then looked at Haldir, "I will let you know soon whether or not you need to dispose of her."

Valawen felt numb as Haldir nodded inattentively. Elros, she noticed, looked livid, but didn't say anything.

"It is nearly sunrise. We will meet again before sunset to discuss our occupation of Rivendell." Celeborn nodded to Elros, who followed him out of Haldir's home. Valawen rubbed her arms. She had to do something to get out of here; she had to warn Elrond.

Haldir shuffled the papers and set them aside. "Well," he said, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms, "Seems your hours are numbered." He smiled and started towards her again. "How does that make you feel?"

Valawen avoided his eyes and held tight around herself. She didn't answer, but that didn't stop him from getting as close as he could. Running a finger up her arm, he leaned in close and breathed, "Are you frightened?"

She could feel tears beginning to form in her eyes, and he noticed, too. Smiling, he wiped away the wetness when it began to fall. "I know, love," he said, soothingly, "Do you want me to make you feel good?"

Valawen tried so hard to melt into the wall, but nothing could stop his intensity. "No," she whispered, hoping that he would just leave her alone. She didn't want to go through that again.

Haldir raised his eyebrows and laughed lightly. "No?" he said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "Well, afterwards, you know, you can't say that I didn't offer." At that, he gripped her wrist and yanked her from the wall, pulling her towards the bedroom.

She pulled back with all her strength, but it did no good. She began to panic as she realized that he now intended to harm her. "Please don't, please," she begged as he dragged her into the bedroom.

Haldir jerked her body towards his and held her arms behind her back. "I like the begging," he said, tightening his hold until she moaned in pain, "You feel free to scream, too."

He twisted her around and threw her to the bed. She scrambled up, desperate to get away, but he had gotten up and straddled her body before she could. He gripped her shoulders and looked down on her as she trembled in fear. "You should've taken my offer," he said, leaning down, "At least you would've had some fun before your death." Dipping down till he was inches from her face, he whispered, "Now I get to have all the fun."

He ran his hands down her chest and began undoing the buttons. Valawen struggled, but he was just too heavy. She tried to shove his hands away, but that only seemed to make him mad.

He glared at her as he reached over and grabbed a belt from the bedside table. "Hold still," he said, yanking the sleeves of her dress off her arms before grabbing her hands and tying them together. He then leaned forward and fastened her to the headboard.

He sat back and watched her struggle with her binds. He laughed as she tried in vain to get them to loosen, and soon went back to undoing her dress. He didn't speak as he ripped open the garment, sat up, and slid the dress off her body.

Straddling her again, he touched her mouth gently. "So soft," he whispered, pressing a finger along her lower lip, "So beautifully innocent." He smiled unpleasantly, "I almost hate to make you do these things."

Valawen jumped when he quickly began to undo his pants. Tears stung her eyes as she struggled weakly, attempting to get free. She knew she wouldn't.

She closed her eyes tightly as Haldir pulled himself from his pants and moved closer to her face. "Open that pretty mouth of yours, sweetheart, and I won't have to hurt you." Tears ran freely down her face now as she felt the heat of his body over her. He touched the tip of his penis to her lips, and she inhaled deeply before doing what he wanted. She wanted this over and done with, and didn't think she could taken being beaten.

He slid himself into her mouth and she felt the bed on either side of her head sink slightly. He leaned into her and pushed himself in slowly. His breath hissed at each innocent movement of her tongue, and she tried so hard to block out the sound.

"There you go," he breathed, rocking his hips forward. Haldir's taste invaded her senses as she laid there, feeling so ashamed at what was happening. Groaning low, he increased his movements, pulling out and rolling back over her, fully immersed in the heat of her mouth.

It felt like hours before he lazily pulled from her mouth completely. His taste remained, and she struggled to rid her mouth of it, as he moved downward, running his hands along her body. She stiffened as he stopped at her breasts, massaging lustily, and she arched uncomfortably. Her fingers gripped the belt as he continued his downward exploration of her body.

His hands rubbed circles along her abdomen as he hauled himself up and laid on top of her. She kept her eyes shut tightly, but she knew he was watching her, and when he roughly forced two fingers inside of her, she couldn't help but open her eyes in shock and whimper loudly.

He was smiling down at her, watching her writhe against his violent thrusts. "Oh God," she moaned, curling her legs upward as the feeling made her sick to her stomach. She stared at the ceiling, unable to close her eyes against the pain.

"You like that?" Haldir asked, his voice low in his throat. He thrust sharply into her, winning a cry of torment. His other hand played lightly with her hair as he continued his assault, seemingly intent on causing her discomfort. He leaned in low and licked her lips, forcing his mouth over hers for a brief, hot kiss before pulling his fingers from her.

He grabbed her chin and made her look at him. His eyes were devoid of anything but lust. "You feel free to beg now, honey," he said, before crawling over her and shoving his hips downward, entering her body roughly. Valawen gasped and groaned in misery, her fingers holding tight to the belt, as Haldir curled his arms under her body and around her shoulders and began a needy and harsh rhythm.

Valawen tightened her legs around him, trying to shield the pain within her body. She was sore and she burned, and it worsened with each forceful thrust. Closing her eyes, she bit her lip, and tasted blood as a result. At least now she couldn't taste him anymore.

Her mind became clouded and dizzy. She couldn't tell if Haldir was saying anything to her, or whether the sounds were merely voiced pleasure, and she didn't realize he had climaxed until his sweaty body collapsed on top of hers.

Opening her eyes, she waited for him to catch his breath and remove himself from her. He looked at her briefly and grinned before doing so.

She curled into herself as she listened to Haldir do up his pants. "I'll be back later," he said, and she jumped when he quickly approached her. He didn't seem to notice her discomfort as he undid the belt. "Don't leave the house."

Valawen sat up slowly, sniffed, and rubbed her wrists, watching him leave the room. Relief washed over her when she heard the door slam seconds later.

*

TBC