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: My hubby....Thanks babe.
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 8 A Dinner of Gifts and a day of governing

The dinner went splendidly. Rúmil and Yavannea brought the beautiful arrangement of flowers now sitting in the center of the long table. Orophin and Katarwë brought three bottles of wine that Celeborn had given them years ago. They made toast after toast to the binding of Haldir and Lorinaura, to the Lord and Lady, to brothers and to great friends.

Orophin, as expected, lit a fire in the fireplace and the three ellethin sat on the couch drinking their third....perhaps fourth glass of wine. Yavannea leaned toward the middle from one end, draping her leg over the arm and pillowing Lorinaura's head with the other thigh. Katarwë was at the far end, with Lorinaura's calves draped over her legs, finishing her glass, readying herself to pour another. All three were howling at their elves in the kitchen.

"He cannot stand it," whispered Katarwë, "Watch how he goes in behind them and re-dries the plates!"

Orophin pulled from the cupboard another plate Rúmil just dried and put away. Shrieking laughter arose from the living room and when the brothers turned to look at them, all quieted, pretending to be involved in conversation. The ellonin turned back to drying the dishes and putting them away, only to hear roaring laughter again. "I think you brought too much wine, Orophin," said Haldir.

"If there is too much wine, you are too old, dear brother," he teased as he pulled another plate out of the cupboard to dry it a little more.

More laughter.

Rúmil took a dishcloth and wiped off the table, making sure it was clean, but the floor now held all the crumbs of the meal. Orophin sighed and brought out the broom.

Much more laughter.

Yavannea was laying over Lorinaura now, tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. "My sides are aching...we have to stop!"

Katarwë handed her a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. When Haldir turned to glare at them, they all held their breaths until he turned back to the dishes and then they burst out laughing again. With a sigh, Haldir dropped the plate he was washing into the basin, looked at his brothers and asked, "Are we going to let them keep this up?"

"Not in this lifetime," replied Rúmil, "I say we kiss it out of them!"

"Agreed," said Orophin and Haldir in unison.

They walked to the ladies uttering no sound. Each brother took his she-elf's hand and quickly pulled her up to stand before him. They all kissed their elleth deeply and pulled away at nearly the same time.

"That was wonderful," whispered Yavannea to Rúmil and then all three ellethin started laughing again as the brothers glowered in jest.

"My dears, Haldir is absolutely correct. You have drank too much wine! We are cutting you off and replacing your goblets with teacups," said Orophin.

"So we will be drunk, yet awake. Is that your plan, melethron?" asked Katarwë.

"To tell you the truth, I had no plan...but it works well for me," he said, rather liking the idea and turned to his brothers. "How about you?"

"Aye," agreed Haldir, looking to Lorinaura with a wicked smile, "But only if we are allowed to catch up."

"I think that is a fine idea," said Rúmil, taking the goblet from Yavannea and drinking the rest of her wine in one large gulp. She giggled and got herself pulled into another kiss.

Orophin, not wanting to be out done, took Katarwë's glass and drank the rest. Not only did he have to swallow twice, but also a few drops dribbled from the side of his mouth and ran down his chin and neck. He moved, meaning to wipe it away with his sleeve, but Katarwë caught his arm. "My love, let me help you with that," she whispered as she licked the juices from his neck, upward. Ending at his mouth, she licked his lips and then forced her tongue between, so he could take the last drops of the wine from her.

Orophin opened his eyes and whispered in her ear, "Gods Katarwë, you never cease to amaze me!"

Haldir reached for Lorinaura's goblet and she pulled it away just before he grasped it. "Shall I pour it on you? Perhaps here?" she teased, pulling his tunic out slightly by the collar then letting it go, tracing her finger down the center to the waistband of his leggings. "Or perhaps here?"

He grabbed the glass from her and held it over her head so she could not reach it, "I believe it may give me much more pleasure to drink it from you, melethril!"

"Haldir, you will not even think of it..." she started.

"Or what, you will invade my dreams?" he teased.

"Do you truly believe your dreams are all I can invade?" she began aloud and in his mind, he saw...no, actually felt her fingers sliding around his arousal, caressing him until he was laden with need. He sucked in a quick breath as he sensed one hand stroking him, while the other gently slid around his thigh behind him then upward, where no elleth has ever dared go before. When he felt a finger slowly press into him, it seemed as if his leggings suddenly tightened around him. His face began to flush, his eyes grew wide and his mouth dropped open. Then, she exited his mind as quickly as she had entered them. "Don't you think you need a drink now, love?"

"Aye, I do indeed," he said, his voice low and husky, his mind unable to pull from thoughts of her inside him. He took four great gulps of the wine, poured the goblet full again, drinking it down as well and then poured another.

They all laughed profusely, wondering what in Arda she did to make him react like that. Lorinaura did not break their gaze; she held her head high and gave him a small, yet triumphant grin. When she leaned to him, kissing him full on the mouth, he knew, without doubt, he was the most fortunate creature alive.

She pulled from him and looked to Yavannea and Katarwë, who stood with their mouths agape in awe of her. Their hands were empty, so she turned to Orophin and Rúmil. "Well?"

"Well what?" asked Orophin, backing away just a little, to step behind Katarwë.

"You have taken our drinks, where is our tea?" Lorinaura asked, laughing at him.

As if she had prodded them with hot pokers, all three quickly went into the kitchen to get cups and the pitcher, leaving the three ellethin to laugh once more as they fell back onto the couch. "Tell us, what you did to him!" demanded Katarwë still laughing.

"Katarwë, meet Lorinaura the telepath. She can put a male in his place like no other. She is quite...notorious in Imladris, for she often made the Lords sons beg for mercy,” said Yavannea, who then whispered, "But we will not mention that latter part to Haldir."

"It is very nice to make your acquaintance, my lady. I had no idea," Katarwë said in true reverence and then all three started giggling again.

"I have already informed Haldir of my escapades with the twins, Yavannea. Though he was not ecstatic about it, he does not care much about my past," Lorinaura informed her then turning to Katarwë, she said, "I would have thought you knew I was blessed with certain gifts. This might well be the first secret Rúmil has ever kept from his brother!"

"All right, I heard my name. Of what you are speaking?" asked Rúmil.

"It seems you have been keeping a secret," said Katarwë. "You did not tell Orophin your sister had gifts. How long have you known?"

"Did it ever occur to you that I did tell Phin and he chose not to tell you?"

"No, it did not, because it could not happen. Orophin cannot keep anything from me," she replied with a haughty laugh.

"She is right, Rúmil. It is impossible to hide anything from Katarwë. She has this...thing she does," said Orophin.

"What thing?" asked Rúmil.

"Katarwë, my darling, will you show poor Rúmil what it is like to be honest?" asked Orophin.

"Only if Yavannea does not mind," she agreed.

"This should be fun, be my guest," said Yavannea.

"Rúmil, what are your plans for the evening after you leave here?" Katarwë asked.

"I plan to walk the fair Yavannea to her home and then go to mine unless she invites me to stay," he said with a grin, looking to Yavannea who was now blushing a little. "Is that all you've got, Katarwë?"

"Are you sure you do not mind this, Yavannea? I have not asked him properly and I can let him keep his little secrets if you wish."

"No, go ahead," she permitted.

Katarwë pushed her fingers between his as she pulled them to her chest. She looked deep into his eyes and immediately he dropped his smile; his face turning expressionless as he stared at her. With her voice smooth and lulling, she asked, "Rúmil, what are your plans for the evening after you leave here?"

"I plan to walk Yavannea to her home and...and talk her into letting me stay. I have wanted her since the day we met and I plan to make her mine tonight," he said.

"Would you like to elaborate, Rúmil?" asked Katarwë and then she felt Yavannea's hand on her shoulder. "Rúmil, you will disregard my last question. You have done well and will remember all you said. When I let go of your hands, you will wake." She returned his hands to his sides and removed hers, stepping back into Orophin's arms.

Rúmil looked to Katarwë as life came back into his features. He then glanced around the room seeing Yavannea's face a deep fiery red and the others grinning. Suddenly, he remembered everything he had said and began to flush, also. He walked over to his glass, poured it full and drank it dry. "That was just strange. Phin, however do you live with that?"

"Honestly. I live very honestly," Orophin snickered. "Plus, she is a tigress in bed!"

Katarwë slapped him lightly on the shoulder and began to purr, eliciting laughter all around.

"Well, I thought it was magnificent, though it was a little more information than I needed," said Haldir.

"Why, thank you kind sir, would you like a go at it?"

"Not a chance. I am just now becoming accustomed to my wife's little gifts. It would almost feel like cheating." He laughed and then kissed Lorinaura on the cheek.

"Excuse me, everyone. Though I have had a grand evening, I think it is time for me to go. I have to be up early in the morning," Yavannea said, "Thank you for the wonderful entertainment, especially you, Katarwë. Perhaps I will make Rúmil come see you before I agree to go on another date with him." Turning to a still blushing Rúmil, she asked, "Do you think you could still walk me home, love?"

"I think I could manage that," he said, unable to look her in the eyes.

Katarwë and Orophin decided it was time for them to go as well, apparently Katarwë's little display of power greatly excited him, as he now, could not wait to get back to their house. Once they said their goodbyes and vowed to come again, very soon, Haldir and Lorinaura's four guests left them, all walking down the stairway to their homes. Actually, Katarwë and Orophin were nearly running as they giggled at Rúmil and surpassed him and Yavannea. Mere moments later, they disappeared inside their home, still giggling.

Yavannea and Rúmil made their way further down the stairs toward her home. "So, you have wanted me since we met, huh?" she asked.

He stopped abruptly, seriousness stealing his once playful features. "Yavannea, I would never have let her do that if I had known...what she could do."

Yavannea said nothing, but took his hand, leading him to her front door. "Would you like to come in for a moment, perhaps help me undress."

"Listen, I really am sorry about what I said. You do not have to chastise me. I know I have ruined any chance of us being together."

She opened her door and pulled him inside, kissing him until he whimpered. "It was a rhetorical question, Rúmil. I want to be yours," she said with a growl. "Lorinaura can read your mind and Katarwë can mesmerize you, but I can show you paradise!"

She knew she had his attention when he moaned and slammed the door shut.

**********

With their guests gone, Lorinaura and Haldir laid on the couch a little drunk and a lot exhausted from the day's activities. Haldir wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her close to him. He felt the softness of her backside pressing into his stomach and once again, his body reacted immediately to any close contact with her. "Was that one of your fantasies?" he asked, lightly tracing her breasts with his fingertips.

For a moment, she was not sure of what he was speaking. She turned onto her back to look at him and he raised his brow, thinking of her fingers prodding him. A great look of recognition came over her, turning into a prowling smile. "You enjoyed it, did you?"

He quickly pulled her close, capturing her mouth with his and then turned her back around to feel her bottom against him again. "I would enjoy this much more," he groaned softly into her ear while pressing his hips to her.

She giggled. "Haldir, you have the stamina of ten elves. How did you survive with only one elleth per night?"

"Who told you I only had one?" he asked, rather interested.

"I see," she gasped. "I think I was misled by Yavannea. Either she did not know of your dalliances or she was trying not to frighten me."

"After this afternoon, I cannot imagine why that would frighten you. In my life, I have never experienced anything more thrilling!" He raised her gown to just above her hips and she slipped her hand behind her, loosing his leggings and helping him slide them off. She rose slightly, discarded her gown, and then lay back into his arms, pressing herself tight against him. "The mere thought of this is going to be my undoing," he whispered reaching around her to find she was wet beyond his wildest imagination.

She closed her eyes and took a quick breath at his touch, feeling as if she had entered into another of his dreams. He made her feel beautiful, sensual and wanted, so wanted. In truth, not even the twins made her feel as needful of their attentions as Haldir. She could lie in bed with him, making love all day and night.

His long slender fingers entered her, dragging the moisture upward to find what he knew to be her most pleasurable site and she moaned under his mastery. Her body was now becoming like a well-studied map; great mountains of voluptuous flesh to the north and a never ending hot spring to the south. A grand topography of a land he had wanted to travel and tour since he could remember.

He pressed to her again, feeling the warm silken crevice of her derrière sliding upward and then back down, caressing him into a solid mass of desire. He pushed his fingers into her once more and then feeling she was far enough ahead of him, he entered her from behind. At first, he wanted to delve into her wetness only to prepare himself for a tighter, more intimate entry, but he was surprised to find he could not pull from her, not yet. She felt so good, so warm and he slid within her with such ease, he just could not bring himself to part from her, even for the few seconds it would take to shift.

The rhythm was set. He was taking his time; reveling in the feel of her beneath his hands. Slowly, he felt something running down his spine and then lower, stopping to investigate only when it reached his opening. He felt it press into him and knew his Aura was playing mind games with him again. What exhilarating games they were. These new sensations were going to push him over the edge if he could not stop her. Therefore, he doubled his efforts to pull from her and then pushed into her other entrance, ever so slowly, giving her body time to be accepting.

She immediately relaxed, taking him into her, feeling herself on the verge of a cataclysmic explosion of senses. After a few moments, he pulled out and then pressed into her again, this time with more vigor, forcing a long breathy sigh from her.

With his hand staying in rhythm with his thrusts, she felt excruciating pleasure begin to wash over her. "Oh, Hal!" she moaned.

"I cannot hold back, I ca...I cannot..." he stuttered breathlessly and then pushed into her once more, this time she pushed back, taking them both over the edge. She felt his breath upon her neck as he bellowed some indistinct sounds. Perhaps words, but she could not understand them if they were.

Shuddering with sensitivity, he withdrew himself from her and placed his hands upon her breasts, squeezing them lightly, burying his face in her hair so he could breathe in the scent of her. "In case you were wondering, I think you are amazing," he whispered as he drew the tip of her ear into his mouth.

She turned in his arms, pulling the blanket from the back of the couch while closing her eyes and she said, "Only with you, only for you."


"Aura, do you not think we would be much more comfortable in our bed?"

"That would require movement."

"I see your point," he agreed and then closed his eyes, tightening his hold on her as he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

**********

He had been up for a few hours and the couch was none too comfortable upon waking this morning. His neck was sore, his shoulders hurt. The only part of him not aching when he woke was…well, no…even that hurt from the evening’s activities. So, he rose slowly, careful not to wake his slumbering wife and laid in a very hot bath until the water got cold. It was definitely not as relaxing as having Aura in with him, but now thinking about it, having her in the bath was not all that relaxing either.

“Aura? Love?” he asked, kneeling before her, trying to wake her gently.

“Is there a fire?” she inquired.

Immediately, he knew she was toying with him. “No, there is no fire,” he answered, grinning down at her.

“Have you broken a bone or cut off an arm?” she asked, her eyes still closed.

“No, my love. But I do appreciate the concern,” he said nearly laughing now, brushing the hair from her forehead.

“Then you see I am sleeping, why do you wake me?”

“To tell you that I have to go to the library this morning and ask you if you will join me later.”

A slight curve came to the very corners of her lips. “I will,” she said, “but only if you will kiss me awake.”

“Did you hear me when I said I must go?” he asked and then kissed her forehead.

“Uh huh. I heard you, I just did not care.”

He touched her cheek lightly with the back of his hand, running it down her neck, making her smile. When he realized what he was doing, he stood with a groan. “Young lady, what am I going to do with you?”

“Anything you desire. I would have thought it evident,” she said as she sat up, pulling the quilt around her and opening her eyes for the first time. As he walked to the table to eat, she saw he was garbed in a frosty green tunic and grey cloak, making his eyes even more piercing than before. “You are dressed. How long have you been awake?”

“Long enough to take a very lonely bath, dress and get you some breakfast.”

“You cannot wait for me while I bathe and eat?”

“I think you forgot about the getting dressed part.”

An impish smile played with her lips as she stood and let the quilt drop from her. “You think so?”

“Aura, you are going to be the death of me,” he snorted, nearly choking on a bite of melon.

She walked behind where he was sitting, running her fingernails up his neck and through his hair, “Better me than battle, do you not think?”

“On that you are right, but I need to go now,” he said, closing his eyes. “Rúmil is waiting for me…” His voice trailed off and she stopped for a moment so he could finish the thought. “He and Phin have volunteered to lead the wardens to the southern fences. There have been many Orc sightings just outside the forest,” he concluded and she began lightly scratching him again.

“Are you going?”

“I have faith in my brothers and my elves. There will be no need for me to go, though I will greatly miss being there with them,” he replied with an ever-growing grin. “Since I will not be on duty, I suppose I will have to find other things to occupy my time.”

“Are you my Haldir today or do you need to be Haldir, the warrior?” she asked, but did not wait for him to answer. “You must be the warrior for a time, but I will claim you later.” She began to braid his hair, occasionally stopping to scratch him some more.

“You make me not want to do anything for myself. Is it your intent to make me need you?”

“Nay, you already need me. My intention is to bring you as much pleasure as I can while we are together, so perhaps your need will not be as great when you leave me for your fences.”

“Well, fair lady, I hope your efforts do the trick. But to tell you the truth, I cannot imagine it working,” he laughed.

“I am finished, now kiss your wife and be off!”

He turned to kiss her, placing his hands on her soft backside and pulling her tight to him. He lightly pressed his lips to hers while she put her arms around his neck, stretching her nude body over the length of him. When he finally pulled away, he looked into her eyes. “There are no words to describe my love for you.”

“Funny…I was about to say the same thing.” She kissed him again, broke herself from his grasp and walked to the bathing room. “I will bathe, dress, eat and then join you in the library.”

He thought about this for a moment as he sauntered to the door and bellowed through the house, “I believe I liked that list better the first time!” Thinking seriously about going back in to wash her, he shook his head, smiling. Once outside, he took a deep breath, reluctantly removed his hand from the knob and stepped away from the house toward Lord Celeborn’s library.

Lorinaura lay in the tub as the water filled and smiled, knowing how badly he wanted to come back in. Even if she were not telepathic, she would have known. Darkness came to his eyes and his jaw clenched when he wanted her. Now she knew he clenched it even tighter when he wanted her and could not have her. Giggling a little, she quickly washed and then rinsed off. She stepped out of the tub, grabbed the towel and went into the kitchen to try some of the melon Haldir had brought for her.

She folded the drying cloth in half and laid it over one of the chairs still smiling as she felt him wanting to be with her, even now. He must be in the library by now and though she could not tell what he was doing, she knew he was thinking of nothing but her. Putting the last bite of melon in her mouth, she walked back into the bedroom wondering what she would wear to the main house. 'Green?' she mused. ‘He is thinking of that frost covered green, again. Now, what could he be trying to keep from me?’

Shaking her head, she pulled a muted green dress from the closet and felt hands come around her, cupping her breasts. Without thinking, she sent her elbow into the intruder’s chest with all of her might. Once his hands were removed from her, she turned, fully intending to debilitate whoever it might be with her knee and just before she made contact, her eyes widened in shock as she realized it was Haldir. He dropped to his knees, gasping for breath and for a moment, he truly did not think he was going to catch it.

“What are you doing here?” she yelled at the top of her lungs, fear still driving her, not knowing whether she wanted to hit him again, just for the sheer joy of it, or kiss him in relief. “You are not supposed to be here!” When she realized he was not getting up from the floor, she grabbed hold of his elbow and helped him stand.

Breathing a little easier, he sat upon the bed, letting her pull his tunic up to feel his ribs. “Honestly Hal, if you had wanted to play…” she began again as she slid her hand upward and then found a large knotted mass, the exact size of her bent elbow. “Oh Hal, I am so sorry.” Noting he could still not breathe well, she unfastened his cloak, pulled his tunic over his head and laid him back onto the bed. She straddled his waist, laying her hands on the knot and closed her eyes feeling a break.

In hindsight, this may not have been the best idea he had ever had. He could be in the library right now, not struggling for breath, yet he would not have his nude wife sitting upon him, worried about him. There really was a positive in anything.

“What in Arda you were thinking eludes me!” she chastised forcefully, but not yelling at him anymore. “Sneaking up on me like that! What did you think; I would not try to defend myself?” She sent warm pulses of energy to him, concentrating her attention on the broken bone, still muttering to herself, “Crazy elf…just foolish!”

When he could breathe properly again, he laced his fingers behind his head and waited for her to notice he was now fine. She was uttering small coarse remarks, mostly to herself and not only had she not seen he was smiling at her, she most likely did not realize she was still unclothed. When he had all he could stand of not touching her, he grabbed her hands and pulled her down upon him. Entwining her fingers with his, he rested them above his head on the bed.

“I forgot the limbas I gathered from the kitchens this morning and saw you come in here. I am sorry I scared you; it was not my intent. Please do not be angry with me. I only wanted to hold you for a moment longer. You are just so very beautiful like this and I love you so much,” he said, kissing her neck and jaw line. “I am truly sorry.”

“Well you should be. Next time you surprise me, give me a little warning,” she said trying to remain serious, but smiling despite herself.

“No more sneaking up on you, my love. I learn my lessons well,” he said, kissing her until she relaxed totally. “Did you notice I have had your hands this whole time?”

“Do not toy with me now!” she said pulling them from his grasp. “I am not in the mood!” She sat up, turning around backwards and then straddled his waist once more, unlacing his leggings, pulling them to his knees. She leaned forward, taking him fully into her mouth.

A gasping moan escaped him, “Aura, I thought you did not want to play? I do not have the time for this!”

“Who’s playing?” she stated insolently. “You’ll make time!” She pulled upward and then forced him into her mouth again.

“Lorinaura, I really have to go,” he said, only a little serious. She lifted off him and he was actually a little disappointed until she sat on him, taking him into her sweet wet warmth, rocking herself upon him until she heard him groaning. Unable to speak, he pushed his back from the bed, pressing into her twice and then laid back down, pulling her down with him.

With the smell of her hair surrounding him as it covered his face, he breathed in deeply and rolled her onto her stomach, thrusting into her again. When he pulled back, she raised up onto her hands and knees, arching her back, inviting him even deeper into her.

His leggings had found their way to his ankles and he did not bother taking them off. Instead, he put his knees between hers, prying them apart as he thrust into her with force enough to make the headboard of the bed rattle the walls and collapse her to the bed again. He wrapped his arms around her, one at her breast and the other finding the tender spot between her legs. He massaged both until she began panting and writhing beneath him in powerful shuddering thrusts, contracting and loosening in the exact pace it took to make him follow with his own blessed release.

As he pulled from her, he rolled himself off so she could breathe easier and she immediately climbed back onto him, straddling his waist. “Do not ever make me hurt you again!”

Feeling his sill aching ribs, he said, “I now have a nice little reminder not to.”

Lorinaura lightly ran her fingers over his ribs. “I am sorry.”

“I know you would not intentionally hurt me, but I never imagined you had such strength in your elbows,” he laughed.

“You can thank Elladan for that. He taught me some basic defense,” she chuckled, “You should see me with a bow!”

“Aura, the look on your face right now, is the one I love most. You are remarkably beautiful when you are being challenging.”

“Don’t you have work to do?” She removed herself from him and walked to pick her dress up out of the floor. Leaning up on an elbow, he watched the dress cover her, and could not help but feel a little twinge of yearning. “You do realize you cannot go out of the house like that?” she asked, pulling him from his thoughts. He looked down at himself and then sat up as she came back to him. “Though you are in the perfect garb for me to…”

He grabbed her hand as it neared his groin, “I really have to go, now. I am late as it is.”

“Suit yourself,” she said brazenly. “But my strategies are much more fun than Rúmil and Phinny’s.”

Keeping hold of her hand, he rose from the bed and grabbed his tunic. “Of that, I have no doubt.” When he let go of her, she sat down, watching him redress. “Will you meet me in a few moments?”

“Yavannea and I have much work to do in the library as well. It will likely take us weeks to finish,” she revealed.

“Well, then I will look forward to spending the day with you…even though you will be dressed.”

“Who says I will be dressed the whole day?” she murmured softly, looking out of the corner of her eye to see if he heard her. Of course, he had. Nothing wrong with his hearing.

“I’ll ignore that for now, but be warned, my house is right around the corner from the gardens,” he said with clear intention. “I said I would take you there today, to look around. Perhaps you would like to live there instead of here.”

“Do you have an opinion either way?”

“I would hate to give up the home in which we were bound, but I think the decision is yours. I live only to make you happy, my love. I do not care where we spend our nights as long as I am holding you.” He stepped out the door and began the short ascent up the stairs to meet his elves.

Lorinaura finished the last of the melon, drank a cup of tea and left the house. “Mae Govannen, Sister,” greeted Rúmil with Yavannea on his arm.

“Good morning...” she started and then seeing Rúmil was in the same tunic he wore last night, a great knowing smile came across her face. “I trust you two had a good night.”

Rúmil blushed slightly and Yavannea answered, “The best night I have ever had.” She reached around his head and caressed his ear lightly, sending a shudder through him.

He cleared his throat and pulled away from her slightly, with a great grin. “Shall we go?”

“Yes, let’s,” she responded quickly and flashed him a shameless smirk. “Lorinaura and I have work to do.”

“And just what do you think the other wardens and I will be doing?” he asked Yavannea.

“Perhaps, readying yourselves to go play warrior,” teased Lorinaura.

“I will have you know that I do not play warrior. I am Rúmil of Lórien, fierce warden extraordinaire! I am a legend in my own time,” he said with a haughty air, straightening his tunic and lifting his chin. He reached over and tugged Lorinaura’s braid. “And you two should be aptly reverent to the new Marchwarden, for I ensure your continued survival and way of life.”

Lorinaura slapped his hand away, giggling, but thought better of teasing him further, leaving the task to Yavannea. “As much as I respect the safety of this land, I will not pretend to like that you volunteered to leave my bed for a very hard talan floor,” Yavannea whispered to him.

“I signed on for this weeks ago. If I had thought I would be invited to your bed, I certainly would not have,” he whispered back to her, then loud enough for Lorinaura to hear, “This will be good in its own way. Training on live subjects is rare in Lórien.”

“Well, just remember while you are there, I could have put you through much more rigorous training than Orcs ever would,” she stated with an impish smirk.

His eyes grew wide in shock. He could not believe she would say such a thing in the presence of his sister! “Yavannea!”

“What? I was only making an archery challenge! What were you thinking?” Yavannea and Lorinaura linked their arms, holding one another up as they laughed to the top of the stairway with a still blushing Rúmil close behind.

When the two ellethin entered the library, they found Haldir sitting at Celeborn’s desk going over maps with a whole company of tall bright-eyed elves in full warden’s garb. There were nearly fifty gathered around the small desk, all turning to look as the three entered. Lorinaura and Yavannea let go of one another, straightening their postures and holding their heads a little higher, as did Rúmil.

The ladies stepped to either side of his path, both nodding reverently and as he went by them, they simultaneously said, “My lord.”

He passed into the room ahead of them, inwardly delighted at the show of respect, but outwardly showing no emotion at all. Taking his elder brother’s famed position and stance had afforded him the admiration of those in the room. Most of all from Haldir, and though Rúmil did not known it before, Haldir’s respect meant the world to him.

“Ah, there is your captain now,” Haldir stated and then looked back down at the map, nearly losing his composure and smiling. Orophin, no doubt, saw the transgression, but none of the other wardens noticed. He set his jaw and handed the maps to Rúmil, who immediately took over the planning.

After discussing strategy for the better part of the morning, Lorinaura interrupted them. “Rúmil, may I speak with you and Haldir privately?”

“Certainly, Aura,” Rúmil replied as he stood with his brother.

She led them to the far corner of the library. “I have a message from Galadriel and Celeborn,” she began, with some concern. “They say a large orc party moved through the Gap of Rohan last eve and should be nearing the Southern border by nightfall tomorrow. Elladan and Elrohir have been tracking them since they left Isengard, however, it is only the two of them. The party numbers in the hundreds and Celeborn thought it might be advisable to deploy two separate companies. One South East, the other South West. He leaves the decision up to Haldir.” She turned to look at her husband. “He also asked me to tell you, as much as you may wish to lead the second brigade, it is not your place while he is away. You must stay within the city. If, by some chance, the Orcs break through, you will be the last line of defense.” She shuddered at the thought and closed her eyes.

“It will not happen, lirimaer,” Haldir stated emphatically, kissing her lightly on the cheek and then he and Rúmil walked away. She watched as they spoke quietly between themselves for a moment and then gathered the other elves. “Rúmil has chosen to go to the west, leaving Orophin to lead a second company to the east.” Haldir gave a small, though inspiring speech and then turned the wardens over to his brother.

Rúmil addressed his elves for his first act as their Captain. “We have nearly thirty wardens on the southern border the way it is, so I will take half of you with me. Orophin will travel with the rest.” He looked at the map once more. “We should see them from the forest’s edge as soon as they cross the river.”

“Gather your things and kiss your ellethin, we leave in thirty minutes,” said Orophin.

Watching all the other elves leave to ready themselves for the journey and battle, Haldir placed his hand upon Rúmil’s shoulder. “My armor and sword are yours. Go to my house and take what you need.”

“What I need is here in the library, dear brother,” he said, looking toward Yavannea.

“Then perhaps Lorinaura and I should go to my house and leave you here?”

“That would be most kind of you,” Rúmil said with a grin. “I think Yavannea is worried about me.”

“Aye, and as acting Marchwarden, it is your duty to ease her mind,” he said, patting Rúmil on the back, snickering just a little.

Haldir took Lorinaura’s hand and they left the library, strolling down the main walk a ways then ascending a set of side stairs. Once at the top, Lorinaura stood looking out over the entire city, in awe of its beauty. The view from his home was even more spectacular than the one from Galadriel’s. “I had this built up here so, when I am in the city, I can keep an eye on the Lord and Lady’s home.”

“A better protector, they could not have asked for,” she said. He opened the door for her and let her walk in before him. She looked around her and then back at him. “How long has it been since you have been here?”

Shrugging his shoulders, he answered, “A few months. Why?”

“It is clean. No dust,” she noted. Looking into the living area, there was a fireplace, stocked with wood and many fresh candles lining the mantle. Actually, there must be a hundred candles scattered throughout the room on every table and even on the floor surrounding a fur rug. She smirked a little; obviously, the rug was strategically placed for maximum seductiveness.

“Lorinaura, I am the Marchwarden, I am afforded a few amenities. My home is well maintained,” he said.

“So you are saying you never have to clean up after yourself?” She bent down, running the fur of the rug between her fingers.

“Well, I probably do not have to, but I usually do while I am here.”

“What other amenities come with being the Captain of the Galadhrim?” she inquired as she passed into the large kitchen. The only item on the vast expanse of cabinetry was a corkscrew. Another tool of some use seducing an elleth, no doubt.

“Well, my clothing is washed and mended or even replaced when necessary. I have food brought here four times a day while I am within the city.”

“Aren’t you the special one?”

“Very special. Maybe, you should treat me in the manner to which I have become accustomed, now that you know,” he said in jest.

“Perhaps if I treated you any better, you would never get out of bed,” she smirked. Walking into the bathing area, she saw the largest tub she had ever seen, outside the general bathing pool. She sat on the step leading up to it and leaned over the edge looking in. It looked as if it could comfortably hold five.

He laughed, “You may be right, it is all I can do to get up now!” He knew she was taking in all the measures he had in place for pleasure.

“Besides, I have not heard you complain of any ill treatment as of yet,” she said with a supercilious tone. She stepped back into the main living area and walked to a closed door. “May I?”

“Of course, there is no need for you to ask. This is yours now, as much as it is mine.” The look on her face when she saw he was serious was priceless. A combination of insult and reserved patience almost making him laugh.

The bedroom was rather small, compared to the rest of the home, yet candles were placed around the bed and all over the shelves. “It is smaller than what I had envisioned for your bedroom.”

“This is a guest room for Rúmil,” he explained opening the door just beside it. “This one is for Orophin.”

“Oh. Then this one must be yours,” she deduced and opened the third door to find a huge bed wrapped in a deep purple topper, exactly as he dreamed in their talan. With her back to him, she smiled, running her hand over the topper; it even has the same cool smooth texture.

There were two mated wardrobes and a very large closet in the room. ‘He must have a lot of clothing,’ she thought and walked through to the balcony, noticing it had a very good view of her house. Turning to smile at him, she said, “Keeping an eye on my home as well, I see.”

“Never doubt I thought of you often,” he said, thinking, if he had the time, he would make love to her in every room of the abode.

She smiled at the images he was sending to her. “We do not have the time, but I will hold you to it later.”

“Fine by me.” He was getting rather used to her picking up all his fun little thoughts. It saves time, anyway. “Would you like to stay here tonight? I had the extra wardrobe and candles brought in for us, just in case.”
“Did you really?” she said a little unbelievingly.

“Do you think I could lie to you?” He laughed quietly, and before she could answer, he said, “I assure you I cannot.”

Suddenly her posture shifted as she realized she had been deceived. “You set me up to think all this was here for your evening exploits!”

“Now Aura, you could have asked me,” he responded, taking her hand in his, the smile still playing with the corners of his mouth.

She took a deep relaxing breath and said, “I was afraid you might tell me.”

"I cannot change the past, but I can tell you this," he said, pulling her close. "Without exception, in my mind, I have never joined with anyone but you. I saw only your face, felt only your body and by the end of each evening my heart ached, for you were not real."

With those words, he brought forth a great smile from his lovely wife and earned himself a kiss. “I would like to stay here tonight. This is the room from your dream, is it not?”

“It is. However, that does not mean we have to move in here. It is your decision.”

“I will gather a few things and we can spend the next couple of days here, just to try it out.”

“Look in the wardrobe and closet.”

She walked to the wardrobe first to find a brush just like hers, several chemises and some eveningwear. In the closet, there were gowns of every color hanging beside his clothing. “You think of everything.”

“Perhaps not everything, but I do try.”

‘No wonder all those ellethin look at me like I have stolen something precious from them,’ she considered, shaking her head a little. ‘They must have been treated like queens while they were here.’ She closed the closet doors and said, “And here I thought I was treated well in Imladris. But you...”

He took her by the hand leading her to the door and then back out to the stairs. “I have given a solemn vow of loyalty and am bound to my duty to the Lord and Lady of Lórien. I am the one who leads the others, the one who is sending my brothers into a battle they may not survive. I will be the one who has to live with that, so Galadriel sees to it that I am well compensated and well taken care of.” He turned to look her in the eyes and asked, “Do you think me undeserving of such treatment?”

Her heart fell as she realized his question was serious. "Oh Hal, I am so sorry you feel you must ask me this. I know you are very deserving of every small comfort you receive," she said with her voice trembling in shame and then her gaze dropped to the floor. "As your wife, I can only hope to be one of them."

He placed his fingers under her chin to lift her eyes back to his. “You have no idea how soothing you are to me. There is no pleasure that could surpass you.”

She smiled demurely at the comment, got herself kissed and they headed back toward the library. The wardens gathered along the stairs and waited for Haldir to bid them farewell. He walked to Rúmil and Orophin, and the three of them pressed through the other elves, leading them to the gates.

Lorinaura went into the library only to be lured to the window by Katarwë and Yavannea who both looked to be rather tousled. They stood watching the procession descend. “Gods, he is one fine elf,” Yavannea commented as she stared down the stairway.

“I will assume you refer to Rúmil,” Katarwë laughed.

“Of course, who would you think?”

“All three of them are quite magnificent. We have the finest in all of Lothlórien, of that I have no doubt,” commented Lorinaura.

“Rúmil is a poet,” remarked Yavannea.

“Yes, he can rhyme anything,” agreed Lorinaura. “He has done it since I have known him.”

Yavannea’s voice became low and sultry. “No, I mean he whispered to me in couplets throughout the night. He used different languages and rhythms to suit his need and mood. It was unlike anything I have ever heard or felt.” She sighed. “I cannot wait for him to come home to me!”

“I am so glad you are happy! I knew you would be,” Lorinaura said, giggling.

“He tells me I have you to thank for letting him know I was back in Lórien.”

“As always, I am glad to be of service.” Lorinaura giggled again and then looked to Katarwë. “Are you here to help us catalogue the scrolls?”

“Actually, I only wanted to stare at my Phin’s backside for a few moments as he walked down the stairs and now, since I have done that…I suppose I am all yours for the rest of the day. I have no other plans. Where shall I start?”

**********

By the time nightfall took the day, Lorinaura, Katarwë and Yavannea were nearly exhausted. They had worked in Celeborn’s library since the wardens left and it did not occur to them to send for food or drink. They probably would have kept working throughout the night if Haldir had not come in to claim his wife for the evening. In so doing, he shooed the other two ellethin home, as well. “I took the liberty of having trays and wine sent to your homes. I hope you do not mind.”

“Oh, yes, how dare you be kind enough to feed us!” jested Katarwë, with a dramatic flare, leaning against Yavannea for support, the back of her hand pressed to her forehead.

Lorinaura laughed while Haldir smiled, rolling his eyes, thinking perhaps the poor elleth had been living with Orophin a little too long. “Come on, I am starving,” said Yavannea grabbing Katarwë by the elbow and dragging her from the library quietly laughing.

As they were going down the stairs, Yavannea turned back to the library entrance when she heard the door pulled shut. She elbowed Katarwë in the side lightly, telling her to look and what they saw amazed even them. Their famed Marchwarden was holding Lorinaura’s hands to his heart, gazing into her eyes as if to look away from her would cause a pain beyond spoken words.

“And that, my friend, is for what we all search,” said Katarwë with a silent sigh.

“Indeed it is,” agreed Yavannea. “Have you found it?”

“Orophin and I have lived together for several hundred years. Occasionally he looks to me like that…like I am the only one in the world. It makes me crazy for him and so it is short lived!” She snorted a little laugh and asked, “Have you found it?”

“It is too early to tell, but I do believe I have,” Yavannea replied. “The three of them…they are very much alike, aren’t they?”

“Aye, that they are. If not for very mild differences in their personalities, they could all be the same elf. We are very fortunate…and so are they.”

They both laughed, heading toward their homes.

**********

Once they made it to the front landing, Haldir took Lorinaura in his arms. “I did not think I was going to make it here. I seriously considered taking you on the stairs.”

“I seriously thought about letting you,” she divulged with a roguish grin.

“Gods, elleth…you are thrilling!”

“Shall we get the dust of the library off us now?”

“If you are speaking of a bath, I am one step ahead of you.” He turned her toward the door, nudging her to open it, while he wrapped his arms around her and gently nipped her ear.

She gasped as she entered the house. “Haldir, it is beautiful!” Hundreds of candles bathed them in a golden glow; lending the home a very romantic flavor. He walked her through to the bathing area where water had been drawn and the ledge of the great tub, itself, looked to be on fire as the flames of the candles shimmered and danced. He left her for a moment to dip his finger in. “It is perfect. May I?” he asked, gently brushing her hair from her back, laying it over her shoulder with the back of his hand.

With the nod of her head, his nimble fingers unclasped the fastenings of the gown, sliding it from her. For the second time since she awoke here, she felt her shyness come forth and make her blush. She could feel the heat settle itself upon her face and chest. It finally dawned on her why this happened when he looked at her like this. It was not merely her husband’s gaze, but the intensity of it drawing the fire.

He assessed her in the same collected way she imagined he evaluated his surroundings. A scrutinizing stare. An examination of sorts. He paid close attention to the minute details of her skin…her breath...her stance. He touched her, just to see if there was a difference in color or texture in before and after. There always was. With every stroke of his fingers, her flesh reddened or chilled or both.

He did not close his eyes this time, and did not fear to get carried away looking upon her too long. He took in every inch of her body, down to the exact coloration of her toes and mulled over the sight in his mind. She could see what he contemplated only seconds before he acted. He was not holding himself back tonight. He would not ever deprive himself of the sights or sounds of her again. Nor would he deny himself the sensation of her skin on his. Tonight was special. It was permanent somehow. How?

“Do not look too deeply or I will fill your mind with only the reds of passion,” he warned as he stood behind her, his hands on her hips, pressing her back to him. She let the thoughts go as he enjoined. Closing her eyes, she felt his lips trail from the soft spot just behind her ear, to the curve of her neck and over her shoulder.

He lifted her arm, placing it behind his neck and lightly dragged the back of his fingers down the length of it, stopping just beside the swell of her breast. She tilted her head slightly to give him access to her mouth and he took the invitation gladly. He dipped his tongue in her sweet recesses, while one hand lingered on her breast, gently squeezing and the other slid down her ribs to rest on her hip.

Once again, all thought escaped her. She could only feel. And right now, what she felt was the presence of something muted through layers of clothing, yet hard and begging her to take notice. She reluctantly pulled from their kiss, her lips still aching for more, to concentrate on disrobing him. All she could think was she must feel his bared body. So, she unfastened the clasps of his cloak and dress tunic, slowly running her hands across the hard musculature of his chest and down his arms, pushing the garment off with them. She could not help but smile when he closed his eyes at her touch as he reveled in the mere fact she wanted to see and feel him as much as he wanted the same of her.

She ran her finger down the midline of his chest to his stomach and stopped at the band of the leggings resting at his waist. Easily untying the garment, she slid it over his hips, leaving him to kick them the rest of the way off. With laughter in her heart, but an ever-present straight face she evaluated his front side with much the same intensity as he had hers only moments before. No blushes rose to his cheeks, which was no real surprise; surely he knew he was, indeed, perfect. She walked around him, dragging her fingers along his chest to his back and then downward, taking in the smoothness of his unblemished skin.

She crouched slightly, her hands grasping his waist to steady her and ran her tongue up the middle of his back, following with the rest of her body. The moment her breasts touched him, he sucked in a quick breath and quietly moaned as he released it. Her body was silken and as soft as the petals of a rose. Another gasp escaped him as she reached around him to find the most sculptured portion of his physique.

Immediately, he removed her hands, knowing he would not be able to contain his need for her if he did not. Turning to her, letting her wrap her arms around him, he leaned in for a kiss and then quickly stopped all motion as she ran her fingernails from his neck to his thighs. He growled the long, one word sentence she so loved to hear. “Looorrrrinaaaaura.” He reminded her of a panther. Sleek and deadly, but when you scratched him in the right places…mush.

She could feel his knees getting weak as she drew small circles on his very firm derrière and giggled just a little. Whatever it was he had planned, this was not part of it, but he was helpless to stop her. He could not even speak for the pleasure she was bringing him, mostly out of fear she might stop her efforts to listen to him.

Delving a little lower with her ministrations, she traced circles upon the back of his thighs while crouching in front of him, just low enough to take him into her mouth. Another quick breath in and he was overloaded with the great pleasure. This was not, at all, what he wanted in the beginning. He wanted to go very slowly with her, to be in total control; how could he have been so foolish to think she would let him give her all the pleasure this evening. Now, he could not imagine why he wanted that in the first place. 'Gods, it is good to have a wife,' he thought. 'Her hands are magic…wife…hands. Ah, that was why I wanted to be in charge.'

He was thinking again. It was as if a candle suddenly lit in his mind. This could not be good; she would lose her command. Oh well, if the worst happened, he would make her want him, and it really was too late for that. She wanted nothing more.

His hands pulled her back up to stand before him. With eyes half closed and the gorgeous smile he reserved only for her, painted across his face, he said, “Nice try, lirimaer. Are you ready for your bath?”

He took her by the hand, leading her up the step to the tub’s ledge and then down the other side into very hot water. She sucked in a deep breath when she sat, but within a few seconds, she was at ease with the heat and begging for more of it by straddling her husband’s lap. He let her kiss him and let her tongue stroke his ears. He even let her hands glide over his body from head to toe, however, he would not grant her permission to touch the portion of him demanding her attention. Each time she tried to bring him pleasure in that way, he removed her hand or slid her hips away slightly.

“Haldir, you will not let me touch you?” she asked, hoping the answer would satisfy her.

“No, I will not,” he replied, a little more pleased with himself than she thought necessary. She closed her eyes and began to grin as she crept mental fingers down to his groin, “Aura, do not even think about it. I promise you, you will enjoy yourself much more if you are not seeing a vast sky of blue or a field of yellow straw!”

“Well, you certainly know how to get my attention and ruin any semblance of fun, all at the same time, dear!”

“Let me love you tonight, in my own way.” He pressed his lips to her ear, his tongue lapping the water from its tip, down her neck, over her shoulder. “Let me love you in my own time.”

“Very well, Haldir. I am all yours to do with what you will.” She closed her eyes and let him turn her around as he pulled her bottom so tight to him, she felt him prodding her back. Was this part of his plan? No doubt, it was.

With his right hand, he massaged her breasts, tenderly rolling their tips over his thumb in turn while his left found the pleasure spots of her most secretive places. He probed his svelte fingers into her, making indescribable pleasure course through her body. She held her breath, her body tense and when the climax came; her screams could be heard half way to her house. All Haldir could do was smile and silently thank the Valar, Celeborn and Galadriel were away.

Once sated, she relaxed into his arms, loving the slow methodical way he washed her. The sponge, laden with soap and lavender oil, glided lightly over her skin while his lips frequently found one very sensitive spot on her neck, sending chills down her spine. When the ministrations came to her long hair, Haldir spent much time massaging her scalp, her forehead, her temples and then rinsing it all off. She could hardly stay awake and when he began to sing to her, she closed her eyes.

She felt the cool air as he gently removed her from the bath and laid her upon the bed. Slowly opening her eyes to see him standing before her, she watched as he dried himself off and then took another towel for her. Had he seen she was awake?

He patted the towel upon her legs, moving up to her stomach and chest, draping it over her torso and then quickly captured the inside of her thighs with his hands. He held her steady as he burrowed his tongue inside her, lapping her sweet juices, every now and again flicking his tongue over her treasured spots. Apparently, he had noticed she was awake.

Her climax was quick and furious and she tried, without success, not to yell out. While her body still shuddered from her release, he entered her and her eyes widened with shock as he brought her into the throes of ecstasy once again, this time joining her. Their voices rang out into the night together.

As he pulled from her, turning on his side to face her, he shook with laughter. “Were you pretending to be asleep?”

She wrapped her leg over his thigh and whispered, “I was asleep until I felt you take me from the water.” She started to wrap her arms around him and he caught them, holding them tightly to his heart.

“Trust in me,” he whispered lovingly, looking into her grey eyes for hints of fear and at last, finding none. Slowly he lifted them above her head and under the pillow, lingering for only a moment and then brought them back down to his heart. “My whole life have I waited for you. My whole life have I loved you. Will you accept this as a token of that love?”

He showed her two perfect circles of silver, inlayed with the leaves of Lórien. She nodded, unable to speak for the longest time while he took the smaller one and placed it upon her finger. Then he gave her the second, much larger ring and she placed it on his finger. “Bound are we to one another in life, in love, in faith and in trust.”

“Aye, that we are, my love. Now surround me, I miss the feel of you already,” he commanded.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzled her nose between the pillow and his ear. “Haldir?”

“Yes, love?”

“I like it here.”

“I knew you would. I had it built specifically for us.”

She smiled and held him a little tighter as they both drifting off into his dreams.

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

Melamin – my love
Elleth(in) – female elf (elves)
Ellon(in) – male elf (elves)
lirimaer – lovely one
Melethril/Melethron – lover (f/m)