Gifts of the Valar.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the Original Characters and their adventures. Everything else belongs to JRR Tolkien, the Tolkien Estate, New Line Cinema/Peter Jackson, et. al. This was done purely for entertainment and as an exercise in creativity.
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Erestor and Glorfindel spent most of the next day with Vanurion and others talking of the history of the eastern Elves. Erestor was particularly intrigued. He was somewhat surprised by how they had drifted so far from the ways of the Quendi. Still, they had been quite isolated from the rest of the Eldar for millennia, so he supposed it was to be expected. Durisia, one of Vanurion’s great-granddaughters, showed him the massive library of documents their people had collected for millennia, most of them recovered from Goroth’s keep. He soon found himself happily ensconced in the midst of the scrolls and books, feeling perfectly at home.

The eastern female, whose blood was mostly Elven---she had a mortal great-great-grandmother on one side of her lineage---had been attempting to at least organize most of the documents, but it was a monumental task and she was quite happy to have Erestor’s assistance. She was also pleased to have an excuse to spend some time with the handsome Noldo, asking him about his life and the history of his people. Erestor found he enjoyed talking to her as they shared a common love of learning and history, and she seemed quite interested in the tales he told of his people.

Glorfindel, Haldir and Legolas spent much of their time taking advantage of the opportunity to study the armament of the eastern Elves. They, along with Helcarin and Orophin, spent productive hours with the eastern warriors and, even though they all knew they would likely be leaving Middle-Earth within the next century or so, they still figured any knowledge or skill gained could benefit them not only here, but in Aman as well.

They were especially enamored of the tatequalme, a sword-like weapon of the Rhunian warriors. It had a grip in the center of the weapon, with shallow crescent-shaped, double-edged blades on each end. It was approximately 3 feet in length between the apex of each curved blade, and reminded Legolas of the Toroth blade Balewith and Morhir had fashioned at Alexandra’s request.

Helcarin was fascinated by their eastern kin. He had lived with the Noldor for the first several hundred years of his life and was accustomed to the restrained, somewhat mystical ways of his people. He had been told of his own birth: a gift from the Valar---how else to explain having two Elves as fathers? His mother’s people, from what he had been told of her, were from the north, and though she was not of the Firstborn his fathers believed her to have the special blessing of Eru.

The eastern Elves seemed somewhat … untamed, was the first word that came to Helcarin’s mind. His time in the north had also been less formal than his life in Rivendell, but there was a hint of … danger with these Elves that he found called to him.

While his fathers spent time with Vanurion---well, Glorfindel did; Erestor was sequestered in a library with a quite lovely she-Elf---and Legolas and Haldir found other activities to occupy their time, Helcarin and Orophin accompanied Sarendir, one of the eastern warriors Orophin had befriended at the treaty signing in Gondor, to the field where the Elves practiced with their weapons. They spent much of the day watching and learning some of the ways of the Rhunian Elves, many of the strategies new to them.

The two western Elves and their companion enjoyed themselves immensely. Helcarin was pleased to find sparring partners who could give him a challenge, and they fought long into the evening, both he and Orophin growing comfortable with the tatequalme. Finally, halting their exercise, Sarendir led them to a place where they could wash up before dinner. Once they had become presentable again, they joined the others in a large hall where food was spread on several low tables and cushions surrounded them. It was quite unlike anything Helcarin had ever seen and Orophin remembered fondly similar arrangements in the Rhunian Elves’ tents in Gondor at the treaty signing. He put his arm around Helcarin’s shoulder.

“One can relax here, my friend,” he said as his eye caught that of a she-Elf he also remembered from Gondor. She motioned for him and his companion to come sit by her and he glanced at Helcarin. The northern Elf had seen the byplay and raised a suggestive brow at his friend and smiled. The two Elves wound their way through the tables and settled on either side of the smiling, black-haired elleth.

The other western Elves had drifted in and were scattered about at various tables with their hosts. Legolas and Alexandra arrived and she was reminded of stories she had read of feasts in the ancient world. It went along with the opulence of the East. She noted the females dressed colorfully and their clothes were much less stiff and formal than the ones she had seem them wear in Gondor. There, all of the Eastern Elves had worn dark, sedate garments of beautiful cuts and exquisite cloth. Here, they reminded her more of the swirling, festive colors the Haradhrim women had worn.

She and her husband exchanged bemused glances. She was dressed in one of the gowns Charika had made for her that was actually more suited to the East than anywhere she might go in Gondor. She had packed them just for such an occasion. It was a rich shade somewhere between rose and purple, and the low-cut bodice molded to her body perfectly, before falling into soft, swirling folds to the floor. The off-the-shoulder long sleeves were fitted and the very full skirt was inset with alternating pleats of rose and purple cloth so that when she moved, color flashed with every step. The material was sheer and only the pleats, folds and volume of the cloth gave her any modesty. Her hair was pulled back in a simple braid, as they had run out of time to do anything else with it; once her husband had seen her in the gown, he had delayed their departure for dinner in a most agreeable manner.

“Aren’t you glad I listened to Orophin?” she whispered to him. “I told you this was an appropriate gown.” Legolas’ answer was to slip his hand from where it held her waist to caress her bottom through the filmy cloth. She smiled at him and did the same to him.

“At least wait until I have eaten,” Haldir murmured as he walked past. In truth, he found their surreptitious displays of affection quite charming. He sat down and Legolas and his lady joined him. She sat between the two Elves and turned to Haldir with a smile.

“Just for that comment, I am going to eat only from his hand tonight. And I’ll be sure to make certain his fingertips are well cleaned with every morsel.” Legolas chuckled at Hadir’s expression of mock disgust.

“And how did you spend your day?” Haldir asked her, pouring them all goblets of wine.

Pomea, one of the eastern she-Elves she had gotten to know in Minas Tirith, had taken her on a tour of the keep; had gone with her once again to visit Tinudir; and they had gossiped about---no, discussed---the situation with Charika and her child, Vanurion’s vast family---Pomea being a cousin of the Lord of the Rhunian Elves---and common acquaintances and what had happened to them since seeing them in Minas Tirith. Since Haldir insisted that Elves did not “gossip”, she decided to be circumspect.

“Just looking around,” she said vaguely, taking a sip of the wine.

They noticed Helcarin and Orophin were seated on either side of an Eastern elleth who looked vaguely familiar, and the little group was laughing at some tale Sarendir was recounting. Haldir and Legolas exchanged a look that Alex chose to ignore; some images she did not wish to speculate upon or have running through her mind when trying to behave at least semi-properly in public.

Glorfindel and Erestor were seated together with a couple of the Rhunian females and had the look of schoolboys who were planning mischief. She had never seen the rather sedate counselor looking so relaxed. She smiled and let her gaze wander over the gathering. Even though they were much less restrained than their western cousins, the eastern Elves still managed to convey Elven dignity in such an opulent and laid-back setting. She could get used to this, she thought.

Her gaze fell on the door and she gave a start as Rumil and Charika entered. She had not yet seen the other woman and for a moment, almost did not recognize her. She looked so fragile and … brittle. That was the closest word Alex could find to describe her friend. She seemed to wish to follow behind Rumil, but he kept his hand firmly about her waist, holding her close to him. Alex caught his eye and smiled, indicating that he join them, and he and Charika made their way over to where his brother and Legolas sat beside her.

If they found anything odd in the couple’s interaction, neither Legolas nor Haldir gave any indication of it. Of course, their smooth manners were immaculate and she had learned that even if startled, Elves rarely, if ever, showed their surprise. Both Elves stood when Charika approached and waited until she knelt to resume their seats. Alex studied her friend with concern.

Charika was still beautiful; nothing could change that. But she appeared … beaten down, as if she had lost all will to make any effort at joy. Her eyes were haunted and held no more sparkle; her hair was no longer glossy, though it was pulled back in a beautiful braid; her cheeks had no color; and her body appeared frail.

“Charika, do you remember Legolas and Alexandra, and my brother, Haldir?” Rumil’s tone was quiet and calm, as if speaking with a frightened child. The sadness in his eyes, however, when he met the gazes of his friends, was heartbreaking.

The dark-haired woman studied each of them in turn. She tilted her head as she regarded Haldir.

“You are a strong guardian,” she said. “I do not think I saw you much, but I felt your presence.”

She looked to Legolas and something flashed in her eyes. “You know the beautiful beast,” she whispered. “Take care, my lord. Once he has taken note of you, he never forgets.”

Finally, she looked at Alexandra. As a female, Alex obviously held a lesser position in the woman’s mind than her male companions. “You … belong to this one,” she nodded toward Legolas. “He left you with me once and … we drank tea.” She smiled. “I do not truly remember much of you, but I feel comfort from you.”

Alex struggled with her self control and felt Legolas’ hand squeeze hers, conveying strength and support.

“Yes,” she replied, forcing a smile. “I knew you in your village and you gave me a dagger from your home.”

Charika thought for a moment. “One of the daggers of those who guard the women.” She studied Alex’s face. “You were my guardian once.”

Alex nodded, glancing at Rumil. He was watching Charika intently, searching for some sign of the woman he had bid farewell only a few months earlier. “I helped you to defend yourself,” she said.

Charika looked to Rumil and he smiled and nodded. “You have taken care of yourself for quite some time,” he replied. She looked skeptical. “You have recently been ill and have yet to regain all of your strength.” He took a piece of fruit and put it to her lips. “I would see you eat and be strong.” She obediently took the fruit from him, then her tongue snaked out and cleaned the juice from his fingertips before she chewed and swallowed.

Alex held Legolas’ hand tightly, trying to regain control of her emotions. It broke her heart to see her friend so timid, her expression flat, worn. She missed the laughing, somewhat bossy Charika who had insisted that she and Legolas were a matched couple long before either of them had given the matter any thought whatsoever; who had insisted she accept exotic, slightly erotic, but undeniably beautiful clothes so she might wear them “for the pleasure of” her lord, before she even had a ‘lord’. She missed the woman whose greatest fear was of Elves; not of some ‘beautiful beast’ who had beaten, raped and abused her, and given her an unwanted child, and who now was a pervading menace that hung over her every waking moment.

Haldir watched his brother and his lady and he too, felt a sense of loss. He had not had much interaction with the woman, though he had found her pleasant enough, and she made his brother very happy. Still, his protective instincts were roused and he dearly hoped to have the chance to help his brother deal out the proper punishment on Lastharos.

Legolas cursed Lastharos for what he had done to the woman. He had seen and heard the man’s actions first-hand and knew what evil the creature was capable of. He could only imagine what torments Lastharos sent her now.

Vanurion came by and spoke with them for a few moments, ever the charming host, moving from table to table, making certain all of his guests felt welcome. Charika seemed to relax a bit, perhaps because he was a definite familiar presence to her.

She ate from Rumil’s hand and seemed content to take whatever he fed her. He himself did not eat much, but would nibble a piece now and then. Alex, who never turned down good food, watched the couple as she leaned back against her husband’s shoulder.

“You should eat more, Rumil,” she commented. You need to maintain your strength.” Legolas and the other two Elves exchanged glances. Her words were full of meaning, though none had discussed their private agenda with her. “Perhaps it might taste better coming from the hand of your lady,” she added with a smile and looked to Charika. “Is it not the custom among your people that a lady might feed her lord when he has had long days of travel and business?” She remembered Charika’s descriptions of harem life from their conversations in the past and thought, perhaps, the routine might bring the other woman some sense of comfort and, perhaps, purpose.

Charika looked at her a moment and then nodded slowly. She looked at Rumil. “Let me serve you, my lord,” she said softly, picking up a small piece of cheese and putting it to his lips. He took it and smiled his thanks. Charika’s expression seemed to lighten, subtly, and next she picked up a small piece of meat. He took that from her as well, then caught her wrist gently and delicately licked her fingertips before releasing her. For the first time since he had seen her in the garden, a small hint of a smile touched the corners of her lips.

Alex and her Elven companions politely turned their attention away from the couple, and began a discussion about the various foods they were being served. Alex was particularly interested in the wine. She had always had a very high tolerance for alcohol---nowhere near that of Elves, of course---but after only a goblet or two, she was already beginning to feel pleasantly tipsy. Legolas and Vanurion discussed Thranduil’s interest in wines and the prince suggested that his father would most likely be interested in purchasing this particular type of drink. It was more potent than even Dorwinian wine, considered the finest in Middle-Earth.

She tuned out the rest of their conversation as Vanurion explained about the weather patterns in a particular region of eastern Rhun where the wine was made and how it affected the process. Legolas understood such things. Right now, all she could think of was how nice it felt to be relaxed and sated. She noticed Legolas had not yet refilled her goblet, so she took his.

Looking around the room, she saw the dark-haired elleth and one of her eastern sisters seemed to have both Orophin and Helcarin’s undivided attention. Glorfindel and Erestor were talking with Pomea, and Alex felt a twinge of … something. Jealousy? No, that couldn’t be right. She had no reason to be jealous---she had the most beautiful, most perfect husband in all of creation, and she loved him more than anything. What their friends did, and with whom, was of no real concern to her. Still, she felt something odd, looking at the group across the room.

Envy. That was it. She was envious of the easy way the eastern elleth had. They seduced and flirted with the others so easily and elegantly; they were so gorgeous and had that air of Elvish dignity that made them all the more fascinating. And, she realized, they would forever remain like this, forever at the height of their beauty. Though she was not old, by any means, she was already acutely aware of the passage of time. Every day she aged just a bit more and soon, what beauty she did possess would begin to fade. She admitted to herself she envied them.

She wished she could be so … alluring, she supposed was the correct word. It was something the Elves did without conscious thought; it was part of their nature. She wished she had their easy ways, their acceptance of things that, because of her background and culture, were a source of embarrassment or discomfort to her. For all of her passion for her husband, she still worried sometimes about ‘getting caught’ when they succumbed to their mutual desire. She supposed she must seem terribly uptight to him and his kin, although they were the ones with the haughty, unflappable demeanors.

The word ‘haughty’ immediately brought to mind her companion to her right. She studied Haldir as he and one of the Rhunian Elves talked of armament. He had an aristocratic look and manner, and as her husband and his friends said, had perfected the art of Elven intimidation. Yet, she knew he had quite a gentle side; he just did not let it show often or to many.

She knew he and Meriel, one of the Elves skilled in healing, who also dwelt in Ithilien, were quite close, though whether their relationship would ever lead to marriage was unknown. She also knew, through things her husband and the twins had said, that he, like Orophin, was quite well-practiced in the pleasurable arts. Like his brothers, he had long, straight, silky, silver and gold hair, was tall and undeniably handsome. She could not imagine he had met many females who could resist his charms---and he could be quite charming, when he so chose.

As if reading her thoughts, he turned his gaze upon her and she felt a sudden start. She could well-understand what caused females to easily fall under his thrall. In a race where all males were beautiful, but intensely masculine, he was definitely an Alpha Male. Such an aura was intoxicating to many females. Speaking of intoxication, she knew the wine was affecting her, but it seemed to be relaxing her more than anything else, allowing her to consider things she had kept hidden, even from herself.

Yes, Haldir was attractive. Hell, she hadn’t met an Elf yet who wasn’t. She had no doubt he would take great satisfaction in her being forced to admit such a thing; it was like realizing why girls fawned over your irritating brother: to you, he was a brat; to them, a god.

He looked at Alexandra, surprised at her seemingly intense study of him. She held his gaze a moment, then she looked away and he was momentarily puzzled by her actions. Then, noting the faint blush of her cheeks and her slightly increased breathing, he realized she had consumed quite a bit of the potent Rhunian wine. Not one to let an opportunity to torment his friend slip by, he wordlessly handed her his goblet. He had never seen Alexandra drunk; this should prove interesting.

Alex drained Haldir’s goblet as Rumil and Charika excused themselves. She noticed the other woman did not seem as ill at ease as she had when she first arrived, and wondered if she, too, had indulged in the wine. More than likely, however, she had been drawn into the comfortable routine of ‘serving’ Rumil and was beginning to respond to his obvious love and care for her. She hoped the Elf would be able to help Charika begin to heal.

She reached down and sought Legolas’ hand, entwining her fingers with his, suddenly craving his touch. The room was becoming quite warm and she shifted against the cushions, pulling her skirt up a bit so the air could help cool her flesh. It felt good on her bare legs and she closed her eyes, leaning back in Legolas’ embrace.

Vanurion had noticed the byplay between Haldir and Alexandra and smiled. The lady would likely regret her indulgence in the morning, and the Galadhrim was doing all he could to make certain she would. He excused himself, making a mental note to have Cunion send a remedy to the lady before morning.

The room had begun to empty out as the various Elves wandered away to enjoy the rest of the evening in whatever way they desired.

Legolas looked over at Haldir, noting his self-satisfied expression, his empty goblet near her plate, then at the very relaxed form of his wife, and raised a quizzical brow.

“Are you trying to take advantage of my wife’s mortality?” he asked with a smile.

“Of course,” Haldir replied. “She will learn to pace herself.”

Legolas knew Alexandra had definite ideas about ‘proper’ behavior that sometimes seemed at odds with her passionate nature. He also knew Haldir loved to taunt her; their sniping could be quite entertaining at times. An idea began to form and he looked at Haldir.

“She will hate us,” Haldir said with an evil grin, removing his tunic as Legolas did the same.

“No doubt,” the lady’s husband replied. “However, it will not last; and it will be a nice revenge for the interrogation I was forced to undergo before we left Ithilien.” He gathered her gently into his arms and lay down among the cushions, her head resting on his shoulder, his body against her back. Haldir stretched out on the other side of her, though he did not touch her; he was, however, close enough to give the illusion of embracing her as well.

“I thought she might question you,” the Lorien Warden laughed. “Did you go into explicit detail or was she satisfied with a general answer?”

“She wanted details that I could not provide. I suggested she speak with Meriel, but she seemed somewhat reluctant.”

Haldir chuckled. “Well, she would be the one to talk to,” he mused. He looked at his friend. “I see you have her so she will see me first.. Nice touch.”

Legolas laughed softly. “The shock value alone should be priceless. Besides,” he added, “I do not want to be on the business end of her nails if she should suddenly decide to attack.”

He leaned down and began to caress her cheek. He had made certain he pulled her skirt up so one leg was totally bare, and his legs were entwined with hers. He also pulled her bodice down on one shoulder so that she had a slight look of dishabille. His tongue encircled her ear before he nipped at her lobe.

She wriggled delightfully against him, and, for a moment, he was tempted to take his pleasure with her regardless of Haldir’s proximity. It would not be the first time, though he had never done such with his wife. Knowing she would truly be hurt if he did, he restrained himself, but his desire was obvious and he knew she would be able to feel it.

Haldir could sense the craving his young friend had for his wife and almost turned away. He liked to tease them about their insatiability, but, in truth, he found it touching. He wondered what it was like to be so closely bound to someone and, if he did bind with Meriel, would their relationship be like Legolas and Alexandra’s?

Legolas looked at Haldir. Haldir raised a brow and Legolas leaned down and once again gently bit his wife’s earlobe while surreptitiously pinching one of her more sensitive parts. He had much experience awakening her to such sport; the only difference was the presence of another Elf so close.

Alex was having oddly pleasant dreams and the sensations seemed to carry over to her awakening. She felt surrounded by warmth and she reached out, her fingertips brushing over a hard, muscled chest. She smiled to herself and wriggled a bit, feeling a familiar body behind her. It took her a moment to realize she should not be able to do both and she opened her eyes to see Haldir giving her his patented Galadhrim smirk.

She thought at first it was a trick of the overly bright lights---to her, the dark room, dimly lit by a few dying candles, seemed blindingly bright. She focused. Yes, indeed; Haldir of Lorien lay before her, his body so close she could feel the heat. She tried to turn her head quickly, but it hurt and made her feel dizzy. She saw her husband as he nuzzled her hair and neck.

“Was it all you had hoped for?” Haldir said in a surprisingly seductive voice and for a moment she felt an odd tingling in her body.

Legolas kissed her softly. “Any more questions, my sweet?” She stared at him.

“Oh … no,” she said weakly. She could feel his warm flesh against hers and had a nice view of Haldir’s beautiful, strong chest. Oh, hell. What had she done?

Legolas let his hand move down to stroke her bare hip and thigh as his tongue once again teased her ear. Haldir brushed a lock of her hair from her forehead.

“Then we have answered you sufficiently,” he said as the lady’s husband gave him a conspiratorial grin.

“I … don’t remember …”

Haldir assumed a look of hurt surprise. “Often have my partners been driven to the heights of bliss, such that they might lose consciousness; never, however, have they found me forgettable.”

“In truth, my love, Haldir and I have much experience in these matters and have never had a dissatisfied partner. Perhaps we should do it again now there are not so many others around.” It was all Haldir could do to maintain his role. Alexandra truly seemed shocked.

“No!” she almost shouted, but her throat was too dry. She tried to sit up, but was struck with dizziness and not a little nausea. She lay back and then noticed the two Elves, while bare-chested, were fully dressed otherwise. She also noticed a few things about her own body---she knew what it felt like after joining with her husband---and looked at Legolas. He knew she had figured it out and began to laugh, Haldir joining in.

“I will kill you both,” she whispered. “I will hang you by your ears and beat you with … with your bows.” How could they do this to her?

“You should have seen the look on your face,” Haldir said as he sat up and reached over, grabbed his tunic and began dressing. “Am I truly that frightening?”

“Yes,” she retorted. Legolas had not released her, and in fact, she could feel his desire, quite insistent. Despite her anger at him, she could not deny her constant yearning for her husband. “I felt like I’d just committed incest or something.”

Haldir tilted his head and looked at her. “Truly? I must admit, Alexandra; that is the nicest thing you have ever said to me.” The smile he gave her was genuine. He could sense Legolas’ growing arousal and stood. “I will take my leave now. Thank you for an interesting evening.” He bowed slightly, then left the room.

She watched him go and a slow smile spread over her lips. She began to chuckle, imagining what her expression had been like. Legolas nipped her neck just before it curved into the shoulder and then joined her laughter.

“You got me,” she said. “I hope the two of you are quite proud of yourselves.”

“Are you terribly angry?”

“Yes,” she said. “No. I deserve it, I suppose. I drank too much, and I know I drove you crazy with questions before we left Ithilien. I should take it like a grown woman. I just had no idea you had such a wicked sense of humor.” His hand had begun stroking her breast through the thin material of the gown, reaching into the low bodice to cup the firm globe.

She sighed and turned her head so their mouths could meet as he quickly untied his leggings with his other hand and pulled her body closer to his.

Later, they made their way back to their chambers. A packet was waiting on their bedside table. As she undressed, Legolas read the accompanying instructions.

“It is from Cunion. It should help your discomfort.” He smiled to himself. He had his own cure for any discomfort his wife might experience, though, he admitted, Cunion’s medicine may help with the lingering effects of the wine.

She climbed into the bed, the silky sheets feeling good against her skin and watched as her husband slipped out of his clothes. He was so incredibly beautiful. He mixed the contents of the packet with some fruit juice and handed the cup to her. ‘Drink it down,” he ordered. She did so, obediently. The juice disguised the taste of the medicine well. He then slid into bed beside her and drew her into his arms.

“Did you truly think Haldir and I had shared your body?” he asked, stroking her back as she nestled in his arms.

“For a moment, yes. Then I realized you two were still mostly dressed and, sweetheart, my body knows when it’s been pleasured by an Elf---if I’d experienced two Elves, I think I would definitely have felt it.”

He laughed softly. “I could not do it, you know. Even if you desired it, I could not share your body with another.” He kissed the top of her head. “I would try to grant any desire or fantasy you might have; but I could not willingly see you join with another.”

She rubbed her fingertips lightly over his chest and arm. “You grant my every desire and fantasy just by being with me, my love,” she said. “I could want for nothing more.” They kissed again, soft, lingering touches of their mouths, before falling into contented slumber.