The Warrior and the Poet(Extended Edition)

Part Seven: Breath of Life


Up ahead Gimli was grousing about something and Gandalf turned to him, smiling .

"It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn." The wizard chuckled, eyeing the trees around him, "A great power has been sleeping here for many long years. The coming of Merry and Pippin will be like a fall of small stones that starts an avalanche."

Aragorn snickered. "In one thing, dear friend, you have not changed."

Gandalf raised a white eyebrow at the Dúnadan, "And what is that?"

"You still speak in riddles."

The wizard laughed heartily at the jest, the turned his gaze on me as Legolas, Moragain and I caught up with them. "You play a part in this as well, Ithilin. Your knowledge of our world could prove useful in time."

"What would you do with that knowledge, Gandalf, if I chose to give it to you?"

"Have you interfered with the story as you know it?"

Shocked by the question, I went through the recent events, comparing them to what I knew of the story and the movies. I had interfered. Just my being here intruded into the tale. I had caused dissension among the Fellowship. I had tried to prevent Boromir’s death.

"Yes." I answered softly. "But, Gandalf, I did not mean to. I just acted on instinct."

"Fortunately, the events of the past remain unchanged. The only thing that has changed is you are beginning to forget who you once were and become part of this world. It is not a story any longer, is it?"

"No."

"You care about your companions, do you not? They are no longer mere words upon a page or a picture to look at, are they?"

Fighting back the tears that threatened to fall, I shook my head. "They are very real and very dear to me."

"You are also learning something, are you not, child?"

I nodded. I was learning to trust again.



* * *



I blinked in the sunlight as we emerged from the darkness of Fangorn onto the golden grasses of Rohan’s plains where our horses waited, grazing happily.

"Ponies!" Moragain squealed in delight, causing Legolas to wince at the sound.

"Deaf now?" I giggled as he placed her on Brytta’s back.

"I did not realize little girls could hit such a note," he chuckled, rubbing his ear in hopes the ringing would subside soon.

"She’s a soprano like her mother, melethron."

With Legolas holding the reigns near the bit, I swung into the saddle behind her as Gandalf whistled. After some moments, there came an answering neigh and a brilliant white horse galloped across the dry grasses.

"That is one of the mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell." Legolas breathed, watching the animal as it trotted up to the wizard.

"Shadowfax," he said, inclining his head to the horse in a measure of respect. "He’s the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers."

"Moragain, this is not going to be a pleasure ride," I said, gathering up the reigns and settling into the saddle. "We must go swiftly. I know you will probably be sore when we stop but it can not be helped."

"Mama, where are we going? And why can’t we take a car?"

"Cars don’t exist here, sweetheart. It’s either a horse or on foot." I chuckled remembering how many times in the past I had wished to be travel by horse. To be able to run free with the wind. This was a dream come true. "Myself, I would rather go to Edoras by horse."

"No cars? Can we call Daddy when we get there?"

I sighed, praying to Eru to give me patience for this line of questioning. "No, no cars and there is no way to call Daddy. Some of the things that we have in our time do not exist here."

"What about a TV?"

"Sorry."

"Books?"

"There are books, tithen pen, but you will not be able to read them just yet." Legolas smiled as he, too, mounted up. "Your mother can not even read or write elvish yet, but I will teach her. What is a car?"

"A cart that moves without horses." I explained, amused

"Sounds like magic if you ask me." Gimli burred from his perch behind Legolas as we started off.

"I’m inclined to agree with you, Gimli." I laughed. I hated driving. Granted a heater would be nice on these cold days but once we were moving it really became a moot point. "This is the only way to travel. Noro lim, Brytta."

I nudged Brytta into a fast gallop, keeping one hand on the reigns as I wrapped the other around my daughter’s waist. This was the first time I had ridden in tandem and Moragain’s first time on a horse. While I trusted the little mare, I didn’t really trust myself. If we didn’t fall, it would be a miracle.


* * *


It was well past dark when we stopped for the night. Moragain had fallen asleep hours ago, lulled by the gentle rocking of Brytta’s gait. I, too, was weary and to sleep, but I knew that it would be a fitful rest at best.

Steadying her in the saddle, I dismounted and let her slip gently into my arms. I staggered under dead-weight. Fifty pounds is a lot of weight when one is exhausted and the one being carried isn’t awake to help take the load off.

"Here, let me." Legolas said quietly as he took her from me and carried her over to a bed roll. "She should sleep until first light." Tenderly he brushed a curly strand of hair from her sleeping eyes, then gazed up at me. "What?"

"Nothing." I answered with a soft smile, trying not to let my frustration and anger show.

He stood and pulled me into his arms. "I know it is not nothing, Ithilin." he said. "You are hurting."

I wanted to pull away from him and pull him closer all at once. My daughter’s appearance made everything much more complicated with him. No matter, my own heart, Moragain, I knew would become attached to him, the result being that she would be hurt badly when I took her away.

"Ithilin?"

"Why did Gandalf have to bring her here? Aragorn is right, it is too dangerous here! Gandalf should have left her in Lórien where she would be safe."

"I told you before, melethril. I will take responsibility for both of you."

"Stop calling me that!" I hissed angrily, tears coming to my eyes and spilling down my cheeks. "I can’t be your lover. I never can! Why can’t you understand that!?"

"I do understand, Ithilin." he whispered, letting go of me.

"No, I don’t think you do. I can not lie with you. I can’t give myself to you," I ranted, kicking a pebble across the grass. "The Valar know I want to, Legolas. I ache inside, I need you so bad. But I can’t. I can’t!"

I sank to my knees, sobbing as though the world had ended and left me behind. Maybe it had. I couldn’t help how childish I felt. I needed him. I hungered for his touch, his smile, his play. I craved his praise and encouragement to keep going even when I failed miserably. Why was this happening? What had I done to deserve being taunted like this? He was so unattainably out of reach. A strong unflinching warrior that was tender and loving as a man. I had made my choice, though. I had my honour to uphold.

"Damn honour keeps getting in the way!" I hiccuped as I scrubbed away my angry tears.

"Melethril," he murmured, kneeling so that his legs were outside mine and gathering me to his chest in his strong embrace. "I do understand. I feel this ache too. I promised you that we would end this waiting soon. I hold to that promise."

"But I can’t. We can’t."

"I want to give you this, regardless."

"Why?" I asked burrowing my face into the crook of his neck. "Legolas, if you do, when I leave, it will only cause you heartache. I don’t want to do that to you."

"Whether I make love to you or no, when you leave it will cause me heartache."

Absently, I kissed his neck, nuzzling him for some kind of response, which he gave. He held me away from him, cupping my face in his strong hands. Wiping the tears from my eyes with his thumbs, his lips met mine in a tender yet passionate kiss. He pressed his tongue against my lips. My hands slid up his chest to the buckle on his quiver harness. As I opened to him, his hands strayed down to the silver clasps that held my jerkin and tunic closed, unhooking only the top two on each. His fingers lightly brushed against the exposed skin of my neck and slid unhindered beneath the silky fabric. I swallowed nervously as I pulled away slightly and gazed at him with uncertainty.

"Legolas, I can’t. I don’t want to hurt you. I can not break my vows."

"But what exquisite pain to have known the only woman I will ever love." He answered. "I want to give myself to you, Ithilin. I want to take your pain from you and make things better for you. I want you to be happy."

"What about you? When I leave, what will happen to you?"

He smiled, his eyes shining with tears. "I can never marry. I can not ever give myself to another woman now. I would not betray my love for you in that way."

"You would remain celibate? Yet you ask me to betray the man to whom I am wed."

"Yes. For the rest of my life." he said in a choked whisper. "I love you, Ithilin. My whole being belongs to you. I ache for you, your touch, your smile, your laughter, your tears. When you go back, I will mourn your loss but I will never regret losing my heart to you. What joy you have brought me. What desire. Has your husband ever made you feel that way? If you can honsetly say that he does, then I will leave you in peace. So, yes, I ask you to betray a man who has repeatedly hurt you."

I pondered his question with a heavy heart. Had I ever felt that way? Maybe, but it seemed like it had been so long ago that it was barely a vague memory. Had I ever felt the raw, all consuming passion that I was feeling now? If I was honest with myself, no. Yet how could I turn my back on the father of my children? If this had happened twelve years ago, before I had ever met Tom, then there would have been no hesitation, no second thoughts. So many ‘If’s’.

"Would you willingly ask me to abandon my sons?"

"Not if it could be helped, but it pains me to see you hurting like this."

"Legolas, if I only had myself to think about, then yes, I could say ‘to Hell with it all’. But I don’t. It’s not as simple as you want it to be. I have responsibilities as a wife and mother that I can not forsake. Please, I beg of you, please understand that."

He sighed softly, sounding utterly defeated as he rested his forehead against mine. "I know," he whispered, "I am acting like a stag in rut, meleth. I do not mean to act this way. Forgive me."

"Legolas," I whimpered as he slowly drew away, "I don’t want to leave you, but I must. My children need me. It’s not a matter of choice."

He pressed his lips to my forehead as he pulled me closer, "I know, Ithilin. I want you to know that I will always love you so that you have something, some happiness to look back on, when you return to your own time."

"Thank you."

"Sleep now," he answered, his voice tight with tears," Moragain is at my back. I will only leave you if it is my turn at watch. Sleep."


* * *


Sometime in the night, Moragain’s frightened cry broke the stillness. Startled, Legolas and I both sat up, looking around frantically for her as she had somehow moved away during the night.

"Mama, where are you?!"

"Hush now. I’m right here. I haven’t left you." I murmured soothingly as I crawled over to her. "Legolas and I are right here."

"I saw a great big orange eye. And the sky was red. There was fire." Her words tumbled over one another as she crawled into my lap and huddled in my arms. "There was a big, dark ugly man and he was hurting you, Mama."

Legolas glanced worriedly at the red glow on the eastern horizon as he pulled both of us into his embrace. "I will not let anything happen to Nana, Moragain. Come, you can sleep between us."

"Will you sing me a song, Mama?" she asked as she nestled between us, taking comfort from the safety of our arms.

"Which one do you want?" I said, nuzzling her tousled curls.

"Toora loora."

"Aiya! Why that one?" I laughed. "How about a new one?"

"Ok."
"Lay down thy head, pretty baby mine.
night has cast her starry cloak o’re my world and thine.
The moon shall watch thee and rock thee gently to her mother’s breast
and wake thee with the dawn when thou hast had thy rest.

"Sleep now. Nana is by.
Dream of Elbareth up in the sky
and Tinuviel shall sing anon
Ada will keep the watch ‘til morning dawns."

Moragain yawned and settled against my breast. Her long dark eyelashes alighting on her petal-like cheeks like butterflies folding their wings for the night. Finally she sighed softly and relaxed against me in slumber.

Legolas’ hand brushed my cheek. "You have a beautiful gift, Ithilin. The lament for Boromir and now this lullaby. Does he know of this talent?"

"Yes. But it isn’t something that my family understands so it is discounted as nothing special."

"Then they miss the power of your words, melethril." His lips pressed against my forehead as he picked up a stray curl and moved it from Moragain’s sleeping eyes.

"They miss a lot of things, Legolas, just because they don’t want to make the effort to understand me." I sighed, shifting my head on his arm so that I could look at him. "You are the first that has taken any notice."

"This has caused you much pain over your short life."

"I’ve learned to deal with it. But yes, it has hurt."

"I wish you could stay here. You would never know another day of pain."

"A mother’s sacrifice, Legolas."

"Sleep now, melethril." he whispered, kissing me tenderly. "Dawn is only a few hours away."


* * *


"Legolas?" I heard Aragorn’s voice through my slumber. "Are you awake, mellon-nîn?"

"Yes." Legolas whispered. "But let them have a few more minutes, Aragorn."

"We will wake them when were ready to leave."

"I would not have asked if they were not exhausted."

"I’m awake, Legolas." I murmured sleepily, stretching my aching muscles.

He smiled over at me, brushing my sleep tousled hair from my face. "Stay. Rest a little longer, melethril. After that dream, I do not want her to wake up alone."

I nodded as he slowly moved away. Aragorn cocked a questioning eyebrow at Legolas, seeing his jerkin and tunic open. Without acknowledging his friend’s silent question, Legolas quickly hooked the clasps and buckled his belt.

"Legolas, why did the little one cry out a few hours ago?"

"It was a nightmare, Aragorn, nothing more."

"It was no mere nightmare, mellon nîn, was it? Why would you remain awake the rest of the night if something had not made you wary?" Aragorn said, seeing the elf about to protest. "Do not think you can pull the wool over my eyes, Legolas. I know your habits pretty well by now."

"Ithilin and Moragain are my responsibility, Aragorn. Is that not enough?" Legolas shot back.

Aragorn sighed and shook his head, "You have lost your heart to her."

"You already know this, Estel. Why do you condemn me for it?"

"Legolas, she is married! She does not belong here. Neither does her daughter."

"I hope you realize that Ithilin can hear you and understand everything we are saying."

"She needs to hear this and so do you." Aragorn hissed angrily. "You have gone too far. You are an elf and she a human. You have to realize that it can never be."

"That’s the pot calling the kettle black if I’ve ever heard it!" I interjected, angry that Aragorn would even think of chastising Legolas over race. "Do you not, yourself, love an elf, Lord Aragorn? Do you also believe, as Boromir did, that I am not capable of reasoning that I can not pursue any relationship beyond friendship with Legolas?"

"Ithilin.. . ." he started, trying to placate me.

"NO! How dare you presume, my lord, that I would willingly break my vows and disregard my own honour let alone Legolas’. Think you that I am some base bit of skirt that can not think beyond the next wicking."

"She is right, Aragorn. Your very words accuse us of being dishonourable, which we have not done. You accuse Ithilin of adultery. She has made it plain that she will not break her vows. I have accepted this. Yet while she and her daughter are still here, I have charge of their protection. If that alone makes me an oath-breaker, then so be it."

"You have kissed her, this I know, Legolas. The open flirting, the heavy petting, do you not see - "

"Did not Lord Elrond explain Naur Echui to you, mellon-nîn?" Legloas snarled, turning back toward me, his blue eyes blazing in anger. "I am subject to the whim of the Valar. I can not choose my mate as they have done it for me. They set before me a woman I can not touch for fear of destroying both our honour, yet her pain is so great that I can not help bet offer her the comfort that she desires. And because of honour, Aragorn, she will leave and go back to a man who would not know passion if it bit his arse. She will leave because of her vows and her honour. She will leave because of her children. I will be the one left behind, Estel. I will be left broken and empty once she is gone. And I will exist as an empty shell of the ellon that stands before you until I am called to Valinor."

A stunned silence followed his statement. Aragorn just starred at him for a long moment then bowed his dark head, sighing softly. "Forgive me, mellon-nîn. I did not realise."

"Legolas, I didn’t want to cause you pain," I said softly as I stood and went to him.

"I do not fault you, melethril," he whispered, folding me into his embrace. "I wanted to make you mine from the second I laid eyes on you. Knowing that I will lose you does not change that, but serves to strengthen what is already there."

"Mama? Ada?" Moragain whimpered, her large blue eyes lit with frightened confusion.

"Come, little one." Legolas said, holding a hand out to her. "Do not be frightened."

"You weren’t yelling at Mama were you?" she asked, shying away from his touch.

Letting go of me, Legolas knelt in front of her, gathering her up in his arms. "No, tithen pen. I would never yell at her like that. I would never hurt her. I love her with all that I am. And in the short time I have known you, Moragain, I have come to love you as well."

"Then why were you yelling?"

"If I have frightened you, little love, forgive me. Honour is the most precious thing we have and sometimes . . . " he sighed, seeming at a loss, "sometimes we are sorely tempted to break that honour."

"Are you all going to be sitting about waiting for flowers to sprout out of your feet? The sun has slipped over the horizon and it’s time we be going." Gimli burred grumpily as he stamped out the remainder of the campfire.

The blush of golden pink that had tinted the eastern sky was now a river of molten gold winding its way through the islands of clouds that dotted the morning sky.

"It will be another long day in the saddle, little one." Legolas said as he carried Moragain over to where Brytta stood and placed her on the mare’s back. "but do not hesitate to let us know if you need to stop."
Moragain nodded as she leaned over to give him a fierce hug, whispering something in his ear. Legolas laughed merrily as he ruffled her unruly curls. "Now I see why Amme calls you her fairy child. You have a magic that rivals that of the elves. A magic that can lighten any heart."


* * *


It was late afternoon before we reached the hill below Edoras. The golden sun cast long shadows over the grassy plains as it rode the sky westward to the Sundering Sea. The city sat perched atop a flat-topped hill. Behind it, the Misty Mountains rose to dazzling snow capped peaks.

"Edoras, and the Golden Hall of Meduseld." Gandalf remarked as we stopped. "There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman’s hold over him is now very strong."

Slowly we made our way to the gates and wound through the streets to the great Hall. An oppressive air hovered over the city. As we passed, people watched us curiously but cautiously.

As Brytta kept pace with Arod, Legolas reached out and clasped my hand in his. He sensed my apprehension. I sighed wearily, it had already been a very long journey. Unbidden the words of Robert Frost’s "I Stopped by Woods on a Snowy Evening" came to me. ‘And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.’ It would be many more miles before my journey ended and to what end I knew not. Although I knew that I would return to my time, I couldn’t help but wonder what still lay ahead of me in this time.

"They look so unhappy." Moragain whispered.

"Aye, lass." Gimli replied as he glanced around, "You’d find more cheer in a graveyard."

:Ithilin?: came Legolas’ voice in my mind with a startling clarity that hadn’t been there before. :Are you all right?:

:Just tired.: I responded, gazing over at him. :All I want is a bath and a soft bed.:

:I wish the same, but it will be many hours yet before we can seek comfort for our bodies.:

"Who’s that lady up there, Mama?" Moragain asked pointing to a woman in white standing outside the Great Hall.

"She is a very great lady, from the looks of her, Moragain." I said avoiding answering the question. I didn’t want to lie to her but I also didn’t want to reveal too much yet. "We will find out soon enough."

Gandalf led us to the stables and we dismounted, leaving the animals in the capable hands of the stable boys.

Moragain clutched tightly to my hand as I followed in Legolas’ wake. She was terrified and rightly so. Nothing felt right here. The air of oppression and death hung heavily over the city like a sinister, black cloud. Even knowing what I knew, I was afraid as well.

"Ithilin, I need you and Moragain to make yourselves as invisible as possible." Legolas whispered as we neared the top step and the entrance of the Great Hall. "I do not want either of you in harm’s way."

"I don’t want to be in harm’s way, melethron." I laughed, holding my hands up in a gesture of agreement. "I am a poet, not a warrior. I’ll happily leave any fighting in your capable hands."

Aragorn chuckled and gave Legolas a friendly shove. "Capable hands? I wonder what else you would leave to them, little sister?"

Legolas sighed in exasperation, his row this morning with Aragorn still fresh, but playfully shoved Aragorn back. "She is no trained warrior, Aragorn. You know that as well as I do."

"Gentlemen?" Gandalf grumbled sternly, halting the shoving contest. Both man and elf grinned sheepishly as the wizard shook his white head. "Will you two ever grow up, I wonder?"

"You are joking, right?" they asked over stifled laughter.

I heard Moragain giggle next to me. "Ada’s funny."

:Good.: I heard Legolas’ voice in my head. :She was too tense. I do not wish her to worry even though I expect a fight.:

:We should stay out here, I think.:

:You expect one as well.: It wasn’t a question. :What can you tell me?:

I sighed, wondering how much I could interfere. :Expect to be disarmed at the door by order of the king’s councilor and there are thugs ready to dispatch you once you are inside. His personal guard will not hamper you, in fact they want and need Gandalf’s help to restore Théoden to his right mind.:

:Knowing this, I am better armed, Ithilin.: he said, sending me a mental caress. :Thank you. Yes, stay out here. I do not want either of you hurt.:

I reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze in silent assent. We would wait out here and enjoy the view of the mountains.

I let go of his hand and sat with Moragain on the landing off to one side as the king’s guard filed out of the doors.

"I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed, Gandalf Grayhame, by order of Grima Wormtongue." The fire-haired man grumbled with displeasure. He obviously didn’t like what was going on with his liege lord but felt powerless to act.

Legolas spared a glance back at me as he handed over his knives. :Wait for us here.:

:Where would we go?: I thought back, arching an eyebrow at him as a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips.

A smile threatened to brighten his serious face and his blue eyes sparkled with mirth. He leaned in to speak quietly with one of the guards who nodded as he glanced at me and Moragain.

:He will guard you, melethril.: he sent, seeing my questioning gaze. :I will take no chances with either of you.:

:Ever the watchful guardian, melethron. You will make some she-elf a good husband.:

:You know my answer to that, Ithilin.:


* * *


Moragain swung her long legs, kicking the stone of the foundation that she sat upon as we waited for our companions to return. "Why did they take Ada’s bow and little swords, Mama?"

"The king’s guards were only being careful, angel." I answered as I paced under the watchful eyes of our paladin. "Don’t worry, Ada can take care of himself."

"But what if he gets hurt?"

I chuckled, ruffling her unruly curls, "What do I do for you when you get hurt, little one?"

"You kiss it and put a Band-Aid on it."

"Well I would do the same for him," I laughed. "Except, there aren’t any Band-Aid’s here."

She looked at me, confused. "Then what do they use on owies?"

"Strips of cloth."

"Does that work?"

"Almost better than a Band-Aid. Though they have to be changed more often."

She appeared to consider this then said, "Have you had to use them?"

"Yes." I said sitting next to her again, "Aragorn has gotten hurt an I bandaged his owie."

"Did you kiss it to make it feel better?"

"He wouldn’t let me."

"Why?"

"Ask him." I laughed.

Just then the doors of the hall swung open and we looked up as two guards dragged a man out, followed by a man, wearing a cloak of furs and much soiled tunics and carrying a broadsword, and our companions.

The guards tossed the dark-haired man down the first flight of steps none to gently.

"Mama, why did they do that?" Moragain asked as she scrambled to stand next to me as Legolas moved up beside us.

"He told many lies to the king, little one." Legolas said softly as he picked her up. "He was trying to hand over his own country to people who have no right to rule."

"Is he a bad man?"

"No. Merely misguided and greedy."

"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" the king hissed as he chased his councilor who crabbed backwards on all fours down the steps.

"Send me not from your sight!" the other man pleaded.

The king raised his sword to strike the cowering man and Legolas pressed his hand to my daughter’s eyes.

"No, Moragain, do not fight me." he said sternly yet gently as she tried to pull his hand away. "This is not for young eyes."

"No, my lord!" Aragorn yelled, grabbing the king’s arm on the down swing. "No, my lord. Let him go."

Aragorn extended a hand to help him up but the man spat on it, glaring up at Aragorn as he got to his feet and fled. Aragorn shook his head in disgust, wiping his hand on his overcoat.

"Get out of my way!" the ex-councilor cried as he pushed through the crowd that had gathered.

"Hail Théoden King!" Aragorn called out.

All who stood at the foot of the steps knelt before their king. Even Aragorn, himself a king, knelt at Théoden’s feet.

Turning, Théoden looked around trying to find someone in the crowd. "Where is Théodred?" he asked, confused. "Where is my son?"


* * *


Moragain lay fast asleep on one side of the massive bed. She had fallen asleep during supper and Legolas had carried her to the chamber I would share with her, promising to return later.

Sighing wearily, I padded into the bathing chamber, shed my filthy clothing and sank into the hot water of the tub, grateful for the heat. I ducked beneath the surface of the water, soaking my long, thick hair. Surfacing, I set to washing weeks of grime and dirt from my body and hair. Ugh! I never thought that I would come clean.

Out in the bed chamber I heard the door open then softly close and booted feet pad quietly across the stone floor and stop at the door as I rose from the tub and reached for a the shift I had been loaned.

"Waiting for me?" Legolas purred.

I looked up, wiping strands of wet hair from my eyes, and smiled at him as I tied the strings on the thick woolen shift and began toweling my hair dry. His silken hair was wet and freshly plaited. His silvery tunic clung to his still damp body, accentuating the muscles on his chest and stomach. He tugged off his soft leather boots and tossed them in the corner.

Smiling he drew near the bath. "You are beautiful, meleth," he whispered as his fingers traced the contours of my face.

"Only because I’ve washed the dirt off, silly elf."

"Dirt or no, you are beautiful to me."

I shook my head, sliding my hands up his silk clad arms. "Liar," I breathed.

He pressed against me, his mouth closing hungrily over mine Roughly he clasped me to him. I gasped at the fire of passion and desire that rushed through me. I arched against him, biting back a cry of euphoria.
I caught his gaze. His sapphire eyes were dilated and the look on his face was fierce but lacked the blood lust I had seen in Lórien when he had protected me from Boromir. I wove my fingers into his silky hair and took possession of his slender mouth. As I pushed my tongue between his teeth he nipped at my lower lip. His hands caught me as I arched back and gave a startled but wanton cry.

"Shhh!" he chuckled as he nipped at the now exposed skin of my throat. "Do you want the whole keep to know what we are doing?"

"If you stop the whole world will know about it, lusty elf." I growled back.

Slowly, sensuously, his mouth closed over mine, alternately kissing and biting my lips. I moaned against him.

:Bed!: I hissed mentally.

Laughing softly he lifted me in his arms, as though I weighed little more than my daughter, and carried me into the bedchamber. He sat on the bed with me astride him.

"Ithilin," he whispered, swallowing uncertainly. "I see my child in the depths of your eyes, melethril. I know that you will leave me but I see my son in you eyes."

I sat up, kissing him tenderly. "It can not be, Legolas," I said sadly, "I probably will never have another child."

He smiled as his slender fingers caressed my cheeks, sliding down my neck to trace the exposed skin of my chest. "Nevertheless, I have seen him. I have faith that if Erú and the Valar wish it, then it will come to pass."

A soft sigh broke the stillness. Nervously, I glanced at Moragain. She had turned over, her unruly curls fanning out on the pillow beneath her head.

"Do not worry, meleth, she will not wake. She is exhausted," he reassured me, seeing my hesitation.

"The children were never allowed to sleep with us."

Legolas shook his head as he shifted me off his lap onto the bed then lay down beside me. "Then how will they ever understand the love their parents share?"

"Legolas, it’s a privacy issue. I am not going to be in the mood for sport if there are kids starring at me."

"There seem to be a great many things you must unlearn," he laughed softly, "Besides, they do not stay awake all night, my love."

I reached behind me and swatted at his head but he caught my wrist and brought the palm to his lips. :You are beautiful, melethril.:

I snorted. :How can you possibly think that? Look at me.:

:I am.: his mental voice laughed.

:I am no lithe, pretty elf maid, Legolas. I have no illusions about my beauty, or lack there of.: I knitted my eyebrows at him as I ran my fingers through his soft hair. :I’m well used. I have curves in places that shouldn’t have them and none where there should be. I don’t have perky breasts -:

:Stop.: He looked me in the eye, his sapphire gaze still dilated but serious, :If I had wanted a lithe perky breasted she-elf, and I have had my share, I would be married by now and we would not even be having this conversation.:

:Yes, but -:

:Ithilin, I want you. Not just your ‘well used’ body. I want all of you, body, mind, and soul. And it is your mind and soul that intrigue me the most and arouse my passion.:

"Ai, but you’re an impossible thing!" I chuckled, propping myself up on my elbows and kissing him.

"I love you, Ithilin." he laughed.

As Legolas lowered his face to mine, teasingly brushing his tongue against my lips, a loud crack of thunder broke over the keep. He chuckled throatily as I jumped at the sound.

"You’d better go. We both know that Aragorn doesn’t sleep past first light."

"I will stay, melethril? Now get some sleep." He spooned up behind me and shifted Moragain into our combined embrace. "I do not regret this and I never will. I love you, melethril. Probably beyond reason but I am glad that I could give you this."

"I will never forget you, melethron. Never, as long as I live."

He kissed me again as I settled against him in the silence of the rain hitting the window. In moments, I was sound asleep.