The Taking of Vanelossë - Part III

Notes and Disclaimer:
Elvish sayings:
Melethen – My love
Melethrilen - My beloved
Fëa – soul
Daeradar – Grandfather
Nana – Mommy
Naneth – Mother
Ada – Daddy
Adar – Father
Miregen – My little jewel
Uanin - Monsters
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I am going to state the obvious here. I do not stick to canon or adhere to LACE in this story.
I do not own any of JRR Tolkien’s characters, I just borrow them. The following characters
(and the meanings of their names) are mine:

Vanelossë – beautiful, snow-white Séro- peace
Alasse – joy Illisse – all sweet
Anarion – child of sun Tauro – Wood, forest
Mehtar – Warrior Calime – bright
Iârnaur – Fire-blood Faile – generous, fair-minded

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Thank you to my wonderful beta, SpaceWeavil. Thanks for forcing me to do what I didn't want
but needed to do.Thanks, as always, to Space and Thuriniel, the Sindarin Goddesses. Thanks
to Viv, Maram, and my luggage for advice and moral support. And thanks to all of my readers!
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CHAPTER 9
Homecoming


After another week, Vanelossë was well enough to make the long journey home to Mirkwood and her children. Some of the large company had already departed to return to Gondor and Rohan, leaving the others that planned to go to Mirkwood.

Aragorn, who planned to escort Vanelossë and Legolas home, had very few Gondorian soldiers remain with them who would camp near the borders of the elven city. He knew King Thranduil would feel uncomfortable with that many men, no matter who they were, within in his realm. Some of the rangers had planned to go to Gondor with him after leaving Mirkwood. Thranduil knew them; therefore, their presence would be acceptable. Thranduil would be so grateful for the safe return of his family and his people, he might accept the others within the city but no one wanted to make the citizens uncomfortable after the recent attack.

Most of the Rohirrim had left as well. Legolas approached Éomer and Aragorn with a smile.

“Éomer, you would be most welcome in Mirkwood, if you would care to visit,” Legolas offered.

“I would be honored to come and also meet your father. Never has Rohan had a relationship with the elves,” Éomer said, shocked.

“My father would welcome this relationship. I will always feel a close friendship with you and your people. Fighting side by side with them has taught me how honorable and valiant the Rohirrim are and you will always be my brother. My wife will never forget your part in her rescue so I think it is safe to say you will always have a place in her heart as well,” Legolas said, grasping Éomer on the shoulder.

“And you will always be friends to me as well,” Éomer said with a smile as he put his hand of Legolas shoulder.

Turning from Éomer, Legolas eyes rested on Gimli. “And what of you, Gimli. Will you also accompany us to Mirkwood?”

“According to my father, the Elven King does not welcome dwarves in his realm,” Gimli grumbled.

Legolas laughed, “Aye, but he would welcome any friend of mine. Even a dwarf.”

Éomer and Aragorn laughed.

“Perhaps I should come just to see the look on the king’s face,” Gimli smirked. “Aye, I will most definitely come.”

The others laughed again as Legolas smiled at the dwarf. Their friendship was very strong and perhaps the most unheard of in Middle Earth.

It was a long, slow journey because of the size of the diverse party, and also due to Vanelossë’ condition, which did not allow for her to ride too long at one time. She rode with Legolas the whole way because he wanted to keep her by him at all times as well as monitor her condition. Not wanting to be a burden, she did not speak of her suffering the first day and was in much pain that night. From that point on, Legolas judged whether she was in discomfort enough for the party to stop and everyone respected his views.

When they reached the borders of Mirkwood, the guards and scouts greeted them warmly. It had been over a month since Vanelossë had been taken from the city and almost been a year since Legolas had left. They were both overjoyed to see their home and Legolas pulled her tight to him, kissing her tenderly. All of the citizens of Mirkwood had come to welcome the party. When they finally reached the king, Legolas helped Vanelossë down from the horse.

As he turned around, Legolas heard Séro screaming as he ran and jumped into his arms. Both girls ran to their mother as Vanelossë wept and held onto them.

Séro looked at Legolas and said, “I am mad at Ada.”

“Whatever for, Séro?” Legolas asked.

“You have been gone too long and I did not know if you would come back,” Séro said with a pout.

Legolas hugged him tightly, choked with emotions. After holding his son in his arms for a long time, he heard the girls screaming “Ada” and handed Séro to Vanelossë. Legolas scooped up his daughters amazed at how much they had grown. He had forgotten how special he felt when the two little girls were covering him in kisses. Neither girl seemed willing to let him go but he made no attempt to detangle himself from their grasp laughing for the first time in ages it seemed.

Vanelossë cried as she held Séro so overjoyed that he was unharmed. He kept kissing her on the face and wiping her tears away then he would bury himself in her hair. She touched his face repeatedly to reassure herself that her child was well.

Looking up, Vanelossë saw the king approach Legolas.

“Forgive me son. I vowed to keep your family safe and I have failed you,” Thranduil said overwhelmed with emotion.

“You kept my children safe. You have not failed me, Adar.” The two men embraced as much as Alasse and Illisse would allow without letting Legolas go.

Lienilda walked up quietly and when Legolas turned to her, she smiled. “I have someone who wishes to meet you, Legolas.”

Thranduil took the twins as Lienilda handed Legolas his youngest son. Anarion, sensing the commotion, looked up at Legolas with big green eyes much like his mother’s. Legolas was so overwhelmed with emotions; he felt tears sliding down his face as he gently stroked the soft skin of Anarion’s cheek.

Vanelossë walked over and kissed the baby on his head. “My sweet Anarion, you have grown so much”

Legolas looked at her and kissed her tenderly. “He is so beautiful, Melethrilen.”

“He looks like his father,” Vanelossë said, lightly pulling one of Legolas’ braids.

Aragorn, Elrohir, and Elladan dismounted and grabbed the three older children to hug on them and they all bowed their heads to King Thranduil.

“Strider, it is good to have you visit again. I have heard a rumor that they have made you king in Gondor,” King Thranduil said with a huge smile and an elegant bow of his head. Aragorn laughed. “Perhaps they were unaware of your tendency to disappear for long periods of time into the wild. Will you be able to settle in one place long, Dúnedain of the North?”

“Only time will tell, I fear. I feel more at home in the wild than within the white walls of Minas Tirith. I am quite sure the citizens would not appreciate my returning to my old ways.”

“Elladan and Elrohir, welcome again. Tell me, how is my old friend Lord Elrond? Long has it been since I have seen him,” Thranduil said.

“He is well. His mind will be more at ease now that Sauron has been defeated,” Elrohir replied as Alasse was hugging on his neck with a giggle.

Elrohir and Elladan put the girls down and they promptly started pulling on Thranduil’s hands until he began to swing them back and forth while trying to focus on his guests as well.

As Éomer, Gimli, and the Lórien brothers walked over to the king, Legolas walked over still holding Anarion and said, “Adar, these are our friends Rumil and Orophin of Lothlórien. Those vile men had also held Orophin captive. His brother Rumil was most helpful in finding them. Their brother, Haldir, fought by our side and tragically lost his life at Helm’s Deep.” Both brothers quickly bowed their head. Rumil and Orophin had heard about the imposing king but this was the first time they had met him. Having long heard what a great and powerful man he was, it was touching to both of the Lórien ellyn to see him with two small ellith swinging on his hands.

“This is King Éomer of Rohan. He has been our friend and brother at arms since he most graciously “greeted” us upon our entry in the Riddermark," Legolas said with a grin at Éomer.

“He and his men have greatly assisted us in the last couple of weeks,” Vanelossë said with a smile.

Bowing his head, Éomer said, “It is a great honor to meet you, King Thranduil. Legolas has proven to be a most valuable ally and friend to the people of Rohan.”

“In honor of the last Alliance of Men and Elves and your friendship with my family, the elves of Mirkwood will always extend that friendship to the Rohirrim,” Thranduil said putting his hand on the shoulder of the King of Rohan.

When Thranduil saw Gimli, he raised his eyebrow and looked at Legolas and Vanelossë.

“This is Gimli, son of Gloin,” Legolas said. Thranduil looked even more intrigued. “He has been my companion since we left Rivendell. He was welcomed into Lothlórien as well and greeted warmly by Lady Galadriel herself whom Gimli is most fond of. He has been an invaluable friend to myself and has been a great warrior in our quest. He is a true friend to the elves of Middle Earth.”

Gimli grumbled as Aragorn smirked at Legolas.

After a few moments of looking at the dwarf, Thranduil smiled and said, “I am honored that you have come then, Master Dwarf. I am most humbled by your loyalty to my son and his wife as well as your valor in the battles that have faced the Fellowship in this war.”

Gimli bowed his head to the elven king and Thranduil returned the honor much to the dwarf’s surprise.

“These are all children; our twin daughters Alasse and Illisse, our baby Anarion, and Aragorn is holding Séro, our bundle of energy and mischief,” Vanelossë said to their guests with a loving smile towards her children.

As the guests were greeting the children, Séro let out a laughing scream and squirmed out of Aragorn’s arms to the ground. True to his nature, he ran over to Gimli and started pulling on his beard with great amusement. When Legolas went to retrieve his son, Gimli shook his head at Legolas and allowed the child to have his fun. From that point until the day Gimli left, Séro would not leave Gimli’s side for any length of time.

After greeting her own family, Calime came and the children all ran to her. She spent long moments with each child having missed each of them as if they were her own. Every once in awhile, her eyes would meet Vanelossë’s and they would share a smile. Their friendship had grown even closer during their ordeal and the time during which Vanelossë was healing.

Mehtar and Tauro drew Orophin and Rumil as well as the twins away from the group.

“Allow us to introduce you to some of Mirkwood’s beauties. I am sure you will see that they rival the finest of Imladris and Lothlórien,” Mehtar winked as some of the single ellith soon began to greet the brothers and twins.

Tauro snickered at the commotion the arrival of the Perehdil twins always seemed to cause. Of course, Elladan and Elrohir relished every moment. Rumil and Orophin seemed to be enjoying the attention as well. Neither had been to Mirkwood and found the citizens, especially the female ones, most welcoming. Vanelossë looked at Mehtar and Tauro and shook her head. Long she had teased the two very handsome ellyn for their love of the ellith’s attention while both seemed unwilling to commit to any of them.

Legolas would frequently withdraw from the conversation; intent on his youngest son’s every movement. As he had been told, the baby had not cried since they had arrived and he seemed fascinated just looking at his father. Legolas did not seem to want to let Anarion go until Vanelossë finally took him from his arms so she could hold him as well. Within seconds of Legolas having free hands, Illisse threw herself into her father’s arms. Alasse was content being held by Elrohir for the time being, having always been fond of her favorite uncle ‘Ro. Although Elrohir hated the nickname, especially when his brother used it in jest, he loved both girls dearly. He most loved the fact that Alasse followed him around as if his shadow.

The children helped ease any discomfort when people remembered what had happened. King Thranduil held Vanelossë for a long time just talking softly in her ear as she tried but failed to hold back her tears. No one knew what the words were spoken between them but everyone knew the sorrow of the king when she had been taken. As predicted by Lord Elrond many years before, Thranduil loved Vanelossë as if she were his own child for she had blessed his son with love and the halls of Thranduil’s palace with four beautiful children that he adored. Thranduil compared the day Legolas brought her home to an answer to his prayers. Finally, his son would have all of the love he needed and Thranduil would have his beloved grandchildren to keep him young.

The citizens had come to greet the party and the children were passed around so many times that for one frantic moment, Legolas realized he had no idea where Séro was. Visions of previous exploits of his son danced in his head before he found Éomer sneaking off with him to show the elfling his horse. King Thranduil requested that all of the guests join them for a celebration feast and sent them all to lavish suites where they would stay until they departed. Rumil and Orophin were both shocked being treated as if they were royalty but Mehtar advised them to enjoy the moment for if they argued Thranduil might put them in the stables instead.

Feeling the need to alone with his family, Legolas led them to their quarters. Legolas spent the next few hours finding out from the children what they had been doing since he left. Each child clamored for his attention and he could barely understand as they all spoke at once. Vanelossë cuddled with the baby watching the older children climb all over their father.

Vanelossë felt a serenity she had not felt in long time watching her family. This was the reason why she lived through all that was done to her, what had stopped her from fading. Holding her baby close to her, she felt an ache in her chest of how much she loved her young children. She could not bear the thought of their sorrow if they had lost either she or Legolas. She remembered Elrohir, Elladan, and Arwen’s pain when their mother left for the undying lands after her abduction. They were adults at the time and it had almost destroyed the twins with their rage. She could not imagine the pain her children would suffer being so young. She looked over at Legolas as he looked at her and smiled, his blue eyes overflowing with love.

“Where were you Ada? You have been gone for a long time. And Nana had to go find you after the uanin came into the city,” Illisse looked at Legolas with wide eyes. “After that Daeradar would not let Lienilda take us anywhere without a guard and we could not leave the caves to go to the lake.”

“That is because Séro was in trouble because of the last time he went to the lake and was naughty. One of the archers had to bring him down from the tree and back to the city the day those uanin came to the village. The day that Nana left,” Alasse said.

“So you remember when the uanin came to the city? Do you remember what happened?” Legolas asked Alasse as Vanelossë held her breath.

”Yes, they came into the city and they tried to get into the palace but Daeradar and the guards would not let them. Lienilda took Anarion and us in one of the room in the back of the palace. Daeradar was yelling at the archers and guards to find Séro and Nana and secure the city. Illisse was crying, of course, but I was not because I knew that Daeradar was going to protect us,” Alasse bragged. Vanelossë released the breath she had been holding.

“And then Iârnaur brought Séro back into the room with us. And Séro was crying,” Illisse said.

Vanelossë’s heart skipped a beat. “Séro, why were you crying?” She asked softly.

Séro shrugged and looked down.

“What is it Séro?” Vanelossë asked concerned.

“Alasse told me I was going to be in trouble when you and Ada returned because I ran away from you and went up the tree,” Séro said with his lip quivering.

Legolas rearranged the girls and brought Séro closer. “Séro, you are not going to be in trouble. We are not angry. We worry that you will fall or be hurt.” Looking at his son tenderly, Legolas asked, “Did the men and the uanin not frighten you Séro?”

Séro smiled and shook his head. “Iârnaur told me that they were running away. Then Daeradar told us that Mehtar and Tauro had killed the uanin and they had taken Nana to bring you home. You must have been very lost Ada because they have been gone for a long time.”

As Vanelossë bit back tears of relief, Legolas kissed Sera’s forehead and said, “Yes, I was very lost indeed. I am always lost with out your Nana.”

Vanelossë’s tears began to fall silent as she looked at Legolas lovingly. Their eyes met and held for a long moment before the children were demanding his attention again. Vanelossë wiped away her tears as she watched Anarion sleeping peacefully.

“We missed you so much,” Illisse said, hugging Legolas tightly.

“As we have missed each of you, miregen,” Legolas said kissing each child.

“Ada, Séro and Illisse would cry for you sometimes at night,” Alasse informed him seriously.

“You cried too, Alasse!” Illisse accused.

“And what would Daeradar do when you cried?” Legolas asked.

“Daeradar would take blankets and pillows and throw them all over the floor, Ada,” Séro laughed.

Confused, Legolas looked at Séro and asked, “Whatever for?”

“He let us sleep on the floor with him in front of the fire,” Séro said as if it were the most natural thing in the world for the King of Mirkwood to camp out in the floor. As Legolas struggled to grasp the image of his father doing that, Vanelossë bit her lip to keep from laughing.

Soon they had to prepare for the feast so Legolas and Vanelossë bathed the children, both getting drenched in the process from the antics of the excited children. Neither parent minded, laughing at the simple joy of spending time with their sweet little elflings. Legolas wrestled with Séro, trying to get him settled down enough so that he could be dressed. Vanelossë put the girls in fancy dresses as the girls insisted, owing to the presence of so many guests. Vanelossë spent a long time fixing their hair just enjoying being with the girls. Illisse insisted that she and Alasse could fix their mother’s hair. Vanelossë laughed and held back tears as they tenderly brushed her hair. The purity and sweetness of their gentle touch and beautiful faces warmed her heart. She could not stop touching their baby soft skin and stroking their beautiful hair.

After Legolas had washed and changed, he managed to get all of the children under control. Vanelossë went to wash as well then change into one of her gowns. Seeing the wounds on her legs, which had healed into fresh still tender scars, she cringed, unable to imagine how horrible her back looked. She had to wear a long sleeved gown to cover the scars on her arms, fearing the children would see them. Faile, the healer of the village, had brought salves to put on the scars as well as medicines that alleviated the pain, which helped greatly. She felt a cold chill run through her when she thought back to what happened. Lowering her head, tears burned her eyes. Drawing in a shaky breath, she pushed the thoughts back into the deep recesses of her mind.

Determined not to let anything ruin their homecoming, Vanelossë finished dressing and went into the other room. The look of love and desire that Legolas gave her when she walked into the room made her feel flushed. She gave him a loving smile before he pulled her to kiss him with Anarion in between them. He reached up and caressed her cheek with his fingertips as he smiled at her. When the girls began to tug on Legolas’ tunic, Vanelossë pulled Séro into her arms, where he giggled and wrapped his arms tightly around her neck. Legolas carried Anarion with the girls gaily skipping along beside them, happy they were finally home. Legolas was amazed that Anarion had still not cried once since they got home.

At the feast, the king had gone to every effort in the preparations for the celebration and made their guests feel very welcome. Between the twins, the brothers of Lothlórien, and the two mortal kings, Vanelossë felt sure that every available elleth was in the hall at some point during the celebration fawning over the men. Even Gimli was given much female attention, to his great amusement.

Finally, seeing him alone, Vanelossë sought out time to spend with Thranduil.

Vanelossë began crying soon after sitting down in front of him. Through her tears, she said softly, “Thank you Adar for protecting and caring for our children. I cannot imagine what they would have done without you. They love you so much, as do I. I can never say how grateful I am for all that you have done…”

Thranduil put his finger to her lips and when she stopped speaking, he took both of her hands in his. Kissing them tenderly, he smiled at her.

“Vanelossë, there is no need for your gratitude. You are one of the most important people in all of Arda to me. The thought that you would not come home to those beautiful children or not be with my son, whose world revolves around you, was like a knife in my heart. The life that you and Legolas have built together was more than I ever dared to dream for him. Legolas was the perfect ellon and I always knew that he would do wondrous things in his lifetime. I imagined he would be noble, brave, and a great warrior with superior skill. Even after he became as I had wished, I watched him become more than I dared dream but there was always something missing; something he was searching for. I feared that he was hearing the call of the sea already and felt pain with the thought that he would leave for the undying lands before I would.”

Squeezing her hands lightly, Thranduil continued, “I ached to find what it was that he needed and did not have. One day he told me that I could not give him what he sought. He knew not what it was, but he felt he must find it on his own. I realized at that time, he knew more than I how to obtain his dreams and I must let him go forth on his own. My son always had more heart than seemed possible coming from my loins.” He chuckled as Vanelossë smiled.

“When I first saw him that day he returned from Rivendell with you, I thought he had finally found what he was looking for. He was happy, blissfully happy, and you two were so in love, everyone could see in on your faces. But still there was something that both of you needed yet did not have. When Illisse and Alasse were born, the two of you stopped seeking for what was missing. My son never wanted to be a great warrior for the glory. That was not his purpose in this world. He is a great warrior because it is the way to protect those he cares about.”

Vanelossë felt the tears sliding down her face as Thranduil reached up and stroked her cheek. He looked at her with his intense blue eyes, so like his son’s, overflowing with love.

“I have spent much of this afternoon with Strider, Elladan, Elrohir, and Gimli. They have told me what happened in their quest and of Legolas’ bravery and honor. I was also told what transpired when Legolas found you again, broken, and how it seemed to nearly drive him insane. They explained that a lot of your injuries were caused by your protection of the other captives. We discussed how Legolas handled the man that did this to you. All of them agreed that he did something they could not have done.”

“What was that?” Vanelossë asked quietly.

“Legolas had the wisdom to know that he could not win this by losing his fea, by succumbing to the rage that filled his heart. I knew then that my son is much wiser than I. I have never been more proud of him than I am now. You pulled him from the edge Vanelossë but only Legolas could have found the strength within himself to stop himself from falling. You look at him and you see the man you love, your husband, and the father of your children. I look at him and see a son who has far succeeded me in wisdom and heart, more than I will ever do in my years. It is much easier to be brave in battle than to fight the inner battle he has faced. But he has faced it and he has won. He has more now than he did the day he left her many moons ago because he has paid for it.”

Vanelossë nodded and looked down. After a moment, Thranduil cupped her face and turned her to see him. He smiled gently.

“Legolas could not have done what he did without you. I know you feel as if you have paid the price for rewards you have been given but you are wrong. You did not deserve what was done to you, nor does anyone. When I think of what those animals did to you, I feel a rage inside me that makes me wish I had been there when they found you: to make them pay for what they had done to you, for what they did to all of you,” Thranduil said.

“Suffering as you did was not payment for what you have been given, Vanelossë, so do not feel as if you are not allowed anger or hurt for what was done. You have every right to feel anger and sorrow, allow yourself to heal by facing these emotions. Just as you helped to pull Legolas away from the edge, you must now have the wisdom to let him do this for you as well. But only you can stop yourself from falling. You cannot do this for him or for the children. If you are to go on, you must do this for yourself.”

“Your love with Legolas has become a circle that never ends. And within that circle are those four precious children. Legolas cannot be who he is without you nor can you be who you are without him. Do not break that circle because you are so consumed with his recovery and his fёa that you forget your own. Just as he must not be so consumed with your needs that he forgets his own. You must allow each other time to heal or you will both lose.”

Thranduil pulled her to him and laying her head on his shoulder, she began to cry softly. He held her for a long time before she felt him pulling away. Smiling, he rose from the chair and left as Legolas sat down. Vanelossë and Legolas looked at each other for a long time before either spoke.

“My father is very wise. I hope he has given you some comfort,” Legolas said, running his hand over her arm trying not to flinch when he felt her wounds.

Vanelossë chuckled, “He told me that you were the wiser than him.”

At first surprised, Legolas then grinned slowly. “Be wary my beautiful wife, for while my father is wise, he has been known to use his sugary words and charm to defeat many adversaries of their will to know what is right and what is an illusion.”

Vanelossë reached out and pulled the braid from behind his ear carefully, a familiar loving gesture between the two. Leaning forward, she kissed him lovingly.

“Your father is right most of the time and I feel sure he is right about this now,” Vanelossë whispered then kissed him again. “Would it be horribly improper for us to take our children home to bed? Despite how grateful I am to each and every one of them, I have spent many nights with our guests and would like to spend the remainder of night alone with my children and their father.”

Smiling, Legolas stood and took her hand. Retrieving the sleepy children from the laps they lay on, they bid their farewells before going back to their quarters. Legolas held Anarion as Vanelossë put Séro and the girls into bed. She curled up with the girls for a long time just watching them sleep holding Séro tight to her chest. After a little while, Legolas came into the room and placed the baby into his cradle. Pulling Vanelossë from the girl’s bed, he kissed both girls on their temple. Smiling, he picked up Séro to lay in his own bed, kissing him as his son curled up and began to suck his thumb: the very picture of peace.

Taking Vanelossë to their bedroom, Legolas turned to her and pulled her into a deep passionate kiss. She began crying and he rested his hand on her cheek.

“What is it, Melethrilen?” Legolas said softly.

“I am afraid. I cannot help thinking about what those men did to me and how you deserve more than that. All I have to do is look at my scars and see how ugly they are to remember. Why would you still want me after all of this? How can you stand to touch me?”

Legolas pulled her onto the bed and turned her so she was facing him. Vanelossë looked away and he forced her to look at him by gently holding her face in his hands.

“Vanelossë, this was done to you, it is not something you have done. There is no reason for you to feel shamed by it. I love you more than anything in this world. Nothing those men did to you can change that. You are the most beautiful woman in the world to me to this very day,” Legolas said softly. “Please do not let those men destroy what we have. Do not let them take that from us. They have already taken so much, I cannot bear for them to take anymore.”

Legolas’ voice was full of sorrow as he spoke. He was so fearful that her heart would not heal from this and she would fade. As would he, for he could not live if he lost her forever.

Seeing Legolas’ pain broke her heart. Vanelossë reached over and kissed him as her tears spilled onto her cheeks.

Vanelossë whispered, “I love you so much. I cannot imagine my life without you.”

Holding her face in his hands, Legolas kissed her tenderly. Allowing her set the pace, he was overjoyed when she let him have full access to her mouth. Gently, he explored her mouth with his tongue as she pulled him closer.

Legolas kissed Vanelossë until she felt out of breath then kissed her even more, seeming unable to stop. Slowly, he began to kiss down her neck and she moaned. Pulling her hair away, he lightly sucked on the tender spots of her throat. He moved his lips across her skin as her breathing quickened. He was tender and loving. No matter how much he desired her, he refused to rush this. He felt her respond to him but sensed her fear. While he understood, it deeply hurt him that his touch would cause her to feel any discomfort.

Finally, he kissed his way back to her mouth, wanting her to feel his love flow over her. When he pulled away, he could see desire and love in her eyes. Pulling her to her feet, he slowly began to undress her, kissing her tenderly the whole time. When she was completely naked, he stood back and stripped off his tunic. Drawing her to him, he just felt the warmth of her skin on his own.

Looking deep into her eyes, he whispered, “Gerich velethen guilen a phân lû.” (You have my love and my life for all time.)

Stroking her back lightly, Legolas kissed her again. He could feel the raised wounds that would soon be permanent scars on her back. Legolas tried not to focus on what had caused them feeling she needed to know that they did not repulse him.

Tracing the wounds lightly with his fingertips, Legolas whispered softly in Vanelossë’s ear, “Nach vein, Melethrilen” (You are beautiful, my beloved.)

Vanelossë began to tremble. She turned her face away from him. As she looked down away from him, Legolas watched her for a moment.

“Melethen, what is it? Are you not ready?” Legolas asked softly, unsure what to say.

“Legolas, forgive me, I just …” Vanelossë pulled away from him and reached down, grabbing his tunic from the floor. As she covered herself, she would not look at him.

Taking the tunic from her, Legolas pulled it over her head and drew her to lay on the bed with him. Gently, he stroked her cheek until she looked at them and he could see how terrified she was.

“Vanelossë, you do not ever need to be afraid of me. I will wait. However long you need, I will wait. Know that I love you and I just want you with me even if you are not ready for me to make love to you. But please, Melethen, allow me to comfort you through this,” Legolas said softly watching her eyes.

The tenderness of his words and his touch was in such far contrast to what she had been though. Finally, the floodgates crashed and she cried for what had been done to her. What started out as silent tears ending up being deep heart-wrenching sobs that tore at his heart. He held her tightly as she wept. When she could cry no more, he just held her whispering words of love as he kissed her tenderly.

Vanelossë was overwhelmed. She was exhausted from her tears but at last felt some relief of the burden she had been carrying so long. She no longer had the energy to pretend all was well. Only Legolas would ever see her this weak and vulnerable. Her love for him was never stronger than at that moment.

“Melethen, you are exhausted and need rest,” Legolas said.

He slid from the bed and brought the medicine and salve that Faile had made for her back to the bed. He gave her the medicine then tenderly rubbed the healing salve on her scars on her arms. Eventually she rolled onto her stomach and he carefully pulled up the tunic to expose her back. His chest tightened as he saw the wounds. He gingerly covered them and the scars on her behind and the backs of her legs with the salve. When he was done, he stroked her hair soothingly until the salve had time to absorb into her skin.

Pulling the tunic down over her back again, he lay down beside her. Legolas drew Vanelossë to him and she rested her head on his chest. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, “Sleep, Vanelossë.”

Too exhausted to argue, she fell asleep as he held her. Legolas stayed awake for a long time, worrying about how he could help her through this. Finally, he fell asleep as well.

When Vanelossë woke up the next morning, she watched Legolas sleep for a long time. It was still very early and the children would not wake up for a while. She ran her hands over his chest and down his stomach. When she looked up at his face, his eyes were open and he was watching her. Reaching up, she put her hand on the back of his head and pulled his mouth to hers.

Needing to drive the horrible images from her brain and remind herself what it was felt to be loved, she began to kiss her husband passionately.

Legolas allowed her to lead him as to the pace of their kisses. She was kissing him slowly at first, timidly. As her tongue explored his mouth, he stroked it with his own. When she became more confident and relaxed, he buried his hands in her hair and kissed her with all of the love he felt in his heart. Her hands began to roam his bare chest and arms clutching him to her.

Holding her tight against him, he began to kiss her neck and throat as she stroked his hair.

“Legolas, make love to me,” she whispered.

Looking at her, he asked, “Are you certain?”

Vanelossë nodded and kissed him again to show him how certain she was. Taking everything very slow, he kissed her until her hands were roaming every inch of his exposed skin. Gently, he removed his tunic that she was wearing. She sat up so that he was able to pull it free from her then she kissed him hungrily. Pulling away, he cupped her breasts in his hands, caressing them softly. Deftly stroking one breast, he closed his mouth over the other as she moaned. As he was swirling his tongue around her areola then sucking her nipple into his mouth, she arched up to him and ran her fingers through his hair.

Legolas’ movements were tender, yet deliberate. He took his time with each breast and then continued to kiss his way to down her flat stomach. Even though they had four children, her body was as it was when he first beheld her by the waterfall.

Sliding down the bed, Legolas continued to caress Vanelossë with both his hands and his mouth until he reached the apex of her thighs. Moving her legs apart, he rained hot kisses on the insides of them. Tenderly, he licked her sex and felt her quivering under him. He stroked her with his tongue as she moaned. When he sucked her sensitive core into his mouth, she gasped then moaned loudly. He continued to caress her with his tongue until he felt her arch into his mouth. He slowly slid two fingers into her as she cried out in pleasure. Taking his time, he continued to stroke into her with his fingers as he sucked ardently on her. She whimpered as he felt her contracting around his finger. Suddenly, she arched up and moaned his name as she exploded around his fingers. Withdrawing his fingers from her, he began to thrust his tongue into her as her juices flowed from her.

Legolas continued even after she stopped quivering beneath him, bringing her once again to climax as she whimpered with desire. Licking her one final time, he began to kiss the insides of her thighs then moved back over her stomach. Sitting up, he removed his leggings as she stared at him with passion filled eyes.

Taking Vanelossë in his arms, he caressed and kissed her breasts. He enjoyed re-acquainting himself with her exquisite body as well as her pleasure of his touch. He moaned when she closed her hand around his pulsing organ. Unable to bear much of her stroking him since it has been so long, he moved between her legs. Slowly, he entered her as he caressed her face, watching her eyes. He was so gentle with her that it took all of his restraint to hold back his passion. As he began to move into her slowly, she ran her hands down to the small of his back. Her tantalizing touches made him mad with desire.

Legolas began to kiss her on the neck again as she started to meet his thrusts urgently. He allowed her control of their lovemaking and she increased their tempo steadily. She cried out in pleasure every time he entered her. Reaching down, he pulled one of her legs higher on his hip as he held himself up with the other hand. As the speed of her movements up to him increased, he kissed her again, dipping his tongue deep into her mouth as she returned his kiss passionately.

Legolas felt so good to be enveloped in her heat; he was having difficulty maintaining control after all of these months. She let out a low but steady moan that was muffled by his kisses. Sensing her imminent climax, he increased the pace of his movements while remaining gentle with her.

Vanelossë screamed out his name into his passionate kiss as she clung to him tightly. The waves of pleasure wracked her body and Legolas could feel her inner canal massaging him. Overwhelmed with her passionate movements to him, he could no longer restrain himself. Moaning loudly, he buried himself into her as he released his pent up climax deep inside her.

Unwilling to release him, Vanelossë wrapped her legs around his waist and he made love to her again, this time in a more frenzied manner. She devoured his mouth as she ran her hand over every part of his body she could reach. Withdrawing from her kiss, Legolas gazed down at her beautiful face as her eyes burned with need for her husband.

Vanelossë was besieged with both love and desire for her beloved husband. Nothing ever felt better than his embrace. She loved every moment of his making love to her. As he watched her with his deep blue eyes so full of love, she was able to forget everything but him. They continued to move against each other with a familiar yet exciting manner and watched the other tenderly.

When Vanelossë began to climax again, Legolas watched the pleasure overtake her. The very sight of her in such rapture forced his passion to rise to an unbearable level soon sated by his release in her clutches.

Legolas lay on the bed beside her and pulled her to him, stroking her skin as they both of them were gasping for breath. After sometime, she whispered, “Thank you.”

Rolling on his side to look at her, he asked, “What have I done to do to have earned your gratitude, other than make love to my beautiful wife? I am the one who should be thanking you.”

“Thank you for reminding me how beautiful it can be,” Vanelossë said facing him.

They kissed tenderly and lovingly for a long time, before they heard stirring in the other room. Smiling at each other, they eagerly rose and dressed, rushing to be with their children again, so they could be a family once more.

Two days later, the elves of Mirkwood said goodbye to their guests and friends. Rumil, Orophin, and the twins were to go to Lothlórien. Elrohir and Elladan would then go home after visiting their grandparents, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Gimli was to go back to Gondor with Aragorn and the rangers until the coronation in a few months time when they would all be together again. Éomer was leaving for Rohan along with his men, after developing a deep bond with Mirkwood’s royal family that would grow over his lifetime.

Vanelossë could not stop her tears whilst saying her farewells to the men who had rescued her from such torment. There were no words to express that type of gratitude she felt. Seeing her back with her family and the other ellith returning home to their families made everything worth it to the men. Still, Vanelossë spent time thanking each one for all they had done.

Every time that Vanelossë would look over at Orophin, he would look down or away ashamed. Legolas put his hand on her back and whispered to her that she should try to speak with Orophin. She knew that Orophin was racked with guilt and shame. Legolas had tried to no avail to make him realize that they did not blame him at all. Taking him aside, Vanelossë finally talked to him about what had transpired between them.

“Orophin, I hold nothing but love for you in my heart. There is no anger, nor hatred for you. What happened was not your fault and it is unbearable for me to know that you cannot forgive yourself and do not realize you are not to blame,” Vanelossë said holding his arm.

“But I…” Orophin started then looked away quickly.

“Orophin, do not torture yourself. Those men have caused us so much grief and shame, we must let it go,” Vanelossë said softly. Pulling his face gently so that he was forced to look at her. “You must end this guilt.”

Orophin looked at her for a long time as she smiled gently at him. He knew she truly forgave him for his disgrace. He felt a sense of relief stronger than he had felt since this ordeal began and he returned her smile. The two embraced as loyal friends knowing that nothing but love of deep friendship was now between them instead of all of the guilt and shame he had carried since that night.

Rumil turned and, seeing Vanelossë and Orophin hugging, smiled. Looking up, he saw Legolas watching them as well. When Legolas sensed Rumil looking at him, he glanced over with a smile. Rumil truly felt the forgiveness of Legolas and Vanelossë would help Orophin recover his honor again and Rumil was thankful to both of them for he could not lose another brother. As the brothers were departing Legolas embraced them both, as did Vanelossë.

“Take care of him. He needs someone to help him through this,” Vanelossë whispered in Rumil’s ear and he nodded.

The kids were running around to each of their new friends with hugs and kisses for them all. Séro could not leave Gimli alone. Gimli seemed to love it, as he would chase him around threatening to grab him while Séro squealed and ran. Aragorn and the twins had always had a special affection for the girls and spoiled them both rotten. And of course, Elrohir made time to spend with his best girl, Alasse, as she hugged and kissed on him. Séro had also gotten very attached to Éomer because he would let him ride on the horse with him. Éomer promised him a horse when he was old enough to ride and had secured his place along side Gimli in Séro’s heart.

Each of the men received a tight embrace from Vanelossë as Legolas and the king also said farewells to each man.

Finally, having waited to say goodbye to them until the last moment, Vanelossë hugged Elrohir, Elladan, and Aragorn, sobbing openly. Elladan and Elrohir both hugged her at once and thought back to many carefree moments they had shared in Imladris as they held back their own tears. Aragorn and Vanelossë shared a moment as well, thinking back to the day by the waterfall where their previous affair had allowed her to meet Legolas. The three knew that the Vanelossë they had known and loved had been so wounded; she would never be the same. Their hearts ached for the loss of that spirited woman they had all adored as well as the carefree happiness Legolas had once had with her.

Finally, extracting the children from the men, they said their final good-byes as the parties left. It had been decided that since Vanelossë was unwilling to let Legolas miss Aragorn’s coronation and he would not leave her and the children again, they would all travel to Gondor under a heavy guard including Mehtar and Tauro. She knew that Mehtar would never again let harm come to her as he still felt responsible for this time. She felt bothered by the trouble being taken for her benefit but she appreciated the fact that there would be more men to guard her children. If it were only Legolas and anything happened to one of them, it would have destroyed him completely.