Leaving Haldir's World
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Lord of the Rings Movies › Het - Male/Female
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Adult ++
Chapters:
9
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Category:
Lord of the Rings Movies › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
9
Views:
3,072
Reviews:
17
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings book series and movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
The Glade
Title & Chapter Number: Leaving Haldir’s World; Chapter One
Author(s): Sinda
Type: Het
Pairing: Haldir/Elisabeth (OFC)
Rating: NC17
Disclaimer: This fan fiction was not written with the intent of financial gain, but solely for my own enjoyment and hopefully to entertain others. I have no claim on Tolkien’s work or characters but am merely borrowing them. All original concepts and characters are my property and may not be used without my permission.
Warnings: Sex and violence
Betas: Mori
Timeline: AU
Author's Note: Though the Haldir I envision is from the movie, I am choosing to stick with fact that Tolkien did not have the elves march to Helm’s Deep and therefore, Haldir Lives! I have used some poetic license with this story. I would really appreciate any feedback I can get.
Spoilers: None
Summary: Part II to “Disrupting Haldir’s World”. It will make more sense if you read the other first. This story takes up where the other leaves off.
Feedback: sinda_lorien@iwon.com I would appreciate any feedback I can get. Thanks.
Leaving Haldir’s World
Chapter One – The Glade
Haldir and Elisabeth stood together and looked across a small shady dale filled with flowers and ferns. It was beautiful, but for some reason, the place made the hairs stand up on the back of Elisabeth’s neck. She frowned and without even realizing it, she clutched her mate’s arm more tightly.
“Do you see, Elisabeth? It smells wrong here and it feels wrong,” Haldir said, glancing at her. “It even looks wrong. See the way the air shimmers? Animals stay away, though the grass is green and the plants are succulent. We elves shun this place as well. There are stories of those who have walked into this dale and never walked back out. Please stay away from here, Elisabeth,” he asked her. “It is an evil place.”
“Yes, I feel it,” she told him. She promised to avoid the dale and felt relief when they finally walked away from it.
~~~~~~~~~
Elisabeth’s arms were growing tired as she swam back across the lake. This would be the last lap and then she would have to get dinner started if she wanted to have it ready in time. Since Haldir seemed to expect her to sit in his talan all day and wait for him, cooking the evening meal for the wardens gave her something to do to make her feel useful. Elisabeth sighed. She loved her husband and she loved being here with him, but he was too protective of her, wanting her to be tucked safely away in his talan in the great Mallorn tree. He even frowned upon her swimming without someone else nearby, but that was where she had drawn the line. He would not keep her from her daily swim.
She got out of the lake now and dried her naked body before dressing into a tunic and leggings. Her gowns were only worn when she and Haldir were spending time in Caras Galadhon, since the long garments were merely a hindrance in the forest. Elisabeth made her way around the lake to the fire pit and now she dragged the iron kettle onto the hot coals before adding clean water from the stream. She cut up the big chunk of venison that Orophin had brought her and tossed it in, along with some vegetables and herbs. The wild potatoes were growing scarce and she had spoken to Haldir about planting a garden, but he had been afraid that it would draw attention should any Orcs or Uruk-hai stumble upon it. Not easily dissuaded, Elisabeth had begun to plant vegetables here and there in the woods in seemingly random positions, though she knew exactly where they were. They would certainly not draw outside attention and she would have her fresh vegetables nearby. Besides, it gave her something to do.
~~~~~~~~~
Rowland made his camp well away from the borders of Lórien. He had no desire to ever run into Haldir again, knowing that the elf would very likely kill him on sight. The man hadn’t planned on ever coming near the Golden Wood again, but then he had heard about the reward and had changed his mind. Apparently, Elisabeth had insulted Lord Denethor rather badly and the Steward of Gondor now wanted her to come back and pay for her crimes. Lord Denethor was furious that she had slipped out of Minas Tirith and he was willing to pay a rather high price to see her returned. Rowland had no knowledge of the nature of her intended punishment, but it was not his concern. By returning her, he would not only get a rather substantial reward, but he would get his own revenge upon the woman who had spurned him. He contemplated exactly how he was going to accomplish the kidnapping. One did not simply stroll into the woods of Lothlórien and yet there was no other way to get to his prey. He sighed. He would need a distraction and still his likelihood of success was slim. It was very possible that she was in Caras Galadhon now and nowhere near the Northern Fences, but it was a chance he had to take. The reward would be well worth the risk, if he succeeded. He may not have to ever work again.
~~~~~~~~~
Elisabeth smiled as she heard the light laughter through the trees. Sometimes the elves were so quiet that she never heard them approach but she heard them today. Stirring the stew, she watched as they walked around the lake towards her.
Haldir smiled at her when he got closer and her heart skipped a beat. She hoped that when they had been bound to each other for a thousand years, he would still make her feel this way. She went to him and met him halfway, reaching her arms around his neck as he lowered his head to kiss her. His lips were incredibly soft and she loved the feel of them on any part of her body. He pulled back after a moment, still smiling.
Elisabeth greeted Orophin and Rúmil as they walked past and they returned the greeting.
“Were you able to find enough to keep you from being bored today?” Haldir asked, knowing that it had become a problem.
“Well, yes,” she told him, taking his hand as they walked to the fire. “Besides cooking a stew for tonight, I planted several vegetables and then swam.”
“Naked?” he asked, his eyes lighting up.
“No, I always wear clothes when planting vegetables,” she told him. “I tend to get scratched otherwise.”
“You know what I mean. You could have waited for me,” he said, kissing the top of her head.
“We could swim after dinner, if you would like,” she assured him. He kissed her once more before helping himself to a bowl of the stew.
“This is good, Elisabeth,” Rúmil told her. “Much better than what we are accustomed to.”
“Only because you never used any herbs in your food,” Elisabeth informed him. “It makes quite a difference.”
“And because Rúmil always burned everything,” Orophin added.
“I never heard you volunteer to take over the cooking,” Rúmil stated.
“I would rather eat burnt food. We really do appreciate you, Elisabeth,” Orophin smiled.
“I am just glad that I could do something besides sit in that talan all day,” she told them.
Two more elves wandered over and had some stew as Orophin and Rúmil returned to their posts. For the next hour or two, the elves would rotate their duties so that they would each have a chance to eat. It seemed that they all preferred Elisabeth’s cooking to their own and for that she was grateful. It made her feel as though she was doing something worthwhile.
Haldir finished his meal and sat with Elisabeth by the lake. Occasionally a new group of elves would come to eat and they always stopped to speak briefly with Haldir and Elisabeth. The conversations gave her a chance to work on her Elvish, which was helpful since Haldir had the tendency to be impatient and spoke to her in the common tongue because it was easier. She often reminded him that she needed to learn Elvish and he would make a little effort to work with her on it, but it was Rúmil who was the better teacher.
Haldir leaned against a tree now and pulled Elisabeth back against his chest. They sat that way for some time without talking, just enjoying the view of the lake and letting the warm breeze caress them as they held each other.
“Were there any Orc sightings today?” Elisabeth asked at last.
“I sent out scouts and another group was spotted not too far away. You will need to be careful for a while. You got lucky last time.”
“Yes, I did,” Elisabeth said, shuddering at the thought of her capture by the Uruk-hai. Most women were used and killed when taken, but the Uruk-hai had wanted to keep her alive so that they could use her for bait. She flexed her hand unconsciously and Haldir put it to his lips, kissing the fingers.
“How is it that you can do the smallest things and still manage to get my heart racing,” she asked with a laugh.
“Like this?” he asked, moving her hair aside and kissing her neck.
“Yes,” she replied in a whisper.
“Maybe we should visit our talan,” he suggested. “We cannot take our swim until everybody is done eating and that might be a while. I do not know if I want to wait that long for you, Elisabeth.” He ran his tongue lightly down the back of her neck.
“Haldir,” she said, shivers running down her spine at the feel of his tongue, “we do not dare go to the talan. The others would hear us.”
“I can be quiet,” he told her as he continued to rain kisses over the back of her neck and around to her ears.
“I doubt that,” she replied, almost not caring any more. She wanted him now.
He stood and pulled her up with him, leading her to the talan where they climbed the rope ladder and pulled it up behind them. Turning to Elisabeth, Haldir touched his lips to hers again and deepened the kiss this time. She twisted her fingers in his long blonde hair and pulled him closer. As usual, he managed to unfasten her tunic without Elisabeth even realizing he was doing it until the garment was slipped over her head.
“You are fast with those fingers, elf,” she told him, taking much longer to get his tunic off.
“I am anxious to join with you,” he told her, slipping her leggings down over her hips now. He knelt down to kiss her bare, flat stomach as he pulled her leggings lower. Elisabeth helped as much as possible, lifting one leg, then the other to free herself from the burdensome clothing. When she was finally naked, she knelt down to face him and pulled his leggings down to his knees. Watching her, he sat back, allowing her to rid him of his leggings before she moved forward to straddle him, sitting across his thighs. She took him in her hand and began a slow stroking motion, watching his face as she proceeded. She loved to watch the change come over his features as his passion grew stronger. She knew exactly when he would get to the point where he could take no more and it was now approaching quickly. Haldir leaned his head back and closed his eyes for a moment, his long hair spilling across the floor. After just a few seconds, he reached forward and grabbed her hand.
“Stop,” he said, his eyes dark with passion. He slid his hand between her legs and began to touch her and Elisabeth saw the satisfied smile on his face as her desire grew. Stopping suddenly, he grabbed her by the waist and lifted her onto him. She placed her hands on his smooth, muscled chest and began to establish a rhythm with Haldir helping, his hands still on her waist. The look on her face told him when she was ready and he began to thrust up into her as she continued to move. The sound of flesh on flesh when they made contact seemed loud to Elisabeth’s ears and she hoped that nobody was near enough to hear it, though right now it was the least of her concerns. She bit down on her lower lip to hold back her cries as waves of pleasure began to rush through her. Haldir pulled her down to his chest and muffled his groans in her neck as he released himself into her.
Letting out a pent up breath, Elisabeth collapsed onto Haldir’s chest as he began to stroke her hair and her back. They lay entwined together until the unmistakable sound of Rúmil’s voice roused them from their position on the floor.
“Why is it always Rúmil?” Haldir asked, annoyed. “Does he sense when we are…occupied?”
“We are occupied quite frequently, Haldir,” Elisabeth reminded him with a smile as she dressed. “Maybe it is simply that he spends more time with us than anybody else.”
“Spends more time with you,” Haldir corrected, glancing at her.
“You are not jealous, are you, my handsome Marchwarden?” she kissed him softly on the lips.
“Only of the time that you spend with him, because it is time not spent with me,” he admitted.
“Rúmil and I usually work on my Elvish lessons when you are busy doing other things,” she reminded him.
“That is true,” he admitted, tilting her face towards him and kissing her again. “I suppose I can share you just a bit.”
Climbing back down the ladder, they joined Rúmil at the bottom. “You two are worse than wargs during rutting season.”
“Now, that is a pleasant image,” Elisabeth told him. “I like to think that what we do in the privacy of our talan is a bit more refined than wargs mating.”
Haldir glanced at her, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, most of the time it is,” she conceded, blushing. “Not that what we do is any of your business, Rúmil.”
“No, it is not,” Rúmil admitted, “except that we were supposed to practice Elvish after dinner and I could not find you.”
Haldir kissed her forehead, “Go ahead. I will be back after I check the border again.”
Elisabeth went to sit with Rúmil by the water and they conversed in Elvish with him stopping to correct her every so often. Another elf approached after some time had passed and thanked her for the meal, telling her that he thought he was the last to eat. She smiled at him and asked if he could help Rúmil with the kettle before he returned to his post.
The two elves lifted the empty kettle from the fire together and carefully carried it to the lake where they rinsed it out. They had to stand back for a moment as the water quickly turned to steam in the still hot kettle, but after a few minutes in the water, it cooled. Elisabeth used a large brush that Haldir had made, scrubbing out the inside before the two elves rinsed it again and carried it back. She thanked the elf, who now returned to his post, before she and Rúmil began filling the kettle with water to clean the dishes. They spoke together in Elvish as they worked and had everything cleaned and put away in a very short time, as they did each evening. Rúmil put the fire out with some of the water and left the kettle for Haldir to dump later, when it cooled. The kettle would then have to be turned upside down over the fire and covered with an elven cloak, making it look like a rock in case enemies managed to get this far.
When Haldir returned, Rúmil said goodnight and left them together after a quick kiss to Elisabeth’s cheek. Haldir rolled his eyes, though it truly didn’t bother him.
“Are you tired?” Haldir asked, placing his arms around Elisabeth’s waist as he looked over her shoulder at the lake.
She leaned back against his chest. “I could probably still manage a swim.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I was afraid that I had worn you out earlier.”
“You should know better than that by now,” she smiled. They shed their clothes and Elisabeth finished first for a change. She ran into the water while Haldir was still struggling to get his leggings off, tangling himself in the garments in his hurry to disrobe. Once free, he began to run after her and she laughed, increasing her speed. She would make him catch her. She dove and began swimming quickly away from him but it didn’t take long before she felt his hands on her ankles, pulling her towards him. She smiled as she turned around, moving into his embrace.
“You didn’t honestly think you could get away from me, did you?” he asked, running his hands down her bare back.
“No,” she told him. “I just wanted to make it a challenge for you.”
“I see,” he said, taking her back to where his feet touched the sandy bottom of the lake. Once he could stand, he began to kiss her, letting his tongue explore the inside of her mouth. Unable to touch the lake bottom herself, Elisabeth wrapped her legs around him and let her tongue join with his. She could feel him grow hard against her and she shifted her position a bit. Grabbing her hips, he placed her exactly where he wanted her and this time they didn’t worry about being quiet.
They swam for a while afterwards, enjoying the feel of the cool water in the now very dark night. When the night grew chilly, they went inside and climbed into their bed, allowing the sounds and smells of the forest to lull them to sleep. They slept most of the night, only waking once to make love before falling back to sleep, limbs tangled together. When morning came, Haldir wanted Elisabeth again and woke her with his kisses. By the time they finished, she was wide awake.
“I would rather wake to that every morning than to the sound of the birds singing,” she told him, running a finger over his lip.
“That can be arranged,” he promised, kissing her one last time before rising to dress.
She felt some regret as he covered his wonderful body with his clothing and he noticed that she looked sad.
“What is wrong, Elisabeth?” he asked, pulling on his boots.
“It seems a shame to cover such a fine body with clothing,” she replied honestly. He smiled at her as he pulled the second boot on.
“I am so glad that you enjoy my body as much as I enjoy yours,” he said, kissing her goodbye. “Please be careful, Elisabeth.”
“You be careful, too, Haldir,” she told him. “I worry about you out there with those horrible Orcs and Uruk-hai.”
“I have been fighting them for many years and will continue to do so for many more,” he assured her, as he disappeared down the ladder.
She sighed. Of course he was a fearless warrior, but still she worried. She did not know what she would do if anything ever happened to him. She rose and dressed, ready for another day.
~~~~~~~~~
Rowland stumbled upon the band of Orcs by accident and began carefully making his way downwind, through the trees. If the breeze changed, they would undoubtedly smell him. It looked as though they were massing for an attack and he suddenly realized that he may have found the distraction he would need to get to Elisabeth. Patiently, he waited until he saw the Orcs begin to move towards the Golden Wood.
Within moments, Rowland heard the screaming of Orcs in the distance and knew that the attack had begun. Quickly he ran through the woods and found the spot near the telain where he and the other humans had camped, not too long ago, under the watchful eyes of the elves. There was no sign of Elisabeth. He knew that Haldir’s talan was on a lake, but he wasn’t sure where it was, only the general direction. He set off that way, half expecting at any moment to be taken down by an elven arrow.
~~~~~~~~~
The elves were outnumbered as usual, but they used their bows to take out several of the Orcs from the safety of the trees. They would fight on the ground when it became crucial, but there was no sense in taking unnecessary risks. As the battle raged, Haldir and Rúmil suddenly both sensed the human presence at the same time and their heads swiveled in unison to search the woods.
“Elisabeth?” Rúmil asked with his mind.
“No,” Haldir frowned. “Not Elisabeth, but somebody familiar.”
The elf turned and rapidly fired off three shots while his thoughts churned furiously. Who could it be? A human alone in these woods was unusual. Would Elisabeth sense someone with her new elvish senses and know to hide? He wasn’t sure. She could be in trouble, yet he didn’t dare to leave this battle now. He sent out a message to the others that there may be a human intruder and they needed to end the battle as quickly as possible.
~~~~~~~~~
Elisabeth pulled the cloak away and flipped the heavy kettle over, which was no easy task. Filling it with water took quite some time, but time was something that she had in abundance. The elves had shot and cleaned some partridges the previous night and now she tossed the little carcasses into the kettle with vegetables and herbs, leaving it to simmer. Cutting up a couple of potatoes, she took them into the woods to plant. She went to the area she had in mind and buried all the little pieces before finding a few herbs that she dug up, roots and all. Returning to the lake, she quickly planted the uprooted herbs in a container that she had would take to the talan later. At last it was time for her swim.
Shedding her clothing, she dove into the clear water and swam until her arms could take no more. It was good exercise and much safer than walking in these woods alone, so she tried to do it once a day, no matter how much Haldir complained about the danger. Exhausted now, she headed for the shore and dressed before laying down on the grass to let her long hair dry. She dozed as she basked in the warm sun.
~~~~~~~~~
Rowland was thrilled to find the lake, but very disappointed to see that Elisabeth was not there. The ladder to the talan was down, which made him think that she might be around. Haldir would have no need to leave it down as he could easily climb the tree without it; all the elves could. Rowland wandered around a bit until he noticed the fire across the lake. Making his way over there, he saw that something was cooking in the kettle. She might very well be here after all, he decided. Moving into the trees, he waited and it wasn’t long before she returned and moved toward the water, stripping her clothing off as she walked. He had been about to step out and grab her, but the sight of her disrobing stopped him in his tracks. He had to watch. He had never seen her naked and he was entranced by the vision. Watching her swim, he knew that he was wasting valuable time, but he didn’t want to go into the water after her. When she got out of the lake he groaned, feeling himself stiffen as he looked her body over. He would have her, but not until he got her safely away from Lothlórien. After dressing, she lay down on the grass and appeared to be dozing now. He decided that it was the perfect time to make his appearance.
~~~~~~~~~
Haldir was growing frustrated. This battle was dragging on and he needed it to be over. He had to go check on his mate and he knew that with his mind on her, he was putting himself and the others in danger. He was not thinking straight. Forcing her from his mind, he fought furiously until only a handful of Orcs were left. He asked Rúmil to go with him, apprising the others of the situation. Orophin sensed his brother’s worry and told him that he would also be along as soon as possible. Haldir and Rúmil were halfway to the lake when they heard the scream.
~~~~~~~~~
Rowland had scooped Elisabeth up into his arms while she still slept. Awake now, she struggled with him, hitting him with her arms as he ran with her around the lake. They were halfway to the talan when she managed to bite the palm that he held across her mouth. As soon as he pulled the injured hand away, she screamed.
Rowland stopped. Looking across the lake, he could already see Haldir and Rúmil come into sight and begin to run towards them. They would kill him when they caught him and even from this distance, either of them could probably take him with an arrow without endangering Elisabeth. Changing directions, he moved away from the lake deeper into the woods, not sure where he was going but hoping that the trees would provide protection.
~~~~~~~~~
Orophin had heard the scream too, causing him to go after Haldir and Rúmil. The others could handle disposing of the Orc carcasses without him. Running as fast as he could, he wasn’t too far behind Haldir and Rúmil when he saw Rowland head into the woods carrying Elisabeth. He ran after his brothers but they maintained their lead.
~~~~~~~~~
Looking over Rowland’s shoulder, Elisabeth could see Haldir and Rúmil gaining on them. The elves were fast and Rowland was further slowed by the burden of carrying her. The fact that she was still struggling would make it even harder for him. He had nowhere to go, so she began to believe that she would be saved. Rowland, on the other hand, would not be so fortunate. Haldir would kill him this time, she had no doubt. She felt the man hesitate and she stopped struggling long enough to turn her head to see what had given him pause. She sucked in a breath as she saw that they stood on the edge of the green dale.
“Rowland, this place is evil! Do not go in there!” she begged him.
“No, Rowland!” Haldir yelled, stopping Rúmil with an outstretched arm. “Do not step in there! It will mean death for you both. Give me Elisabeth and you have my word that you will go free!”
The Marchwarden watched in dread as Rowland only hesitated for a moment before continuing on. For a moment his form was visible, still holding Elisabeth, and then they wavered and vanished. Haldir did not hesitate. Without his mate, he did not wish to live. He ran into the dale only moments behind them with Rúmil at his side.
Orophin watched as Rowland and Elisabeth disappeared only moments before Haldir and Rúmil did the same. Intending to follow, he skidded to a stop at the last moment. If he disappeared too, nobody would be left to explain what had happened and armed with that knowledge, maybe he could get help. Torn, he turned around and ran back to the border, explaining the incident to the other guards before taking off at a run for Caras Galadhon. He had to speak with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel immediately.
~~tbc~~
Author(s): Sinda
Type: Het
Pairing: Haldir/Elisabeth (OFC)
Rating: NC17
Disclaimer: This fan fiction was not written with the intent of financial gain, but solely for my own enjoyment and hopefully to entertain others. I have no claim on Tolkien’s work or characters but am merely borrowing them. All original concepts and characters are my property and may not be used without my permission.
Warnings: Sex and violence
Betas: Mori
Timeline: AU
Author's Note: Though the Haldir I envision is from the movie, I am choosing to stick with fact that Tolkien did not have the elves march to Helm’s Deep and therefore, Haldir Lives! I have used some poetic license with this story. I would really appreciate any feedback I can get.
Spoilers: None
Summary: Part II to “Disrupting Haldir’s World”. It will make more sense if you read the other first. This story takes up where the other leaves off.
Feedback: sinda_lorien@iwon.com I would appreciate any feedback I can get. Thanks.
Leaving Haldir’s World
Chapter One – The Glade
Haldir and Elisabeth stood together and looked across a small shady dale filled with flowers and ferns. It was beautiful, but for some reason, the place made the hairs stand up on the back of Elisabeth’s neck. She frowned and without even realizing it, she clutched her mate’s arm more tightly.
“Do you see, Elisabeth? It smells wrong here and it feels wrong,” Haldir said, glancing at her. “It even looks wrong. See the way the air shimmers? Animals stay away, though the grass is green and the plants are succulent. We elves shun this place as well. There are stories of those who have walked into this dale and never walked back out. Please stay away from here, Elisabeth,” he asked her. “It is an evil place.”
“Yes, I feel it,” she told him. She promised to avoid the dale and felt relief when they finally walked away from it.
~~~~~~~~~
Elisabeth’s arms were growing tired as she swam back across the lake. This would be the last lap and then she would have to get dinner started if she wanted to have it ready in time. Since Haldir seemed to expect her to sit in his talan all day and wait for him, cooking the evening meal for the wardens gave her something to do to make her feel useful. Elisabeth sighed. She loved her husband and she loved being here with him, but he was too protective of her, wanting her to be tucked safely away in his talan in the great Mallorn tree. He even frowned upon her swimming without someone else nearby, but that was where she had drawn the line. He would not keep her from her daily swim.
She got out of the lake now and dried her naked body before dressing into a tunic and leggings. Her gowns were only worn when she and Haldir were spending time in Caras Galadhon, since the long garments were merely a hindrance in the forest. Elisabeth made her way around the lake to the fire pit and now she dragged the iron kettle onto the hot coals before adding clean water from the stream. She cut up the big chunk of venison that Orophin had brought her and tossed it in, along with some vegetables and herbs. The wild potatoes were growing scarce and she had spoken to Haldir about planting a garden, but he had been afraid that it would draw attention should any Orcs or Uruk-hai stumble upon it. Not easily dissuaded, Elisabeth had begun to plant vegetables here and there in the woods in seemingly random positions, though she knew exactly where they were. They would certainly not draw outside attention and she would have her fresh vegetables nearby. Besides, it gave her something to do.
~~~~~~~~~
Rowland made his camp well away from the borders of Lórien. He had no desire to ever run into Haldir again, knowing that the elf would very likely kill him on sight. The man hadn’t planned on ever coming near the Golden Wood again, but then he had heard about the reward and had changed his mind. Apparently, Elisabeth had insulted Lord Denethor rather badly and the Steward of Gondor now wanted her to come back and pay for her crimes. Lord Denethor was furious that she had slipped out of Minas Tirith and he was willing to pay a rather high price to see her returned. Rowland had no knowledge of the nature of her intended punishment, but it was not his concern. By returning her, he would not only get a rather substantial reward, but he would get his own revenge upon the woman who had spurned him. He contemplated exactly how he was going to accomplish the kidnapping. One did not simply stroll into the woods of Lothlórien and yet there was no other way to get to his prey. He sighed. He would need a distraction and still his likelihood of success was slim. It was very possible that she was in Caras Galadhon now and nowhere near the Northern Fences, but it was a chance he had to take. The reward would be well worth the risk, if he succeeded. He may not have to ever work again.
~~~~~~~~~
Elisabeth smiled as she heard the light laughter through the trees. Sometimes the elves were so quiet that she never heard them approach but she heard them today. Stirring the stew, she watched as they walked around the lake towards her.
Haldir smiled at her when he got closer and her heart skipped a beat. She hoped that when they had been bound to each other for a thousand years, he would still make her feel this way. She went to him and met him halfway, reaching her arms around his neck as he lowered his head to kiss her. His lips were incredibly soft and she loved the feel of them on any part of her body. He pulled back after a moment, still smiling.
Elisabeth greeted Orophin and Rúmil as they walked past and they returned the greeting.
“Were you able to find enough to keep you from being bored today?” Haldir asked, knowing that it had become a problem.
“Well, yes,” she told him, taking his hand as they walked to the fire. “Besides cooking a stew for tonight, I planted several vegetables and then swam.”
“Naked?” he asked, his eyes lighting up.
“No, I always wear clothes when planting vegetables,” she told him. “I tend to get scratched otherwise.”
“You know what I mean. You could have waited for me,” he said, kissing the top of her head.
“We could swim after dinner, if you would like,” she assured him. He kissed her once more before helping himself to a bowl of the stew.
“This is good, Elisabeth,” Rúmil told her. “Much better than what we are accustomed to.”
“Only because you never used any herbs in your food,” Elisabeth informed him. “It makes quite a difference.”
“And because Rúmil always burned everything,” Orophin added.
“I never heard you volunteer to take over the cooking,” Rúmil stated.
“I would rather eat burnt food. We really do appreciate you, Elisabeth,” Orophin smiled.
“I am just glad that I could do something besides sit in that talan all day,” she told them.
Two more elves wandered over and had some stew as Orophin and Rúmil returned to their posts. For the next hour or two, the elves would rotate their duties so that they would each have a chance to eat. It seemed that they all preferred Elisabeth’s cooking to their own and for that she was grateful. It made her feel as though she was doing something worthwhile.
Haldir finished his meal and sat with Elisabeth by the lake. Occasionally a new group of elves would come to eat and they always stopped to speak briefly with Haldir and Elisabeth. The conversations gave her a chance to work on her Elvish, which was helpful since Haldir had the tendency to be impatient and spoke to her in the common tongue because it was easier. She often reminded him that she needed to learn Elvish and he would make a little effort to work with her on it, but it was Rúmil who was the better teacher.
Haldir leaned against a tree now and pulled Elisabeth back against his chest. They sat that way for some time without talking, just enjoying the view of the lake and letting the warm breeze caress them as they held each other.
“Were there any Orc sightings today?” Elisabeth asked at last.
“I sent out scouts and another group was spotted not too far away. You will need to be careful for a while. You got lucky last time.”
“Yes, I did,” Elisabeth said, shuddering at the thought of her capture by the Uruk-hai. Most women were used and killed when taken, but the Uruk-hai had wanted to keep her alive so that they could use her for bait. She flexed her hand unconsciously and Haldir put it to his lips, kissing the fingers.
“How is it that you can do the smallest things and still manage to get my heart racing,” she asked with a laugh.
“Like this?” he asked, moving her hair aside and kissing her neck.
“Yes,” she replied in a whisper.
“Maybe we should visit our talan,” he suggested. “We cannot take our swim until everybody is done eating and that might be a while. I do not know if I want to wait that long for you, Elisabeth.” He ran his tongue lightly down the back of her neck.
“Haldir,” she said, shivers running down her spine at the feel of his tongue, “we do not dare go to the talan. The others would hear us.”
“I can be quiet,” he told her as he continued to rain kisses over the back of her neck and around to her ears.
“I doubt that,” she replied, almost not caring any more. She wanted him now.
He stood and pulled her up with him, leading her to the talan where they climbed the rope ladder and pulled it up behind them. Turning to Elisabeth, Haldir touched his lips to hers again and deepened the kiss this time. She twisted her fingers in his long blonde hair and pulled him closer. As usual, he managed to unfasten her tunic without Elisabeth even realizing he was doing it until the garment was slipped over her head.
“You are fast with those fingers, elf,” she told him, taking much longer to get his tunic off.
“I am anxious to join with you,” he told her, slipping her leggings down over her hips now. He knelt down to kiss her bare, flat stomach as he pulled her leggings lower. Elisabeth helped as much as possible, lifting one leg, then the other to free herself from the burdensome clothing. When she was finally naked, she knelt down to face him and pulled his leggings down to his knees. Watching her, he sat back, allowing her to rid him of his leggings before she moved forward to straddle him, sitting across his thighs. She took him in her hand and began a slow stroking motion, watching his face as she proceeded. She loved to watch the change come over his features as his passion grew stronger. She knew exactly when he would get to the point where he could take no more and it was now approaching quickly. Haldir leaned his head back and closed his eyes for a moment, his long hair spilling across the floor. After just a few seconds, he reached forward and grabbed her hand.
“Stop,” he said, his eyes dark with passion. He slid his hand between her legs and began to touch her and Elisabeth saw the satisfied smile on his face as her desire grew. Stopping suddenly, he grabbed her by the waist and lifted her onto him. She placed her hands on his smooth, muscled chest and began to establish a rhythm with Haldir helping, his hands still on her waist. The look on her face told him when she was ready and he began to thrust up into her as she continued to move. The sound of flesh on flesh when they made contact seemed loud to Elisabeth’s ears and she hoped that nobody was near enough to hear it, though right now it was the least of her concerns. She bit down on her lower lip to hold back her cries as waves of pleasure began to rush through her. Haldir pulled her down to his chest and muffled his groans in her neck as he released himself into her.
Letting out a pent up breath, Elisabeth collapsed onto Haldir’s chest as he began to stroke her hair and her back. They lay entwined together until the unmistakable sound of Rúmil’s voice roused them from their position on the floor.
“Why is it always Rúmil?” Haldir asked, annoyed. “Does he sense when we are…occupied?”
“We are occupied quite frequently, Haldir,” Elisabeth reminded him with a smile as she dressed. “Maybe it is simply that he spends more time with us than anybody else.”
“Spends more time with you,” Haldir corrected, glancing at her.
“You are not jealous, are you, my handsome Marchwarden?” she kissed him softly on the lips.
“Only of the time that you spend with him, because it is time not spent with me,” he admitted.
“Rúmil and I usually work on my Elvish lessons when you are busy doing other things,” she reminded him.
“That is true,” he admitted, tilting her face towards him and kissing her again. “I suppose I can share you just a bit.”
Climbing back down the ladder, they joined Rúmil at the bottom. “You two are worse than wargs during rutting season.”
“Now, that is a pleasant image,” Elisabeth told him. “I like to think that what we do in the privacy of our talan is a bit more refined than wargs mating.”
Haldir glanced at her, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, most of the time it is,” she conceded, blushing. “Not that what we do is any of your business, Rúmil.”
“No, it is not,” Rúmil admitted, “except that we were supposed to practice Elvish after dinner and I could not find you.”
Haldir kissed her forehead, “Go ahead. I will be back after I check the border again.”
Elisabeth went to sit with Rúmil by the water and they conversed in Elvish with him stopping to correct her every so often. Another elf approached after some time had passed and thanked her for the meal, telling her that he thought he was the last to eat. She smiled at him and asked if he could help Rúmil with the kettle before he returned to his post.
The two elves lifted the empty kettle from the fire together and carefully carried it to the lake where they rinsed it out. They had to stand back for a moment as the water quickly turned to steam in the still hot kettle, but after a few minutes in the water, it cooled. Elisabeth used a large brush that Haldir had made, scrubbing out the inside before the two elves rinsed it again and carried it back. She thanked the elf, who now returned to his post, before she and Rúmil began filling the kettle with water to clean the dishes. They spoke together in Elvish as they worked and had everything cleaned and put away in a very short time, as they did each evening. Rúmil put the fire out with some of the water and left the kettle for Haldir to dump later, when it cooled. The kettle would then have to be turned upside down over the fire and covered with an elven cloak, making it look like a rock in case enemies managed to get this far.
When Haldir returned, Rúmil said goodnight and left them together after a quick kiss to Elisabeth’s cheek. Haldir rolled his eyes, though it truly didn’t bother him.
“Are you tired?” Haldir asked, placing his arms around Elisabeth’s waist as he looked over her shoulder at the lake.
She leaned back against his chest. “I could probably still manage a swim.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I was afraid that I had worn you out earlier.”
“You should know better than that by now,” she smiled. They shed their clothes and Elisabeth finished first for a change. She ran into the water while Haldir was still struggling to get his leggings off, tangling himself in the garments in his hurry to disrobe. Once free, he began to run after her and she laughed, increasing her speed. She would make him catch her. She dove and began swimming quickly away from him but it didn’t take long before she felt his hands on her ankles, pulling her towards him. She smiled as she turned around, moving into his embrace.
“You didn’t honestly think you could get away from me, did you?” he asked, running his hands down her bare back.
“No,” she told him. “I just wanted to make it a challenge for you.”
“I see,” he said, taking her back to where his feet touched the sandy bottom of the lake. Once he could stand, he began to kiss her, letting his tongue explore the inside of her mouth. Unable to touch the lake bottom herself, Elisabeth wrapped her legs around him and let her tongue join with his. She could feel him grow hard against her and she shifted her position a bit. Grabbing her hips, he placed her exactly where he wanted her and this time they didn’t worry about being quiet.
They swam for a while afterwards, enjoying the feel of the cool water in the now very dark night. When the night grew chilly, they went inside and climbed into their bed, allowing the sounds and smells of the forest to lull them to sleep. They slept most of the night, only waking once to make love before falling back to sleep, limbs tangled together. When morning came, Haldir wanted Elisabeth again and woke her with his kisses. By the time they finished, she was wide awake.
“I would rather wake to that every morning than to the sound of the birds singing,” she told him, running a finger over his lip.
“That can be arranged,” he promised, kissing her one last time before rising to dress.
She felt some regret as he covered his wonderful body with his clothing and he noticed that she looked sad.
“What is wrong, Elisabeth?” he asked, pulling on his boots.
“It seems a shame to cover such a fine body with clothing,” she replied honestly. He smiled at her as he pulled the second boot on.
“I am so glad that you enjoy my body as much as I enjoy yours,” he said, kissing her goodbye. “Please be careful, Elisabeth.”
“You be careful, too, Haldir,” she told him. “I worry about you out there with those horrible Orcs and Uruk-hai.”
“I have been fighting them for many years and will continue to do so for many more,” he assured her, as he disappeared down the ladder.
She sighed. Of course he was a fearless warrior, but still she worried. She did not know what she would do if anything ever happened to him. She rose and dressed, ready for another day.
~~~~~~~~~
Rowland stumbled upon the band of Orcs by accident and began carefully making his way downwind, through the trees. If the breeze changed, they would undoubtedly smell him. It looked as though they were massing for an attack and he suddenly realized that he may have found the distraction he would need to get to Elisabeth. Patiently, he waited until he saw the Orcs begin to move towards the Golden Wood.
Within moments, Rowland heard the screaming of Orcs in the distance and knew that the attack had begun. Quickly he ran through the woods and found the spot near the telain where he and the other humans had camped, not too long ago, under the watchful eyes of the elves. There was no sign of Elisabeth. He knew that Haldir’s talan was on a lake, but he wasn’t sure where it was, only the general direction. He set off that way, half expecting at any moment to be taken down by an elven arrow.
~~~~~~~~~
The elves were outnumbered as usual, but they used their bows to take out several of the Orcs from the safety of the trees. They would fight on the ground when it became crucial, but there was no sense in taking unnecessary risks. As the battle raged, Haldir and Rúmil suddenly both sensed the human presence at the same time and their heads swiveled in unison to search the woods.
“Elisabeth?” Rúmil asked with his mind.
“No,” Haldir frowned. “Not Elisabeth, but somebody familiar.”
The elf turned and rapidly fired off three shots while his thoughts churned furiously. Who could it be? A human alone in these woods was unusual. Would Elisabeth sense someone with her new elvish senses and know to hide? He wasn’t sure. She could be in trouble, yet he didn’t dare to leave this battle now. He sent out a message to the others that there may be a human intruder and they needed to end the battle as quickly as possible.
~~~~~~~~~
Elisabeth pulled the cloak away and flipped the heavy kettle over, which was no easy task. Filling it with water took quite some time, but time was something that she had in abundance. The elves had shot and cleaned some partridges the previous night and now she tossed the little carcasses into the kettle with vegetables and herbs, leaving it to simmer. Cutting up a couple of potatoes, she took them into the woods to plant. She went to the area she had in mind and buried all the little pieces before finding a few herbs that she dug up, roots and all. Returning to the lake, she quickly planted the uprooted herbs in a container that she had would take to the talan later. At last it was time for her swim.
Shedding her clothing, she dove into the clear water and swam until her arms could take no more. It was good exercise and much safer than walking in these woods alone, so she tried to do it once a day, no matter how much Haldir complained about the danger. Exhausted now, she headed for the shore and dressed before laying down on the grass to let her long hair dry. She dozed as she basked in the warm sun.
~~~~~~~~~
Rowland was thrilled to find the lake, but very disappointed to see that Elisabeth was not there. The ladder to the talan was down, which made him think that she might be around. Haldir would have no need to leave it down as he could easily climb the tree without it; all the elves could. Rowland wandered around a bit until he noticed the fire across the lake. Making his way over there, he saw that something was cooking in the kettle. She might very well be here after all, he decided. Moving into the trees, he waited and it wasn’t long before she returned and moved toward the water, stripping her clothing off as she walked. He had been about to step out and grab her, but the sight of her disrobing stopped him in his tracks. He had to watch. He had never seen her naked and he was entranced by the vision. Watching her swim, he knew that he was wasting valuable time, but he didn’t want to go into the water after her. When she got out of the lake he groaned, feeling himself stiffen as he looked her body over. He would have her, but not until he got her safely away from Lothlórien. After dressing, she lay down on the grass and appeared to be dozing now. He decided that it was the perfect time to make his appearance.
~~~~~~~~~
Haldir was growing frustrated. This battle was dragging on and he needed it to be over. He had to go check on his mate and he knew that with his mind on her, he was putting himself and the others in danger. He was not thinking straight. Forcing her from his mind, he fought furiously until only a handful of Orcs were left. He asked Rúmil to go with him, apprising the others of the situation. Orophin sensed his brother’s worry and told him that he would also be along as soon as possible. Haldir and Rúmil were halfway to the lake when they heard the scream.
~~~~~~~~~
Rowland had scooped Elisabeth up into his arms while she still slept. Awake now, she struggled with him, hitting him with her arms as he ran with her around the lake. They were halfway to the talan when she managed to bite the palm that he held across her mouth. As soon as he pulled the injured hand away, she screamed.
Rowland stopped. Looking across the lake, he could already see Haldir and Rúmil come into sight and begin to run towards them. They would kill him when they caught him and even from this distance, either of them could probably take him with an arrow without endangering Elisabeth. Changing directions, he moved away from the lake deeper into the woods, not sure where he was going but hoping that the trees would provide protection.
~~~~~~~~~
Orophin had heard the scream too, causing him to go after Haldir and Rúmil. The others could handle disposing of the Orc carcasses without him. Running as fast as he could, he wasn’t too far behind Haldir and Rúmil when he saw Rowland head into the woods carrying Elisabeth. He ran after his brothers but they maintained their lead.
~~~~~~~~~
Looking over Rowland’s shoulder, Elisabeth could see Haldir and Rúmil gaining on them. The elves were fast and Rowland was further slowed by the burden of carrying her. The fact that she was still struggling would make it even harder for him. He had nowhere to go, so she began to believe that she would be saved. Rowland, on the other hand, would not be so fortunate. Haldir would kill him this time, she had no doubt. She felt the man hesitate and she stopped struggling long enough to turn her head to see what had given him pause. She sucked in a breath as she saw that they stood on the edge of the green dale.
“Rowland, this place is evil! Do not go in there!” she begged him.
“No, Rowland!” Haldir yelled, stopping Rúmil with an outstretched arm. “Do not step in there! It will mean death for you both. Give me Elisabeth and you have my word that you will go free!”
The Marchwarden watched in dread as Rowland only hesitated for a moment before continuing on. For a moment his form was visible, still holding Elisabeth, and then they wavered and vanished. Haldir did not hesitate. Without his mate, he did not wish to live. He ran into the dale only moments behind them with Rúmil at his side.
Orophin watched as Rowland and Elisabeth disappeared only moments before Haldir and Rúmil did the same. Intending to follow, he skidded to a stop at the last moment. If he disappeared too, nobody would be left to explain what had happened and armed with that knowledge, maybe he could get help. Torn, he turned around and ran back to the border, explaining the incident to the other guards before taking off at a run for Caras Galadhon. He had to speak with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel immediately.
~~tbc~~