A challenge story revolving around a formal party and including:
A book
A banner
A statue
Silverware
Water lilies
Baby chicks
A tree house
Gwaihir
Mushrooms
A clothespin
And of course smut, but not in a bed or on a desk.
I kind of doubt that I'm going to get that darned giant eagle in, though.
Thanks go to Arabella Thorne for the title!
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Trystus Interruptus
By kalurien
Elrond/Celebrían
Rated R
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The Second Age of Middle-earth 2300
Belfalas
The Elf-lady passed her hand just above the smooth still surface of the water, the brilliant stone of the ring on her finger reflecting the glittering rays of the late morning sunshine. As the mist in the basin cleared, she leaned forward and focused intently for a moment before making a pronouncement. "An Elvish host approaches from the east. They bear the banner of the high king of the Noldor."
Her husband looked up from the tome he was perusing. "Are you certain, meleth nín? You know the mirror has been somewhat unreliable of late, do not forget the last pronouncement you made when the host of approaching Men turned out to be a stray herd of cattle."
Galadriel's lips twitched a little. "If you indeed love me, Hervenn, you will never mention that episode again."
Celeborn chuckled and laid his book on the table. "Does your cousin the king honor us with his presence?"
"I know not at this point, although I certainly hope to see Gil-galad." She glanced meaningfully at her daughter. "Perhaps he has come to press his suit."
Celebrían had looked up at the mention of visitors and hastily returned her eyes to the embroidery she held in her lap, avoiding her mother's scrutiny.
Celeborn coughed. "I fear that suit exists only in your mind. It does not seem to me that the high king has shown much inclination in that direction. I had thought once that Elrond seemed to have some interest, although it appears I am mistaken."
Galadriel bristled a little at his words. "You now insinuate I am delusional, meleth nín? This is not a product of my imagination, believe that. As far as Elrond is concerned, it is just as well. Our daughter is consort fit for kings, not heralds or scholars."
Celeborn placed his hand on her shoulder. "I meant no offense, calm yourself." He turned to contemplate his daughter. "What say you, mell pen? Have you no opinion in this choice of your future husband?"
Celebrían colored a little and shook her head. "It is not for me to say, I am unwilling to speculate on anyone's intentions or lack thereof."
"You do not seriously consider Elrond?" asked Galadriel with concern in her voice. "I would not be at all pleased."
Celebrían replied very quickly. "It would be loathsome to me to go against your wishes, Naneth. And you are correct, Adar, Master Elrond and I have naught in common, there is nothing to fear there."
Celeborn smiled and embraced her, as did Galadriel in turn. "Then let us hope indeed that Gil-galad himself has come, instead of the more familiar appearance of his herald."
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Gil-galad dismounted from his horse with a wince in the marbled courtyard. He placed both hands on the small of his back and grimaced as he stretched. "I shall never tease you about saddle sores and the like ever again, Tercáno."
Elrond chuckled as he stepped down from of his own animal and pulled off his gloves. "It does not harm you to experience the discomforts your messengers are put to from time to time."
The rest of the Elvish host followed the example of their leaders, alighting from their mounts and glancing about at their surroundings. The lord and lady of the city appeared, accompanied by many citizens.
"Welcome to Belfalas, Ereinion Gil-galad." Celeborn stepped forward, his hand upraised in greeting. "It surprises me to see such a large host of Lindon, arrayed so for warfare, appear on my doorstep."
"Mae govannen, my Lord Celeborn, a swell of armored ranks is purely a traveling precaution in these troubled times." Gil-galad winked. "I do not care for many of your neighbors."
Celeborn smiled. "And justly so, my liege." He touched the arm of the Elf-maiden beside him. "You recall my daughter, do you not?"
The high king nodded. "I do indeed, one of the fairest ladies to grace Middle-earth. Suilad, child of Galadriel and Celeborn."
Celebrían blushed and curtseyed. "Hîr nín."
"Naturally there is no need for the introduction of my traveling companions; you are all well-acquainted with Glorfindel, Erestor and Elrond."
Bows and curtseys were exchanged along with handshakes and embraces. Celebrían only had cold eyes for the Peredhel, however and Elrond's expression was distant and unreadable.
"The ostlers will see to your horses and find accommodation for your troops. If you gentlemen will follow me?" Celeborn slipped his arm through Galadriel's and led the way for the visitors.
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"Stay for a moment, if you please." The high king began to remove his armor as Elrond paused in the doorway. "I did not miss that odd exchange between you and the daughter of our hosts, there is something objectionable about her of which I am unaware?"
Elrond shook his head vehemently. "Nay, of course not. We simply do not . . . .ahm . . . get along."
"Now that I find hard to believe, you 'get along' with everyone. I myself have heard people describe your demeanor as 'kind as summer.' Why should there be strife between the young lady and yourself?" Gil-galad's eyes narrowed. "You are perhaps a spurned suitor, is that it?" He waited for a response that was not forthcoming. "There is nothing between you, are you certain?"
Elrond looked uncomfortable and coughed. "For what reason do you press me on this?"
The high king raised innocent eyebrows. "Nothing, nothing at all. Purely curiosity, I assure you." He waved his hand in dismissal, and then rubbed his chin thoughtfully as his cousin left the room.
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Elrond closed the door to his chamber and leaned back against it with a sigh. He passed a hand over his face and began to worry. Shaking himself a little, he approached the bathtub and contemplated it with a slight smile for a moment. He did not jump as a hand lightly touched his back, soon joined by another stroking his dirty hair.
He closed his eyes and stood frozen as the hands reached around and undid the clasp of his travel cloak. His belt was next, and then the fastenings of his armor as the metal plates were removed one by one. He lifted the mail-shirt over his head in assistance as the nimble fingers fumbled with his codpiece.
"Blast it," said a voice softly. "I am undone by this chastity belt."
"You are admitting defeat so early in the battle?" Elrond murmured. "Tis a bad sign for certain. Allow me." He divested himself of the offending apparel and turned to face the other behind him. "Better?"
Hot eyes looked into his as hands caressed his newly accessible hardening flesh through the cloth of his breeches. "It must have been getting tightly uncomfortable."
"Indeed." There was a meeting of lips as they kissed each other deeply. Elrond groaned a little as he came up for air. "How I have missed you."
"And I you, Melethron." She gasped as his hands trailed across her breasts, pinching them through the light silk while his warm lips traveled down her throat.
"Bathe with me?"
Celebrían chuckled. "Why do you think you have such a large tub?" She undid the laces of his shirt and pushed it back from his shoulders, her hands finding his nipples and returning the attention, lowering her mouth onto one, biting and suckling. She sank to her knees and attacked the next set of laces, all the while biting at him through the rough cloth.
He ran his fingers through her silvery blonde hair as she finally tugged the concealing garment down over his slender hips. "Would you not prefer the bath first? I am not feeling quite fresh."
"Soiled or clean, it makes little difference, so long as you are in my arms." She slipped her finger in her own mouth and then touched him with it as his breath became labored. His knees grew weak and his head light as she then caressed him with her soft tongue. She did not take him into her mouth but teased him with small nibbles until he was quivering with lustful anticipation.
She released him and flashed a wicked smile. "Now it is bath time."
"Ai, you are a very naughty girl, I should paddle you soundly."
Celebrían smiled more broadly and hitching up her skirts, turned and bent over, presenting her posterior to his surprised but admiring gaze.
"Shall I cut a switch or would you prefer it bare-handed?" he murmured huskily.
"You would not dare . . ."
He pressed against her bottom, teasing her with his fingers. She moaned and arched her back, pushing against his touch, silently begging for more with her lascivious movements. He took a step backwards and grinned. "Now it is bath time."
"Ai, you are indeed a cruel master."
"I am merely a good student, Hiril nín. And you are most decidedly over-dressed for this occasion."
Celebrían peeled off the garment in question and stood before him in her shift.
"And that one as well, if you please."
She complied, watching his eyes grow even hotter, if possible as she revealed herself to him. He held out his hand, assisting her entrance into the warm sudsy water and they sank together into its depths. They embraced and fondled each other while Celebrían proceeded to cleanse the dirt of the road from her secret lover.
Elrond closed his eyes with a sigh. "Ah, these stolen moments, there are never enough of them."
"You would be in fear of your life if Naneth should find us out. She has some skill with a sword."
"And to think it was your Adar that worried me."
Celebrían shook her head. "He would fall in with my wishes save for the fact that he lives in terror of her as well. She has it in her mind that I will marry the high king, luckily for us Gil-galad has no interest in me."
Elrond paled a little. "I would not be too certain of that."
"Oh dear, no? Drat it. I must find a way to discourage that at once."
"At once? Nay, I think not Lady. You have unfinished business with the despised suitor first."
She chuckled and reached between his legs beneath the water to stroke him. He smiled and settled back. "I am wondering how long you are able to hold your breath."
She giggled. "Quite long, actually. Even longer if I pinch my nose thusly, but then I would not have the use of both hands."
Elrond's lips twitched. "Well, we cannot have that. Perhaps I can find you a clothespin for your nose."
"I will make do with fingers for the time being. Fear not, there will be no neglect of your pleasure, Hîr nín." With that, she took a deep breath and pinching her nose, submerged herself.
Elrond's eyelids fluttered. "Oh yes. Yes indeed."
It was some minutes before Celebrían came up for air. "Have you any complaints?"
"Never meleth nín, never." He moved to kiss her but before he could, the door to his chamber opened. She gave him a shocked look before diving beneath the surface once more. Elrond hurriedly composed his features as Gil-galad entered the room.
"Ah, still enjoying the luxury of the bath, I see," said the high king with a grin. "Pardon the intrusion, but I wished to apprize you of the formal dinner our hosts are throwing tonight in honor of our visit."
Elrond held his cousin's eyes unwaveringly, hoping he would not look around to see the female attire scattered across the floor. "I will be there, do not fear."
Gil-galad nodded. "Good-good." He paused. "Is anything amiss? You seem odd."
"Nay, nothing." He nonchalantly brushed soap bubbles over the silvery hair that came floating to the surface.
"Well, fine. Join us in the garden, will you?"
"Indeed, yes. Until then." He poked Celebrían as the high king closed the door behind him and she came up sputtering.
"Dear Elbereth, a formal dinner, Adar will be looking to me for assistance, I must leave at once."
"But . . . but . . ." Elrond stammered. "You cannot leave me in this condition."
She leaned over and kissed him as she hopped around getting dressed. "I am truly sorry meleth nín, it cannot be helped."
He leaned back and sighed after her departure, his hand traveling on its own accord to satisfy his ache and he quickly snatched it away, reprimanding himself. Nay, I will not. He sighed again as he rose and dried himself. This is what I get for playing childish games, he thought with a wry smile. Ah, me.
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Belfalas- a coastal region west of Gondor, home to Celeborn and Galadriel for a time during the Second Age
Meleth nín- my love
Hervenn- husband
Mell pen- dear one
Adar- father
Naneth- mother
Tercáno- herald
Mae govannen- well met
Suilad- greetings
Hîr nín- my Lord
Hiril nín- my Lady
Melethron- male lover
Meleth nín- my love
To be continued . . . .
