Hello again, everyone! I greatly apologize for the delay, but I wanted this chapter to be absolutely perfect and so that took me a while. I hope you're all ready for some action because there will be a (hopefully since it is my first every) lemon in this chapter.
If you don't like lemons, skip the last part of Legolas' P.O.V.
Anyway, I look forward to hearing your reviews with anticipation and without further a due, enjoy this nice long chapter!
Chapter 7 Part II- Quando, Quando, Quando
Legolas' P.O.V
Over the past two days, Cora and I had spent almost every moment together. Our first day here, she took me to the city center to sight-see. Having spent her childhood summers here she was very knowledgeable about the port. It was most intriguing to have her as a guide and to hear all about the city, from its ancient historical foundations to its modern economic importance. After spending the whole day touring, we had stopped in a busy square for an "aperitivo", most common in taverns of this country where people could acquire a drink and dine from the banquet of finger foods put out for them at leisure. Sitting at the outdoor table, Cora and I drank a glass of wine and picked at a shared dish while watching the people mingle through the twilight lit square. I was unsure at how long we sat there, but before I realized, the sun had gone down and I heard the sound of music in the middle of the square. Looking inquisitively to Cora as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to the circle of curious onlookers that had begun to form around the source of the lively beat.
Moving into view just as the tambourine joined the lyre; I found a pair of females, dressed in black with a red scarf dangling from their hands, dancing in the midst of the circle. Their steps were light and small as they twisted and turned around each other in a playful manner. Feeling a small tug on my hand, I looked down to see Cora swaying with the music. She looked up at me, a smile gracing her lips. Seeing her so happy, I nodded my head in direction of the other dancers, encouraging her to join them. She did not bat an eye at the suggestion and let go of my hand to dance her way into the circle. The pair of ladies smiled at her and widened their circle to welcome her. She was just a lithe as the other two, her steps perfect as if she had been practicing for an age, her long white skirt flowed prettily above her ankles. Soon the females were joined by a trio of young men, dark and handsome. I watched with envy as one of them began circling Cora. Her gaze met his and she grinned a sly smirk as he danced closer only for her to twist out of his reach. I soon realized that this was the scope of the ballad, as I saw the boy try to reign her in as she danced in and out of his grasp, distracting him with the thin red scarf she swung about her. How I wish it were I beckoning her to me, keeping my careful eye on her as to not let her get away. Swallowing my jealousy, I paid close attention to the steps, so I would be prepared should the dance present itself again while we were here. Just as I thought I had learned the steps, the music ended and Cora's dancing partners spoke to her in a tongue I almost did not recognize as Italian unless I listened very carefully, complimenting her on her dancing, I imagined. Watching her, I met her gaze as she turned to me, with the most carefree smile gracing her face, her emerald eyes swimming with mirth. In that moment she was more beautiful than even Arwen Undomiel, daughter of Lord Elrond of Imladris to me.
She gave her salutations to her companions before heading back over to me. With a careful eye, I watched the young man who had tried to capture my Cora in his arms approach her. She politely acknowledged him as he spoke to her. When he stepped closer to her, I felt my back stiffen and my fingers flex as if grasping the hilt of my knives but nothing prepared me for the growl that threatened to escape from my chest when he leaned over to whisper in her ear. I took a step forward bring her into my arms but stopped as I saw her shake her head at him and bid him farewell. The relief that flooded through me at her safe return to my side was overwhelming.
"Legolas, you there?" her voice called up to me teasingly.
Looking down into her eyes, I placed a calm façade over my features and responded, "I believe I am stunned by your prowess at dancing, bain pen." (Beautiful one)
A slight blush crept up her cheeks and she tried to hide it by looking down at her sandals, a quiet thank you escaped her, "I thought I had forgotten it, I can't remember the last time I danced that."
As we rode back to the resort in the "taxi", the excitement of the day finally caught up with her. Not soon after we had arrived at the hotel, she fell into a deep sleep and rested peacefully through the night. Yesterday was occupied by relaxation, early in the morning, Cora left me to my own devices to spend some time at the "spa", thus I spent my morning walking amongst the vast gardens of the resort, admiring the exotic plant life. I was quite unsure as to what she was doing there but when she finally joined me on the beach after lunch, she appeared very refreshed thus I thought it best to leave her secret to her. We passed the time laying in the sun and swimming in the sea, returning in the late afternoon for a shower before dinner, to which Cora warned me to eat light.
"May I ask why the precautions?" I inquired curiously.
She proceeded to inform me about what would happen tomorrow, the ceremony would come first in the church in the small neighborhood of the city where her family lived, followed by the feast that Cora described as endless. Apparently it was tradition to serve numerous courses at these events and at some weddings food was served for twelve hours! Heeding her warning, I proceeded to follow her example and ordered a salad. She daintily picked at her meal, evenly switching between bites and sips of cool water. I found myself spending more time wishing to be her fork rather than eating my own meal. Battling my desire and my hiding my love for her was becoming a chore, tiresome even. Knowing she wanted me as well made it all the more challenging not to wrap her up in my arms and kiss her senseless, caress her flesh with my hands, see her skin flush with need.
I knew I had to do something in the next two days, for I could no longer fight my feelings. While I understood her fears of putting her past behind her, I also knew that she was the one and I would never leave her. I would spend her whole life, if need be, proving to her that I could be the one to mend her broken soul. As we left our table to retire for the evening, I thought of ways to make her see this. For when we returned to Livorno, I intended to return with Cora as mine.
Night slowly passed by accompanied by the softly rolling waves upon the shore. In the distance, I could hear the calls of night birds singing to each other. I watched the moonlight, bright in her fullness, shine down over the calm water and let myself be carried away by the tranquility of the night. Taking the salty scent of the sea and the perfume of exotic flowers, I felt my body and soul release the tension of a long day out. It was past midnight now, the day of the wedding. In a few hours Cora would awaken and begin fretting over being prepared, but for now she slept peacefully.
I moved from my post out on the balcony to the bed and gently sat down, propping my back against the headboard, not wanting to jostle the object of my affections. Looking down on her as she rested, I saw how calm she was in sleep. The weight she carried in her waking hours left her seemingly carefree. Ai Elbereth! She was beautiful, a sight for the Valar. Lain on her back, she had one slightly tanned arm loosely wrapped around her belly, the other thrown over her head, her face turned in the crook of her elbow, vibrant curls of red framed her face prettily. In the heat of the night she must have unconsciously thrown the covers off of her body. Clad only in a thin camisole and undergarments, I felt desire rouse in me. Sighing I laid down on the bed and closed my eyes in rest and allowed myself to drift into elven dreams of holding and loving the beautiful woman beside me with a smile upon my lips.
Cora's P.O.V
Sunrise peeked through the glass doors, signaling that morning at come. With my eyes still closed, I snuggled against the warm pillow beneath my head. In response, it rose and fell. Strange, I've never had a pillow do that. Feeling it with my hand, I realized how hard it felt. I slowly opened my eyes and froze. That was no pillow, I said to myself as I took in the bare chest of my bedmate that appeared to be asleep. So much for not needing to sleep, I mentally grumbled as I eased out of his hold and rose from the bed. Pulling on my light sweater, I went about ordering a light breakfast and coffee to be brought up to the room before sitting down in one of the lounge chairs to observe the sleeping elf. Dear Lord, he was handsome. His long flaxen hair laid around his head like a halo flowing over his broad shoulders. I was gawking at his perfectly chiseled chest when he woke up. So lost in raking my eyes over his slim hips that I didn't notice his blue eyes looking back at me. He let out a quiet chuckle alerting me that he was now very much awake, "Do you see something of interest, my lady?"
His tone was cheeky, teasing even. I felt the blush creep up my neck but before I could answer I heard the quiet knock on the door signaling the arrival of breakfast. Saved by the bell, or knocking in this case, I avoided his question and went to retrieve my order. When I returned with the waiter, I saw that Legolas had risen and was pulling a white t-shirt over his head. After signing for the order, I poured us both a cup of coffee before sitting down at the terrace table.
Legolas sat down across from me and picked at the fruit salad, popping each piece of fruit into his mouth and sucking the juice off his fingers. God, he was trying to kill me. A smirk gracing his features as he watched me squirm. I could feel the heat of his gaze and knew I was caught. Changing the subject I motioned out towards the sea, "Beautiful day for a wedding, huh?"
"Hmm, yes, quite," he responded his eyes still fixed on me.
Looking at my watch, I started getting down to business, "We should be at the church by noon since the ceremony starts at one. Seeing as it's now nine o'clock, we'll have to get ready as soon as we're done. I'll take first shower, okay?"
His eyes darkened at the word shower but he didn't say anything in response. His only acknowledgement was to smile over the rim of his coffee mug. I wasn't sure what had him in such a playful mood but I did my best to pretend like I didn't notice. After finishing my second cup of coffee, I grabbed my toiletries and undergarments and made my way into the bathroom.
Letting the water heat up, I stripped in front of the mirror and took a moment to check myself out. Pleased with what I saw, I traced my hands over the curves of my body and shivered wondering how it would feel if those hands belonged to the gorgeous elf just outside the door. For a moment I contemplated releasing the tension on my own only to remember that he had supersonic hearing. It definitely wouldn't do to have him hear me. With an exasperated sigh, I stepped into the shower and allowed the hot water douse away any lurid thoughts.
After a thorough washing I dried off and started getting ready. Pulling on my lacy green panties and bra, I couldn't ignore how bold I felt. Smirking, I moved on to the rest of my preparation before tackling my hair. In the time it took to prep my face and body, my hair had already started to curl. Deciding not to fuss around with it, I dried it into its natural state and twisted it into a loose bun at the base of my neck and slid a silver and rhinestone comb in place to hold it together. Satisfied with my job well done, I wrapped the bathrobe around me and left the bathroom.
Moving towards the closet where my dress was hanging in its bag, I called out to Legolas.
"Yes, meleth nin?" came his soft voice from behind me.
Turning around, I was quite unprepared to find him completely naked, apart from the towel wrapped around his trim waist. I sucked in a breath unable to stop my eyes from glancing down at the v that disappeared into the small towel. I found my hands twitching to rip it off him, before I gained control over myself and managed to croak out an answer, "The…bathroom's all yours."
Lord! What in the world had gotten into him today? I thought as I frowned at his cocky grin. Holding my stare he brushed fingers down my cheek after tucking a rebellious curl back into place. Before I fully understood what had just happened he was gone and I had to take deep breaths to calm myself. He was teasing me deliberately! My frown deepened before shifting into a sly grin. So he wanted to play? I thought to myself deviously, well, two can play at that game. Ideas of how to torture him throughout the day passed through my head as I unzipped my dress bag with an evil smirk donning my face.
Legolas' P.O.V
Sighing with satisfaction after a thorough washing, I dried myself off and wrapped the towel around my waist. Standing in front of the mirror, I debated whether to tie my hair back in my everyday warrior braids or to try something a bit more intricate before deciding to wait until it was dry. Stepping out of the bathing chamber, I froze at the sight before me.
Standing before the full length mirror was a vision of beauty unparalleled in all of my years. Raking my eyes over her figure, I took in the shimmering dark sea green dress, which I could not decided if it hugged or flowed over her curves. The gown reached her ankles, effectively covering her legs but for a slim slit up the one side. While the front tastefully covered her up to her clavicle, the back of the dress revealed a large portion of her creamy skin, the material meeting together just above the dip at the base of her spine. My eyes took her in as a man dying of thirst would a tankard of ale. In her ears she had placed golden jewels the shape of raindrops. On her wrist she bore an assortment of gold and green bands and her feet were daintily clad in leather sandals that tied around her ankles. I watched as she colored her lips, before she turned her gaze to me. Her eyes, lightly accentuated with thin line of kohl and golden powder, smiled at my surprise, "Take a picture, dear, it'll last longer."
Straightening, I made the effort to compose myself, reminding myself that the royal house of Greenwood did not gawk. With forced ease, I took the bag holding my suit from the closet and opened it on the bed. Pulling out the black breeches, I took them into the bathing chamber to don them not wanting yet to reveal just how much she affected me. After recovering from the shock, I finished dressing, while Cora prepared the small handbag that she would carry with her. Pulling out the small accessories, I found myself unsure of what to do with them.
"Need some help?" she asked with a tinkling of laughter in her voice.
I looked upon her, too proud to voice the words, with a pleading expression. Grinning her trademark half smile she came to stand in front of me, "Okay let's start with your tie."
She reached behind me to grab the long black strip of cloth before pressing closer to me in order to wrap the cloth around my neck. I was so distracted by the momentary feel of her breasts against me and her warm breath on my neck that I didn't notice she had finished putting it on and moved onto the next trinket.
"Can I have your arm, Legolas?" she teased.
Breaking from my distracted thoughts, I gave her my arm and watched her fingers deftly put the cufflinks into place before letting her fingers brush over each hand as she finished. She instructed me to put on my jacket before placing the white handkerchief into the front pocket and patting her hands on my chest, signaling that her work was done.
"There! Now don't you look dashing, " she observed with a playful smile, looking me over.
Gathering myself, I placed my fingers under her chin and forced her to look into my eyes before whispering back to her, "Aye, my lady, but next to you I will seem a pauper. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen."
Her eyes widened in surprise at my words as a tinge of rose flushed her cheeks. She gave me a shy smile before murmuring a quite thank you. I do not know how long we stood there gazing at each other before I stepped closer to her making my intentions known. However I wanted her to come to me before the night was through, so I beat back the urge to take her rosy lips and instead placed a chaste kiss to her forehead before gathering stepping away and offering her my arm, "It is nigh on noon, my lady. Shall we depart?"
She was momentarily frozen before composing herself and taking my proffered arm in her hand, "Yes, let's get this show on the road."
She grabbed the handbag from the desk with her free hand as we proceeded out the door. Letting it close behind us, we made our way to the hall. Sitting outside the door was a waiting "taxi" as Alistair had taught me. At the sight a felt a twinge of longing to see the boy again, I could only imagine how Cora was feeling, having gone three almost four days without seeing her son. Before I could let my thoughts drift anymore, the taxi pulled out onto the road and off we were. As I stared out the window, I felt Cora's eyes on me. Turning to face her, I found her observing my hair, "Is something the matter, meleth?"
Her right hand came up to play with the wisp of hair on my shoulder as she replied curiously, "You're not braiding your hair today?"
"I was unsure as to what would be appropriate for such an occasion," I admitted.
She studied me for a moment before asking, "Do you trust me?"
"Of course," I answered with a raised eyebrow, unsure of its relevance to the topic.
She pulled a plain silver clip from her bag and placed it in my hand, "Face the window, please."
I turned without hesitation and immediately felt her fingers at my temples slowly combing through my hair to pull it back to group at the back of my head. She proceeded to do this a few times, each one lulling me into ease, before pinning the tail with her fingers. I barely noticed her outstretched hand over my shoulder until she spoke, "Pass me the clip, please?"
Following orders and I placed it in her palm and felt her snap the clip into place, effectively pinning the locks away from my face. Sensing she was done, I turned back to face her, "How is that, my lady?"
Her eyes were scrutinizing as she observed her work before giving an approving hum, "Not bad… but I still like your braids. They're so familiar now, it's strange to see you without them."
I allowed myself a smirk, "Well, they are a part of me. They are a symbol of my status among my people."
"And what status is that?"
"The braids I wear are those of a warrior, a guard of my homeland," I answered with pride thinking on how hard I had worked to earn them.
Her expression fell a little in what appeared disappointment, but before I could ask her about it she forced a smile masking her true feelings. I would have pushed her into confronting them, but now was not the time, especially as I noticed the taxi had stopped in front of what I assumed to be our destination. As Cora paid the driver, I let myself out of the car and waited outside to offer her my assisting hand, which she took. Before us was a large building, made of white bricks making the edifice appear to be glowing. This must be the church that would house the wedding ritual. Feeling Cora's tug on my arm interrupting my observations, we stepped in time towards the gathering crowd outside the great wooden doors. As we approached, Cora received surprised greetings from many of the guests. She received them graciously, placing a kiss on each cheek as was custom before introducing me in the strange Italian tongue I barely recognized from a few nights ago.
"Cora! Santo Cielo, sei tu?"(Good Heavens, is that you?) I turned my head towards the jovial voice behind us to find an aging woman bearing some similar features to Cora.
I looked on as she gave a smile to the woman before her, letting go of my arm to embrace her, "Zia Carmela! Come stai? Non sapevo che tu venissi! È un piacere rivederti!" (Aunt Carmela! How are you? I didn't know you were coming! It's so good to see you!)
I stood back allowing the ladies to reacquaint themselves. After a few moments, I felt Cora's hand on my arm as she introduced me to her relative. Not understanding a word, I gave the woman a smile and a slight bow of my head out of respect. She laughed and said something to Cora that made her blush. Before I could ask for a translation, the doors of the church opened and the crowd proceeded to flood the doors. I felt Cora's hand slip in mine as she started moving to the entrance. Once through the doors, I observed her as she dipped her fingers into a stone bowl to the side of the doorway and touched her fingers to her head chest and shoulders as she dipped at the knee. Before I could attempt the same, assuming it was an observation to her deity, she directed us to a seat in the middle of the great hall. As we sat, I took in our surroundings. From the outside the edifice seemed immense but it did not prepare me for the great expanse of openness on the inside. The benches were lined with great stone columns to each side. On the walls there were paintings depicting different scenes of a story. At the front of the hall stood and alter surrounded by large stone vases overflowing with white flowers. Behind the alter was a large cross with a man nailed to it, a crown of thorns aloft his head, the violence of the scene disturbed me slightly. Deciding not to dwell on the things I did not understand, I turned my attention to Cora and watched her converse with the ladies around her about Alistair, my only clue being the repetitive use of his name and the word "figlio" meaning son.
Soon a the soft notes of music began echoing through the hall signaling the start of the ceremony. At this everyone turned their attention to the entrance. Following suit, I saw a procession of people enter, the last being a beautiful woman dressed in white, a sheer veil hiding her face from view, her arm tucked into the elbow of a much older man. Could this be her bridegroom? I asked myself in confusion.
"That's the bride and her father," Cora whispered, it would have been inaudible for anyone else but I heard it loud and clear.
Nodding my head in response, I watched as the pair arrived at the altar, where the girl's father passed her hand over to a young man who looked positively giddy with joy. And so it began. The "priest" as Cora told me, officiated over the ritual, involving the congregation to response and sing as times, before letting the bride and groom speak their vows. An hour passed before the newly wedded couple sealed their bond with a kiss and celebratory song filled the hall. At this point, the guests began leaving the church, each grabbing a small pouch from one of the two young girls standing near the doorway, Cora included.
"What is it?" I asked, curious.
She grinned at me before opening the small bag to show…rice. I was confused with why rice would be disbursed at a wedding, "It is tradition to throw rice at the couple as they leave the church, as sign of prosperity and fertility."
"What a strange custom and a waste of food," I teasingly scoffed.
She playful pushed me away before answering, "Well, how do you elves celebrate?"
I smirked, feigning shyness by looking down at my shoes before meeting her gaze, "Are you certain you wish to know, meleth?"
"Tell me," her eyes boring into mine, unblinking and challenging.
Breaking her gaze and leaning down to place my lips against her ear, I murmured, "We bear witness to their union as husband and wife join in body and spirit."
I chuckled as she gave a shudder and sharp intake of breath before leaning back to face her, shrugged my shoulders and said, "You asked."
Her mouth remained open, gaping like a fish and I laughed at her shock. At that she swiftly recomposed herself, her eyebrows furrowed together as if to scold me. Before she could give a retort, the bells began tolling announcing the arrival of the bride and groom. As they stepped outside, they crouched into each other in preparation of the onslaught to come. Cora poured some rice into my hand before pouring the other half into hers. With a smile she tossed her handful towards the couple when they hurried past and I followed suit. After the couple got into the white car draped in bows and drove off, the guests departed as well. Waving over our taxi, we rode back to the resort to join the celebrations.
Cora's P.O.V
With my hand secured in the crook of his arm, Legolas and I strolled leisurely through the gardens around the resort, killing time before the reception. Looking over the shore, I admired the colors of orange sunset clashing with the clear blue sea. Gently pulling him towards to the stone wall at the edge of the cliff, I let go of his arm to place my hands on it and lean forward. I took a deep breath, smelling the salt of the sea and smiled at the memories of my childhood coming back to me. How I used to spend the whole day from sunrise to sunset on the beach with my mother and cousins to when I was eighteen and snuck away from my bed at night to sleep in Marco's arms on the sand. Thinking about him, brought a small smile to my face. While the sadness at his passing was still there, I was starting to barely feel the tightening pain in my heart that had become familiar over the years. I was still debating whether this should frighten me or leave me relieved. Thinking about Marco, always led me to our son. Oh, how I missed my baby! While it was nice to be able to relax without responsibilities, I found myself looking forward to returning home, if only to hold my son in my arms, the nightly phone calls wouldn't be enough to hold me over for much longer. Yet, my main concern over these few days had not been my son, though ever present, but the elf beside me. Turning my head, I found Legolas bent over the wall with his forearms resting on the stone, staring out at the fishing boats preparing to leave port. His blue eyes observing all that was lain out before him, his picture perfect face serene. I smiled feeling the tug in my chest that had become commonplace when he was around. I knew exactly what was happening to me. I knew I was falling for him, I had been for a while. In my mind, I tried to convince myself that this was okay, that Marco was gone, never to return, that this was not cheating. However my heart was torn in two, part of me was clinging to the past, to my first love while the other was fighting to drag its other half down with it.
He tilted his head to look at me, blue meeting green, and for a moment we just smiled at each other, enjoying the silent comfort of each others' presence before he straightened. His posture was impeccable, regal even. I don't know how he was raised but dressed in formal wear and standing the way he was, I was convinced he must have been a lord or something of that ilk. His lips upturned, he reached other to brush some of my straying curls from my shoulder, before letting his fingers lightly trail down my spine before resting his hand on my lower back. A shiver ran through me and I raised my eye brow at him in defiance, he knew exactly what he was doing to me, steadily chipping away at my resolve.
"It is absolutely marvelous here, so very different from my own woods," he said softly, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
I was curious, "One would think you'd never seen the sea before."
He grinned softly as he answered me, "Before arriving here, I had not, and I did not believe I would for many millennia."
"What do you mean? Was there no sea where you came from?" I asked, a tone of surprise in my voice.
He glanced at me for a moment before turning back to the softly rippling waves, "No, there are, but elves usually live in the woods and are connected to the forest-life there, but…"
He hesitated, "But what?"
"But after many years, most elves feel its call. The call of the sea, to return to the land of our origin. When an elf feels its call, it is near on impossible to resist. They will take the ship into the West, into Valinor, never to return to Middle-Earth," he explained, never once taking his eyes off of the waves.
The wheels turned in my head as I thought on the symbolism, "So, this call, is as a rite of passing on, as close to death as you get. Leaving behind all that you have ever known, family, friends, loved ones?"
He seemed to ponder the idea before giving a slight nod. Meeting my gaze, he answered, "I had never given it such thought, but yes, you could say so."
Turning away from him to look at the clear blue water, I asked, "And do you feel it? The call?"
"No…I do not."
I turned back to him, trying to meet his eyes, and he continued, "Though I am unsure why."
"Maybe you still have more to do in your life?" I proposed, still looking at him.
With his blue eyes staring intently into mine, he whispered, "Perhaps I do."
My whole body turned into his and I rested my hands on his chest, not entirely sure of what I was doing. My brain and my heart fought for dominance, the heart winning as I erased all thoughts from my mind apart from how good his hands felt as they softly hugged my waist. We continued to stare at each other as we closed the distance. I could feel his breath on my lips and my whole body tingled in anticipation. I parted my lips in preparation of the impending kiss. His forehead met mine and his hand left my hip to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing along my cheekbone. We were almost there, our lips so close that I could feel them brush against mine when he breathed out a word, "Meleth nin."
While I wanted to know what his pet name meant, I was definitely not going to ruin this moment for anything. Yet it seemed that fate was not betting on us, behind us came the crashing sounds of a herd of footsteps. Legolas groaned and I shivered from the chill as he let go of me.
The guests walked right past us towards the garden set-up. The reception was to be held outdoors on the cliff overlooking the sea, and before us was a grand arrangement of tables for six, draped in white and covered with fine china and light pink and white flowers. The tables were set-up in a curve on both sides of the dance floor. At the front was the DJ station and opposite sat the table set for the bride and groom. Behind the guest tables were the buffet and bar tables. When we came close to the central area, I grabbed the seating card with my name on it and grabbed Legolas' hand to lead us to our table. Soon after we were settled, came the bride and groom. We watched as they shared their first dance as husband and wife, and I could not help the happy tears threatening to spill as I recalled my first dance with Marco, how he was the only thing that mattered to me in that moment. I felt something being placed into my hand, and looked down to find Legolas' handkerchief. I thanked him as I gently dabbed at my eyes, not wanting to smudge my make-up.
From that point on the night seemed a whirl, we enjoyed the food, the drinks and the toasting before losing ourselves to the music. I, for one, wanted to enjoy this night. I asked Legolas if he wanted to join me, but he seemed unsure about the loud thumping of modern day pop, so I let one of my long lost cousins drag me onto the floor with her. Not thinking about how long I had been dancing, I couldn't remember the last time I had so much fun! Letting my body move with the music, I felt like a teenager again. The feeling was exhilarating.
All at once the DJ stopped his set and all the guests turned to see what had happened. At the front of the dance floor was a group of men dressed in the traditional garb of Bari red and black carrying various instruments. I grinned at my cousin, Flavia, knowing what was coming as the tambourine and guitar began to sound. Lifting my skirt around my ankles, I slowly started to bounce with the melody, building up to the steps. My cousin, dark featured and tan, mirrored my steps as we circled around each other. Others women joined us and got lost in the age old rhythm of the Pizzica, a traditional dance of Puglia. As I danced, I let myself get lost in the steps, I had learned the dance as a girl and had always enjoyed it. Closing my eyes as I let the music take me, I was surprised to feel something brush around my shoulders. Opening my eyes, I almost lost my footing to find Legolas before me, his steps matching in time with the music as he participated in the male's role of the dance. Arms out to his sides, he snapped his fingers with the beat, never taking his eyes off mine, as he tried to capture me. He was perfect!
Needless to say, I was shocked, "How did you learn this?!"
His only response was to smirk as danced in closer, effectively wrapping the scarf around my waist, trapping me, "I am a swift learner."
Letting go of the scarf, I twirled out of his grasp and caught his pointed stare with a teasing gaze, my lips turned up into a smirk as we followed the steps. As the music built up into a crescendo, our pace sped up, faster and faster we danced and as the song hit its climax, I realized that I had danced my way right into his arms. His hands rested, one at the base of my spine the other between my shoulder blades and he grinned with victory as he said, "I have caught you, fair lady."
Feeling positively giddy, I played along with his game, "And now that you have me?"
The DJ returned, playing a soft rendition of "Quando, Quando, Quando", and couples began gently swaying to the music. Legolas used his left hand to grab my right, keeping his right on my back, holding me close to him. Looking him in the eye, I allowed him to lead.
"You are quite the dancer, Cora," he murmured.
Smiling at him flirtatiously, I answered, "As are you, Legolas."
We swayed back and forth, keeping up commentary on the wedding. When the instrumental sax played its solo, I allow moved closer wrapping my hands around his neck and softly sang along with the lyrics. His hands held onto my hips, while he held my stare. When the song came to its end, we stopped moving but didn't move to leave each other's embrace. Once again, I got lost in him as his forehead touched mine. Closing my eyes, I heard him whisper, "Cora, I cannot fight this anymore."
I didn't have to look at him to know exactly what he was talking about and nodded, letting him know that I understood but remained silent.
His hands came up to cup my face, holding me in place, "I am going to kiss you, Cora, and this time I will not be interrupted."
Another nod, and a sensation of warmth spread though my extremities as I slid my hands from his neck to his chest. The anticipation was killing me, I would not fight him, I needed this as much as he did. Without any further a due, his lips pressed firmly against mine and held themselves momentarily before we both melted into the kiss. His thumbs brushed against my cheeks as he parted my lips and I followed suit. At the feel of his breath flooding my mouth, I moaned softly. His hands moved into my hair, gripping me to him, not allowing me to escape, and I allowed the tip of my tongue to trace over his lips asking for entrance. He pressed his lips hard against mine before abruptly breaking away from me with a groan.
I opened my eyes and looked into his as I softly panted in exhilaration. His breathing matched mine and he pleaded with his sapphire jewels before asking, "Must we remain much longer, meleth?"
Unable to speak, I merely shook my head dragging him to the table to grab my bag before rushing with him back towards the hotel.
Legolas' P.O.V
As soon as the door to our room was closed, I was on her, unable and unwilling to be parted from her any longer. With her back pressed against the door, I molded my lips to hers in a devouring kiss. Just as we had on the dance floor our tongues danced in a dance as old as the Eldar days. With one hand pressed against the door beside her head, I let the other trail down her body as I broke our kiss. She emitted it a soft whine before moaning at my lips on her throat as I lavished the space between her neck and shoulder and made my way upwards. She turned her head, giving me further access to the smooth skin there, and I smiled against her before flicking at her earlobe with my tongue. At this she gasped and her knees gave out. Not wanting her to fall I bent at the knees and pulled the fabric of her dress higher up on her waist. Without warning, I grabbed her legs and pulled them up around my waist, pinning her between me and the door. Her hands pushed the suit jacket off of my shoulders, letting it fall to the ground without a care.
Oh, Eru! I was hard, harder than I had ever been in all the centuries of my life. The anticipation at what I knew was going to happen had me so aroused, that every touch fueled the fire that threatened to burn out of control in my loins. With her legs wrapped around my hips, my elfhood was pressed up against her center and no power on this earth could stop me from rolling hips against hers. Her gasps of pleasure had me reeling, but I fought to remain in control. Gripping her hips in my hands, effectively stopping her wanton grinding, I brought my lips to her ear. She body gave a violent shudder as I traced the shell with my tongue before murmuring to her, "Do you feel that, meleth? Do you feel how badly I desire you? How you have tormented me for months with this need for you?"
She nodded but that was not good enough. I wanted to hear her speak the words, "Answer me!"
"Y-Yes! Ah! Yes!" her response came in gasps.
"Do you desire me as well, Cora?" I asked in a demanding voice, this time staring into her hooded eyes.
She nodded once more as she breathed, "Yes, Legolas."
The sound of my name panted from her lips overwhelmed me and I held tight to her, kissing her all the while with fever, as I walked us over to the bed. Stopping at the edge, I tore my lips from hers and held her gaze as I laid her down in the middle before climbing on top of her to resume my position between her beautiful legs. I kissed her collarbone, and let my fingers pull at the straps of her dress, "I want this off, meleth nin."
Leaning back to sit on my legs, I watched her slowly push the shimmering dress off her shoulders and down her arms causing it to pool around her waist. Her breasts, covered in green lace, beckoned to be touched. Getting up only long enough to pull the dress over her hips and down her legs, I revealed the matching green undergarments that covered her womanhood. I licked my lips at the sight, these flimsy garments were a great improvement to chemises. Leaning down to kiss her again, I ran my hands over her hot skin before filling them each with a full breast, rubbing my thumbs over the already hardened nipples. She threw her head back in pleasure and let out a long moan at my touch. I left a trail of open mouthed kisses down her neck, alternating between licking and sucking at the delicious skin, as I pulled at the lacy constraint, "Off, Cora."
Complying, she wrapped her arms around my neck as she sat up to bring her lips to my neck before reaching behind her to remove the clasp. I held her gaze as she let the garment fall to the ground, only to let my eyes flicker down to see the glorious mounds of flesh. Unable to restrain myself, I lowered my lips to her breast and traced a rosy nipple with my tongue, while I rolled the other between my fingers. Her hands gripped my hair, holding me to her, begging for more. I closed my lips around the hard nub and sucked with vigor before dragging my teeth over the tip and lavishing the same treatment on her other breast. Under me, she writhed and bucked and gasped with pleasure. Before I could explore further down her body, she pulled me up her body into a searing kiss.
"You're entirely over dressed, sir," her reprimand came out in gasps as my body pressed down against hers.
With a soft kiss to her lips I answered, "You are quite right, meleth."
Not wasting another moment, I quickly tore through the buttons on my shirt as she pulled off the tie around my neck. She brushed her hands over my bare shoulders to rid me of the garment while I pushed the shoes off my feet before falling back on her. I resumed my kisses down her belly, hesitating momentarily at the edge of her undergarment. She stared into my eyes as my fingers slowly pulled it down her legs. I groaned at the sight of her fully bared to me, looking into her eyes once more, I begged for permission to touch her there. She gave a small nod and then let out a soft moan and I traced my fingers over her nether lips. I growled in pride at how wet and ready she was for me, my erection twitching uncomfortably in the breeches. I watched her writhe in pleasure as I slipped a single finger in and out of her folds.
"Legolas!"
"Yes, Cora?" I teased, wanting nothing more than to burying myself inside her.
"Please, Legolas, don't-don't tease me anymore!" she pleaded, reaching towards the breeches that poorly concealed my own desire for her.
"What do you want, Cora?" I whispered, my breath hot against her neck as I added another finger into her slit.
She moaned loudly before crying, "You! I want…AH! you in me!"
In a flash, I ripped the offending clothes off of my body baring myself to her. Her hungry gaze took me in as I stood before her. Like a predator, I slowly crawled back over her, spreading her legs to accommodate me between them. Bringing my fingers to her face, I lovingly traced the contour of her ear, "Cora, look at me."
My command had her attention and she opened her emerald eyes to meet my sapphire ones. Holding her face in my hands, propped up on my elbows as not to crush her beneath me, I spoke softly but with conviction, "I will have all of you tonight, give yourself to me, meleth nin, do not hold back."
Her brow furrowed in slight confusion but I did not let her think on it. Before she could voice her thoughts, I positioned my tip at her dripping entrance and in one shot sheathed myself inside her with a hard thrust. I growled in satisfaction as she screamed out my name. Only pausing for a brief moment, I began to thrust into her willing body, her legs came up to wrap around my back. Kissing her deeply, I let my tongue mimic what my cock was doing to her cunt. Her moans fueled me on and her hips rose to meet mine, thrust for thrust and we rocked against each other in the dance as old as time. The sheath that engulfed my elfhood was hot and slippery with her excitement, began to flutter erratically and I knew she was close to ecstasy. Holding her to my chest, I sat back on my heels never ceasing my thrusts, and her cries grew louder with every single one.
"Legolas, I'm so close," she gasped, barely able to make out the words.
Her eyes were closed, her head thrown back. With one hand on her hip to keep her steady, I reached the other into her hair pulling her to face me, demanding, "Open your eyes, Cora. You will look at me as you come"
She shook her head slightly, "I can't."
I kissed her hard before commanding her to open her eyes again, "You can, meleth, and you will"
She fought hard to keep her eyes open and I caressed her face with my fingers softly, contrasting greatly with the almost brutal thrusts of my cock as I sought our mutual release. Her hands came up to grasp my hair as she impaled herself on my again and again. Suddenly, I felt the unintentional brush of her fingers against my ear and it was my turn to yell, "Cora!"
"Oh, god! Legolas, yes I'm there! I'm cumming!"
One…two…three more hard thrusts and we reached our peak. I held her fast to me, as I filled her with my essence, a sense of completion spreading throughout my body and soul. Our foreheads rested against each other, as we fought to gain control over our breathing as we stared into each other's eyes. In that moment as we came down from our high, I knew I could never let her go now that I had claimed her. In that moment, I knew that she was mine for eternity, "Gi melin, Cora." (I love you, Cora!)
As I was hers.
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