Title: The Quest for Tol-Eressëa. Chapter ten.
Author: Warlady
Fandom: Tolkien Rating: PG-13. ( Just to be sure) Disclaimer: All the characters and situations from the Silmarillion, the Hobbit and The Lord of the Ring, belongs to Tolkien Estate. I only own Katherine, Oberon, Morwen and Azriel. Special Warnings: This fanfiction has some of the characteristics of a Mary Sue, if you dislike original female characters in Tolkien fandom, don't read it.
Beta: Mayetra
Timeline: After the events of Lord of the Ring. Author's Note:This fanfiction is AU, so you may find some situations that don't follow canon. Elvish grammar notes: I don't speak Sindarin or Quenya, if you any mistake (and probably you will) let me know and I will correct it.
The King recited a long lecture about politeness and good manners to Legolas. "How dare you put your hands on her and say those horrible things to her? Did I not teach you how to treat a lady? Even Aglareb learned that important lesson." He was thundering, his yells could be heard outside his study.
"In order to take them to his bed he would even learn how to speak Mordor's tongue," Legolas replied.
"And now you interrupt me! What is happening to you, Legolas?" The King's voice was filled with concern. His younger son was acting in an unfamiliar way. His light mood and good manners had changed into mordacity.
"It is only I do not trust her! She is a temptress, always circling around you like a moth attracted by a flame. And you encourage her behavior."
"So, it is that what troubles you? Do I have to remind you that I do not hold any kind of romantic attraction for her? She is like my daughter, and that is the treatment I give to her, nothing more." Thranduil was losing his temper even more. If there was anything he hated it was to be treated by his son like a teenager who can't restrain his desires. And even worse, since he didn't desired her.
"Maybe not romantic ones, but other interest could move you, Father." Legolas suggested, stressing the word "interest" in a totally meaningful way.
"How you dare to accuse me in such a way?" The King exploded.
The argument grew in intensity. But in the end Legolas had to settle down. He knew there was no way to win a battle of words with his Father. So he continued with Katherine's archery training, after apologizing. He did this latter through his gritted teeth, the words "I am sorry" strained enough as to not be recognized.
To his discomfort, he had to admit that, after the incident, Katherine trained harder, and stayed serene at his tortures. After a month of intense practice, she was not as skilled as an Elf by far, but she surely was good for a female of her kind. He kept his hands away from her. But he could do nothing to prevent the soft whiff that attacked his nostrils every time she moved around him. That smell, that damn smell, totally unknown to him until she came to the Kingdom. It was some kind of perfume, but none he could distinguish.
Female and male Elves used aromatic herbs to scent the soap, oil, lotions and clothes. Rosemary, violets, lavender, vanilla, peppermint, athelas and hundreds of other flowers and herbs. Every Elf chose the best combination for them, and mostly was recognized by it. But her fragrance was totally strange. and so enticing.
"Do you know what kind of perfume Lady Karida uses?" he asked to Delia.
"Oh, it is a kind of oil she took with her from her home. She carried some bottles with her, she even made me scent her soap with it. It is called Sandalwood. She told me it is extracted from a special variety of trees from her lands. I like it, it is quite exotic."
'Just like Karida herself' thought Legolas. So, that was her mark, and among her other peculiar aspects, this one was also meant to make her stand out from the others.
He tried to avoid inhaling deeply every time she was near, but nonetheless the scent plagued his nose. And sometimes, he could even smell her in his own clothes after their training. That was driving him crazy, because his mind was often assaulted by the strangest ideas about her. Those disturbing thoughts were unnerving him day by day. He even caught himself wondering what was hidden under the pleats of her dresses? Was all her skin as tanned as her shoulders? And her hair, so curly, shining like bronze under the sunshine. Was all her body hair of the same color and consistency? This was madness, and he knew it, but he could not help it.
Then it happened. Gimli invited Legolas to visit Dain's Halls at Lonely Mountain, and the Elven Prince saw the invitation as an opportunity to escape from his duty, as well from his torture.
Thranduil had to agreed to his son's departure.
Katherine convinced him, telling him that what Legolas needed was a change to soothe his soul. Not to mention she was feeling uneasy around the Prince. She had caught him giving her odd looks. She could not place exactly what kind of gazes they were, but anytime she looked away, she could feel his blue eyes piercing her. Perhaps it was murderous desire she saw in those ocean-blue irises. He could kill her at any minute and argue he had done it by accident. Actually she didn't think he could do such a thing, it was not his nature. but just to be sure.
"Father," she had added to her advice, "Gimli has been long time away from his home, and I could see how he wants to be among his kin again. He tells me all the time."
So, Legolas said goodbye to his father and promised to return in a month, to escort his sister-in-law to the Gray Havens.
Katherine stood at the gates beside Thranduil, wishing them a good journey. Inwardly, she was blessing God for his mercy. At least she could be free of Legolas' torment, for an entire month.
Once they had disappeared over the horizon, Thranduil sighed, "I hope Lord Dain forgets the past conflict between our kinds. I felt remorse for the way I acted against his kin. Legolas' friendship with Gimli is a chance to regain some of the camaraderie that once existed between Elves and Dwarfs."
"Oh, camaraderie existed?" chuckled Katherine. Now, she was bolder in her treatment of his father in law.
"But of course, my dear. If a Dwarf is not eager to cut your head with his axe, he surely confides in you!"
"That is a very prejudiced remark, but I have to admit I have no point of comparison. I mean, the only Dwarf I know is Gimli, and he shows his trust to me with unending compliments."
"Yes, I have noticed it. Though it is the gift of his kin, to find the hidden beauty in the most unimaginable places. I mean, he saw the fire of your spirit through your disheveled self the first time he saw you."
"Not to mention he saw my body through the transparent nightshirt I was wearing at the moment." She had told this detail some weeks ago to Thranduil.
The King laughed, slightly blushing at the remark, and Katherine joined swiftly. They walked inside the castle.
*****
Oberon was learning to walk. Katherine was holding his little hands, her back bent, and strolled with him.
Thranduil was sitting on a chair, looking at the display, a wide smile curving his lips.
"My, my, he really has grown up, if he keeps this pace he will look like an adolescent in two years," said Thranduil and watched the irregular stride of the child with amusement.
"Well, then I will be prepared. But if he is half the problem I was when I was thirteen, I will be doomed," replied Katherine. She let Oberon's hands go and he managed to walk three steps, then he landed on his butt.
The Elfling's blue eyes opened wide, and his strawberry lips pursed, he sulked and suddenly exploded in tears.
"Hush, hush, my little one, don't worry, you will learn very soon," cooed Katherine at him, pulling him up from the floor and cradling him in her arms.
Thranduil looked at the scene. He remembered the same scene had happened a long time ago, in the same room. The mother's hair was not brown, it was blond as the sun and her body was tall, lithe and vibrant like a spike of wheat moved by the wind. Aerlinn, his Aerlinn, encouraging baby Aglareb, guiding him through the right path with love and patience. He shook his head, how incredible, he could not see the differences between an Elven mother and a mortal one. Them both carried their babies with the same love, and guarded them with the same devotion.
"You have never told me anything about your life before you were dropped in Middle Earth." He asked.
"There is not much to say, I worked all day, slept all night and felt miserable the entire time."
"What about your parents, or other family?"
Katherine winced, she didn't expect such a question. "Oh, well, my parents and I argued all the time. They don't like my appearance, or my customs not even my taste in music, clothes and everything else. We only agreed once, when they said I was quite a ruin for their reputation, I agreed with them. So, I left my family's home and found a house for me, away from them, and their strange notion of life. I only have a sister, but she looked at me from above her dignified nose. They don't like me, and the feeling is reciprocated." She sighed. But her face was full of happiness once she looked at the baby in her arms.
"That sounds terrible! But, they will not miss you?"
"Of course not, they don't love me, I told you."
"That is not true, parents always love their children."
"Do you love Aglareb?" she asked. That was dangerous land, but she didn't care asking his father-in-law in such a direct way. She knew very well he had an explosive temper, but she learned to deal with it.
"Yes, Autharthiel, even when my actions tell differently. I love him, always loved him and always will love him. When I sent him away, I intended not only toprotect my reputation, I meant to save his soul as well. I know it sounds strange, but it is true. He was ill, very ill. His behavior was not normal. He was not like that in the beginning, but after his mother's death, he became more and more careless. I saw him changing, from the obedient son to the totally wild and insensitive being that cared nothing for the feelings of others. Can you imagine how it hurts a father to see something like that and know there is nothing he could do? Perhaps you have heard about his mischief, and even smiled inwardly listening to the gossiping of my people. But, his actions were becoming unbearable, going beyond the disobedience to the point of pure vice. When I sent him to Valinor, I expected the vision of the Undying Lands would cure him and turn him into a better Elf. Then you came, with this child, claming to be my son's wife."
Katherine felt those words like arrows. She had never imagined her lie had done so much harm to him. When she looked at him, she realized he was crying; big tears ran down his beautiful face. She was frozen in place, not knowing what to do.
"I was so hurt, my dear, to know my intentions had failed. I almost sighed in relief when I discovered your lie."
"I am so sorry, Father, I never imagined it." She could not hold it anymore. She put Oberon on the floor to let him crawl on the rug. The she moved towards Thranduil's seat and kneeling at his side, she took one of his hands between hers. "Everything is fine, Aglareb is probably at Valinor, and I am sure he is better now."
"I hope so, daughter, I hope so."
*****
"Oh, my, not again!" Katherine exclaimed, she pulled the linen shirt from her lap and discovered it was sewed to her skirt.
"My Lady, you are not concentrating, this is the tenth time you have done that," said Delia, coming to her rescue. She took away the needlepoint and released the sleeve of the shirt from Katherine's dress fabric.
"I simply can't do this, Delia! I never learned how to sew a button, I simply wore T-shirts." Katherine was frustrated. Female tasks and she was a very not recommendable mix.
"Oh, you mean like the old clothes you gave me for washing?"
"Yes, exactly like those."
"Weird clothes, the sewing points of the leggings were totally showing outside the fabric. Though it is a fine work, I swear I never saw a piece of cloth so resistant. Did you make that outfit?"
"No, I bought them."
"Well, my Lady, even the Queen made and repaired her family's garments, and you have to learn how to sew. At your baby' rate of growth, you have to learn quickly, might I add. You know, he can use the old clothes of the Princes. But you do not want him using old dresses all the time, do you?"
Katherine felt her face burning with shame. Yes, she had a responsibility now. Even as the King was so kind as to keep her and her baby under his roof, she was supposed to take care of her baby's dressing at least. She took the shirt in her hands again and restarted to sew, attentive to her task, and trying to mimic Delia's beautiful and ordered patterns.
*****
To Katherine's dismay, when the archery lessons ended, the King decided it was right time to teach her how to use a sword.
"You won't tell me all Elven Ladies know how to fight with a sword?" She asked to Thranduil, who stood before her wearing a silver armor and a helmet. God, he looked just so handsome. His tall frame and broad chest, and the multitude of warrior braids showing from under the helmet, made Katherine's heart start to jump. 'Down, girl, this is your Father in law, and he is quite older than a sequoia from Yosemite's woods!' she scolded herself.
"Of course not, but you are going to go on a risky journey and I want to be sure you can take care of yourself and your baby." The King flashed a smile and looked amused at Katherine. She was clad in armor too. This one had been Aglareb's armor for training when he was an adolescent. Burnished in red and black, and with a helmet in which a dragon was coiled, the head of the beast served as nose-guard and the red wings extended at both sides of the face. It was not heavy, but nonetheless was really uncomfortable. Not to mention the minute she put it on she felt the need to scratch precisely the places that were covered. 'It never fails, damn Murphy's Law!'
"Well, what are you waiting for? Draw your sword!" barked Thranduil.
Katherine understood, that minute, from whom Legolas had learned to scream like that!
*****
After a long hot bath and a session of fairy tales to Oberon. Katherine stretched on her bed. She almost missed her archery classes. If Legolas was a horrid teacher, he was a lovely one compared to Thranduil, or 'Attila the Elf' as she baptized him inwardly. Every part of her anatomy hurt, from her legs to her neck, not to mention her arms. How was that possible? When she was confronting the spiders she had moved at Elven speed, cutting and slashing them in minutes. Now, training with his Father, she was practically hit, smashed and battered to a bunch of hurting muscles. The armor prevented serious damage, but it did not impeded the lovely caresses of the sword slamming on her body.
"Come on, Katherine, be strong, you will get used to it," she said to herself.
"Or you will die in the attempt." That voice, that silky dark voice was unmistakable.
Katherine sat on the bed and turned her head to the dark place the voice came from.
There, in the shadows, stood Azriel, his sallow face the only thing distinct from the blackness.
"You!" she hissed and jumped from the bed, her past tiredness forgotten, crushed under her sudden wrath. She moved as fast as a cobra and attacked the Angel pushing him to the floor with all her weight.
Both of them landed on the ground, Azriel on his back, she atop him, closing her hands around his neck.
He managed to disentangle from her grip and rolled over, taking her with him and pinned her wrists at her sides. He saw how she opened her mouth to scream and with a blink of his eyes a gag materialized around her mouth.
"Now, if you promise to behave and don't yell at me, I will take off your gag and will release you. Will you behave?"
She was struggling hard, her body writhing under his hands. After some seconds of unsuccessful fight, she stayed still, glaring daggers at Azriel.
"So, you will behave."
She nodded, and the gag vanished. She watched him while he stood from the floor and let her go. She rubbed the skin of her wrists and stood up as well.
"Well, my little warrior, it seems you are learning how to use your Elven strength and agility. But even with all those gifts you can't surpass a Maia's power."
"You disgusting pig! How dare you keep that secret? Fëanor, the Kinslayer, the worst murderer and traitor of this world! Can you understand the degree of pain and guilt I felt when I realized? And in front of King Thranduil; of all Elves he had to discover it," she spat at him, lowering her voice to a menacing whisper.
Azriel lowered his eyes. His face grew paler, if such a thing was possible. He bit his lower lip and sighed. When he lifted his chin, Katherine saw something that shocked her. He was crying, from his cold eyes flowed streams of glittering tears.
"Would you forgive me, Autharthiel? I know it was so difficult for you to face this alone, but it was supposed to be like that. Not all of your other incarnations had suffered this. They died very soon, or never had someone to help them to understand the dreams I sent. The few that understood decided it was too much to bear and took their own lives. But you succeeded where the others had failed."
Katherine listened his words in awe. Indeed, the realization had hit her very hard, and the idea of suicide crossed her mind, but she could not do such a thing, she could not fail her child. Besides, Thranduil had helped her with his soothing words and his trust. She felt some sympathy for the Angel, even though she was not eager to forgive him.
"Stop those tears, silly. I assure you I am not going to forgive you easily, but I can't stay angry the rest of my life, can I? And, I have some more questions for you. Though I can see you came to give me some explanations." She sat on the bed, and gestured him to sit at her side. He obeyed, wiping the tears from his pale cheeks.
"Nothing escapes from you, does it, Autharthiel?" he replied, his voice trembling a little.
"You already said it, I am such a smart ass. Now spit it out, I know you have something in reserve just to shock me even more."
He sighed deeply and looked into her eyes. "I told you that my destiny and yours are bounded. Well, do you remember why Fëanor was exiled from Valinor the first time, and why his people were forbidden to enter the Valar's dwelling place?"
"Yes, of course, his. or should I say, my thick head and impulsiveness. I believed Morgoth's foul words about the Valar restraining our departure and freedom."
"Yes, Morgoth's foul words. But such words were not spoken to Fëanor directly, because the proud Elf despised Morgoth and didn't trust him. But, the Dark Lord had allies, lots of them, and I was one of them. I was the one that filled your head with hatred and suspicion about the Valar. Do you remember me, your "true" friend, Artamir?"
Katherine stayed silent, while the name moved a secret string inside her heart. Artamir, the sound of it resounded again and again. Suddenly, images came to her mind. Visions of pale flesh and raven hair cascading over her, memories of moans and sighs and sweet kisses, warmth coming from a lithe body over hers. Then, ecstasy, flowing through her like liquid light, filling her, surrounding her, and the echoing sound of a male voice, a voice that once belonged to her screaming 'Artamir'. She came back from the reverie with a start, noticing that the memories had affected her body. She could hear very distinct the drumming sound of her heart, and feel the deep flush that was covering her face. But the shocking realization chilled every arousal she felt. "You were Fëanor's lover!"
"Shhh." The Angel put his palm over her mouth to muffle her voice. When he considered she was calmer he withdrew his hand.
"For God sake, Azriel, you made love to him.me.him! Oh, this is too much! How could you betray him like that?" Katherine was whispering now, though she wanted to scream.
"I did it for love."
"Yes, of course, you did it for love! How foolish of me not to notice it!" she said sarcasm dripping from her words. "But, my definition of love does not include treachery in the first degree."
Azriel sighed. "No, of course. There are things you have to know. I loved Fëanor, even before I settle an alliance with Morgoth. You maybe know that the Valar, and the Maiar as well, found the Elves totally appealing. They possessed one gift we lacked, freedom to chose their fate. All the other creatures made by God, Angels, Archangels, Cherubs and the other divine beings, are supposed to have only a straight destiny, praise the Lord and his glory. But the Men and the Elves, and the others beings that live in Middle Earth are free to do as they want. That, and the fire that burned inside Fëanor, was my doom. I took the form of an Elf, and slowly gained his favor. Oh, how it good was to have his trust, his approval and finally his love. I know he was meant to do great things. But Morgoth's words seduced me. He told me that if Fëanor stayed in Valinor, his glory would always be second best. But in Middle Earth, he could become the highest lord, because he had the potential to do it."
"And you believed him? Azriel, you are either a naive Angel, or a total stupid one."
"It was both, because love has the power to turn the brightest creature into the most naïve. So, Morgoth's words were spoken to Fëanor by me. Too late I discovered Morgoth's intentions, but I stayed at my lover's side till his end. And I was condemned to stay at his side for all eternity, till he gains his redemption."
Katherine looked at him. 'So, he was my lover once. Now that I notice it, he is breathtaking when he is not wearing that funeral face,' she thought. "And what about the removal of your fleshly desires? Is that part of your punishment?"
"Oh, that!" sighed the Angel, "well, I was not supposed to become the lover of an Elf. For that little sin I was denied the wonderful joys of flesh while I use this body."
"It looks a little arbitrary. Melian was a Maia, as you, and she was allowed to join with Thingol. He was an Elf as Fëanor."
"You said it, She was a Maia, and Thingol was a male Elf. My gender is not only related to this form, I am a male Maia."
"Oh!" Katherine said, a little amused by the sudden blush that appeared on Azriel face. She didn't know that the Angels could blush. "Then God doesn't approve of homosexual relationships."
"Let's say he doesn't care too much, but he doesn't encourage them either."
"Tell me, Azriel. Is He so confusing all the time?"
"Yes, all the time!"
"So, now what? In a month I will depart for the Gray Havens, and from there I will go directly to Tol-Eressëa."
"Just wait and learn as much as you can. And train hard." The Angel stood up from the bed and walked away from her.
"Ugh, don't remind me, my body stills screams for rest and liniment." She suddenly had an idea and raising from her bed she walked towards Azriel. Without warning she took his pale face in her hands and pulled it to her, planting a searing kiss on his thin lips. She withdrew and looked at his eyes. They were wide in surprise. "Did you feel something?"
He sighed. "No, but I imagine that means you forgive me."
"Not in the least, you little imp. But I am not so angry now. Go away, my tired back is craving for bed," she said mockingly.
"Oh, that impertinent attitude, my dear, so damn charming as always." He smiled and vanished in the darkness.
Katherine touched her lips with her fingertips. Sweet tingles still lingered there and in other parts of her body. "Damn Angel!" she muttered and tried to sleep. But the memories, and the feeling of his cold lips on hers kept her awake for hours.
TBC
Gratitude to my Reviewers
J-squeeqy-tikiman: Thank you so much for your review. Don't worry, if one person reads this fic, it's enough for me, this keeps me writing. I hope you enjoy this new chapter, and I will try to update as soon as I can.
Bloody Vixen: A plot bunny is the way the writers call those incredible ideas that just hits you in the face and makes you include something new in the plot, or even give a total twist to the story. The bunny word is referring to the way in those ideas keep on gnawing on you day and night until one put those ideas on words. I appreciate your support greatly, it came in a moment where I needed it most.
Authors' note: I had a little argument with my beta-reader. So I had to find a new one. That was the major issue who delayed me updating. Though, even when my new beta is even better than the former one, she can take a little more time to do her work. So, I ask you, my dear reviewers, please have a little patience, there is still a long road to go and so much more fun and adventures for Katherine, Legolas and Gimli.
Blessed be Kat
Author: Warlady
Fandom: Tolkien Rating: PG-13. ( Just to be sure) Disclaimer: All the characters and situations from the Silmarillion, the Hobbit and The Lord of the Ring, belongs to Tolkien Estate. I only own Katherine, Oberon, Morwen and Azriel. Special Warnings: This fanfiction has some of the characteristics of a Mary Sue, if you dislike original female characters in Tolkien fandom, don't read it.
Beta: Mayetra
Timeline: After the events of Lord of the Ring. Author's Note:This fanfiction is AU, so you may find some situations that don't follow canon. Elvish grammar notes: I don't speak Sindarin or Quenya, if you any mistake (and probably you will) let me know and I will correct it.
The King recited a long lecture about politeness and good manners to Legolas. "How dare you put your hands on her and say those horrible things to her? Did I not teach you how to treat a lady? Even Aglareb learned that important lesson." He was thundering, his yells could be heard outside his study.
"In order to take them to his bed he would even learn how to speak Mordor's tongue," Legolas replied.
"And now you interrupt me! What is happening to you, Legolas?" The King's voice was filled with concern. His younger son was acting in an unfamiliar way. His light mood and good manners had changed into mordacity.
"It is only I do not trust her! She is a temptress, always circling around you like a moth attracted by a flame. And you encourage her behavior."
"So, it is that what troubles you? Do I have to remind you that I do not hold any kind of romantic attraction for her? She is like my daughter, and that is the treatment I give to her, nothing more." Thranduil was losing his temper even more. If there was anything he hated it was to be treated by his son like a teenager who can't restrain his desires. And even worse, since he didn't desired her.
"Maybe not romantic ones, but other interest could move you, Father." Legolas suggested, stressing the word "interest" in a totally meaningful way.
"How you dare to accuse me in such a way?" The King exploded.
The argument grew in intensity. But in the end Legolas had to settle down. He knew there was no way to win a battle of words with his Father. So he continued with Katherine's archery training, after apologizing. He did this latter through his gritted teeth, the words "I am sorry" strained enough as to not be recognized.
To his discomfort, he had to admit that, after the incident, Katherine trained harder, and stayed serene at his tortures. After a month of intense practice, she was not as skilled as an Elf by far, but she surely was good for a female of her kind. He kept his hands away from her. But he could do nothing to prevent the soft whiff that attacked his nostrils every time she moved around him. That smell, that damn smell, totally unknown to him until she came to the Kingdom. It was some kind of perfume, but none he could distinguish.
Female and male Elves used aromatic herbs to scent the soap, oil, lotions and clothes. Rosemary, violets, lavender, vanilla, peppermint, athelas and hundreds of other flowers and herbs. Every Elf chose the best combination for them, and mostly was recognized by it. But her fragrance was totally strange. and so enticing.
"Do you know what kind of perfume Lady Karida uses?" he asked to Delia.
"Oh, it is a kind of oil she took with her from her home. She carried some bottles with her, she even made me scent her soap with it. It is called Sandalwood. She told me it is extracted from a special variety of trees from her lands. I like it, it is quite exotic."
'Just like Karida herself' thought Legolas. So, that was her mark, and among her other peculiar aspects, this one was also meant to make her stand out from the others.
He tried to avoid inhaling deeply every time she was near, but nonetheless the scent plagued his nose. And sometimes, he could even smell her in his own clothes after their training. That was driving him crazy, because his mind was often assaulted by the strangest ideas about her. Those disturbing thoughts were unnerving him day by day. He even caught himself wondering what was hidden under the pleats of her dresses? Was all her skin as tanned as her shoulders? And her hair, so curly, shining like bronze under the sunshine. Was all her body hair of the same color and consistency? This was madness, and he knew it, but he could not help it.
Then it happened. Gimli invited Legolas to visit Dain's Halls at Lonely Mountain, and the Elven Prince saw the invitation as an opportunity to escape from his duty, as well from his torture.
Thranduil had to agreed to his son's departure.
Katherine convinced him, telling him that what Legolas needed was a change to soothe his soul. Not to mention she was feeling uneasy around the Prince. She had caught him giving her odd looks. She could not place exactly what kind of gazes they were, but anytime she looked away, she could feel his blue eyes piercing her. Perhaps it was murderous desire she saw in those ocean-blue irises. He could kill her at any minute and argue he had done it by accident. Actually she didn't think he could do such a thing, it was not his nature. but just to be sure.
"Father," she had added to her advice, "Gimli has been long time away from his home, and I could see how he wants to be among his kin again. He tells me all the time."
So, Legolas said goodbye to his father and promised to return in a month, to escort his sister-in-law to the Gray Havens.
Katherine stood at the gates beside Thranduil, wishing them a good journey. Inwardly, she was blessing God for his mercy. At least she could be free of Legolas' torment, for an entire month.
Once they had disappeared over the horizon, Thranduil sighed, "I hope Lord Dain forgets the past conflict between our kinds. I felt remorse for the way I acted against his kin. Legolas' friendship with Gimli is a chance to regain some of the camaraderie that once existed between Elves and Dwarfs."
"Oh, camaraderie existed?" chuckled Katherine. Now, she was bolder in her treatment of his father in law.
"But of course, my dear. If a Dwarf is not eager to cut your head with his axe, he surely confides in you!"
"That is a very prejudiced remark, but I have to admit I have no point of comparison. I mean, the only Dwarf I know is Gimli, and he shows his trust to me with unending compliments."
"Yes, I have noticed it. Though it is the gift of his kin, to find the hidden beauty in the most unimaginable places. I mean, he saw the fire of your spirit through your disheveled self the first time he saw you."
"Not to mention he saw my body through the transparent nightshirt I was wearing at the moment." She had told this detail some weeks ago to Thranduil.
The King laughed, slightly blushing at the remark, and Katherine joined swiftly. They walked inside the castle.
*****
Oberon was learning to walk. Katherine was holding his little hands, her back bent, and strolled with him.
Thranduil was sitting on a chair, looking at the display, a wide smile curving his lips.
"My, my, he really has grown up, if he keeps this pace he will look like an adolescent in two years," said Thranduil and watched the irregular stride of the child with amusement.
"Well, then I will be prepared. But if he is half the problem I was when I was thirteen, I will be doomed," replied Katherine. She let Oberon's hands go and he managed to walk three steps, then he landed on his butt.
The Elfling's blue eyes opened wide, and his strawberry lips pursed, he sulked and suddenly exploded in tears.
"Hush, hush, my little one, don't worry, you will learn very soon," cooed Katherine at him, pulling him up from the floor and cradling him in her arms.
Thranduil looked at the scene. He remembered the same scene had happened a long time ago, in the same room. The mother's hair was not brown, it was blond as the sun and her body was tall, lithe and vibrant like a spike of wheat moved by the wind. Aerlinn, his Aerlinn, encouraging baby Aglareb, guiding him through the right path with love and patience. He shook his head, how incredible, he could not see the differences between an Elven mother and a mortal one. Them both carried their babies with the same love, and guarded them with the same devotion.
"You have never told me anything about your life before you were dropped in Middle Earth." He asked.
"There is not much to say, I worked all day, slept all night and felt miserable the entire time."
"What about your parents, or other family?"
Katherine winced, she didn't expect such a question. "Oh, well, my parents and I argued all the time. They don't like my appearance, or my customs not even my taste in music, clothes and everything else. We only agreed once, when they said I was quite a ruin for their reputation, I agreed with them. So, I left my family's home and found a house for me, away from them, and their strange notion of life. I only have a sister, but she looked at me from above her dignified nose. They don't like me, and the feeling is reciprocated." She sighed. But her face was full of happiness once she looked at the baby in her arms.
"That sounds terrible! But, they will not miss you?"
"Of course not, they don't love me, I told you."
"That is not true, parents always love their children."
"Do you love Aglareb?" she asked. That was dangerous land, but she didn't care asking his father-in-law in such a direct way. She knew very well he had an explosive temper, but she learned to deal with it.
"Yes, Autharthiel, even when my actions tell differently. I love him, always loved him and always will love him. When I sent him away, I intended not only toprotect my reputation, I meant to save his soul as well. I know it sounds strange, but it is true. He was ill, very ill. His behavior was not normal. He was not like that in the beginning, but after his mother's death, he became more and more careless. I saw him changing, from the obedient son to the totally wild and insensitive being that cared nothing for the feelings of others. Can you imagine how it hurts a father to see something like that and know there is nothing he could do? Perhaps you have heard about his mischief, and even smiled inwardly listening to the gossiping of my people. But, his actions were becoming unbearable, going beyond the disobedience to the point of pure vice. When I sent him to Valinor, I expected the vision of the Undying Lands would cure him and turn him into a better Elf. Then you came, with this child, claming to be my son's wife."
Katherine felt those words like arrows. She had never imagined her lie had done so much harm to him. When she looked at him, she realized he was crying; big tears ran down his beautiful face. She was frozen in place, not knowing what to do.
"I was so hurt, my dear, to know my intentions had failed. I almost sighed in relief when I discovered your lie."
"I am so sorry, Father, I never imagined it." She could not hold it anymore. She put Oberon on the floor to let him crawl on the rug. The she moved towards Thranduil's seat and kneeling at his side, she took one of his hands between hers. "Everything is fine, Aglareb is probably at Valinor, and I am sure he is better now."
"I hope so, daughter, I hope so."
*****
"Oh, my, not again!" Katherine exclaimed, she pulled the linen shirt from her lap and discovered it was sewed to her skirt.
"My Lady, you are not concentrating, this is the tenth time you have done that," said Delia, coming to her rescue. She took away the needlepoint and released the sleeve of the shirt from Katherine's dress fabric.
"I simply can't do this, Delia! I never learned how to sew a button, I simply wore T-shirts." Katherine was frustrated. Female tasks and she was a very not recommendable mix.
"Oh, you mean like the old clothes you gave me for washing?"
"Yes, exactly like those."
"Weird clothes, the sewing points of the leggings were totally showing outside the fabric. Though it is a fine work, I swear I never saw a piece of cloth so resistant. Did you make that outfit?"
"No, I bought them."
"Well, my Lady, even the Queen made and repaired her family's garments, and you have to learn how to sew. At your baby' rate of growth, you have to learn quickly, might I add. You know, he can use the old clothes of the Princes. But you do not want him using old dresses all the time, do you?"
Katherine felt her face burning with shame. Yes, she had a responsibility now. Even as the King was so kind as to keep her and her baby under his roof, she was supposed to take care of her baby's dressing at least. She took the shirt in her hands again and restarted to sew, attentive to her task, and trying to mimic Delia's beautiful and ordered patterns.
*****
To Katherine's dismay, when the archery lessons ended, the King decided it was right time to teach her how to use a sword.
"You won't tell me all Elven Ladies know how to fight with a sword?" She asked to Thranduil, who stood before her wearing a silver armor and a helmet. God, he looked just so handsome. His tall frame and broad chest, and the multitude of warrior braids showing from under the helmet, made Katherine's heart start to jump. 'Down, girl, this is your Father in law, and he is quite older than a sequoia from Yosemite's woods!' she scolded herself.
"Of course not, but you are going to go on a risky journey and I want to be sure you can take care of yourself and your baby." The King flashed a smile and looked amused at Katherine. She was clad in armor too. This one had been Aglareb's armor for training when he was an adolescent. Burnished in red and black, and with a helmet in which a dragon was coiled, the head of the beast served as nose-guard and the red wings extended at both sides of the face. It was not heavy, but nonetheless was really uncomfortable. Not to mention the minute she put it on she felt the need to scratch precisely the places that were covered. 'It never fails, damn Murphy's Law!'
"Well, what are you waiting for? Draw your sword!" barked Thranduil.
Katherine understood, that minute, from whom Legolas had learned to scream like that!
*****
After a long hot bath and a session of fairy tales to Oberon. Katherine stretched on her bed. She almost missed her archery classes. If Legolas was a horrid teacher, he was a lovely one compared to Thranduil, or 'Attila the Elf' as she baptized him inwardly. Every part of her anatomy hurt, from her legs to her neck, not to mention her arms. How was that possible? When she was confronting the spiders she had moved at Elven speed, cutting and slashing them in minutes. Now, training with his Father, she was practically hit, smashed and battered to a bunch of hurting muscles. The armor prevented serious damage, but it did not impeded the lovely caresses of the sword slamming on her body.
"Come on, Katherine, be strong, you will get used to it," she said to herself.
"Or you will die in the attempt." That voice, that silky dark voice was unmistakable.
Katherine sat on the bed and turned her head to the dark place the voice came from.
There, in the shadows, stood Azriel, his sallow face the only thing distinct from the blackness.
"You!" she hissed and jumped from the bed, her past tiredness forgotten, crushed under her sudden wrath. She moved as fast as a cobra and attacked the Angel pushing him to the floor with all her weight.
Both of them landed on the ground, Azriel on his back, she atop him, closing her hands around his neck.
He managed to disentangle from her grip and rolled over, taking her with him and pinned her wrists at her sides. He saw how she opened her mouth to scream and with a blink of his eyes a gag materialized around her mouth.
"Now, if you promise to behave and don't yell at me, I will take off your gag and will release you. Will you behave?"
She was struggling hard, her body writhing under his hands. After some seconds of unsuccessful fight, she stayed still, glaring daggers at Azriel.
"So, you will behave."
She nodded, and the gag vanished. She watched him while he stood from the floor and let her go. She rubbed the skin of her wrists and stood up as well.
"Well, my little warrior, it seems you are learning how to use your Elven strength and agility. But even with all those gifts you can't surpass a Maia's power."
"You disgusting pig! How dare you keep that secret? Fëanor, the Kinslayer, the worst murderer and traitor of this world! Can you understand the degree of pain and guilt I felt when I realized? And in front of King Thranduil; of all Elves he had to discover it," she spat at him, lowering her voice to a menacing whisper.
Azriel lowered his eyes. His face grew paler, if such a thing was possible. He bit his lower lip and sighed. When he lifted his chin, Katherine saw something that shocked her. He was crying, from his cold eyes flowed streams of glittering tears.
"Would you forgive me, Autharthiel? I know it was so difficult for you to face this alone, but it was supposed to be like that. Not all of your other incarnations had suffered this. They died very soon, or never had someone to help them to understand the dreams I sent. The few that understood decided it was too much to bear and took their own lives. But you succeeded where the others had failed."
Katherine listened his words in awe. Indeed, the realization had hit her very hard, and the idea of suicide crossed her mind, but she could not do such a thing, she could not fail her child. Besides, Thranduil had helped her with his soothing words and his trust. She felt some sympathy for the Angel, even though she was not eager to forgive him.
"Stop those tears, silly. I assure you I am not going to forgive you easily, but I can't stay angry the rest of my life, can I? And, I have some more questions for you. Though I can see you came to give me some explanations." She sat on the bed, and gestured him to sit at her side. He obeyed, wiping the tears from his pale cheeks.
"Nothing escapes from you, does it, Autharthiel?" he replied, his voice trembling a little.
"You already said it, I am such a smart ass. Now spit it out, I know you have something in reserve just to shock me even more."
He sighed deeply and looked into her eyes. "I told you that my destiny and yours are bounded. Well, do you remember why Fëanor was exiled from Valinor the first time, and why his people were forbidden to enter the Valar's dwelling place?"
"Yes, of course, his. or should I say, my thick head and impulsiveness. I believed Morgoth's foul words about the Valar restraining our departure and freedom."
"Yes, Morgoth's foul words. But such words were not spoken to Fëanor directly, because the proud Elf despised Morgoth and didn't trust him. But, the Dark Lord had allies, lots of them, and I was one of them. I was the one that filled your head with hatred and suspicion about the Valar. Do you remember me, your "true" friend, Artamir?"
Katherine stayed silent, while the name moved a secret string inside her heart. Artamir, the sound of it resounded again and again. Suddenly, images came to her mind. Visions of pale flesh and raven hair cascading over her, memories of moans and sighs and sweet kisses, warmth coming from a lithe body over hers. Then, ecstasy, flowing through her like liquid light, filling her, surrounding her, and the echoing sound of a male voice, a voice that once belonged to her screaming 'Artamir'. She came back from the reverie with a start, noticing that the memories had affected her body. She could hear very distinct the drumming sound of her heart, and feel the deep flush that was covering her face. But the shocking realization chilled every arousal she felt. "You were Fëanor's lover!"
"Shhh." The Angel put his palm over her mouth to muffle her voice. When he considered she was calmer he withdrew his hand.
"For God sake, Azriel, you made love to him.me.him! Oh, this is too much! How could you betray him like that?" Katherine was whispering now, though she wanted to scream.
"I did it for love."
"Yes, of course, you did it for love! How foolish of me not to notice it!" she said sarcasm dripping from her words. "But, my definition of love does not include treachery in the first degree."
Azriel sighed. "No, of course. There are things you have to know. I loved Fëanor, even before I settle an alliance with Morgoth. You maybe know that the Valar, and the Maiar as well, found the Elves totally appealing. They possessed one gift we lacked, freedom to chose their fate. All the other creatures made by God, Angels, Archangels, Cherubs and the other divine beings, are supposed to have only a straight destiny, praise the Lord and his glory. But the Men and the Elves, and the others beings that live in Middle Earth are free to do as they want. That, and the fire that burned inside Fëanor, was my doom. I took the form of an Elf, and slowly gained his favor. Oh, how it good was to have his trust, his approval and finally his love. I know he was meant to do great things. But Morgoth's words seduced me. He told me that if Fëanor stayed in Valinor, his glory would always be second best. But in Middle Earth, he could become the highest lord, because he had the potential to do it."
"And you believed him? Azriel, you are either a naive Angel, or a total stupid one."
"It was both, because love has the power to turn the brightest creature into the most naïve. So, Morgoth's words were spoken to Fëanor by me. Too late I discovered Morgoth's intentions, but I stayed at my lover's side till his end. And I was condemned to stay at his side for all eternity, till he gains his redemption."
Katherine looked at him. 'So, he was my lover once. Now that I notice it, he is breathtaking when he is not wearing that funeral face,' she thought. "And what about the removal of your fleshly desires? Is that part of your punishment?"
"Oh, that!" sighed the Angel, "well, I was not supposed to become the lover of an Elf. For that little sin I was denied the wonderful joys of flesh while I use this body."
"It looks a little arbitrary. Melian was a Maia, as you, and she was allowed to join with Thingol. He was an Elf as Fëanor."
"You said it, She was a Maia, and Thingol was a male Elf. My gender is not only related to this form, I am a male Maia."
"Oh!" Katherine said, a little amused by the sudden blush that appeared on Azriel face. She didn't know that the Angels could blush. "Then God doesn't approve of homosexual relationships."
"Let's say he doesn't care too much, but he doesn't encourage them either."
"Tell me, Azriel. Is He so confusing all the time?"
"Yes, all the time!"
"So, now what? In a month I will depart for the Gray Havens, and from there I will go directly to Tol-Eressëa."
"Just wait and learn as much as you can. And train hard." The Angel stood up from the bed and walked away from her.
"Ugh, don't remind me, my body stills screams for rest and liniment." She suddenly had an idea and raising from her bed she walked towards Azriel. Without warning she took his pale face in her hands and pulled it to her, planting a searing kiss on his thin lips. She withdrew and looked at his eyes. They were wide in surprise. "Did you feel something?"
He sighed. "No, but I imagine that means you forgive me."
"Not in the least, you little imp. But I am not so angry now. Go away, my tired back is craving for bed," she said mockingly.
"Oh, that impertinent attitude, my dear, so damn charming as always." He smiled and vanished in the darkness.
Katherine touched her lips with her fingertips. Sweet tingles still lingered there and in other parts of her body. "Damn Angel!" she muttered and tried to sleep. But the memories, and the feeling of his cold lips on hers kept her awake for hours.
TBC
Gratitude to my Reviewers
J-squeeqy-tikiman: Thank you so much for your review. Don't worry, if one person reads this fic, it's enough for me, this keeps me writing. I hope you enjoy this new chapter, and I will try to update as soon as I can.
Bloody Vixen: A plot bunny is the way the writers call those incredible ideas that just hits you in the face and makes you include something new in the plot, or even give a total twist to the story. The bunny word is referring to the way in those ideas keep on gnawing on you day and night until one put those ideas on words. I appreciate your support greatly, it came in a moment where I needed it most.
Authors' note: I had a little argument with my beta-reader. So I had to find a new one. That was the major issue who delayed me updating. Though, even when my new beta is even better than the former one, she can take a little more time to do her work. So, I ask you, my dear reviewers, please have a little patience, there is still a long road to go and so much more fun and adventures for Katherine, Legolas and Gimli.
Blessed be Kat