A/N: Hello, lovelies! I think I'm updating on time...I was naughty again and wrote chapters during work hours. Ooops. Oh well. Its done and no one is any the wiser...at least I hope they're not.
As always thanks to everyone for reviewing! I love seeing what people think and enjoy seeing opinions! Keep 'em coming.
And as for the voting, well the Haldir X OC got a big fat yes. Review responses got a big I don't give a...ahem.
NOTE: If anyone is interested in reading stories that are my own, just go to the sister site fictionpress. I'm under the same penname.
Review Responses:
Princess Katt12: Thank you!
Kidal: Well Braig's natural instinct is to be a predator. Instant reaction. Haldir is definitely hiding.
Ikite: I always 'ugh' in frustration when I come to the end of a chapter. My brain cant work that fast so be patients with me. :D
Finalfan21: I hate to...no I won't. You'll just have to read.
TsukiyomiMoon: I did a happy dance when I was writing. Yay they is back together! And he certainly shall.
SNOstorm: Riding to war on a warg is very boss like. I also approve. :D
Spirit RavenWolf: You flatter me, dearie. I'm very happy to see I can make such a great impression on you. I can't stop grinning now. I do write my own books - its just they're not published. If you're interested in reading my own works then go onto fictionpress. I'm under the same penname. :)
Tlcatlady: Thanks, love! Glad you liked it.
x-on-Wings-of-glass-x: Thank youuuuu. Well I had to have her doing something other than sitting behind a fortress and mopping like some damsel in distress. I'm glad you think I captured they're personalities. :) Just what I want to hear. Thank you, darling!
LoveFoodHateFat: You'll definitely like this chapter when they reunite...*hint hint nudge nudge* Hahaha. *takes award and blows you a kiss* Thank you, dearie! I'm glad to be your favourite author. :P
Mystic twilight princess: Thanks!
XxBlazestormxX: Marina is still human; I want her to be insecure about most things. It's only natural in a completely different world. If I write a Haldir X OC yes it shall be an OC character and it wont be a damn elf. Thank you, dearie but I doubt it. XD Definitely need to write a Thorin X OC *nose bleed* I'm taking advantage of his not-so-mentioned personality. I'm creating him in what I think he would act like - I'm just glad most approve. XD Elrond is a sexy-ass elf and Aragorn...sex on a stick. Give me Haldir, Legolas, Thranduil and Aragorn in a bedroom. *swoon* Always love your reviews, dearie. Keep 'em comin!
Abyss Prime: Love you!
Feffervesce: Thank you! Your honour me with your words.
Darkmoon Redrose: Well there's a little bit of a scrap in this. Hopefully it is too your liking. You will discover as you read on. :P
Stylin'Fire: Thank you!
Fellowship of Avengers: Thorin I wanna make you miiiiinnne. Ahem. Well Haldir and Gandalf do most of the telling. The most important Is left to her. Thank you, my lovely! Always look forward to reading your reviews.
Mellon: Bahahaha. Braig does what she wants. I can't control her. Q-q
KrystylSky: Everyone will want one soon. XD
SleepyHollow 5: Thank you and you shall find out in this chapter.
Mary Elrondile: I'm giddy that you're giddy! If you like demonstrations you'll like this chapter. I'm trying to update sooner. Be patttiiieeeennnt. :P
Lyn1752: Thank ya!
Uchiha no Kaori: Smutt...mmm...smutt. YES. Only that would be completely inappropriate. Damn it all. Yes, Marina's warg army will take over ze world! Muahahha!
Cmusiclover92: Thank you, dearie!
TolkienGirl052: Well if it wasn't awesome and you didn't love it I would be very sad face. :(
Matsujunchan: Hahahaha. I would do something like that except this isn't a crackfic. *tries to make serious face and fails* I like your style, dearie. Definitely would be human. I can't stand females that are too much of a match for a powerful male. Ruins the dream. I think its working! Yes, I think its going to be a gi-oh wait, no. Keep trying, dearie. :P Loves!
Shades-Soul: I wills. Take your time!
I will not think about sex.
I will not think about sex.
I will not think about sex.
...shit.
And what an inappropriate time to be thinking about it too. Just because Legolas had returned didn't mean her hormones had to start on a wild tangent.
As with Helms Deep, the battlefield just didn't clean itself up automatically. That took man power and days of hard labour. The Mumakil, as Gimli had corrected Marina numerous times after she'd been referring to them as giant elephants, were the hardest to move simply because of their size and weight. Moving them off the field had become a bloody, distasteful business that contributed to the wargs. Instead of moving a whole carcass, the men instructed the wargs, through Marina, to dismember the elephants.
As with all predators, they loved nothing more than to sink fang into a bleeding carcass.
Aside from bloody carnage, the wargs were very helpful in removing the dead off the battlefield. Where it took two horses to pull one horse away, it only took one warg. And despite disbelief to the contrary, the wargs seemed to be enjoying their manual labour. Marina surveyed each warg carefully to make sure none were going off on their own tangent - that is, eating the carcasses.
One had attempted to do so.
Sitka had leapt on the younger warg and shook him right and well until the little one got the idea not to do it again.
That acted as an example, luckily.
Marina did not merely standby and watch but leant a hand. Harnesses had been made with strips of tough leather for the warg's to wear in order to tow away the dead. Outfitting them had been difficult as the leatherworkers refused to go near the great beasts. It had fallen to Marina to take the measurements of the wargs, of which only fifty remained. The rest had perished in battle or fled just after.
Those that remained were dutiful and obedient for the most part. It was as though Marina's rallying them together had turned them into a normal, giant pack of wargs. Sitka and Jigar acted as leaders, teaching them what was acceptable and what would get a death sentence. Although the people of Gondor now trusted Marina, they did not by any means trust the wargs she'd brought back.
Aside from that, there was good news too.
Merry had been found by Pippin, much to the relief of everyone.
And Eowyn had been discovered by Éomer.
Both the hobbit and the Lady of Rohan were being attended to by healers for the wounds they had sustained in felling the Witch King.
Sighing, Marina brushed her fingers leisurely through Braig's fur, leaning against the warg's strong shoulders as the female warg watched Jigar patrolling the grounds. Both were distracted by males they desired. Legolas had not had any time with Marina since they reunited on the battlefield, having been too busy in cleaning up the aftermath of war and counselling wounded soldiers who had lost their faith in life.
Braig and Marina both sighed.
"Have you tried talking to him?"
I don't want to disturb him. Braig's voice was soft and wary. Countless times she'd been wanting to approach the big black warg yet nervousness and loyalty to Marina had held her at bay. Said woman slid from the warg's back and gave her an encouraging pat on the head.
"Go on, Braig. I'll be fine."
With a whine Braig nuzzled her human's shoulder before loping off like a giant puppy towards the handsome male warg.
Naturally you would be concerned if your dog developed an interest in a much larger, older male. Just like a daughter that had an infatuation with a guy twice her age. It was no different for Marina as she stood on the bloodied battlefield in the exact same war-stained clothes of breeches and a thoroughly ruined vest and cloak. Even if Jigar tried to attack Braig, Marina was certain she could stop him again as she had done before.
Braig approached Jigar cautiously but not as a submissive gesture. Tail held high and curled, neck arched, the beautiful female danced her way through the dirt toward him, knowing that Sitka and other male wargs were watching her. Jigar payed no attention to her, continuing to haul away a pair of dead horses with his golden eyes set on the already burning pile of carcasses.
Not prepared to give up, Braig trotted up to slink in front of him, freezing as he growled quietly at her.
I have no time for you, pup. Stand aside.
Pup? He thought she was a pup? Braig was young yes but beautiful and wise where most wargs were not. Didn't Jigar appreciate that? Had he not seen her blind a leather-tusk without the aid of another warg? Ears flickering, Braig pranced in front of him again, wagging her tail and pouncing around him. Jigar bared his fangs at her and on impulse Braig snarled back, head lowering in defence. With a sharp growl the black warg surged forward, breaking the harness and smashed chest first into the female.
They toppled into the dirt, jostling to get to stand first.
"Braig!" Marina yelled but otherwise didn't approach. Something told her this had to happen whether she liked it or not.
Other wargs and men paused in their work to watch the fighting wargs; a fierce, lithe silver female and the heavy set black beast. Claws and teeth tore through fur and skin. The ground vibrated with the force of their battle, soaked with their blood as blow after blow was traded. Braig used her dexterity and speed to the advantage, darting out of reach and back in under his guard where she could deliver a swift bite without retribution. There was only so much she could do for he was still larger and better experienced in battle.
Braig's tired eyes caught site of the horses Jigar had originally been hauling and steadily steered him toward it, incurring a few viscous bites for being so open to attack. However, it worked. As the black lunged for her, the silver warg slipped just out of reach and he went toppling over the carcasses, landing on his back. Braig wasted no time in standing over him, teeth bared and ears set against her skull.
Marina's eyes almost bugged out of their sockets as Jigar gave Braig a lick on the muzzle and they began playing, rolling in the dirt like two over-sized puppies. As if neither had just been intent on killing the other.
"What just happened?"
"I believe Jigar just consented to be Braig's mate." Gandalf said, scaring the wits out of the woman.
Managing not to sneer at him, Marina simply watched the frolicking wargs. Still utterly pissed off with Gandalf, it was surprising that she hadn't forgiven him yet. "How's that work? A minute ago they were fighting."
"Wargs function differently to us in terms of finding a mate. Whether male or female, they must fight their intended. If they lose they are not worthy. If they win and their intended does not try to kill them then it is settled."
"So you're saying that when Braig was crouching over him that if he didn't want to be her mate, he would have attacked her again?"
"Correct."
"Wow."
Warg relationships were even more confusing than the Elven way. But at least Braig would be happy now and perhaps maybe start a family some day. The thought made Marina smile. Little wargs would be adorable. Speaking of little things, just when was she going to suck it up and tell Legolas of the little one she was carrying? Fronting up now would be a good idea.
If Braig could do something spontaneous then Marina could too. Except the consequences would be a little different. Possibly even disastrous depending on Legolas's reaction which the woman feared the most. Said elf was striding towards her with eyes of happiness. Marina's breath quickened as his hands reached for her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Why are you out here, mil-nin. You should bathe."
Naturally most women would be hissing and spitting at a male for telling them they needed a bath but Marina knew Legolas well enough to know that he did not mean it in that way. It was simply his method to encourage her to go and relax. And...she was in dire need of a bath anyway.
"I...Legolas...I have something I need to tell you."
Legolas could clearly see the worry in her grey eyes and it made anxiety rise inside his chest. "What is it?"
"I..." Marina's brain went blank and she scrambled for something to say. "I...think we should...bathe...together?"
Marina mentally slapped herself. Where the bloody hell had that come from? Then again, the notion of bathing with Legolas was quite the pleasing idea. How long had it been since that night? Weeks. Weeks. Too damn long. Even though she was no longer a virgin, the idea of doing it again made her nervous. Fiddling with the hem of her shirt, Marina risked a glance at the elf.
Blue eyes were dark and swirling; his fingers twitching at her side. Marina squeaked in surprise as arms of steel encased her against an incredibly armoured chest; lithe fingers sliding down her back to grip her backside firmly. Fire sizzled along her nerves; her breath came faster and harder as she stared up into his dark eyes.
"I...uh...I'm-"
"-in so much trouble."
The Marchwarden stood nearby in full battle regalia; it was dented and blood stained yet not a single hair upon his head was out of place. How in the hell did elves manage it? But understanding an elf's styling techniques was the least of Marina's problems for the pleasant tingle going through her body had dissipated to nothing. Legolas was missing from the enclosure of her arms.
Spinning about Marina really wanted something to throw at both of them. Mainly Legolas. God, she'd been insinuating having sex with him and he was more interested in skewering Haldir with an arrow. The nerve! A muscle ticking in her jaw, the woman stomped her foot before trudging past the two as they prepared to have it out.
"You hurt her!" Legolas hissed. Twirling white blades in his hands, pacing around Haldir with intent.
"I had to! You weren't here. We had to encourage her powers to the forefront so she could protect herself."
"That is not what I was told." The Prince said venomously.
"By injuring her, I compelled Marina to use her powers to not only protect herself but to protect Braig. She killed a Mearas seeking to kill Braig accidentally. She stopped Shadowfax from running them down. Do you have any idea what could have happened if she had not harnessed that power?" The Marchwarden stressed.
Having a little more of an understanding to what the letter contained, Legolas gave his wife an understanding glance before snapping his gaze back to the Marchwarden. It didn't matter. Haldir would pay a blood price for injuring his mate no matter the reason. The Prince didn't at all like the fact that these powers had forced Marina to kill; it just wasn't in her nature. Gandalf had told him of Braig's insightful plan to steal the woman away from Minas Tirith, and what had transpired when the warg lost control. It grieved him that his mate would have to suffer so. There was nothing worse than blood on one's hands.
"You will beg for her forgiveness before me." Legolas commanded.
"I will not. We won the battle because of her powers. I will not apologise for saving thousands of lives."
That did it.
Legolas leapt forward with feral roar, slashing at Haldir with a fervour that portrayed his anger at the Marchwarden's clear dismissal of the seriousness of the situation. Metal clashed; the screech of steel rolling across the field as sparks flew. Blades blurred in the speed in which they moved; their owners darting around each other almost too fast to comprehend.
Marina, despite her concern at the fierceness of their battle, continued walking, shouting over her shoulder. "I'm going now!"
Legolas and Haldir paused for a millisecond before engaging again.
"Still walking!" Marina yelled, glancing around to see that they had locked swords and were fighting fiercely. Something low in her body tightened to see a expression not seen since the day Legolas had rescued her from the Uruk-hai upon his face. Another insight that Legolas could be a killer. And for one reason or another, it was a very attractive expression. Or maybe Marina was too hyped up on hormones to know the difference.
Haldir and Legolas weren't playing around; their blows were fierce and intricately timed to gain the slightest advantage over the other. The Marchwarden parried and ducked as the Prince's sword aimed high, pivoting on his foot to drive his own sword towards Legolas's exposed side. Blocking the attack with nary a flick of the wrist, it was back to exchanging steel; back and forth. Marina stared at them, eye twitching.
Men could be so near sighted when they had the mind for it.
Like, all the time.
"I'm going to get naked and flirt with soldiers!" Marina shouted.
No response. They just whacked at each other like tough old men.
In comparison, they reminded Marina of rams that head butted each other for no reason whatsoever.
And she thought these two were intelligent.
And she was married to one.
Shall I stop them?
Braig and Jigar approached side by side, clearly obsessed with each other. Where nary a day ago the big black warg had ignored the female, now he couldn't take his eyes off her. Sitka followed resolutely behind them, looking for all the world like a sad puppy. It hadn't been a mystery to know Sitka had wanted Braig for his own but now it was too late for him to do anything about it. All he could really do was stay nearby and act as her second protector. Marina turned to watch the fighting pair again and felt anger spark. How could they so brazenly ignore her? Especially Legolas. They'd only been reunited for a couple of hours and all he wanted to do was whack Haldir with a steel bar.
For something as insignificant as Haldir nicking her with his blade. Marina was over it. Unleashing a stampede of horses on the poor elf had sated her desire for revenge. There was no reason for this fiasco to occur anymore. And Marina was damn sure that if she let them do it, one would die. Well, perhaps not die but fatally injured with pride in tatters? More than likely.
Marina watched them for a moment longer, compelled by Legolas no matter how hard she tried to convince her body to calm down. Seeing him move so quickly and powerfully was almost making her salivate. Slapping a palm to her forehead, Marina breathed in and out in a steady rhythm to control baser instincts. Baser instincts that had never existed until the Prince stepped into her life. Damn it all. Wasn't she supposed to be furiously mad at him? Now all she could see were those slender hips rocking...
Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!
"No, Braig. This is my fault. I'll handle it." Marina cleared her throat and all but screamed, "The way you attack each other, it's almost as if you're in love."
No reaction, whatsoever.
Even if she announced she was committing suicide, there would undoubtedly continue to be no reaction from the two elves. Dust circulated around the two from the ferocity of their movements. If only for the respect of the dead, did they stay in one place instead of running over all of the dead men and horses.
Angry beyond words, Marina snapped her head around to see the wargs reacting to the distress of her thoughts. They had abandoned their work and were gathered nearby, awaiting direction no matter the cost. A hand on her shoulder broke Marina's flow of concentration and the wargs turned and went back to their labour. Gandalf's old, wizened face was above her.
"Don't use them in that fashion, child. You remember what the spectre told you?"
"Yes. I remember." Marina sighed and turned away towards Minas Tirith, leaving the fighting elves to their own devices.
The streets were bustling with repair work and wreckage; carts were carrying away irreparable objects and occasionally people who had been crushed by the weight of a building falling upon them. The dead were numerous - the losses staggering. Marina's heart went out to the families who had lost so much and had no way of getting their loved ones back. If only she'd been able to save everyone man that had died; the power to heal all manner of injuries. The power to bring back the dead.
The battlefield changed you the moment you killed someone; a haze covers your eyes and everything is done automatically, and without regret. Marina clutched her stomach, unable to remove the images of Mumakil and orcs dying by her influence. Orcs were evil, granted. But it was still a life and the woman had snubbed many in that battle.
For the first time, Braig did not accompany her back to the housing arrangement. Instead the warg chose to hang back with Jigar and enjoy his company. Marina tried to ignore the clenching pain in her heart but it was impossible. Braig had been with her for what felt like years but in reality was only months. The mortal had come to rely on her so much, and now such a simple thing as a male of the same species was enough to steal her away. Humans were vain creatures. They couldn't help but to feel jealousy when the attention was diverted to something else.
To distract her roving thoughts, Marina navigated her way through the ruined streets to the healing house to visit Eowyn and Merry. Healers nodded in respect to her; some even asked for her assistance to sew a wound or soothe a patient with her magic. And Marina did without complaint, feeling it was the least she could do. Even though it drained her of the remaining strength she had, the very idea of letting these people continue to sit in agony was not something she could do.
Merry was the first she came to see. The little hobbit was dozing pleasantly on a bed with Pippin sitting steadfast by his side. When she approached Pippin glanced up and smiled tiredly. "Hi, Marina."
"Hey, Pip. How is he?"
"The healers say he's getting better. He'll be right as rain tomorrow."
"That's good."
They sat together in silence. Pippin leaned across to place his smaller hand on Marina's. "Are you ok? Where is Braig?"
Was she? So much had happened in such a short time period, and now Legolas was too devoted in kicking Haldir's butt to even notice she had walked away. What hurt her the most was that neither even bothered to notice. Even Braig had abandoned her to be with Jigar. Not that she held any judgement over Braig for that reason but she still couldn't help feeling betrayed. The warg had been by her side for so long, it felt criminal for Braig's attention to stray anywhere else but her. But that was selfish and inconsiderate. Clenching her hands into fists, Marina shook her head and attempted a smile for Pippin's sake.
"No but I'll get over it. Braig is with Jigar - he accepted her."
"Oh." Pippin glanced down at her hand, noting she was trembling beneath his touch. He didn't know how to comfort a woman. He had no idea what to say.
"Well I should go see Eowyn. I'll see you later. Say hello to Merry for me when he wakes up." Marina slid her hand out from under his, silently appreciating his attempt at comforting her.
"I will."
Éowyn was on another level so Marina began climbing up the stairs, sighing heavily. Being so distracted meant she wasn't paying any attention to where she was going and walked straight into a person. Steadying hands landed on her shoulders. She'd recognise that gentle, strong touch anywhere. Aragorn had changed out of his armour and wore simple breeches with a red top and a black cloak sitting over his shoulders.
"Marina? Are you all right?"
God, if it had to be anyone who'd make her cry it would be Aragorn. Hanging her head against his chest, Marina shook violently, fingers clenching into the material of his shirt. Why did this all have to be so damn difficult? Why couldn't it be simple? The ranger, so much like a brother to Marina, wrapped his arms about her suddenly frail body and hushed her in a soft voice, stroking her hair.
"Come. Tell me what's wrong." Aragorn linked their fingers and led her to a spare room that seemed to be for emergency patients with severe illnesses. It was untouched, thankfully so Marina, at Aragorn's guidance, perched on the bed as the ranger sat down beside her. Never had she been so grateful to him at that moment. To just have someone sit there and listen instead of harassing and prodding her.
Marina explained everything from leaving Rohan to the encounter with Shadowfax, to the chaos of the horse herd to arriving in Minas Tirith. From the spectral warg to Gandalf and Haldir's insistence. Missing Legolas. Sending him the letter. Getting kidnapped by Braig, and then bringing back an entire warg army. Fighting in the battle. Braig's abandonment. Haldir and Legolas's blatant disregard for her feelings. The only thing she left out was the matter of being pregnant. By the end of the explanation, Marina was breathing hard and shakily, thoroughly worn out and sick of it all.
Aragorn merely eyed her with something akin to respect in his gaze, a soft smile forming his mouth. "You have experienced much in such a short period of time, Marina. You are the only woman I know strong enough to handle it."
"You think so?" Marina's lips trembled, feeling utterly pathetic.
The ranger nodded confidently. "Aye. I don't believe you should consider your powers to be a curse or for your fate to be a prison sentence. You have a good, long future ahead of you, Marina. With Legolas. I know he may seem daft but he loves you."
Marina almost choked. Aragorn called Legolas daft. So awesome.
"Forgive me for saying say, but Haldir is right. If you hadn't fought in that battle, we would have lost many more lives. Your wargs saved the day. Give Braig some time. She will come back to your side when she is ready. And as for Haldir and Legolas fighting, well...after you sent that letter, can you blame him?"
Like a scolded child, Marina hunched her shoulders and murmured, "Well, no. But does that excuse him for ignoring me?"
"Of course not. Legolas probably never heard you. Haldir neither. Men - any men with a fight on their minds goes deaf."
"Even you?"
"Even me."
Marina giggled and Aragorn grinned, affectionately ruffling her hair. It was a relief to be able to vent without repercussion but who better to ask than the ranger as to what Legolas's reaction would be to her being pregnant? Licking suddenly dry lips, Marina looked up at the rugged man.
"Aragorn, I need to tell you something. And you can't tell Legolas."
The ranger crossed his hand over his heart. "You have my word."
"OK...I'm...I'm...pre..."
"Preparing?"
"No," Marina sighed and tried again. "I'm p...preg...pre..."
"Precious? We know you are." Aragorn joked.
"You're not helping."
"Sorry. Do go on." The ranger glanced away innocently as the flushing woman glared at him.
"I'm pregnant."
How many fan girls could say they saw Aragorn completely stumped? Marina had the privilege and would have laughed if his silence hadn't unnerved her. Why was he silent? What was he thinking? The ranger's poker-face was just as practised as Legolas which was a little alarming. More than alarming if it was supposed to be a negative reaction. Marina's pulse beat rapidly in her ears, thrumming along her skin.
And then, Aragorn smiled. Marina almost leapt out of her skin as she was suddenly wrapped in the ranger's embrace.
"Congratulations!" His smile faltered at the nervousness of her posture. "Why haven't you told Legolas?"
"I'm terrified of his reaction. What if he doesn't want a child? What if the idea repulses him? What if-"
"Sweet girl, you worry too much." Aragorn was laughing, genuinely, tightening his arms to give her light squeeze of comfort before releasing her. It was such a rare sight that Marina could do nothing but stare at him, dumbfounded. He eventually recovered his composure. "Legolas will be overjoyed. I promise you. You have nothing to fear. Just be careful. Legolas will become an absolute tyrant when he learns you're pregnant."
Great. As if he wasn't protective enough already. Relief flooded her and without even thinking about it, she returned his embrace, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Aragorn."
Aragorn just couldn't understand how Marina dealt with this world. It seemed far more dangerous than her own 'Earth', considering what he'd been told of its safety. The amount of pressure put upon the young woman to exceed above and beyond expectations seemed to be too much to ask. But if nothing else, she was coping with it. And the ranger couldn't think of a better husband for her than Legolas. There would come a time when Marina understood just how Legolas worked completely. Even when it appeared he was being an inconsiderate bastard.
"But he's still a jerk." Marina grumbled.
Aragorn smiled. Yes, eventually she would understand him but certainly not today.
With a chuckle, Aragorn suggested seeing Eowyn and the two walked up the stairs, each with their own thoughts on how Legolas would react to the news.
Eowyn was delighted, as was Éomer to be visited by Marina. Aragorn had other things to see to so pressing a kiss to both of the females' foreheads and clasping Eomer's shoulder, he left them in the quiet murmur of the healing house.
"You were with the Rohirrim? The whole time?" Marina gushed, aghast.
"Yes. I had no choice. Neither my brother or...or..." Éomer clasped her hand comfortingly, still uneasy about the news of his uncle's untimely passing.
"It's ok. I understand." Marina assured her.
The blonde's gaze snapped up to the young woman, suddenly fierce. "You were there on Braig. I remember. I didn't recognise you at first but then who else would be sitting astride a huge silver warg? Why didn't you save him? Why didn't you save my uncle!"
Though Marina hadn't expected it to be this soon, she had thought this question would come up sooner rather than later. After all, what was Eowyn to think? Marina had been right there with the power to save Theoden and she hadn't. "Eowyn, I would have saved him. It still hurts that I couldn't. I took away his pain. Healing him would have killed us both. I'm sorry."
With tears burning in her eyes, Eowyn turned away, clutching her brother's hand. "Forgive me, Marina. It is wrong to judge you but I search for someone to blame. I beg of you, leave me for a time so I might recover myself."
It stung but Marina didn't blame her and bid the two goodbye, hiding her own tears with the sleeve of her shirt.
Just another example of just how cursed she was.
For the first time in what felt like years (and maybe it was) Marina found herself wondering what had become of her father and her older brothers. Whether they missed her of if they even knew she had disappeared. Swallowing hard Marina was surprised to find that she missed them. She missed her house. Her two very good friends Tracey and Gordon. She missed technology. Leaning against a wall to an alleyway, Marina thought long and hard about everything that had occurred in the past six months up to this point.
Aragorn was right. She had to stop believing a revealed fate was a curse. After all how many other women would have wanted Legolas as a husband? To have a warg as a companion and a bodyguard. And to have mind boggling powers? Hell, to actually be in Middle-Earth!
It would be uncountable.
The fact is, she should be grateful but no human is satisfied with their lot no matter how perfect their life is. There was always something more to covert. Something more to yearn for. Marina just didn't know what she wanted. A complete understanding of her purpose beyond what the spectre had revealed? That would only come with time. All she could do was be patient.
Since Legolas had returned, it was only natural Marina share lodgings with him. Arrangements had been made to house them just a few doors down from where she had first been. Dragging her feet, Marina began the arduous task of traversing the levels to get there. A part of her wished she'd taken every alleyway there for the reception on the streets made her cringe.
Many women, men and children she passed waved or shouted a greeting yet most stared solemnly at her as if to say, 'why couldn't you save everyone?'. Those looks became increasingly numerous as the woman continued up the levels. Marina felt sick to her stomach. If she had the ability to bring back the dead, she would. Staring at her feet had become the only safe place to look.
Eventually though, the door shut with finality as Marina entered the quaint house. It was furnished with a few decorations and one bedroom with a considerably large bed. A bowl of apples and various other fruits and bread sat on a table. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since before she was unconscious. For almost three nights she'd gone without food.
And there was more than just herself to worry about now.
She had a baby to feed.
Marina scarfed a whole apple, half an orange and three slices of plain bread (she was that hungry) before quenching her thirst by pouring herself water from the pitcher nearby. As sated as she could be by such a meagre meal, Marina dragged herself to the washroom and had a much needed bath, scrubbing the dirt from her skin. Dirt, blood and other anomalies turned the previously clean bath water into a cloudy mess. With much grumbling, Marina emptied the bath, waiting impatiently as the water slid down the drain beneath the tub before fetching water from the storage room. Padding naked and dripping water everywhere probably wasn't the wisest decision but at that point she didn't really care. And she wanted to make doubly sure she was clean by taking another bath. There was still blood encrusted under her fingernails.
Tip-toeing back to the bath with a full bucket of water in hand, she slowly tipped it into the tub. A couple more and it would be enough.
So concentrated in her task, she did not hear the door open until warm fingers smoothed over her exposed shoulders, nails hinting against the warm nape of her neck. Marina squeaked in surprise, dropped the bucket and spun around to see Legolas's eyes sparkling above her. His hands were hovering against her sides, almost as if he were afraid to touch her again. There was a raw, vulnerable gleam in his eyes.
"I'm most definitely dreaming." Marina whispered, heart still beating like a hummingbird beneath her breast. Water clung in beads to her skin and Legolas's molten blue eyes followed a trail as it made its way down her chest, skirting around a nipple before disappearing amidst her navel. Only then did his eyes meet hers again.
Legolas leaned in close. "Dreaming?"
"I fell asleep once before in the tub in Edoras and had a dream about you. I guess I'm just having another one. Except I'm not in the tub this time..."
"You're not dreaming, mil-nin."
Marina bit her lip. "Prove it."
With a masculine chuckle, Legolas smoothed his thumbs over her wet hips, dipping his head to catch a roving water bead on his tongue, following its intended path down her clavicle to the valley of her breasts. Marina trembled beneath his touch, pulse hammering and mouth parted as he knelt to press his soft mouth against her stomach, nuzzling against her hips and caressing her thighs. Legolas deliberately pressed a kiss between her legs, dark eyes glancing up to see her flushing red with pleasure and embarrassment.
"Do you still need convincing?" Legolas murmured silkily against her thigh.
All she could do was give a short, concise nod before murmuring, "I'm still mad at you."
Marina edged away from him, watching him as he continued to kneel on the floor. If you were mad at someone you did not let them seduce you. Or did you? Legolas rose to his feet, as graceful as a jungle cat and just as fierce as he stalked towards her. Power pulsated in every angle of his body; the strength undeniable and irrefutable. Hands that could kill but also pleasure, curled invitingly at her.
"Come here, 'Nina."
"No way. I'm mad at you. You completely ignored me! Is Haldir even alive?" Yelling at him whilst wet and naked was a great combination, and it was very difficult to give force to her temper when he was looking at her like that. As though she were the most beautiful creature on the planet; his eyes beguiling and his mouth a sinful allure. "Stop looking at me like that!"
"Like what?"
"Like that - urgh! Don't make me want you. I already want you."
Legolas's lips tilted into a devastating smile, revealing a row of white teeth as he prowled towards her, placing his bow and quiver on the table. Marina went even redder the closer he got and put the bathtub between them so she had a chance to yell at him some more when what she really wanted to do was run straight into his arms.
Trying a different tactic, Marina willed tears into her eyes. "You hurt me. Why did you completely ignore me?"
That stopped him and the smile disappeared entirely. "I'm sorry, Marina. I was so caught up in punishing Haldir I did not hear a word that you said. I beg your forgiveness. And he is fine; just a little...bruised."
At least Haldir was alive but what manner of 'bruised' was Legolas implying? A slight injury or so busted up that he couldn't walk? Marina had a bad feeling the conclusion was leaning more to the latter. And if that was the case, Legolas would be in big trouble...when she had a decent wardrobe on.
Damn it, Aragorn. Did you have to be right? Now what excuse can I use to keep him away?
Whilst she'd been distracted, Legolas had moved closer and was scant feet away. Freedom was no longer an option. Marina shrieked as he pounced at her, narrowly escaping by leaping over the bathtub and jarring her hip in the process. A chase around the object ensued with Marina yelling at him to stay away while he demanded her to come to him so he could see the extent of the damage done to her body.
"Go away!"
"Never. Not ever, mil-nin. Not as long as I breathe."
"You insufferable elf!" Running around naked, there was no way Legolas could take her seriously.
If his light, joyous laughter was of any indication.
"Stop laughing!"
Legolas managed to stop if only just but continued to crack a smile as she made angry faces at him. In the whole scheme of things, the elf knew she was cross at him but he was just so pleased to be reunited with her that it was difficult to take something seriously - anything seriously. Especially when she was oh so wet and very naked.
It didn't bode well for his limited self restraint.
And the scuffle with Haldir hadn't boded well either if he was completely honest. The Marchwarden hadn't been the only one to walk away (at a push) with an injury but as far as he was concerned, the dull throb in his arm had been well worth the effort. Considering the other elf was in a far worse state than he. Marina noticed that Legolas's sleeve was darker on his left side, and only one thing could cause that.
Blood.
"You're hurt!"
"It's just a scratch."
"Let me see it." Marina demanded and reluctantly abandoned her post on the other side of the tub to come to his side. Due to the arrangement of his vest, it was impossible to access his arm without taking the whole thing off. And Legolas, the smug bastard, knew it if the twitch of his lips was of any indication. "Take off your vest and don't do anything funny. You touch me and I'll hit you."
Legolas didn't comment on her threat, and with quick precise movements of his fingers, his spaulders hit the ground followed closely by his vest. A thin shirt was the last layer and before he could remove that, Marina grabbed his arm and rolled up the sleeve, ignoring his penetrating gaze. Blood had been soaked up by the shirt quite efficiently; the cut was narrow and precise. A minor wound. Concentrating on the well of power within, the woman allowed a little to seep through her fingers into the cut and watched with rapt fascination as it healed her husband's skin.
Having his first opportunity to witness his mate's healing powers, Legolas could only stare at the unblemished skin before slowly raising his eyes to see her half-way across the room headed in the direction of their bedroom. He wondered if she fully comprehended the meaning of this house. Granted, they were merely borrowing it while they stayed in Minas Tirith but it was theirs. Together. As husband and wife. Was she aware of it?
Sheer strength of will was the only thing that aided Marina in walking towards the bedroom in search of clothes. Just being near him set her body a-tingle. Not only that, but having the courage to have him at her back whilst she was naked. That took guts. The hair on her neck was standing on end as she fought the impulse to turn around. Times were simpler when she wasn't being strung along by her hormones.
Tension sang through the air, almost tangible as Marina finally gave into temptation and turned back to find him less than an inch away, staring at her with endless blue eyes. Birds chirping became distant; the clamour of armour and weapons became nondescript. All Marina could focus on was his proximity. All she could hear was the thundering of her heart as he stared at her with drowning pools of navy. Everything - Braig, the baby, Eowyn and Haldir were put on the back burner as her arms rose disobediently to circle around his neck.
A delicate shiver slid through her body as the water went cold against her feverish skin. Marina didn't notice in the slightest, too caught up in the intimate staring content with the irresistible Mirkwood Prince. Legolas snapped and caged her against his chest, threading lithe, strong fingers through her hair. Marina clutched at him all too eager to give in as his warm mouth sought hers, teeth at her lips, tongue hot against her own.
Marina whimpered helplessly as his kiss became more fierce and desperate to the point it was almost too much. Legolas realised he was losing control, but how could he not? Such a tempting creature that was bound to him eternally. Forever. Pressing a tender, apologetic kiss to her mouth, the elf's hands slid down her back to drag circles over her backside with the tips of his fingers. Reclining against him like a cat, the woman stood on tip-toe to attack his ear and pouted as he moved out of her reach.
"That's not fair."
"I don't have the patience for fair right now, mil-nin. You would seek to have me pliant under your beautiful hands."
"Huh. I didn't think I was that easy to read." Marina pouted adorably.
"It's easy to tell when you reach for my ears." Legolas murmured against her lips, sliding his tongue against them enticingly.
How could she deny him anything when he went and did things like that? Like putty in his skilful hands, Marina shyly opened her mouth to him, twitching as his tongue stroked over hers. Fingers dug into the flesh of her backside, keeping her snugly against him. Legolas purred quietly in his throat as she submitted willingly to his assault, all defiance gone from her person. Or so he thought.
Marina's eyes snapped open from their half-mast state and fixed upon his slyly, nails biting into his shoulders and creating crescent furrows. The Prince flinched but did not otherwise make any notion that he was in pain; he was enjoying himself too much to care. What he wasn't expecting was to be gripped by invisible hands that forcefully tugged him away from the little minx. Marina grinned and did a little bow as she controlled the power within to restrain him against a wall.
"Now what will you do, my handsome elf?" Marina swayed towards him, utterly drunk on her own impression. "How will you save yourself from me?"
Legolas's mouth went dry as wet, feminine curves pressed against him sinfully, her breasts ever so lightly touching his chest. No matter how much he twisted and flexed, the grip on is body held strong. Frustrated, his eyebrows came down in the first expression of anger she'd ever seen openly expressed without too much taunting.
"I will show you no mercy when I get my hands on you." He promised darkly, almost forebodingly.
Like a child with a cookie jar, Marina giggled and lifted her hands to stroke an ear gently. "I've been waiting to do this for weeks. And that's if you get your hands on me."
Truth be told, the woman did not have much left of her power, having used the majority of it healing the injured and deflecting arrows. Especially shielding Théoden from his dying agony. That had taken a lot of it. Who knew how long she could actually keep Legolas restrained? But for now, she'd make the most of it and torture him for being such an ass.
"Oh, I will, mil-nin. I assure you of that." He growled deeply.
Heart pulsating in an increased rhythm, both from fear and excitement, Marina leisurely dragged fingers down both ears at the same time. The delicate points she payed extra attention to, watching his eyes as they flashed and the subtle twitch of his mouth and body. Leaning up, and knowing full well he could feel every curve of her naked body against his, Marina dragged her tongue over his lips, nibbling at his jaw before following its masculine curve to his ear where she sucked on the tip, smiling with feminine pleasure.
The Prince of Mirkwood couldn't believe the extent of her power or the fact that she was exploiting it against him. Elves were renowned for having sensitive ears; it was an erogenous zone that was greatly played upon during an embrace. But to use it for revenge was just plain evil and very punishable. Tendrils of fire licked relentlessly over his body as she dragged her tongue over his ears; his heart hammering beneath his breast. Eru, how he wanted to touch her and never let go.
Marina could see the torment in his eyes, feel the tension in his body. A blush stained her cheeks as she felt the very prominent arousal even through his breeches. For every flex of a muscle, her power over him weakened bit by bit, like knocking bricks down one by one. Not only was Legolas physically powerful but mentally as well. It made it that much harder to keep her control over his body.
Something had to bend and the mortal had a feeling it would not be him.
One final fleeting lick against his ear, and like a drawn piece of rope, the tension snapped.
Power receded before disappearing quickly and it only took half a second for Legolas to notice the change.
Marina only found out because she was the one suddenly pressed against the wall by the elf's own physical strength, his eyes flaring blue with lust. A cry fell from her lips as he lifted her up, grinding his pelvis against her own and holding her gaze. Digging fingers into his shoulders, the young woman keened over and over again as the friction brushed over the hidden bundle of nerves between her thighs. Legolas attacked her lips possessively, one hand on her hip whilst the other delved between her thighs, stroking her hard and fast.
Never had such pleasure assaulted her nerves before; never had she realised Legolas could move so fast. Marina whimpered at the onslaught of sensations, soon losing where the elf's hands actually were. He was everywhere, all at once. Stroking, caressing, lulling, enticing. It was all too much too soon for the poor woman. White spots flickered on her vision and a final stroke of Legolas's fingers shoved her into oblivion.
A wild cry fell from her lips but was abruptly cut off by Legolas as he captured her lips, continuing to work his fingers against her even as her body struggled against the first orgasm. Marina clutched and clawed at him, screamed and cried out his name in earnest, utterly lost in the oblivion of pleasure. And oh so desperate for more. The Prince of Mirkwood was an endless craving; a desire she hoped could never be quenched. She kissed him hard, biting fervently at his lips with a moan as he deliberately rolled a thumb across her sensitive pearl.
"Are you sorry yet?" He breathed against her lips, nuzzling against her flushing cheeks. Almost as an afterthought, his fingers flickered languidly against her, a mischievous smile spreading across his lips.
Breath hitching in her throat, and thighs trembling around his hips, Marina gave a jerky nod of defeat. Legolas smiled softly and hefted her high so she was seated on his hip like a child, much to her drugged aggravation.
"Oi! I can walk."
"I don't believe you can, mil-nin."
Scowling like a petulant child, Marina attacked his ear, releasing a yelp of surprise as he gave her backside a considerable smack. It smarted something fierce but also caused her lower body to tighten too. What, was she becoming a sadist or something? Better yet, the position she was in caused a realisation. She needed to tell him.
But the opportunity never arose for the elf had reached their destination. Placing her on the bed, Legolas proceeded to undress, never once letting his eyes stray from her own. Marina couldn't help blushing as he removed his smallclothes. There was just something about seeing the male part of the anatomy, particularly Legolas's, that always made her as nervous as a school girl. Meeting him halfway before he could even sit on the bed, Marina rose up on her knees and slinked her arms around his neck, sighing as his lips caressed hers, tilting his head to better slant his mouth over hers, his fingers cupping her jaw.
Silky smooth hair drifted as easily as silk through her fingers, her nails brushing against his scalp as he bent his head to slide his tongue across her breast. Marina hissed as his teeth sank into her flesh, marking her. In retaliation, she gave his ear a quick flick of her tongue, squeaking in surprise as he pinned her beneath the weight of his body. Their hearts hammered together in almost perfect synchronisation; the moisture still clinging to Marina's skin made her even more aware of him. It was electric. Legolas's smile was genuine and loving, pressing a kiss to her nose and over her eyelids, her cheeks, her chin. For whatever reason, it brought tears to the woman's eyes and for the life of her she couldn't understand why.
Brows furrowing in concern, Legolas cupped her face in his hands, brushing away the tears with the pads of his thumbs. "Marina, what's wrong? Have I hurt you, mil-nin?"
Scrubbing at her face Marina shook her head with a small hiccup. "N-no. No you haven't. I don't know what's the matter with me. Eowyn said it was my fault Theoden died. People on the street glared at me because I couldn't save everyone. I'm a bad person."
"Nonsense!" Legolas's eyes were hard and firm, sitting beside her on the bed so he could lift her into his lap, cocooning her in his embrace. Marina pressed her face against the side of his neck; it might have bothered her a year or two ago to be sitting naked on a man who was equally naked but now it felt so natural and normal. It was uncanny how much she'd changed just by switching to another world. How much he had changed her. She owed him so much. "It is not your fault. At all. And you are not a bad person. You are Poikaer. Pure of heart and soul.
"I care not whether it is Eowyn or a blind beggar. No one shall ever make ghastly accusations, and if they do, you tell me. Do you understand?"
Marina sniffed and a laugh bubbled from her throat as he ran his fingers across her navel. Legolas cuddled her close as she squealed and giggled against his teasing fingers until she gave in. "I understand, Mr Princeling - aiiieee!" The Prince of Mirkwood tickled her relentlessly, laughing in his light voice as she tried to scrabble away from him.
Guilt weighed heavily in her chest as she felt his fingers curl around her ankle. Keeping such an important truth from him was cruel no matter how she felt about telling him. The opportunity was once again lost as he dragged her back to him, laying on his back as he pulled her so she straddled his waist. Marina gazed down at him with a blush. Leaning down, she pressed her lips to his, sighing as he cupped her neck, tilting her head to the side for a better angle to ravish her lips.
Shuffling back, Marina gingerly manoeuvred herself over him, a hiss escaping between her teeth as his length brushed teasingly against her womanhood. Legolas's fingers roved over her hips, caressing up her sides, cupping her breasts as she slowly worked her way down, flinching as she was forced to stretch. Eventually she could go no further and tentatively rocked her hips, teeth sinking at her lip at the friction.
Legolas watched her with a molten blue gaze as she writhed and rocked above him, taking him to a height of pleasure he had never known existed. Gripping her hips, the elf moved with her, pulling her down so she rested his against chest. Blue and grey locked onto each other as their bodies moved as one; their souls all but bare to the other as they revelled in passion. Marina dug her nails into his shoulders, crying out as her nerves lit with fire, muscles clenching around him.
Purring with delight at his wife's pleasure, Legolas rolled them, bringing the young woman beneath him as his hips set a steady, slow pace. Marina writhed beneath him, twitching and gripping at his arms, hips and back. Eyes of soft grey gazed upon him with such tenderness it was all he could do but lean down to press a kiss to her inviting lips. Tears of joy slid down her cheeks and Legolas licked them away, feeling his heart race as she smiled beautifully at him.
And then she ruined the moment by caressing his ears. Legolas stiffened and called her name in his lovely voice before sinking down against her, spent, biting her neck as she squealed underneath him.
"You had no patience for fair, and neither did I." Marina grinned up at him mischievously.
Raising up on his elbows, Legolas moved onto his side and smiled as she curled up against his chest. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Tell me you love me and you'll never let me go."
Pressing a soft kiss to her red lips, he whispered, "I love you, and I will never let you go."
Snuggling against his chest, Marina's smile faltered.
God she had to tell him.
"Legolas?"
"Mmm?" He nuzzled languidly against her hair, fingers drifting over her hips and thighs.
"You know how I said there's something I wanted to tell you, when we were on the battlefield?" She felt him nod against her hair and swallowed hard. "Well...the thing is..." Moving back to gaze up into his serene blue eyes, Marina decided there was nothing more beautiful in the entire world than the love and devotion in those depths. All directed at her. Now she really had no choice. "I'm pregnant."
Like it? Hate it? Think its too fluffy? Think there wasn't enough sex? Tell me! For you all hold the key to my imagination! You opinions are required and are necessary for the continuation of this story otherwise I'd probably deflate and have the imagination range of a teaspoon.
Yes. I did not include Legolas's reaction for one simple reason. I haven't decided how he will react yet. So its just something else for you guys to look forward to. :P
For anyone following A Yakuza's Gratitude, I'm in the process of writing the next chapter. I'll take turns with both stories.
Well that's it for another chapter, dearies. I'll update again as soon as I can (hopefully next week if not the week after). Ciao, dearies! Love to all!