Title: The Golden Mask
Author: Kwannom
Rating: M
Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance
Betas: Winsome Elf (chapters 1 - 6), Rainien (7 – 15 – ?) e Wenont (15 - ?)
WARNING: Violence, strong language and sex
Disclaimer: I own no one from The Lord Of The Rings. All the characters and place names displayed belong to JRR Tolkien. I do not intend to, nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of this story. However, the original characters - Haleth, Siward, Wilrog, Seyton and others - are mine, and don't you dare put your claws into them :D
Timeline: Year 3429 of the Second Age, one year before the Last Alliance. A.U. Following book-verse and movie-verse.
Summary: Sauron has the One Ring and Middle Earth is suffering in the hands of the Orcs' armies. Elves and Men decide to make an alliance against the Dark Lord, and they are searching for great warriors from both races to lead their armies. These warriors are the Chosen Ones and one of them is Haldir, the Captain of the Golden Wood. Haldir is then sent to watch a human warrior called Golden Mask and prove that the Man can be one of them. In the meanwhile, Haldir has to prepare for the battle of his life and deal with the discovery of something that is going to change the future.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Well, what to say after a year without updates? Nothing. Thanks to my beta for editing this – remaining mistakes are all mine – and for making me try to find time to write. Thanks to those who, by any sort of crazy reason, still read this stupid story.

Now on with the show…

LET'S PRETEND

It was dawn. He had been sleeping. But there was somebody calling him at his door.

A messenger.

At least that was what his squire told him, when the boy entered his tent a few minutes ago and managed to wake him.

Isildur passed his hands over his eyes, trying to fight back the sleep that still blurred his vision. Despite the desire to stay put in his cot after such a long fight, that took over the Anduin side, he sighed and got up to see this messenger who had just arrived at his camp at such an unfavorable hour. When Isildur stood, his ribs ached. In fact, his whole body ached. He groaned, a grimace passing over his features. He was getting old and receiving blows such as these that he had received the night before only served to remind him of that fact.

Will this war never end? He thought while lifting the ring of Baradir to his finger. . Why had he taken it off anyway? That was a habit that seemed to be growing on him lately. Studying the ring in his hand for a moment, Isildur closed it in a tight fist. Now he remembered why he had been taking the jewel off as often as he could.

The sight of the ring reminded Isildur of another, golden band. One full of evil and also power.

And what about this terrible feeling inside my heart? Will it end? The Ring of Baradûr seemed to get heavier in his hand with each passing day. It was the burden of duty bearing down upon him like 10,000 stone. His lands were being destroyed, his city was no longer a place of safe haven, and he feared an attack at any moment. His family was in danger, his people were living in a constant state of fear. His own life was at stake. The enemy was closing in on him and Sauron's deadly claws were slowly making their way to his neck until the dark lord could crush it with hardly an effort.

At least Isildur managed to form an alliance with Llywarch, the King of the Mountain. For this man's army was a legend of terror in Middle-earth. Terror, but also fierceness and strength, were the two most prescious things they desperately needed against Sauron's power. Llywarch was not a trustworthy man, and Isildur didn't trust him as far as he could throw the bastard. If it was totally up to Isildur, he would have the murderer – yes, a murderer, for this is what that despicable man was – condemned to death for what he had done to Gondor's lands and people. However, his royal council was dead set against it. They claimed Minas Ithil would fall if they couldn't count on the power of Llywarch's forces. They needed all allies they could muster, even those who were once enemies and could be bought with gold.

Gold, jewels and the promise of the lands of the mountain for Llywarch to rule. This had been Isildur's most trusted councilor, Lord Ferghus' idea. The citizens felt weary about this decision, however, and Isildur had to deal with their disapproval. Yet another thing to haunt him. If Llywarch did not honor their agreement, Isildur would give him such a terrible fate that it would be forever remembered in the history of Middle-earth.

So many problems, and so little time to solve them!

Isildur sought with his eyes the comforting sight of his sword Narsil. The long weapon rested against the side of his cot, as if also resting from the unending fight. Although it was an object for killing, Narsil's lithe form made Isildur ache for his wife's touch, for she was as lithe and supple in his hands as his Narsil. If only he could kill Sauron and destroy the ring! His people would be safe, he wouldn't need Llywarch's armies, and his wife would be in his arms now.

And Commander Haleth would be somewhere he could be found.

Isildur had received sparse reports on Haleth's location throughout the months, sent by the Commander himself, but they had lost contact with him after he crossed the plains of Calenardhon. Some of Isildur's messengers reported that Haleth's army had been sighted near Ithilien, but that news were not accurate. He needed to see Haleth with his own eyes to be sure of his return.

That boy is stubborn as a mule, Isildur thought when he remembered the way Haleth was adamant in leaving the city. However, he had to agree that Haleth was a hero and never forsake his duties. If Hama's son had left Minas Ithil the way he did, he must have had a good reason. In the end, he gave the boy his permission to go after whatever was haunting him. Despite that, Minas Ithil was weak, and Isildur needed all the reinforcements he could find. And who was best for the task of protecting his city but Haleth?

While the citizens loathed the alliance with Llywarch, they felt safer when Haleth was near, he and his army of fierce and deadly fighters trained by the most brutish of the warriors: Cahal, Hamá's former Captain. That man seemed to have the strength of a bull and a heart made of iron. After many long years, so many wounds, and battles that took one eye and one arm from him, Cahal still trained the best warriors in the kingdom.

Certainly, the best of those best warriors were in Haleth's army.

Isildur wondered what Haleth would say when he knew about the new alliance with Llywarch. He could already picture the rage in the man's eyes when faced with the news. That would be like a betrayal to Haleth, who had hunted down and caught Llywarch years ago, under Isildur's orders. How to convince the commander that they were so thin of allies that they needed the help of a murderer?

Ruling was not an easy thing…

Threading his hands through his dark hair, in an attempt to tame the disheveled tresses, Isildur finally went out to see to the messenger that had wakened him with – he hoped – news of Haleth's army. When he walked past the entrance of his tent, he found a still, dark world and a tall man silently waiting for him beside his squire.

"Good morning, young man. May I hope that you have news of Commander Haleth's whereabouts?" Isildur promptly asked the tall man, his tone emerging soft and low, while he reached for the water skin his squire was handing to him. He liked to be direct. He was never one to run circles around any subject.

"Yes, I found him, Your Highness," the messenger answered with a slight tremble in his voice that betrayed his awe in being in front of his King. "Commander Haleth is at Nan-en-Anor. The city suffered a terrible attack, but his army managed to smash Sauron's forces in a movement that is already becoming a legend in warfare."

Isildur smiled. That boy never ceased to surprise him. Commander Hamá would certainly be more than proud if he were still alive. "Is he finally coming home?"

"It seems that it is his highest priority, Your Highness. His men said they are heading straight to Minas Ithil. They'll arrive in no more than two days."

Isildur let the clean water sooth his parched throat and watched the young messenger, who avoided direct eye contact with him. Something about the young man's countenance caught his attention, and made him realize that there was more to be said. Something that wouldn't be pleasant to hear.

"Do you have anything else to say, young man?" Isildur asked, and noticed the lad bit his bottom lip in a childlike fashion.

"Yes, Your Highness. There are rumors..."

Isildur stepped closer to the young man, his voice still soft despite the flash that crossed his grey eyes. "What rumors?"

"People are… saying that Haleth… has taken a lover, My Lord," the lad stammered and looked at the floor.

Isildur's laugh, as soft as his voice and betraying his Eldar heritage, filled the air with amusement.

"Well, it is about time!" he said, now mirth replacing the concern in his warm eyes. "I thought that boy would never settle down with any lover! No woman in Minas Ithil was ever good enough for him."

The young messenger swallowed hard and finally found courage to face his King and look him in the eye. "The problem, My Lord, is that this lover is not a woman."

Isildur stared blankly at him. "What?"

"His lover is an Ellon."

H&H&H&H

Haleth woke up with the feeling of a soft rug under her back, a heavy arm around her waist and a warm body against her side. Smiling, she opened her eyes slowly to meet the ceiling of the simple room and stretched. Her movements making the person beside her stirr and pull her closer to him.

The sudden contact of the naked male skin against her equally nude body made her awake fully. Sweet and passionate memories assailed her with a sudden shiver, while Haleth also realized that, once more, she had slept peacefully. There had been no nightmares that night. No Dark Lord had invaded her dreams and tortured her conscience. Slowly, she detached herself from the firm grip around her waist, rose and walked toward the water closet.

Why did I do it?

The question rang inside her mind. Why did she sleep with Haldir? Lust? Loneliness? Love? Maybe because of all of these reasons. Certainly not because of love. For a second, when she woke up, she knew she had expected to find Wilrog lying by her side. What a treacherous thing to think after what Haldir had given her! And another treachery – now against Wilrog – was also there in the way she felt… It was good to have Haldir instead of him, sharing a blanket with her on a poor rug, in a ragged room, in a crumbling town.

Another important question occupied her mind. What if she got pregnant? She did not know the answer to that question, but she wanted to believe that she couldn't have gotten pregnant. It was too soon after her last cycle. And if that was the case, there were always certain herbs that were very useful to women in that condition. However, that was a resource she didn't want to have need to use.

Though she was no innocent in that aspect either. The guilt of using them to be relieved of her and Wilrog's child some years ago still weighted heavily upon her conscience. She would never forget Wilrog's fury and sadness when he knew about what she had done. Most of his rage was directed at her father, though. For it had been him who made her do that in the name of keeping her secret.

Now there was no father to guide her actions in that direction, however, and she now understood his actions more clearly. A child was something she could never afford, being in the army. Washing her hands, she returned to the Elf who still lay on the rug in the other room. Haleth knelt down and leaned on her right elbow, resting her head on her hand and looking down at the Elf who – despite the opened eyes – was deeply asleep.

It was still dark, the dying fire turning the room into a world of growing shadows. Tentatively at first, fearing to wake him, Haleth reached out her hand and tenderly caressed his fanned silvery hair. Surprised, she noticed her fingers were trembling with emotion. He looked so fragile in his reverie… His chest rising softly with every intake of breath, his expression relaxed, freed of his normal scowl. Her quivering fingers stroked the silky hair, tousled by their lovemaking and the night of sleep.

Questioning, daring, her fingers continued caressing his forehead, tracing a path on his smooth flesh from his temple to the place in his chest that hid his strong heart – a heart that started to pump faster with her touch, fluttering beneath the palm of her hand as if it were a bird ready to fly. When his glazed blue eyes focused on her, Haleth regretted the tears she had wept the night before after they had made love. It was only up to her to move on. Leave her loneliness behind. Give herself the opportunity to live again.

Strong male fingers encasing her more delicate ones stopped her thoughts and brought her hand in contact with firm lips that bestowed a light kiss on her palm.

'Good morning,' Haldir said with a slow smile forming on his lips, his deep voice reverberating in the room.

If I could… If I would… Haleth wondered but readily denied her own thoughts. She could, and she would let her past go. All she needed was time and then... Then, she would see.

Haldir looked at the naked woman sitting before him, her eyes still glazed with sleep and her wild hair in a complete state of disarray. Most Elves, used to perfection, would have called her too rough, too wild, too… plain. But not him. He felt his heart beat faster only by the sight of her nude body, by being awaken with the soft touch of her hand on his flesh, by her brilliance, loyalty, courage and passion. Even her flaws were dear to him. Valar, how can I not love this woman?

If only he could, through himself, set her soul free. He'd lead her heart away from harm, from loneliness, from hurt. Only then she would be able to forget her former husband and have a life with him.

A life with him…

Would that be possible? Would she allow him that honor? Now, he dreaded the day that they would finally arrive at Minas Ithil, and his journey would end. He would have to return to Lothlórien then, so what would become of him and Haleth? He couldn't stay in the human city and she couldn't leave it…

However, the vision he had had last night was even more dreadful. A vision of death, Haleth's death, something so powerful that even now he felt like retching at the memory. What could have trigged it? Certainly he would speak with Glorfindel, ask for his guidance, even if that was not much to his liking. But he would swallow his pride for her. And he would do much more than that.

Fight? He would fight for her, but he also needed to give her the opportunity to choose her fate by his side, visions of the future or not. He did not want her surrender! Surely he couldn't simply make her stay with him by his will alone. It would be a betrayal to the trust she had placed in him. He could never do that. He wanted Haleth to be his; but to be his to protect, never to possess.

Haldir lifted his hand to caress his lover's face, his fingers tracing the scar on her cheek, watching her close her eyes and sigh in pleasure. He still couldn't believe she had finally given herself to him last night! The passion she showed him was only matched by his own. Were all mortal women as wanton as her? Probably not… And if they were, he did not want to know. Now he only wanted to experience the joys of her body once more, to be inside her again, to hear her pleasure tumbling from her mouth in the form of soft whimpers…

Sitting up, he caressed her hair, his fingers tangling in her curls, making her laugh softly. That sound warmed Haldir's heart. Now that he took a minute to think, he remembered that when he first met her, Haleth had seemed sad and lonely under his gaze. Today, there was something different about her, though. There was a joy in the glint he saw in her dark eyes, in her laugh itself.

However, the way she sat apart from him, despite the fact her small and callous hand was still in his, was the picture of loneliness. A loneliness that only now he realized he felt in his heart too. Feeling the necessity to hold her, as if his arms were capable of protecting the woman he loved from the reality of a harsh world, as if the touch of her naked flesh could steal his loneliness from him, Haldir gently wrapped her in his embrace, his fingers running down her back.

It still felt strange to sense her acceptance to his proximity, after a month of reluctance on her part. However, now she rested her head on his shoulder of her own accord, her arms resting loosely around his waist, and he took the opportunity to smell the soft scent of flowers in her hair. Only that simple gesture made him grow hard again and it seemed that his desire was humorous, because she chuckled at his body reaction. The way you make me feel is madness, woman…

Then she pulled away and kissed him tenderly, relishing a soft sigh from him. Ah, yes, the taste of her was once more on his tongue… However, while last night passion guided their actions, now tenderness prevailed. When he released her lips, Haldir saw her watch him intently. Whatever it was she wanted to say, it was difficult, because she opened her mouth to speak, but twice she failed. However, after a deep sigh, she finally spoke to him in a broken voice.

'I wish my life were simple again.'

Haldir's handsome brow furrowed. 'Simple? How so?'

'When it was just me, and my men and my loss… Only now I see that I had a simple life then.'

Haldir's body tensed at her statement, a sadness seeping into his heart.

'Then you want to be alone,' he said, his eyes flashing with anger and frustration.

'No!' she replied urgently, a reaction that made the look in his eyes change, now he was expecting, hoping. 'I… don't want to be alone anymore.'

Finally! Haldir's face softened at her confession, almost beaming with happiness after that victory. With a low groan, he pulled the woman in his arms even closer, kissing her deeply. When he parted from her, he nibbled the lobe of her ear and a shudder ran through his body when he thought of what he was about to say.

'I do not want to be alone anymore either, Belegaer,' he whispered huskily, his lips brushing her ear.

Haleth closed her eyes. He had admitted his own loneliness to her...Was it possible? Was it possible that this perfect being was not as perfect as he appeared to be? Maybe all creatures in Arda had failures, one would only have to look harder to find them in an Elf. Surrendering to the soft touch of his lips, that were against hers once more, she let his hands lower her down with him on the rug while she felt the pressure of his hard sex against her inner thigh, making its presence known.

In the dawn, and concealed by the shadows of the dying fire, their hands tenderly explored each other bodies, their urgency less raging inside them than the previous night. Haldir's hands were soft, yet firm upon Haleth's flesh and she whimpered against his lips when they caressed her breasts.

Haleth's own hands were busy, running down the broad male back and its taunt muscles, until they found firm buttocks for a tender squeeze, making him grunt. Moments later she felt his long fingers drag along her belly and slowly slip between her legs.

'Are you hurt from last night?' he asked her, while his hand played with the curls of her womanhood. They both had hurt each other the night before, but he chose to ignore the small bruises and half moon shaped marks left by her nails on his own skin. They should have healed as quickly as his broken nose, however, it seemed that his body was not ready to take them away from him yet. He could live with them. He needed them, those bruises, to keep him company for the rest of the day while she wasn't able to be in his arms.

As if sensing where his mind had traveled to, Haleth caressed one particularly nasty scratch on his side and swallowed. 'No, I am only a little sore. It's been too long after the last time I was with a man'.

Haldir's eyes flashed with warning. 'You were not with a man, Belegaer. You were… You are with an Elf', he stated firmly but it was tenderness that he used to kiss her lightly on her lips. 'I will be gentle. And I will remind you of which race you have laid with.'

Once more his fingers plunged into her, stroking deeply and increasing the hot fire that had formed in the pit of her stomach.

Haldir admired his lover's back, arched and tense, like a fine Galadhric bow that had just been touched by an archer's experienced fingers, and he took the chance to capture one of her dark nipples between his teeth.

'You are so wet, Belegaer', he whispered against the heated flesh of her body, satisfied with the response he got from the woman who lay beneath him. 'I cherish you so, my dear mortal warrior,' Haldir murmured while his fingers slipped from inside her warm mound to make a path that led from her thigh to her flushed cheek. 'You are not alone, know this…'

'I do now,' Haleth answered, transfixed by his tender and also tantalizing touch. A touch that was reassuring, reviving and affectionate. 'Just be patient with me'.

'I will if you promise not to be so stubborn all the time,' Haldir replied, a playful glint in his dark blue eyes.

Haleth's body tensed and her face darkened. 'As if you were not stubborn yourself.'

'We both are,' he said, making peace, while buried his face in her neck, kissing her throat, his fingers tangling in her wild curly hair.

Soft murmurs of comfort passed between them, both already lost in mounting desire. Cradled by Haleth's thighs, Haldir's body shuddered when her fingers brushed against his hard sex.

'Touch me', he pleaded, his voice strained by lust, and Haleth complied.

With a sharp intake of breath, he let himself be guided to his back, feeling that soft yet intense touch make his body quake. Not able to contain the emotion, he groaned raggedly, his eyes fixed on the woman who now kissed the soft spot that hid his thundering heart.

'Close your eyes', Haleth commanded softly, and watched him do as told while an arrogant grin lit his handsome features. Always arrogant, no matter what.

The perfect naked form of her lover made Haleth lick her lips. She knew just what she wanted to do to Haldir since last night, when she had felt that male part of him pulsing with pleasure in her hands. For one brief moment, regrets and sorrow came over her. She had that perfect peace and love in her life with Wilrog, but only for a short time. He became more and more distant, focused on his campaign to prove his valor to everyone. And then, she was forgotten, denied, abandoned. Silly, silly boy… And she was the most stupid of them all.

Haleth leaned in closer and pressed a light kiss against Haldir's shoulder. He moaned, but didn't stop her, only smiled in his ecstasy. Her tongue flicked out, the tip trailing down his muscular chest. Haldir was even stronger than most Elves she knew, and the memory of her lover actually using that strength during their love making instantly aroused her.

Haldir's sharply drawn in breath urged her seduction on. She explored the hard plains of his chest with her hands and once more reveled in staring at her lover's naked body. Haldir was growing harder and, unable to fight temptation any longer, she bent to perform this act for her lover, something she had wanted to do since the previous night, but was too afraid to do it.

In her life with Wilrog, he never let her share control in their lovemaking. It had always been about his desires and the way he wanted her to feel. He was much younger than her, had the second highest post in Hamá's army, and always beneath her power. That's why in bed he had to be the master, the teacher. The one who overpowered her through soft actions and tender commands.

Making love to Haldir, however, was an entirely different matter. He shared the control gladly and now, for the first time, she had the opportunity to take the lead as had already happened the night before. Now, she wanted to finally know what he tasted like. Haleth ran her tongue over him, sucked gently, and then moved down the column of flesh, taking in Haldir's manhood.

Surprise and amazement almost stopped her motions when she realized he tasted sweet.

Haldir's eyelids fluttered before his eyes opened fully. Disbelief sparkled across his eyes, finding Haleth pleasuring him in that way. When she had asked him to close his eyes, he never thought she was about to give him such an honor! He had only asked her to touch him! Also, Haleth still hadn't shown any indication that she enjoyed it. It was so unexpected… He wanted to tell her she didn't need to do that, he could wait until she was more accustomed to making love to him, but the sensation was divine and Haldir surrendered to the teasing licks.

Haleth curled her fingers around the base of her lover's shaft and stroked in time with her licks. Haldir's fingers found their way into her hair and gently urged her on, massaging her scalp. She forced herself to breathe shallowly and relaxed her throat muscles, allowing him to thrust upward, learned the way he moved, what made him moan and drink in such a deep breath that she thought he was about to sob.

'Why… you… do not have…' Delirious, Haldir tried to talk to Haleth, but his lover reacted by intensifying the suction and speeding up the pace. Soon he was thrusting wildly into her warm, welcoming mouth and he barely stopped himself from pushing Haleth's head down onto his member. Entranced, he watched her, enjoying the sight of his manhood disappearing inside her mouth, her face flushed with excitement.

Haleth managed to tilt her head and looked Haldir in the eye. Her lover's expression was dreamy and his blue eyes had become hooded. Concentration shone from Haldir's face and Haleth smiled, realizing that her lover was about to reach his peak. However, it was too soon for that. She still had plans for him.

Haldir groaned, never expecting Haleth's mouth to leave his body. It stopped him from reaching orgasm, and, panting hard, he stared wildly at his naked lover, a husky plea escaping from his lips. 'Please, Belegaer.'

'Not yet,' Haleth said. 'I wanted to repay you in kind for the pleasures you gave me last night. I remember clearly how you left me at the brink of ecstasy without allowing me to meet it'. Haldir continued to stare at her with his intense blue eyes, commanding an explanation with only a simple gaze, and Haleth saw the flash of anger that crossed them for a flitting moment. Leaning in closer, she sensually whispered into her lover's ear, 'I want you to reach your pleasure inside of me'.

'Gladly', Haldir whispered and helped her climb atop him, his hands caressing her arms and her flushed face. How he wanted that! Groaning pitifully, he watched how Haleth lowered herself onto his length, guided by his hands. A tight heat suddenly engulfed him and the sensation made him whimper.

Not in all his life he had surrendered so completely to any lover like this. The few ellith who had shared his bed were always fearful, too soft, like delicate dolls that could break if he touched them. But not Haleth…Haleth was strong, like him. A leader like him. An equal. Was this arrogance on his part, to want someone like himself? As if he was the epitome of perfection? His thoughts became muddled when he looked at her and her eyes, now almost golden, betrayed her excitement.

Haleth knew she had surprised her lover, and savored seeing the enraptured expression in his blue eyes, clouded with lust and love. She let him lower her onto him and placed her hands on his shoulders to support herself. Once she was firmly seated on Haldir's lap, she stilled her movements and kissed her Elf lover.

Haldir reminded himself that he needed to draw in breath, and did so quite shakily. This woman had conquered him by storm and he didn't know what to expect next. But then all movement stopped, and Haleth rested her upper body against him. Her black curly head settled against his shoulder, and Haldir wrapped his arms around his lover, steadying her.

'Ride me, my love. I am at your mercy,' his voice sounded raspy and raw.

Haleth cocked her head so she could make eye contact with him. 'Teach me.'

'What?' Haldir asked, confused.

'I don't know you well enough. Guide me. Teach me your rhythm so I can find our rhythm.'

Haldir stroked Haleth's back, which was tense now that she was impaled on his manhood. 'Come, let me help you.'

Gently, Haldir pulled Haleth to a sitting position and with his hands firmly placed on her hips, he started the slow movement of their lovemaking. After a few moments, Haleth stilled his hands and took over alone. This gave him the opportunity to caress her small breasts and her flushed cheeks. Haldir moaned in surprise when Haleth squeezed him unintentionally. The way she rocked against him, causing the most exquisite sensations in his groin, was beautiful.

When she opened her golden eyes to watch him, Haldir rolled her beneath his body and renewed his deep and long strokes. Haleth threw back her head and her fingers clawed at the rug beneath her. Sadly, she still couldn't express her desire vocally, people might hear them. So she buried her face in Haldir's neck, trapping her moans against his skin.

The slow, deep rhythm they were setting drove Haldir mad with desire and Haleth's needy, eager moans against his neck only urged him on. Haldir threw back his head, growled, and drove himself once more into Haleth's warm body, her pitiful moans driving him over the edge.

'I… will not last… long, Belegaer, forgive me.' Increasing his pace, Haldir tensed, his body reaching his peak, his hand lowering to between their bodies so he could maneuver Haleth toward orgasm.

Whipping his hips forward one last time, he grew motionless and filled his lover with his essence. Moments later, he felt Haleth's body contract around him and he kissed her sweaty brow tenderly. 'You came for me.'

Haleth felt too drained to reply and simply nodded, Haldir's body covering hers with his warm weight.

'Am I too heavy?' Haldir asked, remembering the night before.

'Only a little,' Haleth answered and, with reluctance, she watched him roll onto his back and take her in his arms, both still trembling after their lovemaking. While they lay in blissful rest, time did not cease to pass, and soon the sun started to chase the night away. It was time for them to get ready to leave the city. Haleth sighed as the first shards of sunlight filled the room. 'I don't want to get up.'

Haldir tightened his hold around her. 'You… We must.'

'I don't want to get up,' she repeated again stubbornly. 'What is going to become of us now?'

A silence filled the air; that was a question neither of them wanted to face. However, Haleth couldn't refrain from questioning. She needed to know.

Haldir caressed her back slowly, as he decided how to answer. He could tell her a lie, say that they would be together no matter what, for love conquered all. But that only happened in the stories told in books. Real life was not like that. Or else many, like Túrin and Aredhel, would have lived happily ever after. And, in real life, love was not the thing that ruled the world. No, there were other factions, like violence, politics and war. That is why he opted for the truth.

'Time will see to it,' he told her and he felt Haleth tense in his arms.

'Time is something a mortal doesn't have, Haldir.'

Haldir closed his eyes, berating himself for his lack of tact. This was the first time the differences between their races was brought to discussion and only so, because of his ill placed comment. He thought of Haleth as an equal so much, that he forgot she was mortal. Trying to save the moment, he changed the subject.

'What are these markings on your flesh?' he asked while his hands met the strange silvery lines on her hips.

Haleth frowned at his behavior. She hated when he avoided discussing things he didn't want to talk about. And he was now noticing the imperfections on her body! It wouldn't take long for him to realize the mistake of bedding her, Haleth was sure of it. She was no perfect elleth, after all. Lifting his hands from her hips, she sighed, frustrated.

'These are stretch marks. They are flaws. They appear when a woman grows up too fast.'

Haldir noticed her discomfort and batted her hands away, relocating his large hands on her hips once more. 'I like the feel of them under my fingers.'

Haleth couldn't help but chuckle and Haldir laughed with her, ruffling her hair in a friendly manner.

'You're a strange Elf, Haldir', Haleth said while she smoothed down the curls he had messed. 'You have just bedded a woman and now think that stretch marks are entertaining.'

Haldir cupped her neck and forced her to look at him, his face taken by a sudden seriousness. 'I did not bed you. It was much more than simple bedding.'

'And how much more was it, Haldir?' Haleth asked, her smile dead on her lips.

Haldir sighed. 'More', he whispered, his voice low, but firm. Why did she need to be so inquisitive? 'Now shut up, Belegaer, because the sun has not properly risen yet, and I intend to make love to you again before you escape from my hands.'

Haleth was caught off guard when he rolled her again onto her back, his lips covering a hard nipple. 'Already? But we… just…'

Haldir released her nipple and looked at her in disbelief. 'And I thought that you knew everything about Elves! I believe I must instruct you on this matter, then', he said, nudging her legs apart with his insistent hands. 'Let's just pretend, for now, that we live in a fairy tale.'

'Yes, let's pretend,' she murmured, accepting the lips that covered her own and the body that possessed her once more.

Haldir's body quivered with excitement.

Let's pretend.

H&H&H&H

A/N: Reviews, comments or just a note to say that you are still reading this story are highly welcome.