A/N: I am reasonably early? WHAT IS THIS MADNESS? Oh, hi! Yeah just ignore me. I'm babbling. As always.
Getting back to the important stuff (meaning this story), I will admit that its been difficult pumping out the last few chapters. If you think on it, this story has been going for almost two years now. TWO YEARS. It's a long time to stay on a FANFICTION and in one genre. I swear sometimes I look at Legolas on my page and I think, 'F*ck off. I am so OVER you.' And then at other times I'm still, 'Oh, yes. You sexy elf. Write yourself. Yes, good elf. That's a gooooood elf.' I sort of flick between the two state of minds if you couldn't tell. XD
But I'm making progress so no one can complain...yet.
This chapter is fluffiness and fluffiness and...umm...oh, right...FLUFFINESS. Because I was in an incredibly fluffy mood when it came to this fluffy story ok fluffy?
As always, thank you to all the kind, courteous people who take the time out of their precious schedules to read and review this story! You have my love and undying appreciation! You are what keeps this story running so I applaud you all!
Review Responses:
Stylin'Fire: Yes, he is quite hilarious, isn't he? Should totally turn him into one permanently! Thanks, dearie!
Simplyelena: I will do my very best but distractions come with life unfortunately. Q_Q
ViolaPearl: Well seeing as elves don't eat that much anyway (and vegetables. YUCK!) what else can they use them for besides covering Legolas's yummy assets? Not as irritated as one would believe seeing as elves aren't too bothered about being naked or being turned into kittens apparently! All in a day's work. Yes...I would definitely want to be Marina in this chapter. Nom nom naked Legolas. And your wish is granted. We get some Thrandy x Tau action! Thanks, I was hoping that part came through and I'm so very glad that it did! Conflict is never ending even amongst friends! Thanks, dearie and I'm really hoping he will too. I miss him!
Abyss Prime: Come on, why on EARTH would I give Leggy or King Fairy Kitten Princess a break? Its just too fun to see them suffer! MUCH LOVE!
SNOstorm: Cat fight. *makes hissy noises and fails miserably* Ooooh. I'm your friend? Yay! I like being someone's friend. *creepy stalker grin* Ahem. Seriously though, thanks, dearie. :D Yes, Aragorn is taking his sweet ass time. He must be busy sightseeing. Its the only explanation! Mucho love, dearie!
LoveFoodHateFat: Tigers, Lions, Bears, Oh My! Thank you, my amazingly awesome friend! Your praise is certainly something to look forward to every chapter. Thanks, dearie. Mucho love!
Spottedivy: Smex is gooooood. I wanted Legolas to stay as a kitten tooooo but considering the battle comin' up it was kind of difficult. Maybe after the battle he can stay as a kitten for a week and cough up hairballs or some such. Yeah...reckon we should turn Thranduil into a pig. Ha! Hey, no worries, hun. We all have lives, no reason to feel guilty. The fact that you reviewed at all makes up for it! Really? I feel like they are so short. Ten pages is a real disappoint for me. Actually, I agree with you. When I cant write they are definitely on strike cause what they say about characters writing themselves is very true. Glad you enjoyed it, dearie. Mucho love!
Mellon: Very short epic kitten fight but epic kitten fight nonetheless. No, I really cant. Hence why I use elf traps and watch them squirm when they get caught! Mmm...naked elves. Table for one please! Yeah Elrond is going to whip this shit together...next chapter. Thanks, dearie!
Nienna Helyanwe Elf One: Yay new chapter! Yeah, I'm impressed with my ability to still be able to write the length that I do for how long this story has been going. XD Really? I find them rather dull, predictable and boring compared to the ones I myself have read. But I thank you so much regardless. You're gonna like this chapter then. *grins* Thanks, dearie!
Teddy Bear 007: YOU LAZY BEAR! I will update when I can, when I want and when...Legolas demands me to with chocolate. :P
Blueoceanandfire: Bah. Short and sweet. More like short and somehow pointless. But that's probably just me being biased about my story. Again. Yes, I know what you mean. I myself have been anxious for a little more romance so this chapter is kind of full of it. It's not typical smut and hopefully you will understand what I mean once you read it. :P Imagine what'll happen as Nina gets older. Bubble alert! Oh the news is coming. *suspense music* Thanks, dearie!
Jessie: I like YOU. I like you A LOT. Yes there is more Tau and Thrandy action in this chapter cause they're actually a fun pair to write. We'll see what transpires! Thanks, dearie!
LadyAmazon: Not to worry. There is more abuse to come! Oh drooling. Either or. But you should be drooling. Drool DAMN IT.
KrystylSky: YOU'RE AMAZING!
Counting Sinful Stars: Nuuu don't die! How will you review if you DIE? Nuuuuu! No crying. Unless you're in hysterics which is fine. Thanks, dearie!
Hikari Uzumaki-Inuzuka: CAT FIGHT. CAT FIGHT! MEW! I wish I could have extended it further but there just didn't seem to be a reason to, ya know what I mean? Too much at stake and all that. Yeah the last thing I want is for Marina or the story itself to turn into a typical mary-sue. I personally hate stories like that where everyone is perfect together, has no problems and can magical turn dirt into ice cream. I dunno. I'm tired. I'm so glad you picked up on it, and commented on it! Shows I'm doing something right. Thank you so much, dearie. Mucho love!
The No. 1 fan of this story said something to me the other day. "I bet that the majority of your readers would love to meet you in person."
WARNING: UNLIKELY. Read on, my lovelies!
No amount of practice, time or thought prepared someone for the implication of war. It could be calculated, organised and perhaps even expected but for someone to actually be properly prepared for it? It was not possible. There were too many factors to account for; countless possibilities and losses on both sides.
Even those who had experienced war countless times in their existence could never predict what would happen, how it would end and whether or not they would survive. For marching into a battle with little to no fear was a fool's errand. Fear and caution kept one alive. Overconfidence rarely achieved more than a bloody ending to a short-lived confrontation. Causalities, however, were an expected sequence in war - it just depended on how many there were.
It was natural to query the unknown - to be sceptical rather than prepare for something that could happen in the midst of a fight. Acting on ones gut instincts and the tide of a battle was one of the few ways survival was possible. Even if one side had greater numbers, that did not guarantee the possibility of success. The same can be said for a side that appears to be winning - it can easily change. Luck, weather, reinforcements and time had a great deal to do with it.
A flash flood caused by the arrival of an unexpected storm could make the difference between victory and defeat during a battle. Nature was a fierce entity that could often decide which way a war swung - whether one would survive over the other or it would all tumble into ruin.
Reinforcements could tip the scale of battle if planned cunningly; a flank attack or cutting off a battalion's correct course could see a losing side take the lead.
Either way, war was imminent. The stakes were present. And the losses would be great.
Legolas fought very hard to be optimistic and confident for an encroaching battle, still clinging to the wariness of one well acquainted with the tidings of war. This one in particular required extra dollops of them all. Not only for his own sanity but also for his young wife. Despite arguments to the contrary, the elf knew that Marina relied on him.
He would be forever counting stars before she admitted such a thing aloud.
The young mortal was not one to rely on people (having few people to rely on in her world, much to Legolas's disgust), trying very hard to use initiative and every trick up her sleeve by deferring to her own knowledge. Now it fell upon him to reassure his very young, human wife in the ways of war. And by Eru, she had not made it easy thus far. Insecurities and general fear had started to climb with the enemy encroaching, and Legolas felt that it was his responsibility to assure her they would all survive. It was, strictly speaking, not a lie but a strong belief. No doubt she wouldn't call it that though.
Yet how could he hope to console his wife when he had his own doubts about the outcome?
Elves were just as sensitive as the other races of Middle-Earth. They were not perfect, for they all had imperfections. The only difference being that it was harder to see. And that they experienced emotions and events in different ways. Death was seen as an adventure rather than an end to all things; losing loved ones was a heavy toll but the memories were easily brought back to the surface to once again see important people as the living. However. In that, Legolas could not possibly side with his natural born instinct to let something such as the passing of a loved one to come about, and accept it.
The only real Marina was the soft, beautiful, sweet-natured mortal he could wrap in his embrace, and soak in the warmth and touch of her small frame. A memory could not - would not replace that which he cherished above all else in the land. Stubbornness ran deeply amongst the elven race, too, and served as quite the encouragement for protecting loved ones. To the end. An end that Legolas would gladly meet to ensure the survival of his baby daughter and the love of his soul. Having already lost her once, he could not do it again. And live.
The time for battle drew nearer as did the opportunity to hold Marina selfishly in the enclosure of his body right up until the enemy knocked at their door. Nothing was absolute, and Legolas held no such exaggerations that he would survive this fight. He would do his utmost to ensure his wife and child continued living, and if such a thing resulted in his untimely passing then so be it. Death did not frighten him - what frightened him was leaving his family without him. A double edged sword at its finest. But their safety came first. Always.
Returning to the wargs room with dinner plates as his only form of coverage, Legolas was relieved to find his bundle of armour exactly where he left it. Well, where his miniature self had left it in any case. A soft smile tugged at his lips at the abandoned plate of food laying carelessly on the few side tables that had not been turned into tinder. Marina was truly a wonder. How he had been lucky enough to be gifted with such an amazing wife was beyond him.
As he discarded the dinner plates and set about adorning his armour, the Prince was reminded of the seriousness of the situation. When all was said and done, it would be time to stop pretending everything was all right. And face reality; come to terms with the fact that whether he liked it or not, Marina had a place in the battle to come. It was her destiny, as it was his to be by her side. Though he didn't like it, in this, he would submit to a greater power he did not fully understand.
Not that he would be able to stop her from taking part in any case. A stubborn, gorgeous woman, was his wife. Clipping the last vambrace into position, the elf left the warg den. Or, in another term, the previously-lavish-room-that-the-wargs-had-defiled. Warg den rolled much easier off the tongue.
Legolas did not encounter anyone on his way back to his room, and very thankful for it at that. There was nothing more than he wanted at that moment than to be in Marina's presence. Not for sex. Not even for physical affection. Just to be at her side would sate the ache in his very bones. And talk about anything. Or nothing. He didn't care as long as he was with her.
As he neared the room, boots clinking softly against the stoned floors, his natural instinct to listen for tell-tale sounds for a presence within the room made itself known. Except, there wasn't any. Nina had been screaming when his wife had taken her away - his baby daughter was not one to stop crying so immediately. Concerned for the well being of his small family the Prince curled his fingers around the handle and warily inched the door open. Only to stop, a swelling warmth seeping into his heart as he beheld the sight of Marina swathed in a light gown sitting on the edge of his bed. Their bed.
There was something oddly soothing witnessing a beautiful, young mother nursing her child. Happiness and pleasure sang through his veins at the perfect image, instilling it forever in his memory. Just for a moment he allowed himself the privilege of drinking in her form; the pale material of the silk brought out the striking grey of her eyes, illuminating the black locks flowing over her shoulder like a waterfall in the night. Teasing flashes of skin across her collar bone taunted him from afar. His throat went dry. His heart sped up.
Only Marina could make him feel like a lust-driven child - in the sense of being a much younger elf, in any case.
It was uncanny how his heart beat against the muscle of his ribcage, almost as if it was trying to reach out to her. All of him accepted her. The knowledge made him feel warm and very content.
The only thing missing in this picture was his own presence. Stepping fully into the room, his eyes never once leaving his wife, he closed the door softly behind him.
Marina glanced up, eyes of the storm freezing him in place, a reprimand on her lips and a frown on her brow before she realised it was no intruder barging in. Skipping a beat, her heart faltered before climbing as it often did whenever she set eyes on her husband. The nuisance of a muscle pulsed, almost as if it was jumping toward him. Warmth dusted her cheeks at the deep well of knowledge within his eyes. Why did he have to be so perfect? Tolkien had created a wonderful man and husband. Marina only wished she could thank him for having given her the opportunity to know such a beautiful creature.
Wordlessly, Marina stretched out the arm not cradling Nina, offering her hand to him with a brilliant smile. All anger was gone. All thoughts of revenge were gone. As he stepped carefully and quietly toward her, the woman's breath hitched in her throat at the fluidness of his movements. Never did it fail to awe, and leave her breathless. No matter how many times her eyes had the pleasure of gracing his form. By all that is Cheese she truly was a lucky girl!
Nina had long since stopped suckling, little fingers wrapped tightly around a few strands of Marina's hair. A comfort the baby seemed to lean towards a great deal. Marina didn't mind provided she got those strands of hair back! The tiny chest rose and fell in the midst of sleep, a relief for the two weary parents that were in dire need of some peace and quiet. Little did they know that childcare went beyond just the first few days of the arrival. The teenage years would hit them very hard indeed, assuming they survived the battle.
Long, warm fingers curled about her own as Legolas settled down beside her. Sheets rustled and the mattress dipped in acceptance to his weight, the tilt causing Marina's hip to roll towards his. The warmth emanating from him was soothing and comforting causing Marina to lean into him without even being aware of it. In response, Legolas pressed a tender kiss to her cheek before running his lips over her jaw as he set his free hand on her thigh.
"You are a very naughty girl, mil nin." The smooth timbre of his voice floated against her ear eliciting a shiver from the mortal.
Turning to give him a cheeky look, Marina smoothed her thumb over the back of his hand. "So you keep telling me."
For a moment, he didn't speak, eyes of drowning navy lulling her under his seductive spell. Marina's breath hitched in her throat as his lips descended upon the visible portion of her clavicle, teeth hinting against the skin before his tongue swiped away the subtle sting. Sensations slithered up and down her spine, causing her toes to curl when the hand on her thigh came up to cradle her hip. There was nothing overtly sexual in what he was doing but God help her, she couldn't resist the warmth that curled in anticipation through her abdomen. The burning sizzle across her lips just begging to be soothed by his mouth. Never had she thought that the urge to kiss could be so strong.
"Eru...you're so beautiful, Marina." Legolas whispered against the shell of her ear, nuzzling against the side of her face.
Trickling warmth flushed over her cheeks, a sign of an recurrent blush that she could never control around him. Legolas chuckled at the adorable sight and allowed one final brush of lips against her throat before his hands joined hers where they cradled their sleeping child. Snuggling against him unabashedly, Marina sighed contently as her husband pressed a sweet, tender kiss to her forehead. The mortal's heart filled and overflowed with affection and love from the simple gesture. Sometimes Marina truly believed she did not deserve him - for all the trouble she gave him especially.
Voicing that opinion would be the start of a bad idea. They had been down that road too many times for it to make a difference. Legolas would quite literally tie her down to the bed again if she even dared to say a syllable. Not that that wasn't an alluring prospect but it was better to not rile him up. So busy with her thoughts, Marina realised that her arms were quite empty and the space by her side was oddly absent of a certain elf. And she still had hair intact! Eyes flickering, Marina found him standing next to the crib, gently lowering their baby girl down into her blankets. From where she sat, the woman could hear him murmuring sweet nothings to Nina to ensure her passage to sleep before returning to the bed.
No matter how many times she watched him do it, it never failed to make her heart swoon to see him interacting with their daughter in such a way. Any male could have a child. But only a man could be a father; strong, kind, loyal and protective of his family. Legolas fit the description down to a t. There were many parents in the world but some men did not deserve the honorary title of 'father'.
Before he could sit down though, Marina reached out and grasped his wrist between both of her hands, eyes glassy and shinning with emotion. "Legolas, I know I haven't always been the best...umm...wife-"
Wife was still difficult to say without tripping over the word. Having not expected to become one so early in her life, it was still taking some getting used to. And it never failed to make her flush scarlet.
"Marina..." he warned quietly (trying not to smirk at her blush), inwardly concerned at the sheer fear in her eyes. Once again he was reminded of how human she was; how young and inexperienced in the harsher ways of life. It was easy to forget. But if she dared start on another self-depreciation tangent there wouldn't be much in terms of restraint on his part; he would definitely chain her to the bed. Permanently. But as he forced himself to allow her to clarify, the gleaming shine in her eyes led him to believe that his suspicion was a false one. This was something else entirely.
"Let me finish. I want you to know that you...you are so beautiful, kind, handsome and special to me." Clenching her fingers tightly about his wrist, Marina felt the prickling behind her eyes but pushed it away. There was no need for tears just because it was an emotional speech from the heart for crying out loud! The tension and tremble in the mortal's hand influenced Legolas to get down on one knee so they were eye-to-eye. Now he was very concerned.
Marina swallowed hard and tried to maintain what little composure remained to her. Heartfelt speeches always made her feel sappy. And his careful caresses over her hand weren't helping much either. "I have never loved anyone the way I love you. You've done so much for me and asked for nothing in return. You've held me in moments of peril and...I can't explain in words how much that means to me. I just...I could never imagine how I survived in my world without you."
Relinquishing his wrist, Marina placed one hand over his heart, the mail of his armour chafing uncomfortably against her palm whilst the other cupped his cheek.
Legolas could not quite bring himself to speak. Only twice had tears seeped from his eyes in the last six months of his thousands of years reign, in response to the departure of the very woman sitting before him. Never had anyone - not even his own parents - complimented him in such a way; had made him feel special, cared for and most of all, important. Marina could simply make him feel loved just by looking at him. The touch of her fingers against his heated skin were a soothing balm, affirming his belief that she would always love him. Forever. There had always been a small inkling doubt that she would one day return to her own world if given the opportunity. Now he was certain, and relieved that he had been wrong in his assumption. And very guilty that he allowed himself to think that way to begin with.
A thumb brushing over the tip of his cheek drew his attention to the sparkling moisture upon the tip of her nail, shinning in the light of the moon before disappearing within her skin. Even something he couldn't control, that belonged to him, always sought to be one with her. Legolas blinked, feeling a little giddy and puzzled as more moisture welled into his eyes. Marina was grinning, matching tears sliding down her cheeks as a muffled giggle escaped her.
Long fingers clasped the fine bones of her beautiful features, tracing the rise of her cheekbones with a gentleness that left the human breathless. Running his thumb over her rose lips, Legolas could barely hide the subtle tremble shivering through his frame. Never had he felt this way before. To be so appreciated and loved, unselfishly by the woman he adored. Who had gifted him with a child, and had denied the ability to return to her home. How could it be he that had done everything and asked for nothing? Marina had given him everything. A family. A place in her pure heart. An intoxicating sense of belonging somewhere filled him, his lungs expanding as he drew in a slow breath.
"I have waited thousands of years for you, my 'Nina." Inching forward on his knees (he bloody made it look graceful) Legolas placed his hands lovingly on her forearms, thumbs smoothing over the skin. Marina's breath hitched, both from the rarely spoken nickname and his addictive touch. "You are irreplaceable to me - I could never have take another." The words rang true in his heart and the woman distinctively heard it echoed in his voice, and saw it in the expressiveness of his gaze. Marina felt her throat go tight. Damn it she was going to cry.
"I love you. So very much, Marina. I love you so much it hurts." Legolas's brow furrowed in confusion, wondering at this new sensation in his chest, until he found her delicately patting the armour over said heart.
"It's normal, Legolas. My heart hurts too - in a good way. It's all right to love someone like that...provided you never, ever let them go." Marina smiled gently, ignoring the happy trail of tears sliding down her cheeks. Screw it. If he could cry then so could she.
Staring at her, Legolas shook his head wordlessly before he leaned forward, millimetres from her lips. Marina started to tremble, fingers twitching against him as they stared into each other's eyes. Emotion and a bond no one else understood or could ever hope to comprehend passed between them, untouchable and unbreakable in its essence.
"I don't intend to. Ever." Legolas rumbled, eliciting a delighted shiver from her scalp to her toes.
Covering the distance between them, Legolas enveloped her lips in a urgent yet tender kiss that spoke of his feelings without need for verbal communication. His fingers cradled her face, lovingly stroking the skin under her jaw before sliding over her collarbone, shoulders, down her arms and settling around her hips as he knelt between her thighs. This was all he would ever need. Just this woman. And his daughter. Nothing else material was required. He felt as if he had the entire world in the palm of his hand, and he certainly believed it.
Everything became non-existent in his embrace; the warmth of his mouth. The strength of his hold. The sheer tenderness and love in his touch. There was no war. Nothing but him. In her arms. Had someone told her she would be in such a wonderful relationship with an equally wonderful man, Marina would have called them delusional and advised they grow up. But now that she had such a thing, she was loathe to part from it. Legolas was the one - the only one. If anything happened (God forbid), Marina would not take anyone else as her lover. The position at her side would always be for the Prince of Mirkwood. A best friend, partner and husband all in one. Blood thundered in her ears, muscles twitched in response to the sensations his touch brought. She didn't need a mirror to know her cheeks were red from both arousal and the innocent embarrassment she had never been able to shake.
It was a wonderful feeling of bliss and eternal love.
Giggling happily against his mouth, Marina reluctantly broke their engagement and wriggled back, her heart clenching at the glint of hurt that shined in his eyes. Legolas was not what you would call vulnerable in any sense of the word. A proud warrior, and a true friend. The idea of him being vulnerable would never come to mind. But with her, Marina realised he was different. Beneath all the bravado, and the tough-elf visage, he was a gentle soul that sought affection just as any other would. And this, being a particularly difficult time due to the high stakes of battle, it wasn't unusual for him to be a little more sensitive than normal. They both were. The fact that he could be this open and unreserved around her made her heart swell with affection. She was witness to a sight not many were. An elven warrior shedding tears of joy was truly a beautiful, endearing sight to behold.
"What are you waiting for, husband? It's your bed." Marina curled her fingers at him enticingly, leaning back on her elbows to watch him with a cocked brow.
In an instant the hurt disappeared from his eyes to be replaced by cunning understanding, followed by cheekiness. That which the mortal was becoming rather fond of seeing. It was good to know he was developing some of the lighter human tendencies as opposed to being a pig-headed male. Yet he did have his moments. All that was tossed on the back-burner when Legolas began stripping out of his recently adorned armour, right down to a feast for the eyes before he crawled onto the bed with her. Marina lay back against the mattress, blushing furiously as his arms caged her, surrounding her in his scent and warmth. Running her fingers over his forearms, Marina traced a line up his biceps, digging into the tense flesh of his shoulders and dragging her nails down the tautness of his back. Legolas bowed into her with a muffled groan, attacking the junction of her neck and shoulder with feverous enthusiasm.
"I love it when you blush." Legolas murmured huskily against her flesh.
Calloused fingers gripped her thighs, sliding under the gown that had long since ridden up from their interaction. With much muffled groans on both their parts, Marina was soon divested of the concealing material and left in nothing but underwear. Dainty fingers threaded into his long hair as his mouth descended on her chest, licking a trail of fire over her skin. The woman's breath hitched as his hand trekked down, over her hip to the small of her back, nails gliding over her backside and thigh to circle behind her knee where he hefted her leg against his hip. Legolas rumbled an approval at the contact, nipping at the soft skin of her navel to bring the sound of pleasure he so desired to her lips. Marina moaned in frustration and tugged his hair, smiling against his mouth when he rose to her request. Stroking her tongue along his lips, Marina gently sucked his bottom lip into her mouth, shivering as a spine-tingling groan escaped the Prince.
In retaliation, Legolas's fingers ventured down her body, encountering the underwear that kept him from his destination. Growling in frustration, he quickly removed the currently offensive material and delved to the junction of her thighs. Marina arched with a soft gasp as he teased the bundle of nerves, lingering over them and timing the pace of his kiss with that of his fingers. Whimpers of pleasure were swallowed by his mouth and a satisfied purr rumbled in his chest. He was not however prepared when his little mortal retaliated in her own way, releasing a startled yet pleased gasp as delicate fingers wrapped around him, squeezing gently. Marina was fascinated by the velvet soft skin, and the reaction it caused him to have as her fingers gently traced the underside of his erection, thumb teasing over the tip. Legolas hissed and crashed his lips to hers with a startlingly urgency which was a direct contradiction to the gentle fingers that slipped into her body. Even in situations such as this, the Prince was always mindful to be gentle.
"Legolas - ah...you're...very enthusiastic!" Marina managed between the attack of lips, her body thrumming with the multitude of sensations. Her skin was on fire wherever his hands touched. Having him curl his fingers up almost caused her to lose the ability to speak as she arched her back, wrapping her legs securely about his hips before her hands roved up his shoulders and down his back.
"I need you...by Eru...you...you're perfect Marina." His voice dropped to a husky octave as he kissed her hard. "Mine." He growled against her ear.
Marina very nearly orgasmed with just that one word and had just enough restraint to stop herself from nodding erratically. "Yours. Forever. Now stop - gah - teasing me!"
Even though neither of them had really been thinking about sex, they were certainly not opposed to it.
Not one to deny this woman anything, Legolas abandoned his quest of undoing her with just digits alone and instead curled his hand around her thigh, the other grasping the nape of her neck to tug her up. Marina gave herself to him completely as their lips met in a sloppy, uncoordinated kiss spurred by love, lust and an unquestionable amount of affection as he slid into her warmth. The connection was sweet relief for the two of them, reaffirming their position as husband as wife, man and woman and for a moment they remained still, simply layering affection on the other with mouths alone. Brushing a few errant strands of hair out of her beautiful eyes, Legolas held himself still even as she gripped him so perfectly, to allow himself to properly kiss her. Biting at her lower lip and soothing it with his tongue even as she sank her nails into the skin of his back in pleasure.
"I love you. God, I love you so much." Marina whispered against him, thrilled at just the sensation of having him within her. No one else could have him. No one else could make him feel the way that she did. Being one with him was always breathtaking - it made her feel whole. Complete. As though she were regaining a side of herself that was misplaced. It was a feeling that no other could replicate or hope to accomplish. Or ever would. Wrapping her arms about his chest, Marina hugged him with all the strength she possessed and felt his response as his arms locked about her shoulders and hips. There was no way to distinguish whether she wanted to laugh or cry. To scream or groan. Happiness, love and affection for this one man was soaring in her heart, unquenchable and undeniable.
Trading another passionate kiss, the couple began to move together, melding into one and the same. One heart. One soul. One mind. Fingers dug into flesh. Muscles flexed as the pace increased and the rhythm grew sharper and more erratic. And not once did they break eye contact. Blue and grey inseparable in every sense of the word, locked in mutual understanding, love and acceptance. Marina could feel her heart thundering, blood pulsing as her body wrapped around his entirety, locking him against her as they moved together in perfect synchrony. Nails finding the skin of his shoulders, Marina whimpered as the euphoric build of pressure wound tight inside her, just begging to be unleashed. Legolas twisted his hips, thrusting up hard and fast in short burst that he knew would undo her. The woman came with a soundless scream, arching against him as her heat clenched him and surrounded him. A muffled groan seeped into the flesh of her throat as he pressed tender kisses to her jaw, his body drawn to release in response to his mate.
They lay, still entwined, utterly spent as they both tried to get their breath back.
"Wow..." Marina gasped. "That...that was amazing."
"Aye. You are...amazing." Legolas nuzzled her throat, content to remain within her until the end of time but decided that his mortal was in dire need of rest. Rolling on to his side, the Prince gathered the young woman into the strong enclosure of his arms, eyes closing in quiet bliss as her small hands pressed against his chest. Running her fingers over the defined pectoral muscles, Marina placed a content kiss to his sternum, smiling as she felt his lips press against her scalp.
"I wish we could just stay like this forever." Marina said softly, wincing at how very corny it sounded. But it was the truth. If she could, the woman would have bent the earth into an unrecognisable entity if it meant she could assure Legolas's presence by her side. Such was the selfishness that came with love. Berating herself would be utterly pointless because she knew that he felt exactly the same way. Nothing would ever stand between them.
Tightening his arms about her small frame, Legolas reached for the sheets and tugged them up so that they were nestled and shielded from the rest of the world. Fingers finding her jaw, he gazed into the peaceful grey orbs before pressing a chaste but tender kiss to her beautiful lips. "I would give you the stars were it physically possible, mil-nin. When this war is over, we will have eternity for this."
Marina bit her lip, trying in earnest to stave off the pathetic tickle behind her eyes. There was no need to cry. But his words were touching and pierced her very soul as they often did. And by God, she desperately wished to believe them too. That they would see beyond this darkness and into the dawn as they had before. But Marina was not so optimistic and believed that until the tide of battle proved otherwise, she would let her eyes be the judge of whether or not they stood a chance of winning. So much was at stake. The life of her friends. Legolas. Nina. The wargs. Hiding was not an option. Retreat was definitely not an option. Stealing herself for the possibility of being scolded, Marina slid her fingers up to grasp his jaw, eyes pleading.
"Legolas, I'm going to fight in this war. Please understand-"
"I will not stop you." He said gravelly, a smile twitching his lips as she blundered on without realising what he had said.
"-that I have to do this. For myself and everyone - wait. What?" The mortal blinked owlishly at him, much to his dry amusement.
Every impulse in his body sought to hide her away, and their child, until the battle passed no matter the outcome. As he kept repeating to himself, the Prince could not lose her again. He would not survive it. But he also understood that besides the necessity for her to fight, he knew she wanted to. Even now he could remember his valiant little human traipsing the wall of Helm's Deep to rescue the Marchwarden. The tales he had heard of Marina riding into the fight of Pelennor Fields on the back of her giant warg with a host of the beasts amassing at her back like a loyal army had turned into something of a legend. His wife was no coward, and he was proud of that fact but the idea of her being in this fight, against a being so twisted, so evil, sent a tremor of fear straight to his gut. Jazorg had not revealed what he was capable of, and Legolas was dreadfully afraid for his wife's safety. As Galadriel had warned him, he would not be able to intervene in the fight. Not only because he would be a distraction to Marina but also because Jazorg would kill him.
"Jazorg will seek any and all advantage within his grasp." Galadriel had told him. "For you to remain near Marina will undoubtedly cause the battle to be lost. For your own wellbeing, you cannot be near her when she eventually faces Jazorg."
Her words consistently rang with the warning. Though it was near to giving him a headache, he was glad for it. The last thing he wanted was for Marina to suffer because he couldn't stop himself from defending her. But the fact that he would not be able to be at her side when the final confrontation came to a head - it was shattering. At the very least, he would make sure he could at least watch without being in the way. Remaining at her side was compelling but he could sacrifice his want for the greater good. That in mind, Legolas clutched her close, burying himself in her familiar scent and warmth, draping his leg over both of hers so that she was completely against him. Untouchable. She was completely safe right here. In his arms. Why could it not remain that way?
"Legolas?" Marina said in concern, tentatively running her fingers through his hair even as he leaned back to look down at her. "Talk to me."
Swallowing hard, Legolas pressed his forehead to hers. "You want to fight. I can understand that. Only you can defeat the Conjurer. I don't have to like it...but there is naught I can do to stop you. Just...allow me an indulgence."
Feeling her heart swell, Marina kissed him softly. "Anything."
Sighing gratefully, Legolas pulled her closer protectively. "Let me train you in close combat. I know we do not have much time left but it would make me feel better knowing you are at least taking something into battle that I gave you."
Marina nodded without hesitation and lifted her head to meld their lips in a sweet exchange. "Ok, Legolas. I just hope you're a better teacher...than Haldir. I love you."
"Undoubtedly. Thank you, mil-nin. Rest now. I love you..." Legolas smiled as the little mortal fell into sleep within the enclosure of his arms. Safe and sound. "...forever."
Releasing a near soundless sigh, Legolas listened to the slow, relaxed pace of her heart; the gentle exhale of breath against his skin. At that moment, the Prince could not think of a single place that he would rather be. Smoothing his fingers over the satin softness of her skin, he encountered the thick scars on her forearm and upper right arm. The gruesome, zigzagging scar tracing her skin from rib to hip made him furious that someone would dare harm her in such a way when she was merely defending a friend. Had he been witness to the attack the perpetrator (even though it was female) would have found herself replicated with the same injury.
Eyes following the curves and gentle slopes of her beautiful body, Legolas studied the wound from the spider's venom, a scoff threatening to spill from his mouth. That wound in particular could almost be carded as her fault. Had she not been so stubborn and ridden with him it might never have happened. As for the injuries suffered to her feet, he was not going to risk disturbing her just because he wanted to examine them. Marina's scars were not hideous to him. In fact, they fascinated him and did not detract from her beauty. Instead they only emphasised the person she was, as beautiful inside as she was on the outside.
Despite her embarrassment and disgust in regards to the scars, Legolas constantly sought to touch them to convince her he did not hold them in the same regard as she did. A woman was a vain creature; the slightest imperfection could cause waterworks or a heated fight over nary nothing. But vanity was not the cause in this case. It was due to her view as seeing them as scars gained out of stupidity and not merit. By Eru how he wished he could see her thoughts and try to elevate her worries. Marina had always been beautiful to him and always would be no matter what happened.
Clutching her more securely against his chest in a fashion he knew was excessively protective (and didn't really care), he found himself lulled into deep thought as he stared at the crescent moon visible through the glass of the doors leading out into the heart of the city. How many nights would they be able to spend like this before the enemy decided to make its presence officially known? How many times would he be able to simply hold Marina before they were separated in the midst of battle?
Would it be on the morrow? A few days? A week? As optimistic as he was, Legolas was not by any means stupid. The chances of the enemy giving them another week of preparation was a far cry from possible. But it still didn't stop him from hoping reverently that by some spontaneous turn of events, that time would be delegated to them. Not only for his family but for every other soul that would be fighting for their survival in the week if not days to come. Death had never really come up in his thoughts - there had never been a need for it as he had not been in such a situation before. Where it was necessary to worry about his survival. But now it did. As his fingers traced the contours of Marina's hip he was reminded that no matter what race you were, life was fragile. And could be snuffed out like a candle.
His arms tightened reflexively around his mortal. This little candle would not be smothered. Legolas's brow furrowed furiously at the thought. Marina breathed steadily against his chest, affirming his thoughts that his candle would stay lit; a light in the darkness and a warmth he could wrap his arms around for eternity.
"Just try and take her from me, Jazorg the Conjurer. It will be the last thing you ever do." Legolas promised to the lingering night.
"God, you are trying to kill me. I won't even get to Jazorg with the way this is going." Marina complained, only to realise the implication of what she had just said had on Legolas. As if the situation wasn't already strained enough, now she was just adding fuel to his fear. And the unamused twist to his mouth coupled with the unhappy furrow of his brows told her she was doing a brilliant job at it.
Guilt sucked her under. Hard. Here he was trying to do his best in teaching her how to defend herself, and she was really improving her chances of him continuing by mentioning Jazorg and death in the same sentence. It was a blessing he was even doing this in the first place. Marina bit her lip, inwardly cursing herself. The last thing she wanted to do was upset him by making his thoughts track down a bad path. Again.
"I'm sorry. I didn't...I wasn't thinking." She was damn near falling over her own goddamn tongue to reassure him. Rebecca Cortez had always scolded her daughter for the obnoxious slip of words she suffered from. Or rather, cursed with, as her father had said. Marina scowled at the dagger in her hand in response, practically casting blame upon it. It was meant to be easy and efficient to handle but given her lacking experience in weapons it was impossible to hold it for such an extended time period without it damn near slipping out of her clumsy grip. The steel trembled, a telling sign of her exhaustion. Everything had gone numb. When she finally stopped moving Marina knew she would be snarling about the muscles coming back to bite her in the arse. Especially after spending a couple of hours asleep.
For the last few days a ritual had begun - in-between caring for Nina and being social, that is. Before breakfast Legolas instructed her at the crack of dawn in fluidly wielding a weapon, going through motions and positions without actually moving the dagger as if to attack an enemy. After lunch another lesson ensued yet this entailed watching an opponent, picking up on the hairline indications that something was about to happen; be it a blink or the twitch of the weapon. Before and after dinner was spent collecting bruises and sore muscles through practicing what she had learned earlier in the day. When Marina had questioned Legolas's choice of a practice weapon, she was humbled and surprised when he recalled her dislike of summoning claws to dispatch foes.
"With a dagger you are less likely to feel attached. It still gives you the opportunity to be at close range yet not feel as though a part of your body is tearing through flesh. And we already know that a sword is too heavy for you." He had said, not unkindly.
Let it be said that Marina does try. Really, she does. But in the end she would eventually lose her grip on the dagger or throw it in frustration. Haldir had remarked during a session that she was quite good at in that sense. He had damned near had it thrown at him instead. Despite how she came to detest the dagger, Marina was secretly glad for it. Legolas was right in the sense that it was not attached to her as the claws would be, and it would serve as self defence rather than an offensive weapon unless necessary. Just the thought of using her claws to kill again sent a shiver down her spine, and it was not one of pleasure. Never again did the mortal wish to feel the blood lust that had coursed through her body the day she had ripped into the orcs after the wargs had perished.
Definitely not an option.
But as progress had implied, weapons were really not her forte. But the training in itself was rather beneficial. There was more to squaring off with an opponent than meets the eye - the elves just made it look terribly easy. Footwork was a must. As was stance and balance. Marina had learned that you do not win battles by dancing around like an idiot and hope your strike met a target. It was a mathematical equation. All you had to do was decipher the answer.
Between that and everything else that had been going on, it was a wonder Marina had any strength left.
The same could be said for her ever patient teacher - though that patience was dwindling by the second.
Sighing, Legolas pressed his fingers to his temple, thoroughly exhausted himself over the last few days. Between looking after Nina, training Marina, discussing battle plans and going over the final preparations, the strain on nerves was close to breaking point. Though her comment irritated him to no end he did not let himself allow that to become the sword that broke his composure. If he was going to lose his temper he would rather it be in a confrontation with Haldir. A great way to let off steam. The Marchwarden could defend himself quite well and was a worthy opponent. And the fact that Legolas did not deny he got some joy out of beating the other elf - he had never really forgiven him for trying to kiss Marina.
"It's all right, Marina. I know." Legolas glanced at the descending sun, barely visible through the overbearing branches of the behemoth trees. Three days. Three days had passed and there was no sign of the enemy. Not even a whisper of their presence near the city. And according to scouts, Dol Guldur was buzzing like an angry ant nest but did not seem to be moving from their station. Something was off. What was it that they were waiting for? Shaking his head to himself, the Prince felt his attention being pulled to his wife who was currently berating the dagger in her hand with a venomous glare. The sight alone was enough to pull a smirk to his lips. Distracted. Always distracted. Launching forward, Legolas trapped her in the enclosure of his arms, her back to his chest as he held the dagger playfully to her collarbone. The weapon was as blunt as a tavern wench - he would not risk harming his mortal.
"Don't tell me." Marina murmured sulkily, unwilling to put in anymore resistance. The last few times she had attempted to wriggle out of his hold had ended up with her on the ground, and not in the sexual way she preferred. When Legolas trained someone, even his wife, he meant business. Much to her ire. "I'm dead again."
Pressing an obnoxious kiss to her dark locks which shined in the last rays of the sun, Legolas cuddled her close. "Very. But you have made much progress. I'm proud of you."
Marina's heart soared with the praise. Anyone that knew Legolas was well acquainted with the fact that he did not compliment lightly - especially not with something as important as battle training. To know that she had earned something in his sight made the mortal unspeakably happy; relieved, in fact that he was still willing to let her venture into battle. She understood this was hard for him - to allow his wife, the mother of his child and soul mate to walk head first into an unknown field of enemies. And she could not quite quell the love and affection that came with that gesture of trust and understanding. At least he hadn't done what he did in Minas Tirith and turned into a complete tyrant. A cheeky smile took control of her lips as Marina turned in his hold, standing on her tiptoes to thread her fingers into his silky hair and tug him down to lock their lips.
For the past few days, the couple had resulted to any excuse to touch each other. Be it a brief capture of lips or an innocent caress that never failed to stir a longing in each of them, leading to rather frivolous bouts of affection. This moment being a perfect example of inexcusable, uncaring shows of affection. And ham-handed at that. For as Legolas found himself occupied with the soft touch of his wife's lips against his own, he became aware of a very sharp point just shy of his jugular.
"Never be distracted by your enemy." Marina purred coyly up at him to which she received a well-deserved smack on the backside for her cheek.
Issuing a startled but pleased yelp at getting a reaction out of him (which she had been attempting for awhile within this battering session), Marina giggled and snuck out from the grasp of his arms. Playing with Legolas like this was always exhilarating, even if it didn't end in sex. Sex was not paramount to their relationship and it likely never would be. If the moment strikes, neither side was unwilling but they did not strive for it as some couples might. Human and elf were content whether they were talking or just touching. Or even just staring at each other as they were now.
"How can I not? When my enemy is so...distracting." He growled playfully and strolled toward her, twisting his dagger between his fingertips in a fashion that clearly said he was showing off.
Marina pouted at him and matched his steps backwards, mindful of the obstacles scattered around her.
Legolas had taken to training her in the secure, and well defended arena that the elves commonly used for perfecting battle strategies. And honing original skill sets, be it archery, agility or general swordsmanship. Little did he know that the arena had been used for other activities too. Weapons were always in great supply yet blunt ones were difficult to find. So the Prince had had to resort to ruining a perfect set of daggers by brandishing them against tree bark, the steel losing its smooth edge but he allowed the point to remain sharp. He could not afford to let Marina forget that all parts of a weapon could kill. And for a dagger, the point was crucial for success.
A sword's broadside was primarily used for cutting and decapitating. Not only was it too heavy for Marina to use for long periods but it was a slower weapon, and could be blocked by most armour and shields. The dagger was much more suitable for Marina not only because of her smaller stature but because he didn't intend for her to be locked in any description of physical confrontation. After all, Jazorg was certainly not going to be using physical weapons against her. Legolas winced inwardly at the thought. Strike your opponent, make sure they bleed, and move away, he had taught her. A bleeding enemy was a weak enemy. Swords had their uses but were only useful if one was interlocked in battle with multiple foes. If he had any say in it, Legolas would not allow that to happen.
"Such a distraction could be very dangerous for an old pervert like you." Marina quipped with a playful grin, thrilled when his low baritone chuckle circled around her like tangible fingers.
"Old? Me?" In a mocking hurt tone, Legolas adopted an adorable expression which mimicked a sad puppy. Sheathing the dagger at his hip, the Prince backtracked and instead sat down on an oversized log that served as a jumping obstacle, leaning on his thighs as he watched her. "Seeing as I'm so old, I don't have the stamina or speed to chase a little girl like you."
Releasing an indignant snort that wasn't ladylike at all, Marina pursed her lips and set her hands resolutely on her hips. Her child-bearing hips. Hips that a little girl could not possess. Yet the smile dancing around the edges of her mouth gave the feign of irritation away. White teeth flashed in the growing shadows as Legolas grinned smugly at her, thoroughly amused with the banter they created. It was refreshing and welcome, to not take everything so seriously as they had been with the war. Cocking a brow, Marina marched over to him, hands firmly on her hips as she came to a halt before him, staring down at him from her advantage of height. If only just.
"I'm not a little girl."
Quick as a snake, Legolas hauled her into his lap where he proceeded to tickle her mercilessly as she squealed in his grasp. "No. You are certainly not." In an instant the tickle of his fingers changed to that of a caress; one that a lover was very familiar with. There wasn't anything sexual about it or even remotely insinuating that there was. It was just a comfort, and soothed Marina's sore muscles as he cradled her on his thighs, blocking out the rest of the world so it was just the two of them. Twining her arms about his neck, Marina nuzzled against his throat with a contended sigh, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
"Legolas?"
He made a noncommittal sound in answer, resting his chin on her head.
Tracing patterns in the material of his vest, Marina frowned at her fingers that had now become very calloused from just a few days in practising with a weapon. It was uncanny. Brought into a fictional world, getting married, having a child and being involved in battles was still something of a surreal topic. The beat of Legolas's heart against her cheek however told her it was very real. And she was glad for it, even with all the bad implications of what tomorrow may bring. Sometimes the woman felt as though she were living a dream, and at any given moment, Legolas would disappear in a puff of black smoke and she would wake up on the couch. Or Nina would become the sickened child, bleeding from her eyes sockets in the dream Jazorg had shown her. All these thoughts then brought her urge to distract herself back into play. Of which she was infinitely grateful for.
"Do you have any siblings?" She blurted.
Legolas leaned back and raised an eyebrow at her. "If you're planning another old joke..."
Marina giggled and shook her head. "No. My questions from now on are genuine. You're still kinda old though."
Rolling his eyes, Legolas squeezed her tightly and poked a finger into her tummy, smirking as she squealed in response. "Very funny. In answer to your question, no. My parents did not have any other children."
"Why?"
Mortals did so love to cross the boundaries of innocent knowledge to basically being nosey. "Because my parents were not sexually active the way we are." Victory was his as a blush scattered across her cheeks.
"Why?"
And they could be ever so insistent. "Their duties took them apart most of the time."
"Why?"
Now this was becoming most interesting. Neither her tone nor expression were changing, save for the tiny hint of a smile that was beginning to play around her lips. Legolas narrowed his eyes in caution the way he would weigh up a new adversary. Was this a type of human game? Or was this a way of consistently asking him the same question over and over again to annoy him?
"Because they were the King and Queen."
There. The smile he had seen hiding now started creeping over her lips, the inflection of humour in her tone very clear. "Why?"
As endearing as this game was, Legolas's patience had practically run its course. Pressing his mouth to her ear, Legolas made sure to whisper very quietly and seductively. "If you ask 'why' one more time I will be introducing you to every dagger we have within this armoury."
There seemed to be some sense of deliberation going on inside her head, chewing on her bottom lip as she often did when she was thinking. Legolas had to stop himself from kissing her. He hated it when she did that because it was so alluring. "...why?"
Marina squealed in indignant surprise as Legolas stood up and draped her over his shoulder, though she couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Legolas, you jerk! Put me down!"
"No. I'm an old pervert and you're in need of a little lesson, little girl."
Their laughter echoed in the arena as they departed, Marina still squabbling over his shoulder about the injustice of it all and he replying that she asked for it.
Thranduil watched the couple go, having remained hidden in the alcove of overlapping trees, fascinated by the affection his son held for the mortal woman. He did not question that Legolas loved the woman. What he did question, even though she was his soul mate, why he had taken a human? Not taking a soul mate was not detrimental to one's life - it wasn't as if they died if they never met the other half. Some went their entire existence without ever seeing their halved soul. What was so special about this mortal in particular? Power was not something his son desired so it couldn't be her ability as a druid-mage. Wealth was out of the equation for obvious reasons. Beauty, Thranduil admitted, was natural in the woman but she wasn't by any means the most gorgeous creature to have walked Middle-Earth. What was it then? If not wealth, status or power? What exactly drew the Prince of Mirkwood to one lowly mortal female with a habit of gaining scars?
"I do not understand it either." Tauriel murmured quietly at his side, knowing without comment what he was thinking. Even if the people respected Legolas, it did not mean they understood the choice of his love interest. Even if she was his soul mate and mother to his child.
When Thranduil remained silent to her observation, Tauriel nervously licked her lips. They had not spoken of what occurred three days prior nor had they acted upon it since. Any glimpses of the King that the Guard Captain had caught were discreet and completely uninterested in her presence. Like now, for example. Yet he had requested that she meet him here. What other reason did he have for summoning her? Had he not wished to spy on his son and daughter-in-law alone? Was there an ulterior motive to this that Tauriel could not see? Brows furrowing in growing confusion, the she-elf remained passive and still at his side, awaiting his order.
"Are you jealous of her?" Thranduil's voice was liquid in the growing night, his visage stoic and uncaring.
Tauriel whipped her head around to stare at him so fast that the majority of her locks just about smacked her in the face. "My Lord? I do not-"
"Are you jealous that she is with Legolas and you are not?" This time, pale eyes locked with emerald, beginning a connection that neither of them fully understood but were more than willing to explore.
Tauriel surprised him, and in turn herself, as she said, "No. Legolas was a fleeting desire I have long since forgotten. Despite the fact that Marina is mortal, I am happy for him."
Nodding slightly in acknowledgement, Thranduil's eyes softened just a tad and his tone dwindled to a mere murmur, "As am I."
Any admission be it positive or negative was a rare thing to be heard from the Elven King, as he preferred to keep his thoughts in solitude and out of general discussion. To be privy to such a confession was deeply humbling and created the odd stir in her chest again. Tauriel shivered at the intense gleam in his eyes, as though he were looking through her and straight into the depths of her soul. This was something she wasn't familiar with, and she certainly didn't know what to do about it. Like Legolas, Tauriel had never had a partner to speak of. There had been a few passing love interests but never did courting last more than a few months, and had taken to dwindling into pointlessness. Kili the dwarf did not by any means count, and she inwardly scolded herself for even bringing it up in her thoughts.
The scent of something very sweet, floral and vaguely heady drew Tauriel out of her puzzlement to find one of the old, very rare forest flower's held in Thranduil's hand.
A thud in Tauriel's chest startled her, more so than the flower the King was offering to her. Was he serious? What was this feeling? And more importantly, did she accept the flower and everything that it entailed? Long had the she-elf admired the rare flora, having seen it occasionally gifted as an initiation of courtship. To have it presented to her was heart-stopping and enough to send one's nerves haywire with rattled thoughts.
It was a vibrant red with swishes of blue dancing on the inside of the petals with a pure white centre. Considered a very precious gift, the flower known as Melith Meril, the 'Love Rose', aptly named for its purpose in elven society was often sought after when seeking a partner. The reason they were so rare was not only because of the deteriorating health of the forest due to the spider presence but also because it was plucked solely for elven maidens. And it only grew sparingly in certain seasons. For Thranduil to have already procured one at the very end of season meant he knew where they grew and had deliberately made the journey halfway across the Wood to get it. A dangerous journey fraught with peril and a huge army encroaching on the entire area. For her.
Another bemusing thump beneath her ribcage startled Tauriel into drawing a breath, eyes wavering as they peered up into the pale gaze of her King.
"I offer you Melith Meril; it compliments your beauty and resembles your ability to fight; a deadly dance to which one may lose their life." Thranduil's voice was steady and surprisingly gentle given the gravity of what he was about to ask. "It would honour me if you would accept this gift and give me the indulgence of courting you, Tauriel Daheth."
For a split second, Tauriel could not breathe. Or think. Or move. King Thranduil was asking to court her. Feeling her heart flutter with a sensation she was starting to enjoy, the she-elf gently wrapped her slimmer fingers around his own, touching over the petals of the beautiful flower as she did so. A smile lit up the normally serious expression of her face, joyous and excited in its design.
"I accept your offer of courtship, King Thranduil." Tauriel bowed deeply only to find his hand, solid and so very warm pressing beneath her chin to bring her back to height.
"Just...Thranduil." The King murmured before pressing a sweet, hopelessly gentle kiss to her lips in an act of sealing the start of courtship. That alone caused Tauriel's heart to thunder, more than it ever had in her lifetime.
"Thranduil..." Tauriel tasted his name on her tongue and decided she loved the way it curled so perfectly.
And if his answering growl was of any indication, he certainly appreciated it too. Tauriel was lost to any further thought as he caged her against the tree they had been using as cover, mouth enveloping hers in demanding, experienced possession. And she was pulled along for the ride. All too willingly.
The Melith Meril lay abandoned at their feet, petals billowing in the slight breeze but not forgotten for its purpose in their new relationship.
Like it? Hate it? Just wanna throw things at me? TRY I DARE YOU!
So this chapter, as I said earlier, was very romancey. I know that's not a word so shush.
Thranduil and Tauriel...I want to compare them to a very 'adult' relationship as opposed to Legolas and Marina who are playful and affectionate. T and T are going to be the complete opposite.
Tauriel's surname is made-up and is a by-product of my destructive imagination. It just fit and sounded better than plain old "Tauriel". An official request doesn't sound official without a surname at the end!
The flower was part of my destructive imagination too using words from the Sindarin language to create it. I thought it was cute but you guys are the better judges. You tell me!
The story is working its way back to Marina's perspective. We'll get tidbits of the others before the war but after that its gonna lean on Marina's side of the fence as it did in the starting chapters of the story. If anyone is opposed to this please tell me!
So next update will hopefully be within a week if not two. Don't hesitate to ask if you want the characters to do something specific or for something specific to happen. I don't mind! I like a challenge. And to gift my imagination in words to my lovely reviewers.
Ciao, dearies!