Disclaimer: See previous chapters.

The night was waning quickly as Legolas and I strolled through the quiet of the city streets. Lamps and torches hung along the walls of many buildings, flickering impatiently as they burned low in the late hours of the night. No wind disturbed the cool night air, and a faint mist hung over the White City like a veil. All others had gone to bed long ago, yet the two of us remained alert and unwilling to succumb to the call of much- needed rest.

Legolas held me close as we gazed up at the fading blues of the sky. The touch of his fingers gripping my waist set my skin ablaze, igniting the desire in my heart that had lain quiet for so long. Each moment I found myself yearning to kiss his ears and bestow in him the same longing I felt. The thought of his naked body lying next to mine made me shiver, wondering when next I would be allowed to lie with him in solitude. Over the past few hours of walking, we had talked much of our separate journeys, informing the other of the places and people we had seen. I marveled at how his tales seemed the material of legends, while mine seemed pale in comparison. Still, he listened attentively to all I said, questioning me over many matters until his curiosity was sated.

"What are your thoughts, melamin?" he asked suddenly.

I looked up to meet his eyes. It struck me how much I had longed to gaze into his face and hear the music of his voice. For the past several months I had only been allowed to see him in my dreams, unable to caress the silken textures of his face, run my fingers along the curves of his beautiful ears, or even simply speak quietly to him.

"I have missed you so much, Legolas. I have longed to be able to feel your arms around me for so long." I laid a hand upon his chest, toying with the cerulean fabric that fir him smoothly and complemented him well. I cast my eyes up at him coyly.

He raised his eyebrows, studying my eyes carefully as if trying to read my thoughts. If he had, he would have probably pinned me against the walls and his elvish speed would prevail in the removal of clothes. I nearly laughed at loud at the thought.

We stopped walking. Legolas seemed to tower above me in the gray light, a beautiful vision of strength, courage, and nobility, with all the splendor of nature reflected in his face. He slowly touched my face, then trailed down to take my hand and raised it to his lips. His eyes remained focused on mine as he began to kiss my skin from the tips of my fingers to the palm, his gentle breath tickling the hairs on my arm. I smiled, inhaling deeply as he slowly moved down my arm, easing my body closer to his.

I set my hand upon the back of his head as Legolas moved forward to kiss my shoulder. I sighed happily as he kissed along my collarbone and neck; when I released a small moan, he held me tighter, his kisses becoming more intense as he sucked my skin, nipping at me with his teeth. My eyes fluttered shut, heart beating quickly as I held him close to me, waves of pleasure rushing through my body as he kisses became more passionate. I gripped his waist to maintain my balance as I became lost in his affections, leaning my head back to grant him further access.

As his lips moved along my throat, I flicked my tongue across the tip of his ear. He moaned against my throat, pressing himself closer to me until I felt his hard member against my leg, causing me to utter a whimper slightly.

Suddenly he pressed me against a wall, pinning me with his body. I gasped in surprise, staring wide-eyed into his face. Legolas gazed at me with bright eyes that burned with undeniable desire. He breathed heavily, hardly moving now.

"Andariel, I have never felt such a longing to feel the gentle curves of your body in my arms," he whispered. "The way your eyes gaze at me I cannot ignore the desire that rises in my heart. The taste of your skin is like honey; the curves of your lips are as delicate and alluring as the petals of a rose." His eyes flicked over me, quickly memorizing what he saw. I felt my breasts tighten under his gaze, and I drew breath quickly. "I hope you will forgive my boldly speaking, but every part of me has dreamed of being close to you again."

I caught his eyes, smiling seductively. "I take no offense by your words or your actions, for I too have felt the withheld desire for you to be in my arms. Long have I been denied the exquisite pleasure of all you have to offer, and I feel I cannot control myself now that you are real to me once more."

He brushed his lips across my forehead, pressing his groin harder against my leg until I released a moan to satisfy him. I sighed, pressing m y hands into his back as the growing ache inside me filled all my mind..

"My lord," I said at last, sweetly. "Should we not retire from the waking eyes of those around us? The sun will rise soon, and it would not be honorable to be seen in such an intimate state."

Legolas smiled, slowly pulling away and allowing me room to breathe freely. "Of course, my lady," he replied. "Are you certain you wish to proceed in any further courses? I would not wish to press you into anything you feel discomfort with."

The fire in his eyes was diminished only by the concern he felt for my well-being and state of mind. I knew he remembered well how I had shunned him in Lothlorien, denying him the pleasure of even gazing upon me. I searched my heart, scrutinizing my feelings. The shame I felt for the awkwardness of my body had lessened. Above all else, I trusted Legolas implicitly, knowing he would never hurt me. Perhaps I was indeed ready for the physical aspect of his love.

Laying a hand gently across his chest, I nodded slightly. "I know you would never purposefully cause me pain. I bear an ache for you that runs so deep I long to release it." Exhaling shakily, I smiled. "I love you, a'maelamin. Escort me to my chambers as you did in Rivendell."

I felt his heart beating quickly under my hand, a steady rhythm that calmed my fears. Legolas pressed my hand in his, and bowed to me. "It would be my honor, my lady." He glanced across the city, and I saw the first pale orange streaks of dawn streaming across the horizon, a surreal glow case upon the walls and plains around the great city. The world was being reborn before my eyes, a passing of darkness into light for all the world. A slight breeze softly plucked at my hair and my skirts, enveloping me in the gentle song of the coming day.



Legolas led me down the silent hallway of the tower. Many of the guards and servants were already awakening in the early hour, their scuffling feet and quiet voices the only sounds to rise through the air. From far within the tower wafted the smell of baking bread, a tantalizing scent that was punctuated by lavender. The stone and marble hallway was unoccupied as we made our way to a large wooden door.

Upon entered, I felt an immediate liking to the bedroom that had been prepared for me. It was quite large, featuring a great window upon the opposite side with a colored tree in the top portion of it, a green tree. To my left was a bed made of shining wood, and draped in rich covers of red and blue. Four posts marked it, decorated with sheer curtains the color of starlight. A large carpet of swirling colors covered the stone floor, leading to an armoire that stood beside an open doorway. Candles lit the room, even extending into the bathing room that held a white stone bathtub lying in the center, surrounded by garlands of sweet-smelling lilies.

As I walked towards the window that displayed the fledgling colors of dawn, I ran a hand over the mahogany desk that stood beside the window. The elegance of the room touched me, even when I noticed my sword as well as my other belongings had seen carefully set in the armoire.

I smiled as I felt Legolas slip his arms around my waist, his lips softly caressing my ear. I leaned back into his embrace, staring out at the sky as the curtains of night were parted by the fingers of a golden and pink sunrise. My skin tingled with each sweet kiss he placed along my ear and neck, and he began to whisper in Elvish. I felt his hands deftly slide along my waist, tracing my body through the smooth fabric of my dress, then slowly move around to my back.

My eyes watched the waking of the city as his fingers quickly unfastened the strings binding my dress. My chest tightened in anticipation, my breath shallow as I began to quiver under his touch. As the dress loosened around my body, I let my hands fall to my sides. I nervously thought of my scarred body and how he would see it in full. While I had healed greatly, I still disliked the ample imperfections I carried, and wondered if my tender womanness would be prepared for the act to commence.

Legolas slowly slid the dress down my body, leaving me standing in a flimsy chemise that did not hide my goosebumps as I felt his hands gently skim my legs. His hands glided up my body until they rested upon my shoulders.

"Legolas," I whispered suddenly.

He ceased in his movements, and I felt him become still. "Yes, love? What is it?"

The words were sour and uncertain in my mouth. I felt anxious as to how he would feel upon seeing me unclothed for the first time since he had rescued me. "I simply wish for you to be warned. I do not look the way you remember me," I said softly.

His fingers trailed through my shoulder length locks, whispering gently along the back of my neck. "You shall look as perfect to me now as I remember. I am grateful you have healed your wounds; I could not hold that against you," he answered.

Shakily I lowered my head, granting him my consent to continue. I did not feel panic, only anxiety.

"I shall be gentle, pen-neth," he whispered, sliding the chemise down my body. I shut my eyes as the cool air bathe my naked skin, and I stood silently, awaiting his response.

To my surprise, I heard no sounds of disgust or revulsion. Instead, gentle hands traced the scars on my legs, my bum, my back, my shoulders, caressing each one with airy kisses to ease my mental anguish. I sighed deeply as he found each mark of pain and turned each one into an excuse to kiss more of my skin. My eyes fluttered with the tenderness he provided, almost achingly slow in his progressions. I welcomed his touch now, relieved he felt no rush.

After suitably attending to the marks on my anterior side, he slowly turned me to face him. I cautiously met his eyes, lips parted, to find him gazing at me with deep love radiating through his pale orbs, with no trace of remorse or criticism or disgust. He smiled, offering me no judgment, only love and the giving and acceptance of such. Taking my hands, he brought them to his tunic and placed them around his neck.

He stooped swiftly and picked me up. I looked at him in surprise, heart pounding loudly against my chest as he carried me over to the bed, eyes never leaving my own. As he lay me upon the feathery blankets and stretched me out straight, he winked.

I watched in rapture as he unfastened his tunic and it fell quietly to the floor. Beneath it lay a cotton shirt of white, which also was quickly removed. My heart leapt into my throat as I beheld his flawless chest, pale as cream and hairless, perhaps more muscled and well defined than last I remembered, though still as handsome and desirable as ever. His silken hair flowed over his shoulders as he removed his boots and leggings.

Legolas sat at my feet, his hands rubbing the arches of my feet as he watched me silently. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, melethron," his voice assured me. "Your body is beautiful because it is yours. In the woods you would not even allow me to look upon you, and now you lie here with me. You have healed much in body and spirit."

I smiled fretfully, hands gripping the sheets beside me. "I do not deny that I feel trepidation still."

His eyes held mine as he slowly ran his fingers along the curves of my legs. "Fear not; I will cause you no pain." He lowered his lips to the scars on my legs and proceeded to repeat his loving journey up my body by way of placing healing kisses on all my former wounds.

My breath grew heavier and my heart pounded loudly against my chest as he kissed the insides of my thighs, approaching the lengthy scars that marred my femininity. I felt his lips softly kiss all around them, tongue gently flicking across the lips shielding my essence. My stomach knotted awkwardly, whether from fear or desire I could not tell. I watched as he buried his face between my legs, his breath tingling all my skin and I unconsciously bucked once against his movements.

"Are you all right?" he asked, pausing in his work.

Breathing heavily, I nodded. "Yes. Continue, my beautiful elf."

His tongue ran slowly along my opening, almost too gentle to feel. I clutched the sheets tightly as he teased me, sending chills running along my spine as he spread my legs wider. I gasped as his finger slowly entered me, causing me to moan softly. I shut my eyes as sent waves of pleasure throughout my body.

"Ai, Legolas," I murmured, abandoning myself to the pleasure he gave me.

He did not work quickly; instead, he worked steadily and slowly, as if afraid he would break me. His mouth sucked me, until I began to shake as the passion built quickly and rampaged through my body like a storm. I moaned loudly, unable to keep still, until the waves peaked. I cried out loudly, almost screaming, calling out his name as I writhed in ecstasy.

At lat my body fell still and I lay quiet, having in large amounts of air as the room spun around me. I smiled through my rapture, barely aware of Legolas moving upon my body until he lay his head on my stomach. I lay a hand upon his head, running my fingers through the golden tresses that bathed my skin.

We lay together for some time, enjoying the silence of our joined presence. I wondered why I had felt such fear at having him look on me, especially after he had shown me such love and understanding. He had shown me time and again how he cared for me regardless of what had happened. Now, my body was aching from pleasure, yet I still cried out for more.

"Legolas," I whispered.

He raised his head, looking at me patiently but saying nothing.

"Come to me."

I did not need to speak twice. He slowly raised himself up and moved to lie above me. I held his face in my hands, my lips aching to feel his again. The desire within me had been rekindled with such force it seemed it would consume me. Legolas leaned downward and brushed his lips over mine, but he did not kiss me. I parted my mouth, trying to bring him to me; apparently he felt the need to torture me.

"Kiss me," I begged.

He smiled, remaining close but not answering my plea. "I desire you so much, Andariel," he whispered heavily. "I wish to prolong this moment so you may be sated."

Resigning to his game, I lay back as his tongue flicked across my lips several times, eyes staring into mine. I felt his member twitching against my thigh anxiously, teasing me, promising me more pleasure later. His hair tickled my face as he kissed my nose and my forehead. I eyes his ear devilishly, waiting for my time to return the favor.

Unable to restrain myself, I grabbed his head and pulled his ear to my mouth. He stiffened as I ran my tongue along the curves of his elven ear, prolonging the moment as I licked behind it, his favorite spot, and then all the way to the tip. Legolas shuddered, moaning loudly as I repeated the torture, this time sucking on the tip of the ear that fascinated me so.

Suddenly he pulled away and kissed me hard, bruising my lips. I returned his passion, sending my tongue to taste his mouth as he willingly allowed me entrance. Together we battled, drowning in the kiss that attempted to make up for so much lost time. I hold him closer, running my hands over his smooth back and lightly brushing my nails over his muscles.

At last we parted, and I felt him position himself to enter me. I lay still, struggling not to resist. My heart beat so fast I wondered if it would ever slow. I was not afraid of him, though I was a little afraid of any pain. Legolas gently eased the tip of him member to me, and very slowly began to enter. I stiffened, swallowing hard as he watched my face, easing himself inside me so as not to put too much pressure on me. I sank my nails into his back as he filled me, and I gasped quietly.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

Twinges of pain ran through my abdomen as I stretched, and I winced. "Please be gentle," I whispered.

He smiled, caressing my face as he propped himself up on his elbows. "Of course."

He took slow strokes, pressing himself in and out as I gasped each time. The soft pains hit me with each movement, but I did not object. It was as my first time with a man, and I both longed for more and also cringed. Legolas gasped loudly as he moved, shuddering with excitement. I felt him trembling with the effort, yearning to go faster and harder but willing himself to be gentle and considerate of me, for I was weak.

Each moment passed by quickly as he continued his pace. I whimpered as he thrust a little harder, diving into the passion that possessed him, then slowing down as he regained his control. My body shivered with delight, wanting more of him. I shut my eyes, losing myself to our coupling. I murmured whispers of pleasure, urging him to continue, which he did so gladly.

It seemed we remained in such a state for hours, though it was only a short time. He buried his head in my neck, running a hand over my breast to cradle it gently, stroking my nipple until it hardened and he took it in his mouth. I moaned loudly, begging him to continue. I felt every inch of him inside me, and I accepted it, responding to each of his words as he mumbled incoherently, demanding my response.

Soon he began to cry out, his words faster and louder than ever. My voice mixed with his as my body screamed for release, every part of me alive with his touch. His fingers squeezed my shoulders so hard I thought he would break me, but I endured. At last he screamed in pleasure.

"Ai, Andariel!"

I cried out as he pressed himself into me with such force that I lost my breath. He spilt his seek into me, kissing me hard to muffle his cries. I grabbed hold of him to ease his shaking, even as I convulsed beneath his body.

When his climax began to settle, he slowly raised his head, breathing hard. I looked up at him through half-closed eyes, offering a smile as I began to tremble. I felt nearly torn, even though he had been as gentle as possible.

Cupping my face, Legolas placed a kiss upon my brow, his eyes dulled by the exertion and the fulfillment of excitement. His cheeks were flushed, his hair scarcely tousled.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I found no words. He nodded, slowly rolling over to my side.

"Did I cause you pain?" he asked, brow furrowing.

Meeting his eyes, I gave him a half-smile. "Only a little," I answered tiredly.

Tracing my cheek, he sighed quietly, his eyes gazing distantly. "Perhaps I should not have pressed you," he murmured thoughtfully.

Eyeing him in surprise, I said, "You would not have done so had I not wished it. It will take time for me to adjust, my love, that is all. Remember, it has been long since last we were together."

He nodded, though the look of doubt continued to cloud his face. "Even so, I had only wished to bring you pleasure, yet I caused you pain."

"Think not of it. I am fine, Legolas. I will not break." I gazed at him assuredly, firm in my words.