Okay, he comes the R-rated hanky-panky...if this offends your sensibilities, please read no further!

I quickly divested myself of my clothes before I could lose my nerve.

Whoo! The water was actually warmer than I expected, though I should be used to it because the bathing room was hot spring water.

I waded out to where he was and ducked down into the still sunlit water.

Oh my, I almost drowned. His body was lit beautifully.

I came up sputtering and Elrond held out a hand to me.

I told you I was wacked. I boldly asked. "Would you like me to scrub your back?"

"Thank you, that would be nice."

So I took the soap and...rubbed...my hands all over his back.

You can imagine what that did to my thoughts.....

I tried not to make such a big deal out of it, but I was almost swooning and the very warm water did not help me to focus.

When I reluctantly finished, he said mildly. "Turn around and I will do yours."

I sucked in my breath and nodded, turning.

His hands expertly and quickly soaped my back. My oh my.

As I was drifting away from him (I was almost floating lost in my erotic thoughts) I moved closer and slipped as a rock moved under my foot and I fell against him. Flailing I slipped down, my back falling against the front of him.

Gasping I came up for air. "I am so sorry my lord! I lost my balance!"

Thoroughly embarrassed, I said my hasty thanks for my scrub and then dove out and away from him mortified. I could still feel his soft flesh against my back.

I was mortified.

Okay...that's enough wackiness.

He said nothing further and we both finished our baths in silence.

Not as relaxing as I had hoped.

Drying off on the shore, I smiled at him as he strode by, naked as a jay bird, drying his hair as he walked.

I stopped what I was doing and flopped on the blanket I had laid on earlier.

This had gone way beyond what I was able to deal with in a rational manner. (And now remember, I do have a small excuse, I WAS PMS-ing)

Shaking myself out of my visions of Elrond, I went back to camp, towel and blanket draped around me.

He laughed as I went towards the tent. "Marie, now you have gotten all sandy from the blanket."

"Oh yeah, I wasn't thinking. Oh well, I am clean enough for now. I shall just have to bathe again tomorrow."

Nodding, the elf lord, now dressed in tunic and pants, went about fixing dinner.

I ducked into the tent.

I dressed hurriedly and slowly joined Lord Elrond who was stirring a thick soup. There was some bread wrapped in a cloth by the fire.

I smiled at him as I sipped a small cup of mead he poured for me.

Both of us were silent.

And I was very grateful for it because my mind kept bringing up his glorious naked form.

Oh my lord.

I sighed loudly and he asked quietly, "Tired?"

"Oh yes, that, ah, the hot springs really relaxed me I guess."

"That is good."

I had another glass of mead as I finished dinner. It made me feel pleasantly buzzed. The altitude probably helped too. Yawning, I took the dishes down to the hot spring and washed them.

But the hot water and the mead almost made me fall asleep at the water's edge.

Bringing back the clean dishes, I put them away and said good night and flopped into my blankets. I was asleep in minutes.

Oh you guys, but the dreams I had....

I woke up several times during the night, sweaty and twisted in my blankets.

Luckily the elf lord was out wandering under the stars because he wasn't there any of the times I awoke.

By the time the sun arose, I was out like a light.

Elrond let me sleep and the sun was close to noon when I finally got out of the tent feeling all rumpled and warm.

Lord Elrond was over tending to the injured horse.

"Morning my lord. Sorry I overslept." I yawned and asked, "Is there any tea?"

He smiled, "Yes Marie, there in the carafe by the firepit. Unsettled night?"

I nodded and poured some tepid tea into a mug and drank it down. I went to the spring and washed.

I spent the day as a sort of slug. You know how it is. I just didn't want to do anything. And I was again lucky because Lord Elrond went hunting after taking care of the horse.

I was so restless. I hated feeling like this.

I wanted the elf lord in the worst way.

I admit this in complete embarrassment. I wanted him and as the day went on, it got worse. I prowled the camp like a caged animal.

When he returned to camp, I smiled and asked if he needed any help with the rabbits he'd brought back and he shook his head and set about skinning them.

I fled to the woods and wandered for quite some time.

Everything was conspiring against me: PMS, finding that book of erotica and seeing Lord Elrond in the all together.

I wanted to jump out of my skin.

In my restless wandering, I found a small streamlet and a patch of grass. I sat down and feeling tired, I stretched out in the sun and fell asleep.

Oh, he was holding me tightly! I could smell the fresh spicey smell of him and feel the brush of his hair against my cheek. I moaned and clung tighter to him.

I twisted restless in his embrace and finally awoke.

Gaghhh! He was walking along carrying me back to camp! Mortified, I struggled to get down.

"Marie, whatever is the matter with you?"

"I, ah, nothing, you can set me down now. I was just tired."

He stopped and let me down, but still held on to my left elbow and not willing to rile him up further I let him lead me back to camp.

He set me down by the fire and then sat down opposite me and turned the roasting rabbits. At least they hadn't burned.

I put my head in my hands.

What was I going to do?

"Marie, you must tell me what is wrong. And something is, but I cannot determine it."

I opened my mouth and it popped out.

"I am, I so want....I am so lonely my lord."

I stared at him anxiously. "Not for friends, but, but, for...intimacy." I rubbed a hand across my face. "Do you know what I mean?"

He looked at me, his eyes dark and warm. Just what I needed...his concern. I plowed on. "I don't imagine elves have a problem falling in love. You are all so pretty to look at and humans, well, not all of us are as good looking and it's hard to find the right one to love."

His face went slightly puzzled as he listened to me and then again, the warmth filled his eyes. (Stop that! I am going to be a puddle of goo in a minute!)

"Elves do not fall in love easily Marie, but when they do it is forever."

He looked at me another minute in silence and then came over to me and put an arm around me.

"I know what you mean, but I had never thought of that as an issue." I started to struggle, but he kept his hold on me until I gave up and broke into tears and collapsed against him.

"I-I know you-you can't do anything and you are married in any case." I clung to his jerkin miserable. "I am so-sorry to be so emotional. It is just that time of month and I found this book of erotica in the library...and then I sa-saw you yesterday..."

I pulled away at that, and he let me go and I wiped my face and moved down the log we were using as a seat.

"Erotica? I do not remember any book like that."

"It was tucked away on a bottom shelf. By the third window."

"Hm. Must have been with a delivery of books I did not go through thoroughly. You will have to show it to me when we return."

Oh yeah. Good idea.

I nodded.

Getting up, I went to stand several feet away, my back to him.

What a terrible pickle to be in!

And what did I expect the elf lord to do? Strip down and take me into the tent and wear me out?

(Oh yes! Please!)

I kept going and went to the hot springs. Pulling off my clothes I waded out into the hot water with a hiss. I was hoping the heat would take

the edge of my desire away.

I was there for about 20 minutes, when the elf lord appeared on the shore. "Come Marie, let us have dinner. I think I can help you."

I turned with that, hope springing in my heart. What could he do? I started to get pictures and then shook my head as I stepped onto the sand.

He handed me a towel and I dried off and redressed.

We went back to camp and nervous but hungry, I ate the rabbit and roasted potato he served me. And I had a couple of glasses of mead too.

I did the dishes again and after putting them away, I sat across the fire from the elf lord who was sharpening his elegant elvish dagger.

Clutching my hands, I leaned forward and said anxiously, "Well?"

He looked up with a slight smile and continued with his knife. "Go undress and lay down Marie and get as comfortable as you can."

He wanted me to undress?

I walked rapidly to the tent and did as he requested. I pulled the blankets up around me.

What was he going to do? What could he do? My mind was whirling like a top.

But as I lay there, I yawned and put a hand to my face and closed my eyes tiredly.

Lord Elrond took his sweet time before I heard the tent flap move. His tall dark form filled the tent entrance and then he came over to me.

But he did nothing but lay down in his blankets.

I yawned and closed my eyes again.

It was late and I awoke, swept by such a wave of loneliness. I could see the elf lord's eyes catch a slight glitter of starlight, open in elven sleep.

I crept closer to him and picked up one of his relaxed hands and held it to my cheek. His warm palm against my skin made me close my eyes in peace. It wasn't much, but it made me feel better. I cuddled closer to him, still holding his hand.

He remained quiet and I feeling unexpectedly bold, lifted my face and kissed his mouth softly. I then rested my head on his chest, closing my eyes listening to the sound of his steady heartbeat.

Soft lips were feathering mine. I smiled and opened my eyes to find the elf lord bent over me, his lips gently kissing me. I shifted under him and put my arms around his shoulders and kissed him back a little more insistently.

And he returned my ardor!

Concentrating on his mouth, I shuddered in delight as a long slender hand found one of my breasts and began to knead it. I moaned and arched up under him, swept away.

Oh...he was a wonderful, wonderful lover. (as if there was ANY doubt!) Gentle and intense and passionate and considerate....indeed... a dream come true.

And he remained with me and in me most of the night.

My whole body...... felt and his hands and tongue played my flesh so very, very expertly.

By the time the sun rose, I had fallen asleep exhausted, worn out by his continuous attentions.

A shaft of sunlight crossed my face and I stretched slowly, pleasantly sated.

Opening my eyes, I found myself alone, wrapped in my blankets.

Sitting up quickly, I smiled as I saw my midnight lover out by the campfire cooking. I could smell fish.

Rising, I hastily donned a tunic and went out to the campfire. I sat on the log and looked at Elrond grinning like a silly.

Wait. But what did I say?

"Good morning my-my lord. I, last night, was, well incredible." I stretched again yawning.

He glanced up at me with a broad smile and said chuckling, "Did you enjoy yourself? It was pleasant?"

"Pleasant! That is hardly the word I would use. Fantastic, spectacular, amazing....those words come to mind."

He grinned again and nodded. "Well, I am glad then.' He held up a trout on a stick. "Hungry?"

"Oh yes please!"

He served me the fish, though I noticed he only ate a very little and settled for fruit and bread.

"Don't like the trout?"

"No I am afraid there are too many little bones in them. But I thought you'd like something more hearty than mere fruit and bread."

I wiped my face carefully. "Oh yes, this is just what I wanted."

I ate two of them.

When I was finished, I went back in the tent and dressed properly.

I sat in my pile of blankets and was trying to pull a brush through my tangled hair, when Elrond entered the tent. He knelt behind me and took my brush and began to untangle my hair.

"I used to do this for my wife. She has very fine hair and it got easily knotted."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

He didn't take long, but it was so relaxing.

When he finished, he smiled and handed me the brush and then went and got the horse lineament out of his rucksack and left.

I sighed heavily.

What an elf.

That afternoon, Lord Elrond decided we could move on to the next outpost as the packhorse had rested enough to go on.

I found I was rested too and didn't feel nearly so anxious.

But as the day drifted towards twilight and the elf lord called a halt for the night, I began to anticipate another wonderful bout of lovemaking in the tent.

By the time dinner was done, I could barely contain myself. I washed the dishes and practically ran into the tent, quickly undressing and laying down.

Like the night before, he took his time and I was almost asleep by the time he lay down next to me.

Once again, he did not begin immediately, but during the night, he came and began to feather me with kisses and proceeded from there.

Few words were spoken, but that was okay because our mouths were otherwise occupied.

When the sun rose, I was wrapped in my blankets once more alone.

And very, very sated too.

This went on for a few days, until my PMS went away and I had to deal with cramps and everything else.

I was disappointed that my nightly visits stopped but I was kind of out

of sorts anyway.

By the time we returned to Rivendell, I was beginning to think the whole thing had been a dream.

But that first night back, I awoke to find the elf lord once more lavishing me with kisses and caresses and I was so glad!

Back in the library, I was sitting at a table near a northern window going through some pages of a Dwarvish report on orc intrusions, when Lord Elrond came up to me.

"If you can leave that for a moment, I would like you to show me that book of erotica."

Nodding, I carefully put my pen down and we went to my room. The book was on my nightstand, and I held it out to him.

He thumbed through some of the pages and read some of the passages.

"This is an interesting curiosity. I am not sure why I have it!" He handed it back to me. "You may keep it if you wish."

A bit embarrassed, I set it on my nightstand again and then looked at him. He returned my regard silently.

Taking a deep breath, I put my arms around his waist and hugged him to me. I know this was bold of me, but I figured with all our intimacies, it wouldn't matter.

He put his arms around me lightly and then said after a moment, "Do you feel bad right now Marie? Shall I make you a tisane?"

Startled, I looked at him. "Ah, no, I, um, I am fine right now. I just wanted a-a hug."

I felt lame saying that, as if I was a little kid.

He said nothing further, but then led me over to my bed and sat me down, untangling my arms from around him.

I swallowed, feeling a bit nervous. I had no idea what he was about.

He stared at me, his eyes deep and warm and I felt myself relaxing. He brushed a strand of hair out of my face.

"Have you been sleeping well?"

I grinned and looked down at my familiar quilt. "Oh yes. Quite well." I looked up with a grin, "Though of course, it's not until much later in the night, after you leave."

He nodded and then tilted his head. "Do these nightly visits satisfy you Marie?"

What a peculiar way to put it.

"Oh yes! I well, you are wonderful in bed my lord. Just wonderful and I am so, um, grateful. I had no idea sex could be like that."

He smiled at me and then patted me on the knee, standing up.

"Well when you have had enough let me know, and I can taper them off."

"Oh, okay. Though I am not likely to be bored any time soon."

Smiling again, he left and I sat there bemused.

What a strange conversation.

Shaking my head, I got up and followed him out back to the library where I finished my work on the report.

That evening, in the dining hall, I was just about finished with my meal, when Lord Elrond rose and said "I shall be on a hunt for a few days with Glorfindel so Erestor shall take on any issues that might arise."

A few elves asked what they were going after and the conversation went to what they could bring back.

I was a bit disappointed he hadn't said anything to me earlier, but I shrugged and thought, "Well absence makes the heart grow fonder of course."

I went to sleep easily that night and was not disturbed by any late night visitations.

However, the next night, I found myself once again in the arms of my midnight bed mate.

Startled by his presence, I decided he must have delayed his departure for some reason, though I had not seen him all day. But on the other hand, I hadn't expected to see him either.

But his lovemaking was wonderful nevertheless.

All right you guys, it finally dawned on me the next day, just what was occurring.

Now, you may have already figured it out, but let me tell you it was a bit lowering to finally connect all the dots.

My midnight lover was a figment of a very active imagination, helped not doubt by a very clever elf lord that night in the woods.

He had kept his promise: he HAD helped me, even though it was just in very vivid dreams.

But because I believed them to be real I was satisfied...completely as it were.

So, no, the elf lord and I had not really been intimate, much to my chagrin. He was as I have said still very married to Celebrian. He had only done what he thought he could do to help.

It made me feel a bit depressed, because basically, I was back at square one.

But on the other hand, I couldn't help but grin: I still had my dreams!

(And they were very, very hot!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~the end~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~