Okay, time to move on. I had a little trouble getting settled to update this and the plot bunnies are no help. They're hopping around my apartment singing Here comes Peter Cottontail. Anyone have earplugs I can borrow? Wonder if it's okay to have rabbit stew on Easter. *Wicked Grin*
Chapter 65--A Matter of Honor
Teiya finished undressing and entered the water. She walked directly out to Elrond and stopped in front of him. "I was attracted to you the moment I first saw you. Battle causes a lot of tension. Perhaps we can find a way to release some of it. Would you share my blankets tonight?" she asked.
"I am married," Elrond said.
"Is she here?" Teiya said.
"No, she is not," Elrond said.
"Then there is no reason why we cannot. She will never know," Teiya said. She laid her hand on his chest then started to move it downward. She gasped when Elrond's hand clamped around her wrist as tightly as an iron shackle. "Ow, I did not know you liked it rough," she said.
Elrond's dark blue eyes hardened in disgust and rage. "How dare you. You think it is all right for me to sleep with you because she will not know? I will know that I dishonored my lady, Celebrian. I will know that I broke my marriage vows I swore to the Valor when I took her as my bride. You ask me to dishonor myself as well," he hissed. He thrust her hand away roughly. "Do not approach me in such a manner again."
Teiya rubbed her wrist; bruises were already forming. "Damned half-breed," she growled.
That remark would have caused a duel of honor normally, but not now. There were more important things to worry about. Turning his back on the fuming woman, Elrond returned to shore, dried off and dressed then went back to camp.
Elrohir and Elladan saw their father come in and just by the way he moved they knew something had upset him. They went over to him as he reached his bedroll.
"Ada, are you alright?" Elladan asked.
Elrond managed a smile that was almost sincere. "I will be after I get some sleep," he said.
"Is it because you were thinking about mother? I know that you miss her terribly since she went west," Elrohir said.
"I was thinking of her, but I will sail west too someday and I know she will be waiting. Go on and let me sleep," Elrond said.
The twins didn't look wholly convinced, but they said good night and walked off. Elrond laid down and eventually drifted into reverie.
Teiya was angry at the way the half-Elf had spoken to her. She waded out of the water and dried off then yanked on her clothes. She stormed back to camp, cursing to herself and vowing he'd pay for his rude brush off. No one treated her that way…No one!!!
Legolas saw Teiya stalk into camp where he was getting soup for one of the injured Elves. He still had a bad feeling about the female ranger and he would be watching her.
Teiya looked up just then and their eyes met. She frowned slightly then went over to where the rest of the rangers had spread their bedrolls.
Legolas took the soup to the wounded Elf and was soon engrossed in his duties again.
Aragorn walked over to Legolas as he was standing. "I am sorry about earlier, Legolas. I did not mean to make light of your concerns," he said.
"I understand your reasons, Aragorn and you were right. There is no reason to suspect her…yet," Legolas added.
"Hopefully there will never be a reason too. We need all the backing we can get. The Dwarves are coming, but it will take them time to get here from their mountains," Aragorn said. "Can I get you anything?"
"Nay, I am fine, Aragorn. Worry not about me and watch out for yourself," Legolas said.
"Fair enough, do not wear yourself out, mellon," Aragorn said.
"I will be careful not too," Legolas agreed. He watched as Aragorn hurried off to return to his duties. But I still do not trust her and I will be watching, he vowed silently…..
Guess Elrond straightened her out in no uncertain terms. Kind of funny to see a guy defending his virtue from a woman, isn't it? I thought so…(No offense meant!!) R/R please and Happy Easter all!! *Scowls at still singing plot bunnies*