PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR NOTES! There might be something important in it!

Author's Note: ::pokes head out from behind bushes:: I'M SO SORRY!!! I know it has been so long and that you are all about ready to stone me, but alas, if ye did that…then ye wouldn't be getting yer story at all! Hehe, ok fine…::hands out a naked Legolas to everyone:: Happy? Did that get me off the hook?? ::stuffs one in her closet for safe keeping:: hehe, ok I do have a reason for not updating in so long…My nieces from Europe came to visit for a month and so my time was taken up! I'm so sorry! ::sigh:: Also my LOTR muse is dying ::sniffle:: I need to watch TTT and get it back! Also, another announcement, I am presently writing TWO new Orli fics! ::cheers:: One I'm writing with a friend, and the other I have yet to create a site for and start postin…but I wanted to write a couple chaps in it to keep it going! Lot's of angst, drama, romance, and Orli sex!!! Woohooo! So I'll be adding the links in my members profile if you ever feel like checkin them out! Just don't forget to review! There will be warnings on the sites so…ye be warned! Oh btw, n e one see POTC??? OMFG!!! ::licks Orlando:: And I think Johnny needs to wear eye liner all the time! Oh yes, and the song of 'Nel' was written by ME!!! So PLEASE be nice and do not steal! You may ask to use, and I may or may not let you, but please, at least ask b4 trying to take! Thank you SO MUCH! Hehe, okies nuf of dat…I'll let you read now! Love you all! And don't forget to review and let me know what you think! *mwaz* Ciao!

Special Thanks: To Mel! My bestest best friend EVER!!!! I love ya to bits doll! You keep me going, and for that I am VERY thankful ::smiles:: And once again yall, her pen name on FF.net is "Melanie". If you have a love for Leggy torture, or just a great read, I recommend her stories! They are some of the best FF work I have EVER read! Thanks for EVERYTHING Mel! You rock my socks! ::smiles::

And to all my reviewers! You guys bloody rock!!!!!

Disclaimer: Ok, I do not own anything Tolkien! And while I use names such as Estel, and Nienna…the creation of those names are COMPLETELY his! I only made up the characters to go with them! So please don't sue, the only thing of value that you MIGHT get out of it, is my computer…and even it can be a piece of shit sometimes! Thanks! And enjoy!

The Plains of Rohan

Chapter 4:

Lust



Soft, joyous humming drifted through the trees, and was replied by the happy rustle of leaves as two blonde figures on a snow white horse passed by. It was Nienna who was humming an old elfish tune of a maiden that lived long ago, but was now forgotten except by old and by this song. She sat behind Estel and was braiding her long, golden hair in traditional elfish designs. She pulled the pin - that she had used to pick Estel's lock with - out of her hair, and was about to throw it down when she thought better of it and tucked it in one of the braids instead. When she finished, she placed her arms around Estel's waist again and rested her chin on his shoulder as she began to sing the song out loud. Her eyes shone as she started and a smile caressed her lips as Estel's melodious voice joined in…


"A whisper is in the crisp, frozen air,
A rumor in the mist,
Of a maiden of old with hair so fair,
With passion never thought to exist.

Her spirit was bright, and skin so white,
And hands that constantly
Brushed a tear from a sorrow filled face,
And left a feel of glee.

Never have eyes truly seen her,
Though some may object.
For Nel would pass from mist to mist
Not truly being seen just yet.

Her music was heard from all around,
A voice so clear and sweet,
That often left a tear of gladness,
And even some to weep.

But time now came that none would listen.
No, none would claim to see
The beautiful maiden that was of old
That came from mountain-lee.

For long has passed this treasured lady,
Though old may still tell
Their grandchildren from now and ever after
Of the maiden long sought, and yet never found.
The fair maiden known as Nel."



When the song was over, and their voices died away, both Elves grew silent.

"Your voice does much to sooth me, tithen-pen," Estel revealed softly.

Nienna smiled faintly and turned her head slightly to gaze at his handsome profile. "As does yours for me." Estel turned so that he was looking back at her, and they both shared a sweet smile.

Just then, Nienna's keen Elvin hearing began to pick up noises. Her head turned to stare ahead of them. "I hear something," she whispered.

Estel nodded. "'Tis the village I told you of. We are close."

Nienna relaxed at the knowledge and sighed. "So what is it exactly you wish to retrieve while we are in this village?"

"Some food, and perhaps another horse for you."

Nienna looked at him again, her brows narrowed, "Do you mean to tell me that you are tired of me already?"

Estel chuckled and shook his head. "Nay, my dearest Nien. It is just…'tis such a long way for poor Luinfalath to carry the both of us," he said as he patted the mare's neck. Luinfalath snorted and ducked her head as if saying she were insulted.

"Rubbish, you and I both know that she could carry us on to the ends of Middle-earth and not tire. What is the real reason?"

Estel sighed in exasperation, "Very well Nien. If you wish so much to ride behind me the whole journey to Rohan, then please, be my guest!"

"No, I'll take another horse thank you," Nienna said quickly and quietly. A small smile creased her lips when she felt Estel stiffen in annoyance, and could practically hear the thoughts of 'females, and how they are going to be the end to the male race', raging through her friends mind.

When they neared the village to where Nienna could see figures walking to and fro along with horses and cattle, she felt herself grow excited. She had never encountered other Elves outside of the palace and its boundaries. This would be quite interesting indeed. Her grip around Estel's waist tightened in excitement, and she didn't realize this until she felt Estel's hand touch her arm gently, and then grab hold of her wrist. Quickly she loosened her grip, and Estel let out a breath, that seemed as if it had been restricted, and whispered a quick "Thank you."

Nienna chuckled lightly as they entered the village, "Forgive me for that my friend. I am just very excited to see other Elves outside of the palace boundaries-" Her sentence ceased immediately as she caught glimpse of a female who chased a dirty babe who was running away from her, laughing hysterically. It wasn't the sight of the woman chasing the mud-covered boy that halted her in her speech, but the sight of when she had tucked strands of raven colored hair behind her ear Nienna caught glimpse of the roundness of the tip.

"Estel…" she whispered in shock. Estel turned his head slightly, showing her that she had his full attention. "…They are…humans!"

Estel now turned his full gaze on her as he took in her expression of shock. "Aye, did I not tell you as much?"

Nienna's mouth dropped open slightly. "You knew?"

Estel smiled faintly and nodded his head once. His smile faltered when he felt her hold around his waist tighten again, but this time he could tell it was not from excitement, but fear. "Come now little Nien, what is there to fear," he asked as he once again tried to loosen her grip.

Nienna didn't answer, only stared wide-eyed. She remembered when she had had a great interest in humans, a couple centuries ago, and had raided the palace library on every book about them and their history that she could find. This phase went on for many years, only to end in fear and utter mortification when reading of an action that sometimes took place by the males of this race. And that was to force themselves upon unwilling females, when they denied him what he wanted. Lust. Such a little word for such a powerful meaning. Not known or understood fully by the Elvin race, as they were more familiar with love and passion. It was true that an Elf male and female were very well capable of trying to steal a kiss when not wanted, as explained in Beleathion's actions, but never would one force another against their will. The thought was sickening, and even now it made Nienna's stomach turn.

As if to prove her thought, Nienna's bright blue eyes caught the stare of three human men that stood in a little group around a large oak tree. They stared back at her, their hungry eyes that seemed to rip at her clothes trying to expose her to them. She knew at once what the frightening stare was laced with, even though she had never encountered such an intense feeling. It matched the description immensely and Nienna couldn't help, but let the cursed little word fall from her full lips. "Lust," she whispered as a slight tremor took over her body at the mere sound of it.

Estel stiffened. What had she just said? He turned slightly and took in her pale complexion. His brow creased with worry and he was about to question her, but as he followed her gaze to the small group of men huddled around a tree, he realized the reason she had spoken the word he so clearly heard. He saw how they looked at her, and surprised himself when he felt his anger level rise dangerously. He was no fool. He had read enough from the palace library, and heard much from Nienna to know what it was. He gazed at them with a heated stare as they passed by. As if they felt it, they all met his gaze at the same time. Estel took that opportunity to give them each a silent warning, and it seemed to work. For they all turned instantly and began to talk amongst themselves as if nothing had occurred.

Estel couldn't help the small smirk of triumph that creased his perfect bow-shaped lips, but his smile faltered when he felt another slight tremor pass through Nienna. He turned so he could see her and her eyes met his. He smiled reassuringly at her, and she managed a small smile as well. She snuggled herself closer to his body and tightened her arms around his waist. This time Estel did nothing to loosen the grip, but instead rested his hand upon hers as if to reinsure her that he was there and would protect her.

He should have remembered Nienna's fear of human males. He remembered when they had had irritating conversations about it, where Estel would try to convince her that not all human men were capable of such things. Like a man such as Aragorn son of Arathorn, the once king of Gondor. Estel's very name came from him, but Nienna's excuse was that Aragorn himself was raised by the Elves, and that she cared not nor wished to find out for herself if all human men were capable of such appalling actions.

Estel sighed as they slowly passed small huts with grass roofs, and small children who scurried out of the way of Luinfalath's path only to stare up in awe at the riders upon her snowy back. He knew that Nienna was an excellent fighter and could defend herself easily from any male Elf, but he feared her fear of the human male would cripple her into being defenseless should the need to defend herself arise.

Estel quickly shook these thoughts from his head. Such an occasion would never have the ability to present itself. Not as long as he was there. He would let no harm come to her.

Estel bent down and whispered a soft command to the mare. She immediately stilled and shook her head slightly. Nienna looked over to see that they had stopped in front of an open hut that was stocked with foods of all kinds. Along with clothing, materials, and all sorts of cooking and cleaning appliances. Inside this hut stood a chubby old man. His hair was white, and he seemed to be missing much of it off the top of his head. Nienna looked on in amusement at the gathering of white hair that nested just bellow his nose and followed down to his chin. Nienna had never really seen a mustache before, as Elven males never grew much hair on parts other then their brows and scalps.

Estel sighed and turned slightly to speak to her softly in the Elfish language, **"We could make this very quick, if you would but only agree to one thing…"**

Nienna looked at him warily. **"And that is?"**

Estel glanced at the hut beside them, then off to his left before turning back to her. **"I need you to stay here and barter for the food while I go in search of a suitable steed for you."** Nienna was already shaking her head even before he finished his sentence and he sighed again in aggravation. **"Nienna please! I wish as much as thee to leave as soon as we can, and that will not be for some time if I am made to barter for both food and horse while you drag all the while on my arm! You have nothing to fear. I will not let anyone harm yo-"**

**"But how do you suppose you'll accomplish that when you are on the other side of the village and out of reach?"** Nienna exclaimed in despair.

Even though the conversation was spoken in Elfish, it was picking up some very suspicious listeners and Estel calmed himself before continuing. **"'Tis not on the other side of the village Nien, now stop dramatizing it! Hither is the place where I shall be…"** He gestured towards a small red barn, containing a fenced in area where they could see several horses running about in circles. **"…'Tis not so far."** These last words were spoken softly and affectionately.

Nienna sighed and looked at the hut where the plump merchant sat. He did not look so frightening. She closed her eyes and nodded her head. **"Aye, fine. As you wish."** She moved to slide off the mare's back. Estel quickly grabbed her arm to help her down, but when her feet touched the ground he held on still causing her to look up at him.

**"I will not be far tithen-pen, and believe when I say that I shall have all my senses set on you."** He offered her one of his beautiful smiles, and she accepted it with one of her own. This comment eased her fear. For Estel had always been there for her, and she had no reason to doubt him now. **"We need only some bread, and some fruit. Pick the best that you can find, and do not let the man rob you too much."** He winked at her as he handed her a small purse of coins.

Nienna rolled her eyes and turned to slowly approach the hut. She looked around nervously when she arrived at the furnished hut, and began to take in the sites. It was a fairly built little thing and held much charm. Nienna looked about her at the fruits, but stiffened when she sensed a being approach. She lifted her head only to see the hairy merchantman smiling kindly at her.

"Fair morning lass! 'Tis the finest weather we've 'ad all week. But ye're not from round 'ere are ye? O' the fair folk ye are, that I could tell straight away. 'Tis very rare we see such o' yer kind in our little village, what be the reason o' ye passin' through? If ye don't mind in me askin'," he said with a small, jolly chuckle.

Nienna could not help herself, but smiled. "I come seeking to buy some goods for my journey. Tell me kind sir; will you bid your price fairly? I must be honest and say that I am not at all skilled in the arts of bartering. 'Twas not commonly done so in my kingdom by Elves of my status."

The man seemed to brighten even more at this as he nodded his head slightly. "Aye lass, ye can believe 'ol Heran 'ere when 'e say that there 'as never been a person o' any race, that 'as not been treated fairly at me 'ut. What might ye be looking fer?"

"I need some fruit, and a few loafs of bread," She answered and then her curiosity brightened as she spied something else by the hut.

"And that be it? Would not ye need more fer a journey even back to your realm," Heran questioned as he began to pick out from his fruit bushels.

Nienna shook her head as she walked over to the garments that hung over the hut. "Nay, my kind does not eat too heavily when traveling. We do not need it."

The merchant nodded again, but then smiled when he saw her fingering a gray colored skirt. "'Tis not the finest cloth we 'ave, but alas, it could make it through the fiercest weather without 'o much as a catch in it's 'em."

"Is it a gown," Nienna asked as she picked it up to examine it better.

"'Tis a skirt, my lady," he explained.

Nienna's brow creased in thought, and she looked down at her own attire. "You say this 'skirt' is nice for travel," she questioned as she turned to him.

"Aye, would do nicely fer travel."

"And horseback?"

"Fits finely fer horseback as well."

Nienna smiled as if making up her mind and nodded her head. "I'll take it then."

Heran's smile grew and he took it from her.

Nienna smiled back as she watched him fish through the barrels of fruit to pick out the finest for her. Estel was right, perhaps. Maybe not all human men were filled with lust and desire. Maybe they were capable of her friendship after all.

*~*~*~*

Estel slowly dismounted when he reached the small stable. He walked towards the entrance of the weather beaten, and completely poor kept barn with Luinfalath following slowly behind him faithfully. He stopped just before the entrance and looked the barn over. He wrinkled his nose and let out a small sigh before continuing towards it, but just when he was about to enter a thin and rather scary looking man stepped out before him.

The man was covered in dirt, and stunk of fodder. He sniffed and dragged his hand across his nose before grinning at Estel, showing a mouth full of rotted and nearly missing teeth. Estel knew instantly that he did not like this man. And not at all because of his appearance, but for the way he was looking at him. The man's eyes practically undressed him as he looked him up and down, and Estel had to fight off a small shudder of disgust, and the urge to slit the creature's oddly thin throat.

"Why, yer o' the fair folk ye are…" He began in a low, hissing kind of voice. "…What is it that I can do fer ye? Anything at all?" The suggestion in his voice caused anger to burst aflame in Estel's eyes, but he quickly got a hold of himself, before he wouldn't be able to stop himself from reaching out and strangling the stinking, skinny man.

He let out a heavy sigh before stating rather sternly, "I come for the reason of horse business."

The man's grin widened, revealing even more lost teeth and he let out a series of coughs and wheezes that Estel interpreted, with some disgust, to be his form of laughter. "A voice like music ye 'ave, very nice indeed. Now, what sort o' 'orse business might this be? 'Tis a fine 'orse ye have already! Unless ye be wantin' me to buy 'er from ye-"

At this suggestion, Luinfalath nickered in almost disbelief and shook her head in protest. Estel was quick to cut the man off and correct his folly. "Nay, I wish not to give up my horse sir. And especially not to a man who cares nothing for the state in which his barn is in nor himself for that matter, and who let's his eyes roam freely to places most certainly not wanted!" This was a warning on Estel's part, and one look into the Elf's eyes immediately set the man straight. He ceased his toothless grinning and nodded his head once.

"What can I do fer ye," he said a little more quietly, and making no effort to meet the Elf's flaming gaze.

Estel couldn't help but let the small smirk of triumph spread across his bow-shaped lips for the second time that day.

*~*~*~*

Nienna had just handed over the little moneybag to the friendly merchant, when she felt a cold hand wrap around her arm. Instinctively, she wrenched her arm back with a surprised gasp. She had let her guard down. She turned fearful eyes to the culprit who had gripped her arm. It was one of the three men who had been staring at her by the tree.

Nienna's gaze flickered fearfully around her as she saw the other two blocking her from escaping through any other possible route to safety. Her eyes once again returned to the man that stood before her with a slight smirk on his rather handsome face. That is, for a human, anyways.

"'Ello milady! I'm called Bran. This 'ere is Cabeb, and 'is brother Corion…" He gestured to the other two men, who smirked coldly and nodded at her. "…We couldn't 'elp but notice ye across the road there, and was wondering if we might be able to lend ye a 'and with your parcel." The smiles that the men held revealed instantly that helping her was their least intention, and Nienna turned fearful and pleading eyes to the merchant known as Heran.

The plump old man caught her gaze and felt a pang of guilt and pity well in him. "Now listen 'ere Bran, why don't ye and the lads go on and leave the poor lass be? She don't want any trouble from ye," he said with a wave of his hand.

Bran glared at him evenly as he reached out and grabbed onto the bag full of goods that Nienna had purchased. "'Tis no trouble really," he said through gritted teeth.

Nienna felt the slightest sliver of defiance rise in her as she reached out and grabbed the bag herself. If these men were trying to steal her goods, they picked the wrong she-Elf to try it on. She glared at the man, a silent warning burning in her blue eyes.

But the man only laughed. "Aye, there is some spirit in ye. Well, nothin' that we can't tame 'ey boys?" The others laughed and nodded in agreement as they began to slowly inch towards her.

Nienna glanced around her quickly in alarm. Just what were these men's intentions? She prayed to the valar it was not what she feared it was.

"Now Bran, I'll not be 'avin' you harassin' my customers-" Heran started, but stopped abruptly when he felt the cool steel of a dagger caress his throat.

Nienna grasped the parcel of goods to her chest tightly and stared on with wide eyes as the human known as Bran pressed a small dagger to the kind merchants throat.

"And I suggest old man, that ye'd be smart enough to stay out o' this. Lest ye wish to return to yer sweet wife tonight with a slit throat!"

"Baw seas, daro!" No please, stop!

All men looked in the direction from where the melodious voice had spoken frantically. The sides of Bran's mouth curled into a sneer and he lowered his knife. "At first I feared that ye couldn't talk a' all! But alas, now that I 'ave 'eard ye speak, I fear that my ears ache to 'ear more o' it! Tell me lass, can you not speak in the proper tongue?"

Anger flared in Nienna's cool, blue eyes. How dare he suggest that her language be improper? Why, the man needed more then just a lesson in grammar, and she felt nearly compelled to reach over and slap the insolent smirk off his leering face.

Bran seemed to read her mind and laughed again as she fought her anger. That seemed to be the last straw and Nienna couldn't stop her hand from lashing out and striking the man hard across the face. She drew her hand back to her mouth, immediately in shock at what she had just done. Her shock change abruptly to horror when she felt the cool steel of the little dagger press against her own throat, and the feel of Bran's hot breath on her face as he grabbed her arm fiercely and brought her closer to him.

"That wasn't very smart wench! I ought to teach you a lesson o' manners. In fact I think I just might!" He growled as he grasped her arm even tighter, making her wince and whimper when he shoved her roughly out of the way of the market.

Nienna heard the small yell of protest from the merchant, but her fear clouded all train of thought. She gasped in surprise when she felt the man grasp her again from behind. Her breath caught in her throat when she once again felt the blade caress it.

*~*~*~*

Estel walked around, inspecting horses as he came to them. His anger level rose with each steed that he observed. Finally he whirled around to the horse keeper.

"These animals are badly treated," he accused, surprised at how even his voice had sounded when the anger that was welling inside of him wanted so much to be released.

This accusation angered the skinny man and he stood up straighter. "Now see 'ere! I take as good a care o' these 'orses as I can! And I'll not be 'avin' you say any different. Now pick yer 'orse and be off with ye," he yelled while flailing his arms.

Estel sighed and looked around again. His eyes lie to rest on a most pitiful looking creature. His head hung low as did his tail, and the Elf could feel a deep depression on the poor animal. Instantly, his heart went out to the poor creature. He turned to the man and pointed to the horse. "I'll take him."

The man's eyes widened in shock, "Ye don't want to take 'ol Kieran there…'e wouldn't be any good to ye-" He started to argue, but Estel cut him off.

"I said that I would take him! Now be a good smelly man and tell me the price for him."

The man glowered at Estel and was going through some 'figures' in his head, when suddenly; Estel felt a cold chill sweep over him as all his valar given senses came instantly to life. Dreadfully, he knew immediately what it was.

He whirled around in the direction of the hut where he had left Nienna, but his sweeping gaze caught no site of her anywhere. Fear gripped him. "Ai Elbereth," he whispered and bolted towards the hut.

"'ey! What about yer 'orse!" The man called after him.

"I shall return," Estel shouted over his shoulder as he jumped the fence in one smooth, effortless leap.

*~*~*~*

"Now, don't ye be makin' any noise now ye 'ear?" Bran breathed into Nienna's ear heatedly as he stood behind her with his blade still to her throat.

Nienna gasped in utter shock and mortification when she felt him take the delicate tip of her ear into the hot crevasses of his mouth.

"Baw, Seas!" No, Please! She pleaded. The tip of an Elf ear was a very tender, sexual arousal point, and no one let alone a male of the human race had never before touched Nienna in such a way. She choked on the words when she felt his tongue stroke the sensitive tip, and the horror of what was happening to her stung more then the dagger itself.

"I thought I told ye to talk proper!" Bran growled as he pressed the tip of the dagger a little harder, piercing her smooth skin and causing a line of blood to trickle down the delicate, creamy throat.

She gasped in surprise and cried out in desperate plea. "Please! Please do not…" Her eyes closed against the tears when he pulled the dagger away, but her relief was cut short when he spun her around and she was made to look into his eyes.

Over his shoulder, she could see the silhouette of Cabeb and Corion standing behind him, their laughs malicious and torturous. But it wasn't their laughs that sent a cold chill to rush down her spine. It was the look in Bran's eyes. Lust. Such a little word for such a powerful meaning. Instantly her knees went weak, but Bran's arm wrapped tightly around her waist held her up.

"That is better," he sneered before forcefully claiming her in a violent kiss that raped her mouth and bruised her lips.

Her eyes widened in shock, but his thirsty lips drank up all her screams and protests. Her struggles were useless with her arms held tightly in his viselike grip.

Bran almost went crazy at the taste of her mouth. It was sweet and succulent, unlike anything he had ever tasted before. It felt forbidden, untouchable, but that only made him want it more. It begged to him for more, to be dominated. So dominate it he did. Her struggles seemed only to intensify his arousal even more, and his hand moved down slowly to grasp one of her delicate twin globes tightly. Nienna's cry of pain and horror was eaten by the human's mouth, who ate it up as if it were the sweetest treat in Middle-earth.

Suddenly, a high pitched whistle sliced through the air and an object hit the dirt, centimeters from Bran's foot, in a forceful plunge.

Instinctively, Bran jumped back from Nienna with a small yelp of surprise. He whirled around to face his friends, but was met with wide-eyed looks of shock and wonder. Bran's gaze dropped to the ground where he had just been standing, and there imbedded in the dirt was a golden arrow still quivering from its hard plummet.

He whirled back to his friends when a sudden cry escaped both their lips. He saw that they were no longer looking at him, but at the maiden. Bran slowly turned to face her, and stumbled back a few paces when he saw that she was no longer the only one standing there. Another blonde creature of her race now stood before her. His build and features, as beautiful as they may be, gave away that he was indeed a male. He had a bow in his slender hand, and a fire in his piercing green eyes.

He looked ready to kill, but it seemed that Bran was unaffected, for all he seemed to be able to see was the beauty of this new being.

"Why…" He whispered as he stood in awe of Estel, "…Yer bout as beautiful as the female!" He exclaimed as he reached up slowly to caress the high, proud cheekbone of the tall Elf.

Anger blazed anew in Estel's orbs, and he moved quicker then sight, drawing one of his own daggers and pressing against Bran's neck before the man even had time to blink. Gasping in surprise, the human stared into two raging green eyes.

"First you advance dishonorably and disgustingly upon my friend and now you dare try to touch me?! You tread on dangerous ground human!" Estel shook with anger, his melodious voice booming with the immense height of it, threatening to drive the dagger deeper into the man's throat should he dare to move even an eyelash. "You have already given me reason enough to kill you, do not add more to it with your stupidity!"

Bran's eyes told the fuming Elf that he was ready to surrender, and Estel lowered the blade reluctantly but surely.

"Now, I advise you to make yourself disappear before I change my mind." He said steadily. Though the anger had left his voice, and he talked calmly, it was plain to see that the anger still burned in his orbs.

Bran nodded and stumbled back. He gained his stepping and straightened before turning and walking hastily away with his friends.

Estel sighed and closed his eyes, knowing the task that was now before him. Comforting a distraught and violated little she-Elf. He turned swiftly and instantly took the trembling figure of his best friend into his strong, archers' arms. "Nien, are you alright? Did they harm you," he asked at once, barely able to get one question out before the other followed. Nienna didn't answer, she only clung to him as if she was drowning and he was the single lifeline that had been tossed to her.

Estel held her tightly, whispering comforting words into her ear until her shaking lessened. He pulled out a soft cloth and pressed it to the bleeding cut on her neck tenderly, "Come…" He said at last, his voice slightly husky from so much emotion that he wished to show, "…I have found you a horse. Let us leave this horrid place swiftly." Nienna did not argue and let him lead her away. They were passing the hut when the merchant yelled out to them.

Estel stopped and turned. He smiled faintly at the merchant who ran from his hut to hand them the parcel that Nienna had left behind.

"I sure am sorry that such a foul thing 'ad to befall the poor creature. I was nearly ready to go after 'im with me own knife, until I saw ye comin' from afar that is…"

Estel inclined his head in gratitude as he took the parcel. "We thank thee sir, for your kindness."

The man smiled and nodded his head in return. He looked a last time upon Nienna before turning back to his hut.

Estel began to lead Nienna to the stables again, and was somewhat pleased when he saw that the smelly little man had brought the steed of his choice out and had him ready, along with Luinfalath. He smiled gently at the man and removed his protective arm from around Nienna's waist, almost reluctantly, to reach into his moneybag. It was then that the stinking man noticed the female Elf. His mood brightened immensely, but at the warning look from Estel, the man quickly averted his eyes. Estel knew that the last thing Nienna needed was more of that. She had not said a word since the incident and kept her blue gaze to the ground, and he worried for her.

"For your trouble," Estel said while giving the man a sum of money that he knew the poor horse was not even nearly worth.

The man grinned his toothless grin and nodded. "Nice doin' business with ye."

Estel only nodded as he turned to Nienna. He led her over to the beaten down horse and helped her up onto his black, dusty back. He looked up at her, his eyes sweeping over her emotionless face, but she still refused to make eye contact with him. He sighed and moved to the front of the horse where he looked the animal in the eye to determine its mood. He felt a deep sadness radiating off the poor beast, and at once felt sorry for it.

**"So Kieran is it…?"** He began softly in Elfish, **"…Well my friend, I feel we will grow to like each other very much. You carry a very precious cargo now, and I place my full trust in you that you will protect her in any way that you can."** The horse nickered softly in response, and seemed to raise his head in a somewhat more proud manor; obviously pleased with his new responsibility. Estel smiled and patted his velvet nose as he glanced over the tall, black shoulder to Nienna one last time before turning to his own horse.

He leapt up onto the flawless, white back of his steed and nodded to the stable man before coaxing Luinfalath on. Kieran followed closely behind, as Estel set them in a steady cantor to quickly exit the unwelcoming village.

Nienna kept her head bowed as they passed out of the little village. She heard the faint rustle of trees to her right, and the soft, comforting sound of a creek flowing to her left, yet it did not comfort her. She felt humiliated, shameful but above all she felt violated. Hot tears burned her eyes and she closed them tight to shut them off. She did not want to cry, but when she closed her eyes all she could see was him. Holding her. Kissing her. Touching her in places unthinkable. It made her sick. In fact, she felt as if she would be sick.

With a sudden gasp, Nienna leapt from her horse. Falling onto her knees beside a nearby tree, Nienna did something that she had never done before in the five hundred years of her birth. The bile rose from the back of her throat as she retched uncontrollably.

Instantly, Estel was by her side. He wrapped a strong arm gently around her slim, contracting waist as his other hand raised to tilt her forehead back. He whispered comforting words softly into her ear as he closed his eyes tight against his own tears. His dear little Nien, how could he have let such a thing happen to her? He had promised her safety, and safety is what he had not given her. How could she trust him now? How could he trust himself ever again?

"Oh my little Nien…" He croaked out, "…I am so-so sorry."

Her retching ceased and she now knelt in front of him, breathing heavily. She coughed and began to shake her head, long blonde waves falling across her shoulder as she did.

"Nay, 'twas not your fault…" Though her voice was coarse and ragged, it still held a musical note to it, "…You have a pure and kind heart Estel, and so you are incapable of seeing anything but good in anything. From a situation, to a race. You have nothing to be sorry about-"

"Aye I do, I left you alone and for that I am very sorry. Forgive me, please." He pulled her against his chest and held her tightly.

She let out a trembling sigh and laid her head back to rest on his shoulder as she raised her arms to surround his. "Aye, I forgive you," she whispered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review Replies:

ayumi-dono: Lmao! Oh yummy! ::drinks iced cappuccino:: *ahem* I know it has been SO LONG! And I'm down on my knees BEGGING for forgiveness! I promise you though, that I have every intention of finishing this story…so no fears ::grins::  ::holds out hand:: Can I have another cappuccino? ::smiles::

Elleth na Ilivren: Heheheh, thanks! ::giggles:: I know what you mean, I break out randomly into song as well…::laughs::

Darkcherry: awwwww thank you so much! ::blushes:: And I promise to update the others just as soon as I can! They are in MAJOR editing ::smiles:: Hope you enjoyed this chap! ::grins::

Stacey: Thanks! And sorry took so long hehehe ::grins sheepishly::

Videl-14: Damn, has it really been THAT long since I updated?? I remember recommending X2 to you guys! Ha! Well, I'm glad you like my story, and I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::grins::

LOTR FREAK: Hehehe, thanks bunches! Yeah, Legolas and Nevethiriel are kinda sweet aren't they? Hehe, thanks again! ::smiles::

Youko Demon: ::hides:: I'm so sorry it took so long to update! ::sad sigh:: I need a bigger LOTR boost ya know what I mean? But I know what you mean, I get so frustrated when ppl don't update, but then I realize that neither do I! HA! ::sigh:: Sorry once again, and I really do hope to update again soon ::grins::

Anithrarith: Ack! ::hides again:: I'm soooo sorry! I really hate that I don't update as often as I should ::sigh:: I'm sorry ::smiles:: Hope you enjoyed!

ladymiaka11: Hehe, thanks! I hope this one was as worth waiting for as the other! ::wink::

Fruity: Hehe, oh I know, I admit an angry Legolas is quite the turn on! Ha!  I'm sorry to keep you waiting for so long, but I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::smiles::

Lindelea: Hehe, thanks bunches! My other stories are in MAJOR editing at the moment! But I asure you they will be well worth the wait! ::wink:: Thanks for the review! And I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::grins::

Meeko: awwww, ::blushes:: Thank you so much! I'm happy that you like my stories! ::smiles:: Sorry took so long…::sigh:: but I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::grins::

Luintathraiel: Lol, I kinda like their personalities as well! Thanks so much for the review! Hope you enjoyed this chap! ::smiles::

Amauros Thoughts: Oh, oh, oh! Can it be the closet where I hid my naked Legolas in?? lmao j/k, have no fear for now you CAN push the 'next chap' button! ::smiles:: I just hope you enjoyed it! ::grins::

BrdgMnk: Lol, I agree with you full heartily! And as for Nienna seeing what is right in front of her…you'll just have to wait and see…hehehehe

DJ: Lol, thank you! I'm glad I made you laugh! ::smiles:: And you're welcome! ::grins::

DakotaDaquariIce: Hiya Jess! Thank you SO MUCH for such kind words on my stories! It means so much to me! I'm so glad you enjoy them, hehe. I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::smiles::

ElvenPrincessofLegolas: Awwww, hehe, thank you! I'm glad you like my story, and enjoyed the last chap! I will tell my sis you said congrats! And I know what you mean ::sad sigh:: I wanna get married myself, Orlando wouldn't be all that bad lol ::snickers::

Lemonly: Hehe, I hope you enjoyed this chap!

Lilmissfrenchy: Awwwww, ::blushes:: Thank you! hehe, I'm glad you like it and I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::smiles::

Miseryelf: lmao! Your review cracked me up! Well, was that enough peril for ya?? Don't worry, there is much yet to come on Estel and Niena's part ::grins evily:: Yeah, Legolas needs something to fear…why not his wife eh? Hehehe

Rachel: Hehe, thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chap!

Kelly(swingkt18@hotmail.com): Hehe, thank you! I thought Estel would fit perfectly for Legolas' son. Not only for it's meaning, but also b/c it belonged to his best friend as well…I thought it a good idea ::smiles:: Thanks for the review and I hope you liked this chap! ::smiles::

SilverWinter: Thank you very much! Tithen-pen means 'Little one' hehe, thanks for reviewing! And I hope you enjoyed this last chap! ::smiles::

Chante`(nogarro@aol.com): Lol! You're great…but you were right, Imma not gonna tell ya if they fall in love or not, hehe, you'll just have to wait and see! ::grins:: Hope you enjoyed!

Cute-Kitty: Awww, thank you! I hope you enjoyed! ::smiles::

Earenidiel Silverwing: Hehe, thank you! I'm glad you like it so far, and I hope you liked this last chap! ::smiles::

Elfgirl2005: Lol, I know…Legolas is too good of a husband to do that to his wife ::smiles:: Hope you enjoyed!

Darkangelskiss: Awww, I'm sorry I didn't update sooner, but I hope you enjoyed! ::smiles::

Wiccan: Thank you! And I'm sorry! I hope to be able to update more often…but who knows right? You write when you get inspiration…and that only happens when Orli walks around me room nekked! ::snickers:: Hope you enjoyed!

Fiwen: Thanks! I'm glad! ::wink::

Wind Runner: Hehe, sorry kept ya waitin for so long! Hope you enjoyed! ::smiles::

kyle(tankeyone@hotmail.com): Well, here is a change! I seriously had no idea that guys read my fics! Even if it is just one…it's still a privilege ::smiles:: Thank you so much for your kind words on my stories! And I know what you mean! I actually have already started an original story…not much has been done with it, but I know where I'm going with it at least hehe, hope you enjoyed! ::grin::

Rubberbandman: Hey, thanks! I have often stayed up WAY too long finishing fics myself, hehe. I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::smiles::

Dark Angel 452: Lol yay, a patient waiter! Were you really patient? Lol! I'm glad you like my fics! And I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::wink::

StarzOfPromise: Hehe, thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! And I'm sorry took so long ::sigh:: Hope you enjoyed! ::smiles::

Arwen: LOL! Your review cracked me up! Yesh Imma back! Awww, thanks! I feel I have kinda grown a little in the fiction world! And am enjoying every second of it ::smiles:: thanks for reviewing! And I hope you enjoyed! ::smiles::

Crystal: Awwww, thank you! I'm glad you like my story! And I hope you enjoyed this chap! ::smiles::

Tap-dancing Hobbit: Awwww, I'M SO SORRY!!! ::cries:: But alas…here is the update! ::smiles:: I hope you enjoyed! ::wink::