Part 12 – Games
Cormamin
lindua ele lle, meleth nín.
Adar, where are you?
I am here. Reaching through the blinding light, his strong hands closed over hers, drawing her close, enfolding her, infusing her with the fullness of his love.
Leading her
higher, to a place where thoughts could speak. No pain at
all.
Gerich veleth nín, Amarië.
Gerich veleth nín, Adar.
Such joy I feel for you. You have found him.
Yes. He is my beloved.
She could
smell his sweet familiar scent, feel the silken slide of his hair
against her cheek. Celebrenin. Her father. The cause of so much
pain.
Why did you leave her?
Dazzling, light-dappled colors swirled around them—cobalt, amethyst, indigo. Spun by currents of golden air.
He touched his heart. I was wrong. Forgive me. I knew not.
Adar, I forgive you. She stroked the plane of his cheek.
Light has more
power than darkness. Know this and remember.
Her fingers
twined his shimmering hair. Why? Why must I know this?
You
seek the Truth. Look there.
Far below, crawling shadows.
Claws of darkness. Fire and blood.
I am afraid. Her
hands gripped him. For him! Afraid for him!
He will
call to you. You must be ready.
The bladed tooth, the
gaping mouth. Spewing, spawning malice.
Tears, even in this
peaceful place. What must I do? What?
This lesson I
have taught you, my daughter. Your heart holds this knowledge.
But
I remember not!
His lips upon her brow, brushing lightly.
You will remember. Heed the Lady when she calls. She
knows.
Galadriel?
Be strong, Amarië. I am
here for you and your beloved. The Valar have granted us this one
chance.
And then what? Adar?
Silence.
xxx
Haldir watched Amarië as she slept, moaning and tossing from whatever dream had her in its hold. He wondered if he should wake her, but decided against it. Her father spoke to her in dreams; he did not feel it was his place to interrupt. He gazed at her face. Even in the darkness, he could see how beautiful she was, how feminine and perfect, as though she had been conjured from his own personal fantasies. Truly must the Valar have some small fondness for him to have granted him this blessing. Perhaps his many years of service had indeed been noticed.
He reached out and lifted a lock of her hair, bringing it to his lips as he had longed to do ever since the night he first set eyes on her. He smiled as he remembered how she had tried to tempt him and nearly succeeded. At the time he had been mortified because in his heart he knew how close he had come to losing his control in front of his fellow wardens. Thank Elbereth he had resisted.
And yet, if he had done so, would it have been so very bad? After all, his fëa had already been mated to hers at that moment of their first meeting. It was no wonder he had reacted in such an uncharacteristic manner.
He sighed inwardly, aware of the conflict within himself. Never before had the burdens of his position troubled him. He considered himself a hardened warrior, inured to the demands and sacrifices of his chosen life. For millennia he had lived with danger. He had meted out death. He had slain without mercy, although never without justification. He had not always been kind, but never had he been deliberately cruel. And now he found himself in the position where he only wanted to protect what he and Amarië had created together. For the first time in his long life, he knew a twinge of fear.
Was that what love did? He had thought himself courageous, but had he really been so? What constituted courage? Could one be courageous if one had nothing to lose but one's own life? Now that he had acquired someone precious to him, would he know fear in battle? Would he be weak? And if he were slain, what would happen to Amarië? Would she die too? He suspected so quite strongly.
He sighed and lay back on the pillow, knowing it served no purpose to dwell on such matters right now. Perhaps he would seek an audience with the Lady. And perhaps, for once, she would give him answers that would satisfy him.
Suddenly, Amarië's body jerked and she awoke. He stared at her in the darkness, observing her widened eyes and quickened breathing. "You dreamed?" he said softly.
She reached out to him as though she had been doing it all her life. "Yes," she breathed, as they wrapped their arms around each other.
"Do you wish to speak of it?"
She settled her head on his bare chest. "My father came to me again. He showed me things. Frightening things." He could feel her tremble, and he stroked his hand over her back to soothe her. "He has been teaching me something I need to know, and yet do not remember. It has to do with you."
"With me?"
"I know not what it is. He says I have the knowledge I need."
Haldir was silent. He could think of no words to say.
"Already the memory slides away. All I remember are colors, the feel of his hair."
"Then let it go. If it is as he says, you will remember when the time is right."
"Yes." She sounded uncertain.
"Sleep." He smoothed her hair. "And know that I am with you."
Within a few minutes, he could tell that she had indeed fallen back asleep. Trying not to think about her words or what they might mean, he allowed himself to drift into the meditative state that was the elven form of sleep.
xxx
Amarië awoke with a start to find herself alone in the bed. To her disappointment, Haldir had already risen and dressed, and was in the process of putting on his freshly cleaned boots. She drew the sheet around her and sat up. "Were you not going to wake me?"
He glanced up, and smiled. "I thought about it. But you looked so peaceful, I did not wish to disturb you. There is food on the table. Shall I wait for you?"
"You are going to the training area?" At his nod, she added with a small smile, "Would you prefer I wear the white gown or this sheet?"
He tossed her a small package. "These are Rúmil's. They should do for now. Mine would be too large for you. Your boots are by the door."
She opened it and found leggings and tunics. "You think of everything." How had he known that she would not wish to wear her own?
"I will be outside," he said. "I think it would be best if I did not linger while you dress." He laughed outright at her expression, then came over and caught her chin in his hand. "Do not pout, meleth. I will not neglect you all day." He bent and pressed his mouth to hers. She parted her lips, an invitation to change his mind, but he drew back with a lazy grin and ruffled her hair. "Our binding celebration will be tonight. My brothers have been busy. I will give you my full attention then, my own fair temptress."
She smiled sheepishly. "If you wait, I will hurry."
He gave a small nod. "I will wait. Be sure to eat."
"Yes, milord," she answered pertly.
A short while later, they made their way together through the stairs and bridges and walkways of the city. Now and then they were greeted by early rising elves, each of whom offered them congratulations and smiles.
One of the first of these was Lornarië. "Your surprise comes as no surprise to me," she told them with a knowing look. "Ferodir and I could see there was something between you two. In fact, I knew from the first day," she boasted to Haldir, "when she told me you were going to give her an archery lesson! I suspected right then what was afoot. I told her our Marchwarden does not hand out archery lessons to just any female."
Haldir's fingers closed over Amarië's elbow just quickly enough and firmly enough to prevent her from giving way to bubbling mirth. She bit her tongue, her insides quivering, as he smoothly responded, "Shall we see you this evening at our celebration?"
"Oh, I would not miss it!" Lornarië assured them. "I intend to take the bride's brother under my wing since I am one of the few who speak his tongue. I hope he is handsome?"
Wondering what Ennis would think of Lornarië, Amarië suppressed her amusement. "Yes, I would say he is handsome," she said. "Dark hair, blue eyes, tall and strong."
"And mortal," added the pretty blonde elf dreamily. "I can't wait to see his sweet little ears." She drifted off down the walkway, leaving Amarië and Haldir staring after her, then at each other.
Haldir still held her elbow. "Meleth, you must develop more control. I do not wish to share our joke with all Lothlórien."
"True," she said, glancing up at him from beneath her lashes, "although the number of arrows in your quiver might gain you some respect."
He released her elbow and swatted her backside. "That remark is going to cost you."
"Oh, really?" She tilted her head. "What will it cost me?"
Laughter warmed his eyes. "I have another lesson to teach you, wife."
"And what is that, husband?"
"A lesson in patience," he replied with a laugh.
xxx
By the time they reached the forest floor, they had been stopped and congratulated so many times that the sun was well up in the sky. "I am so late," Haldir remarked, "that I may as well be later still." Taking her by the hand, he led her a short distance to a secluded spot among the trees well beyond the sight of guards or wanderers. "I think we have time for a quick kiss."
She gazed up at him with such warmth and eagerness that he wanted only to take her fully, but instead he caught her wrists and backed her up against a tree. Holding her so that she could not wrap her arms around him, he kissed her very lightly on the lips and gazed down into her blue eyes.
"Haldir," she murmured. "What are you doing?"
"Playing," he whispered seductively. He kissed the base of her throat, then ran his tongue up the side of her neck and blew gently into her ear. He felt her shudder, and smiled. "You will soon discover that I can be very, very playful."
"So I see," she said, moistening her lips in a way that was meant to entice him. He smiled again, and imprisoned both her wrists above her head with one hand; with the other, he brushed his palm over her breasts, watching how she trembled as he proceeded to slide his hand beneath her tunic. He stroked her stomach and kissed her again, still lightly, then dipped his tongue between her sweetly parted lips, sweeping inside her mouth at the same time he slid his fingers between her thighs. The moment she moaned, he withdrew his hand and pressed against her, letting her feel the stirring of his own excitement. Already his heart was pounding, and he knew hers was also.
"This will give us something interesting to think about during the day," he murmured. "Now we will go." He released her and stepped back, watching the way her eyes widened in astonishment.
"You cannot be serious!" she said.
"Indeed I am." He fought back a smile. "I can be patient. Can you?"
"No!" She reached for him, but he stepped away with a laugh.
"Then you are sorely in need of this lesson, Amarië."
For a moment he thought she would smack him, then her eyes filled with that look of demure mischief he so adored. "I can change your mind anytime I wish," she informed him. "Two can play this game."
"Indeed." He cocked an eyebrow. "This should prove a stimulating day. I wonder how this will affect your battle skills."
"I wonder how it will affect yours," she returned, a little tartly.
"Mine will not be affected at all." He grinned as she made a small snort that seemed to indicate skepticism. He had not planned to play this game, but now that he had started it, it promised to be hugely entertaining. After all, was this not the day of their binding celebration? Why not make it as unforgettable as possible?
Filled with delicious anticipation, he took her hand and led her back toward the main path, his steps light and filled with enthusiasm. All too soon they reached the edge of the practice field, where they encountered Ferodir.
"Ah, the happy couple." The dark-haired elf sauntered toward them, his smile wide and wicked. "I thought perhaps you had found something more worthwhile to do than join us here. Your wardens have long been hard at work."
"What could be more worthwhile than training these mortals?" Haldir said dryly.
"What indeed?" Ferodir murmured. "May I kiss the bride?"
Haldir glanced at him. "On the cheek."
"Of course." Ferodir's dark brows lifted haughtily. "What do you take me for?"
Still, if anyone could make a kiss on the cheek seem a bit naughty, it was Ferodir. His lips only grazed her flesh, but Haldir noted it was enough to make Amarië blush. "Congratulations," the dark-haired elf said to her. "You have chosen well and wisely. Of course you will save me a dance this evening?"
"Oh, of course," she agreed, a laugh in her eye.
Ferodir stepped back, eyeing the two of them with a suave smile.
"You need to find a mate of your own," Haldir remarked with slight acerbity.
Ferodir laughed. "That is amusing coming from you. You are more than twice my age, mellon nîn. I am not ready to limit myself to one female."
"That's because you have not yet met the right one," Amarië told him, patting him on the arm. "When you do, you will feel differently."
"And we will be the ones laughing," Haldir added sardonically.
Ferodir watched them walk away, assessing them as they went. He did not need to use his empathic ability to see that they were truly in love. Still, for some reason that was unclear to him, he could not resist reaching out with his mind to see what he could pick up. The jolt he received nearly sizzled his nerve endings. He drew a deep breath and stared at them in amazement. These two had a bond that was almost inconceivable to him, powerful beyond belief. Ferodir had never experienced that kind of connection with anyone, and for a few moments, he knew a pang of acute envy.
xxx
One by one, the elves on the training field came up to offer their congratulations to their Marchwarden and his lady. Amarië was touched by their easy acceptance of her, their formality and obvious devotion to Haldir, and their noticeable sincerity when it came to expressing their good wishes. Despite everything, it appeared that her disgraceful behavior had been forgiven and forgotten. If she had lost the respect of these elves, she had redeemed herself simply by choosing to bind herself to the one they respected most of all. For the first time, she fully appreciated the high regard in which Haldir was held among his people. By becoming his wife, she had been elevated in the eyes of his warriors. Even Rúmil and Orophin treated her differently, calling her sister in loving and friendly tones quite different from their former merely courteous ways.
As for the humans, they only gawked at her and at Haldir, all except for Ennis, who looked a little wistful. It was obvious that he had told the men that she was half elven, and that she had married an elf. By their expressions, it was clear to Amarië that she had crossed a line that now made her completely alien to them. She knew a flicker of sadness, but this she quickly pushed away. Never had she belonged in the world of Men. Now, more clearly than ever before, she understood that she belonged here, in her father's world. The world of Elves. She had chosen it freely, and committed herself to it fully.
Suddenly she noticed that Rúmil and Orophin were gazing at her brother, who stood in the shade of a tree some distance away with several of the other men. She saw Haldir's brothers exchange a glance, and then walk deliberately over to Ennis.
"Come," she heard Rúmil say in the common tongue.
Ennis looked startled. "Where?"
"Come," Rúmil repeated, waving his hand toward Amarië. "Come. Have joy with us."
Orophin nodded, smiled and gestured, politely urging him in the direction of the elves gathered around Haldir and Amarië. Looking uncomfortable, Ennis allowed himself to be guided forward. Several of the elves turned to him and smiled. Despite the language barrier, they made it clear that, as Haldir's brother-in-law, he had gained stature in the group.
Ennis edged closer to Amarië. "Well, Sister, it seems you have made me some new friends. Perhaps your celebration will not be the trial I feared."
"It will not be a trial," she assured him. "In fact, there is a certain pretty she-elf quite anxious to meet you. She even speaks the common tongue."
"Really." He blinked in surprise. "Why does she want to meet me?"
Haldir had been speaking to another elf, but at this he turned around to look at Ennis. "I believe it's something to do with your ears."
"My ears?" Ennis shook his head. "Elves," he muttered beneath his breath.
Still, Amarië detected a faint spark of interest in her brother's eyes at the prospect of meeting a female elf. She smiled to herself.
xxx
Soon after this the training recommenced. Before venturing over to the archery area, Amarië watched the various men work at their swordplay, and was quite amazed by the progress they had made during her absence. Haldir did not join in, but strolled from group to group, assessing them and injecting a few comments here and there. She saw his eyes rest coldly on Rufus before he turned away, leaving his training to another. Haldir had told her that while all the elves knew about Rufus's attack, he had issued orders that Ennis was not to be told. She had been relieved, for not only did she not want her brother to challenge Rufus to a fight, she very much wished to put the entire matter behind her. Still, it was difficult to see Rufus and not remember. With a shiver, she too turned away, putting as much distance between herself and the red-haired man as possible. Instead, she focused on Haldir, admiring his fluid grace and economy of movement as he moved among the elves and mortals.
Once Haldir had finished making his rounds, he returned to her side, and with him, he carried a Galadhric bow. "Rúmil is lending you his bow to try," he said. "It is perhaps a bit too large for you, but it is slightly smaller than mine. You may use my arrows for now."
She accepted it, noting its excellent quality, which was far superior to her own. She was suddenly reminded of the moment when her stepfather had handed her that first bow, and the memory stirred up complex emotions that nearly brought her to tears. She touched the wood with her fingers, feeling its smoothness and durability and strength.
"Thank you," she said, glancing up at him with a wobbly smile.
Haldir watched her with a smile of his own. "If you like it, I will see that one is made for you. Rúmil says you may keep it all day if you like. You have found great favor with him due to your willingness to listen to his poetry."
She laughed, feeling a glow of happiness as they walked together toward the archery range. The fact that the eyes of many grinning elves followed them barely dented her consciousness. Since they had left the wood, she had been able to push her awareness of Haldir to the background of her thoughts with some effort, but now his nearness brought it back, rather like a low, throbbing hum that sang a continuous song through her veins. When he unbuckled his quiver from his own back and placed in on hers, his warm hand slid down her arm, increasing her awareness of him—as was doubtless his intent.
"Try any target you wish, meleth. Just get the feel of the bow."
She straightened her shoulders and nocked an arrow, pulling back on the bowstring. She could feel the power of the weapon, the pliability of the wood. Sindarin writing was carved into the far ends of the bow. "What does it say?" she asked.
"Listen to my laughter as I slay you. Death to the foes of the elves."
"Not very cheerful," she said wryly.
"No," he said. "Battle is not cheerful. And Rúmil is a great warrior. Do not be fooled by his merry ways."
"I never doubted it," she said soberly.
She raised the bow, aimed at a target some distance away, and let fly the arrow. It landed squarely in the center.
"Very good," Haldir remarked. "Was that the one you were aiming for?"
She glanced at him. "You are quite the jokester today. It seems our binding has agreed with you."
"It seems so," he agreed, his voice cheerful. "Try another."
Again, she nocked an arrow, aiming at a target farther away. An instant before she loosed the arrow, his hand suddenly cupped her buttock and gave it a little squeeze, causing her to jump and miss her target completely. She squeaked and spun around. "Just what do you think you're doing?"
"Refreshing my memory," he said amiably. "Do not allow me to distract you."
"I would not have thought your memory needed to be refreshed!"
His lips quirked. "As a rule, it does not. But I find myself in need of constant reminders where you are concerned."
"I should do the same to you," she said, smiling sweetly, "in front of all your elves."
He laughed. "I would not miss my target, though I welcome your attempts to distract me."
"You are quite conceited. I can see I shall have to prove you wrong."
He reached out and caught her chin in his hand. "Go right ahead." He bent and brushed his lips against hers, then drew back, his eyes warm. "Tempt me all you like. But let's keep it discreet." He stepped back. "Now show me what you can do with that bow."
She gave him a suspicious glance, but he appeared to be quite serious, and so she lifted the bow again and sent another arrow soaring. To her satisfaction, it landed exactly where she intended. For the next two hours, she shot arrows into the various targets, following Haldir's instructions as he challenged her speed and accuracy. Unlike before, she did not once miss her target, despite the fact that she was using an unfamiliar bow. This was so unusual that she commented on it to Haldir.
"There are two possibilities," he said thoughtfully, as they strolled together across the grass to retrieve the arrows, "it is either the bow or it is you."
She considered this. "It must be the bow. I have not changed."
"Oh, have you not?" His gray eyes glinted with humor. "You have bound yourself to me. I think that is a very important change."
"But why would that improve my archery skill?"
"I can think of several reasons. Perhaps it is the knowledge that at any moment I may drag you under the bushes and have my way with you."
"Haldir!"
"Which would give me a chance to brush up on my own archery skills."
She glared at him, trying to ignore the wild flutters in her stomach. "I am quite sure that has nothing to do with it."
"How can you be sure?" With twinkling eyes, he pried an arrow out of one of the soft wooden targets and returned it to the quiver. "Perhaps it is the knowledge that you have only a few hours to wait until my hands are on your naked flesh—"
"Stop," she moaned.
"—and my lips are exploring all those sweet places you keep hidden from others—"
"Please, stop . . ."
"You won't be saying that later, meleth, when I am—" he bent close to her ear and whispered words so sensual they sent a wave of raw desire coursing through her body and turned her face bright red. Even worse, a few of the elves were now strolling into the target area and were looking their way. She could see both Rúmil and Orophin staring at her, their elven eyesight no doubt taking in the sight of her blushing cheeks even from this distance.
"I will get even with you," she said through clenched teeth. "Just you wait."
"I am hoping you will," Haldir murmured. He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his thumb gliding lightly down the side of her neck as he did so.
They walked back to where the group of elves were standing, including Ferodir, who blew her a kiss and grinned. It was the midpoint in the day when the men normally took a break and ate their lunch, thus leaving the elves some free time to lounge and chat. Haldir went over to speak to Orophin, while Rúmil came over to Amarië, the corners of his blue eyes still crinkling with amusement at what he had witnessed. However, he was kind enough not to say anything to embarrass her.
"Do you like my bow, little sister?" he inquired. "It is very fine, yes?"
"Oh, yes, Rúmil! Thank you so much for lending it to me. It is very good of you."
Rúmil beamed with pleasure.
Amarië watched Ferodir walk over and sit down on a wooden bench, and a sudden idea came to her. Excusing herself from Rúmil's side, she went over to the dark-haired elf. "Ferodir, would you do me a favor?"
He lifted a brow. "Anything for you, my princess. You know that. What has the Marchwarden done to turn your cheeks so pink? Shall I challenge him to a duel?"
She smiled. "Actually, yes. An archery contest."
"Ah." He grinned. "You are up to something naughty. A lass after my own heart."
"Do you read minds?" she joked.
"Actually, I do. I am an empath. Did Haldir not tell you?"
"No!" Aghast, her hand flew to her mouth.
"I am not reading your mind right now," he reassured her with gentle amusement. "Only your face. I do try not to pry. Most of the time. In any case, if I made a habit of misusing my ability, the Valar would surely take it away."
She shook her head, as bemused by him as always. She had heard of empaths, but had never quite believed that such creatures existed. The very idea made her uncomfortable. "Will you promise not to read my mind, or Haldir's mind, for the next little while?"
Ferodir placed his hand over his heart. "I so pledge, my fair one. Whatever mischief you have planned is none of my affair. I am your servant and will simply do your bidding."
Amarië could not help but laugh. "Nay, I have no mischief planned. I only wish to observe a demonstration of my husband's skill."
Looking skeptical, Ferodir rose to his feet. "I rather doubt that is your only wish, my lady, but mine is not to question why. I live only to serve."
Amarië watched as he strode over to Haldir and issued the challenge. She saw Haldir glance over at her, and knew from his expression that he realized she was up to something. Quickly, she schooled her face into a nonchalant expression. His eyes narrowed, and she fought back a desire to laugh. She did not know if her plan would work, but if it did, her revenge would be sweet indeed.
His gaze searched hers as he came over to reclaim his quiver. "What have you in mind, meleth? Whatever you are planning, you will not forget to be discreet."
She smiled sweetly. "You are very dictatorial today."
"You may find me so at times." He set his hand on her shoulder, and whispered softly, "But this game can only go so far until we are alone. Remember that."
"You misunderstand. I am planning nothing. My only wish is to see a demonstration of your ability."
"Ha! A likely tale." His lips quirked. "But doubtless I will soon learn what sweet torment you have planned for me."
He turned and strolled back to Ferodir as the other elves gathered round, eager to watch the contest. Amarië elected to sit on a bench slightly to the side where she could see clearly, yet not be watched. Several minutes passed while the terms of the competition were established and agreed upon. Clearly Haldir and Ferodir were respected as two of the best archers amongst them, for there was much excitement and many grins among the elves.
Amarië closed her eyes for a moment, searching for the connection she had felt between them when they were in the pool. Within seconds she felt it, a pulsing, living force that was a part of each of them. In her mind, she could almost see it, this golden cord of pure light and energy along which thought and sensation could flow as easily as wind sifted through the trees.
She reopened her eyes, watching as the first few arrows were fired off. The target was so distant she could scarcely see it, but according to the reaction of those with elven eyesight, neither Haldir nor Ferodir had missed by so much as a hairsbreadth.
She smiled to herself as she reached out to him with mental hands. At least he could not accuse her of being unsubtle or indiscreet. As long as Ferodir kept his word, no one would ever know what she was doing to him. She watched him as he nocked an arrow and pulled back on the string, his concentration gathered. And then she touched him, brushing him with mental fingers . . .
At first he did not notice anything unusual. A lock of his hair shifted, but it was only the breeze. Then it felt as though a mellyrn leaf skittered across his back beneath his tunic, light as a feather. Most odd. But when the tickle on the tip of his ear began, he frowned.
This was not natural.
He glanced suspiciously at Amarië, but she was not even looking at him at the moment. Perhaps he had imagined it. No, he had not! Now his chest tingled as though she dragged her fingers across it, grazing his nipples, his stomach, moving downward . . .
To the most vulnerable part of his anatomy.
Haldir froze, unable to believe this was happening. It was as though she were right there in front of him, stroking him, pressing her mouth to him in a manner that under any other circumstance he would have adored. As sensation washed over him, the erotic hum he had been enjoying for the past few hours blossomed into a full scale jangle at the back of his brain. His teeth ground together as silent laughter and frustration rocked through him. The little vixen! Never would he have expected this!
Drawing a deep breath, he focused once more upon the tiny point in the distance, ignoring with monumental effort his wife's attempts to distract him. He released the arrow, watching with dismay as it landed slightly off-center. A low murmur rose among the elves.
His heart hammering, he turned and looked at Amarië. Her face was set with perfect innocence, but her eyes gave her away. Oh, yes, she knew exactly what she was doing to him and what he was feeling.
Meanwhile, Ferodir's arrow landed perfectly, as usual.
Haldir turned back to take his turn. His leggings had felt too snug all morning, but this was now beyond discomfort. He closed his eyes for a moment, silently begging her to stop, but if she heard him, she paid him no heed. All his wardens were looking at him, waiting expectantly for him to continue.
"Brother?" Orophin asked. "Is something wrong?"
"No," Haldir managed to get out. "Nothing is wrong."
"You look odd," Rúmil said.
"You always think I look odd," Haldir shot back irritably.
Trying to control his erratic breathing, he raised his bow again. She was still teasing him, caressing him in such a way that his arousal tightened, swelling to nearly unbearable proportions. To stand here and pretend it was not happening was excruciating. A shudder ran through his body. His loins ached almost unendurably.
He lowered his bow. He could not do this. He wanted her so badly he was almost shaking.
"You are sweating," Orophin observed. "Something is wrong."
"Are you in pain?" Rúmil inquired with concern.
"I am not in pain!" Haldir snapped.
"Well, you look like you're in pain!"
Haldir glanced at Ferodir, wondering if he discerned what was happening, but the dark-haired elf only grinned and shrugged. "Your brothers are right. You don't look well. Apparently you fear my skill."
"You must be joking. I have yet to observe any skill of yours that I should fear."
Ferodir smiled. "You amuse me, Marchwarden."
The next few minutes were some of the most challenging of Haldir's life. He managed to land each of his arrows dead center, but only through the most monumental effort and the fact that Amarië seemed to be giving him a respite. Then he felt the touch of her lips again, so light and soft, and knew he was in deep trouble.
"Excuse me for a moment," he said to the elves. He strode over to his wife and bent low, putting his mouth near her ear. "I think you have made your point, Amarië. I yield to you. I am no longer patient. And if you embarrass me in front of my wardens, it will be at least an age before I hear the end of their laughter."
She looked up at him, her lovely blue eyes alight with humor and apology. "I am sorry, meleth. I thought it was your wish that I pursue this game discreetly."
"You are pushing me beyond the limits of discretion. And let it be noted that the connection works both ways. What you can do, I can do also."
With satisfaction, he saw that his meaning had struck home. Then, suddenly, her gaze shifted. "Haldir."
He glanced around, and saw that the Lord and Lady were approaching. He turned back quickly. "No more games," he warned. "Promise me."
"I promise," she whispered, "if you promise to give me a little of your time alone."
He gazed at her hungrily. "That you will have, I assure you. As soon as it is possible."
"You do not wish to wait?"
"I would take you this instant if I could. And more than once."
Her eyes widened in a way that pleased him very much.
"I ache for you," she whispered.
"And I for you," he whispered back. "I love you so much. You are my life."
"And you are mine," she said.
tbc
Elvish
Phrases:
Le melin Thee I love
meleth, meleth nín:
love, my love
Gerich veleth nín You have my love
