Part Ten: Dawn of Hope
The sun was high before the Uruks had either fled or been destroyed. The canyon floor was littered with the bodies of the dead; orc, elf and human alike. Gimli and Legolas searched near the outcrop for Ithilin but to no avail. Where could she have gone?
"Ithilin!" Legolas called hoarsely.
"Little one!" The dwarf pushed dead ones out of the way as he headed back toward the keep.
"Have you found her yet?" Aragorn asked, coming up beside the elf.
Legolas shook his head, not trusting his voice.
"Legolas!" Gimli cried frantically. "Over here!"
Both the elf and the ranger sprinted to where Gimli stood, white faced and trembling with large tears streaming down his face and copper beard. As they approached, they saw honey blond hair that was matted and stained with blood and pale peach skin marred by ugly dark purple bruises and angry black burns. But the majority of her injuries, however, were concealed by the remnants of a silvery blue tunic.
"No!" the anguished cry broke the still air as the elf knelt, gathering the limp form to his breast and rocked her back and forth. "Ai, Ithilin. Oh Ilúvatar, do not take her from me!"
"Legolas, let her go. It is for the best." Aragorn said quietly, laying a hand on the prince's shoulder. "She doesn't suffer any more."
"You don't understand!" he yelled, his voice breaking with sobs. "She suffered because of you! She was protecting you!"
Aragorn looked at the elf, shocked. Never had Legolas spoken to him like this. Why was the prince blaming him for what Ithilin had walked into willingly? He had nothing to do with what had happened. He was not responsible for her actions. If anything, Legolas was responsible for her, and he was the one who let her go into that living hell. He was the one who should be berating himself for her condition, not Aragorn.
Legolas carefully held her limp, broken body to him as he got unsteadily to his feet. Slowly, he made his way to the keep, Gimli trailing in his wake and leaving Aragorn lost in thought.
Once inside, he took her to a small room off to the side of the throne. The chamber was bare except for a chest, an overstuffed chair and a massive ornate bed that occupied most of the space. The only illumination came from two small high window that bathed the room in a sort of twilight gloom.
Gimli quickly threw back the comforter and bed linens so the prince could lay her down.
"Gimli, find Lady Éowyn." Legolas whispered, his voice hitching on stifled sobs. "Ask her for bandages, a basin of hot water, towels and fresh tunic."
The dwarf nodded and left.
Once he was alone, he took one of his knives and cut the remains of her tunic from her body, taking great care not to injure her further. Laying her back down, he stripped down to his breeches and crawled in the bed beside her. Gently, he pulled her close to his warmth and expressed some milk onto her lips.
Slowly, her lips parted allowing the warm liquid to trickle down her parched throat.
"Yes, Naurorën." He said softly in elvish, kissing her forehead gently as he let the milk dribble gradually past her lips. "I will not leave you. You are safe now. Just don't let go."
* * *
An hour later, Gimli returned with a basin of steaming water and a handful of bandages the prince had asked for, Éowyn followed behind him, carrying towels and a tunic.
"Heavens above!" she exclaimed as she took in the she-elf's abused form lying still as death on the bed next to Legolas. The elf's eyes were closed in exhausted slumber. "What happened to her?"
"That is of no consequence, my lady." Legolas said groggily, propping himself up on his elbow as he came fully awake. "I need to clean and dress her wounds and get her warm."
Éowyn blushed and averted her eyes at the sight of the half naked elf that hovered protectively over the completely nude little she-elf.
"Perhaps I should do this, my lord. I am, after all, a woman."
"I am her mate, my lady." He said curtly, noticing her disapproving gaze and incensed blush. He took a cloth from her, dipping it in the hot water and wringing it out.
Affronted, Éowyn left, passing Aragorn on her way out.
Gently, he wiped the dirt and blood from her face. Slowly and carefully he cleaned her battered body then he spread athelas ointment on the open welts on her back and loosely lay strips of cloth over them. Finally he slid the clean tunic up over her arms, hooking the catches with shaking hands.
"No!" came a weak moan, that sounded like the cry of a mewling kitten.
"Hush. Sîdh, meleth-nîn. Non sí." He whispered, gathering her into his arms and pressing her head to his chest, "Non sí. Lasto na guren."
"Does she live?" Aragorn asked softly.
"Aye. Barely." Legolas said, stroking her matted hair as he rocked her gently. "Does Mithrandir know?"
"Yes. He said he would come as soon as he finished speaking with Théoden and Haldir."
Legolas nodded, picking up the wet cloth again and wiping the blood that had begun to trickle from her mouth. "Hold on." He pleaded softly. "Stay with me." He gazed up at the ranger with pain filled, imploring eyes. "Can you help her?"
Aragorn sighed heavily, "I will do all that is in my power, mellon-nîn." He laid his hand over the elf's that was stroking Ithilin's hair. "Lay her down, but stay close. You are all that is standing between her and the Halls of Mandos."
The prince settled her back on the bed, her head resting in the crook of his arm. He brushed bloody strands of hair away from her face as he nuzzled her ear, murmuring softly in elvish.
"Ithilin," The ranger gently touched her pale cheek with one hand as he added some crushed athelas to the steaming basin. Soon the oppressive air of death was chased away by its fresh, soothing scent. "Come on, tithen pen. Legolas and I need you to keep us out of trouble."
"Lasto beth nîn, iel-nîn." A deep voice called from the door. "Lasto. Tolo dan nan galad."
Both the elf and the human looked up. Gandalf stood, framed by the opening, with his staff in his hand, glowing softly.
"Come, my daughter." The Maia whispered in a language completely unknown to the others in the chamber. "The Halls of Mandos are not for the Daughter of Varda. There is still much yet you have to do. Do not let the Dark one win this fight."
"Ada?" Came a weak whisper.
Aragorn looked at her then at the Istari, stunned. Was the wizard her father? She had often called Lord Elrond that, but never Gandalf.
"Gandalf, what -"
The old wizard smiled mysteriously, silencing the human. "She is very weak, but she will survive." He sat on the edge of the bed, near the elf. "Now we just have to wait for her to wake."
The elf smiled wearily, his eyes beginning to glaze and flutter closed. "Hannon le, adar o hervess nîn."
"I have known you from an elfling, young one. You are a strange one among the Silvan folk. This fire, you have, is rarely seen in the elves of your kin." Gandalf whispered, brushing pale golden strands away from the prince's face. "Though, if it hadn't been for you, my young prince, her spirit would have fled long ago."
"Gandalf, Legolas said that she had been destined for me."
"Prophecies have their own ways of coming true, Aragorn." Gandalf chuckled. "A bond with you would not have been this strong."
"Why?"
"For all that you bear the blood of Númenor, it has been diluted and weakened by the blood common men." The Istari said. "Come, Aragorn. We will speak of this elsewhere. They both have been stretched far beyond their limits. Legolas will sleep until she wakes." He turned toward the door and caught sight of the worried dwarf. "Stay with them, Gimli, and come for me as soon as they wake."
* * *
A single candle broke the pitch darkness of the chamber. Legolas woke to Gimli's soft snoring beside the bed. He blinked in the darkness. How long had he been asleep?
Ithilin stirred beside him, her hand sliding slowly up the bare skin of his chest. He shivered at the unexpected movement, eliciting a soft chuckle from his mate.
"You are awake!" he whispered in elvish, turning onto his side. "Ai Ithilin, you had me worried."
"It is not over yet, meleth-nîn." She answered, nuzzling him. "It won't be for a long time. Besides I'm not finished with you yet."
Legolas kissed the top of her head, laughing softly. "You're not?"
"No, my very vain, pretty prince, I most definitely am not." She reached up and traced the outline of his lips with her index finger.
He smiled and caught the curious digit gently between his teeth. His lips closed over her slender finger as he ran his tongue over the tip, chuckling quietly when he heard her gasp in delight.
"It has been too long, Legolas. I want you, yet I have not the strength for it."
"It can wait, Ithilin." He said, releasing her finger. "You have been through hell and need to heal. I, too, am still healing."
She looked up at him, the candle light dancing like stars in her dark eyes. "Have you milk, still? I am hungry."
"That is good news, a'maelamin." He said, carefully pulling her closer, "I knew you would need it when you returned to me."
It felt so good to have her so close to him, to feel her warm breath against his skin. He sighed in contentment as her lips closed over the nipple nearest her and began to suckle hungrily. He chuckled softly at the funny little noises she made as she ate.
"I fear it hurts too much to move." She whispered, licking milk from her lips as she pulled away.
Without a word Legolas carefully straddled her waist, making sure he put little or no weight on her abused body. He leaned down over her, supporting his weight above her yet giving her access to his other nipple.
"Does that help?"
:Yes, thank you. But how long do you think you can suspend yourself like that?:
"Very funny, she-elf." He felt her lips curl into a smile against him.
As soon as she finished, he claimed her mouth with his own, reveling in the warm sweetness of his milk still on her lips. Her hands entwined themselves in his hair, pulling him closer and deepening their kiss. Fire raced along the bond, making them both gasp in pleasure.
"Ithilin," he panted, feeling a surprising and very welcomed tightening in his leggings. "I . . . Fate, it seems, has a bizarre sense of humor."
"It does, doesn't it?" she replied, sliding her hands down to untie the lacings on his breeches. "What shall we do about it?"
"Ithilin, no. It's not that I don't want this, meleth-nîn. It's-"
She smiled lovingly at him, "It's all right, Legolas. You are right. My injuries are extensive, yet I am healing. I will be for some time."
He kissed her tenderly, smiling, "Besides, you wouldn't want to wake Gimli and have to explain this would you?"
"He'd only laugh at us and make some comment about the promiscuousness of elves." She laughed.
"Are you finished with me?" he asked, laying down beside her again.
She snuggled into his warm and comforting embrace. "I'll never be finished with you, meleth-nîn. But if you are referring to your milk, yes I am finished for now." She yawned as she cuddled closed to his warmth. "I'm sleepy."
Legolas hooked the comforter with his foot and brought it within reach of his hand. Then he wrapped it tightly about their bodies, creating a cocoon of warmth for her. He heard her sigh softly as she settled into his arms. Then a coughing fit began.
When she pulled her hand away from her mouth, it glistened darkly in the candlelight. Blood. She turned frightened eyes on her mate, who smiled sadly and gently dabbed the blood from her mouth with a cloth.
"The Dragon's Fire. It has found it's way into my lungs."
"Aragorn will have something for this. Have hope."
"You don't understand, Legolas. Dragon's Fire is a lethal poison." Fear filled her voice. "By rights, I should have been dead days ago."
"Aragorn can fix this, Ithilin." He answered, trying not to let his fear show, "If not him, then Mithrandir will be able to do something."
"No, Legolas. Even if my father were still with us, there is nothing he could do."
She didn't know. But then, why would she. She had been held captive by Saruman and there was no reason for him to tell her that Gandalf lived.
"But he lives, Ithilin. He is Gandalf the White now."
"Gandalf the White? But how is this possible? We saw him fall."
"You will see come morning, meleth." He kissed the crown of her head, settling her against him. "Sleep now and heal. Dawn will come all too soon I fear."
He felt her slight body relax against him in sleep and it wasn't long before he, too, was dragged under by the weariness he felt. Both slept soundly, until dawn broke, kindling the high windows with a golden flame.
* * *
Gandalf stood over the pair, chanting softly in Quenya. He had sent Gimli with Aragorn to find some food. Legolas would be ravenous when he woke.
He had seen the blood trickling from his daughter's mouth as she slept wrapped tightly in the elf prince's arms. He knew only one thing could cause this. Dragon's Fire. A poison of torture, favored by Sauron, to induce his victims to talk. Deadly when used on elves. She was fortunate, though. Ithilin was not elf, nor was she human. She was Valar. She was his daughter and Varda.'s.
"Gandalf?" Legolas peered sleepily over Ithilin's blond head.
"Has she woken, young one?"
"Yes. Sometime in the night." He answered softly, not wanting to wake her. "She ate and went back to sleep."
"But that's not all that happened, is it?" The Istari cocked a white eyebrow at the prince.
"No." he replied sorrowfully. Then he felt something warm and wet on the arm where Ithilin lay. "Ai, no."
Quickly he grabbed the cloth he had used earlier and wiped his arm. Fresh blood stained the towel. Gently he ran it across her mouth. He sighed heavily with relief when it came away with only a slight tinge of pink.
"That's not all that happened, is it?" The wizard repeated, watching Legolas closely.
"No, Mithrandir. She began to cough up blood. I fear I will still lose her."
"Dragon's Fire has a tendency to do that. She will be fighting it for some time but she is a fiery one. Have faith, little one, she has the strength of the Valar protecting her." Gandalf smiled fondly at the prince, "And the love of a certain young elf that I know. On that alone, I believe she could survive anything."
"Legolas? Who is . . . " Her soft voice trailed off and her eyes widened in fear. "No1"
"Sîdh, iel-nîn." The Istari whispered, sitting on the bed. "It is only me."
"Eru?!" she breathed, uncomprehending. "It can not be!"
"But it is." He smiled at her confusion, "Nay, daughter, you have not died in the night. You yet live."
"Ada?" She looked hard at the wizard then began to laugh, "You are not Ilúvatar. Why do you tease, Ada?"
"Am I not?"
"Legolas, he teases. Do not take him seriously. He is not Eru."
"As you say, meleth-nîn," the elf said, nuzzling her ear and giving the wizard a knowing smile.
"Who's up for breakfast?" Aragorn and Gimli announced cheerfully as they entered carrying trays heaped with food.
Legolas licked his lips hungrily as they set the platters down on the chest. He started to get up but Ithilin managed to hold him down.
"Not until after I eat, meleth." She said, her sapphire eyes dancing mischievously.
"I think not, hervess!" He was a little surprised at how strong she was in her given condition. "You can wait."
"Don't make me hurt you, elf. Now lay down." A smug smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Aragorn laughed as Legolas did as she asked. "Like I said, Legolas. I'm glad she's not mine."
"Just give me some food, Estel, before I smack you." The elf glared at the human as Ithilin settled against him, her tongue playing teasingly over a nipple. "If you're going to play, meleth, I'm getting up."
"Don't you dare."
He arched an eyebrow at her and cocked his head, daring her to continue playing with him. Her tongue darted out once more, but with a flick of his wrist he caught it between his thumb and index finger.
"Now, are you going to eat, or play?"
:You win this time, meleth o guren.: Her mind voice chuckled audibly, surprising everyone in the room except Gandalf. :Break your fast, herven. I know you are starving.:
He let her go and she move away a little so he could sit up against the headboard. Once he was settled, she curled up beside him, her head resting against his chest. She sighed contentedly as he stroked her hair. Only after Aragorn handed him a plate of food did she begin to suckle.
"That one rivals any dwarf woman on a good day, Master Elf." Gimli chuckled. "She has more fire than most men want to contend with."
"Aye. But I could not live without her, Gimli." Legolas smiled and kissed the top of his mate's head. "Perhaps your dwarf women could take a few lessons from her."
"That they could. Though, I very much doubt they could contend with her beauty and that of the Lady of the Golden Wood."
"I honestly don't know how you handle her, mellon-nîn. I know I wouldn't be able to."
The elf shook his head, "That's the trick, Estel. I don't."
"Yet you somehow manage to keep her in her place." Haldir sneered upon entering.
"What place?!" Legolas laughed. "This little she-elf has me wrapped around one of those pretty, slender fingers of hers. I may be her lord, but I definitely am *not* her master."
Legolas kept her close, petting her. If she so much as shifted uncomfortably, he made sure she didn't need anything. It wasn't long before the Ithilin's eyes fluttered closed and she relaxed against him.
Yes, Gandalf thought as he watched her, she would survive this trial. The next one he wasn't so sure.
Author's Note: Ok, I'm stalling for time. I'm trying to reconcile the books and the movie, not a task to be take lightly, so bear with me. AI!!!!! Return of the King will be in theatres in a little over a month. SHRIEK!!!!!!!! I've got some things planned but I'm not sure how they will fit within the story line. ARGH!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To all of my reviewers. Any help you can give and all of your encouragement is most assuredly appreciated. Hannon le, mellon-nîns. By the by, you can get a fairly decent Sindarin/English, English/Sindarin dictionaries at Council of Elrond (www.councilofelrond.com). Plus some pretty tasty Lembas recipes and lots of other fun stuff. Say I sent you when you register. Please Review!!!!!! Reviewers are like lembas (or Legolas for that matter) , you can't get enough.
Elvish Translations:
"Sîdh, meleth-nîn. Non sí." - Peace, my love. I am here
"Lasto na guren." - Listen to my heart.
"tithen pen" - little one
"Lasto beth nîn, iel-nîn." - Listen to my voice, my daughter
"Tolo dan nan galad." - Come back to the light
"Hannon le, adar o hervess nîn." - Thank you, father of my wife.
"meleth o guren" - love of my heart.
P. S. Hit the review button, NOW!
The sun was high before the Uruks had either fled or been destroyed. The canyon floor was littered with the bodies of the dead; orc, elf and human alike. Gimli and Legolas searched near the outcrop for Ithilin but to no avail. Where could she have gone?
"Ithilin!" Legolas called hoarsely.
"Little one!" The dwarf pushed dead ones out of the way as he headed back toward the keep.
"Have you found her yet?" Aragorn asked, coming up beside the elf.
Legolas shook his head, not trusting his voice.
"Legolas!" Gimli cried frantically. "Over here!"
Both the elf and the ranger sprinted to where Gimli stood, white faced and trembling with large tears streaming down his face and copper beard. As they approached, they saw honey blond hair that was matted and stained with blood and pale peach skin marred by ugly dark purple bruises and angry black burns. But the majority of her injuries, however, were concealed by the remnants of a silvery blue tunic.
"No!" the anguished cry broke the still air as the elf knelt, gathering the limp form to his breast and rocked her back and forth. "Ai, Ithilin. Oh Ilúvatar, do not take her from me!"
"Legolas, let her go. It is for the best." Aragorn said quietly, laying a hand on the prince's shoulder. "She doesn't suffer any more."
"You don't understand!" he yelled, his voice breaking with sobs. "She suffered because of you! She was protecting you!"
Aragorn looked at the elf, shocked. Never had Legolas spoken to him like this. Why was the prince blaming him for what Ithilin had walked into willingly? He had nothing to do with what had happened. He was not responsible for her actions. If anything, Legolas was responsible for her, and he was the one who let her go into that living hell. He was the one who should be berating himself for her condition, not Aragorn.
Legolas carefully held her limp, broken body to him as he got unsteadily to his feet. Slowly, he made his way to the keep, Gimli trailing in his wake and leaving Aragorn lost in thought.
Once inside, he took her to a small room off to the side of the throne. The chamber was bare except for a chest, an overstuffed chair and a massive ornate bed that occupied most of the space. The only illumination came from two small high window that bathed the room in a sort of twilight gloom.
Gimli quickly threw back the comforter and bed linens so the prince could lay her down.
"Gimli, find Lady Éowyn." Legolas whispered, his voice hitching on stifled sobs. "Ask her for bandages, a basin of hot water, towels and fresh tunic."
The dwarf nodded and left.
Once he was alone, he took one of his knives and cut the remains of her tunic from her body, taking great care not to injure her further. Laying her back down, he stripped down to his breeches and crawled in the bed beside her. Gently, he pulled her close to his warmth and expressed some milk onto her lips.
Slowly, her lips parted allowing the warm liquid to trickle down her parched throat.
"Yes, Naurorën." He said softly in elvish, kissing her forehead gently as he let the milk dribble gradually past her lips. "I will not leave you. You are safe now. Just don't let go."
* * *
An hour later, Gimli returned with a basin of steaming water and a handful of bandages the prince had asked for, Éowyn followed behind him, carrying towels and a tunic.
"Heavens above!" she exclaimed as she took in the she-elf's abused form lying still as death on the bed next to Legolas. The elf's eyes were closed in exhausted slumber. "What happened to her?"
"That is of no consequence, my lady." Legolas said groggily, propping himself up on his elbow as he came fully awake. "I need to clean and dress her wounds and get her warm."
Éowyn blushed and averted her eyes at the sight of the half naked elf that hovered protectively over the completely nude little she-elf.
"Perhaps I should do this, my lord. I am, after all, a woman."
"I am her mate, my lady." He said curtly, noticing her disapproving gaze and incensed blush. He took a cloth from her, dipping it in the hot water and wringing it out.
Affronted, Éowyn left, passing Aragorn on her way out.
Gently, he wiped the dirt and blood from her face. Slowly and carefully he cleaned her battered body then he spread athelas ointment on the open welts on her back and loosely lay strips of cloth over them. Finally he slid the clean tunic up over her arms, hooking the catches with shaking hands.
"No!" came a weak moan, that sounded like the cry of a mewling kitten.
"Hush. Sîdh, meleth-nîn. Non sí." He whispered, gathering her into his arms and pressing her head to his chest, "Non sí. Lasto na guren."
"Does she live?" Aragorn asked softly.
"Aye. Barely." Legolas said, stroking her matted hair as he rocked her gently. "Does Mithrandir know?"
"Yes. He said he would come as soon as he finished speaking with Théoden and Haldir."
Legolas nodded, picking up the wet cloth again and wiping the blood that had begun to trickle from her mouth. "Hold on." He pleaded softly. "Stay with me." He gazed up at the ranger with pain filled, imploring eyes. "Can you help her?"
Aragorn sighed heavily, "I will do all that is in my power, mellon-nîn." He laid his hand over the elf's that was stroking Ithilin's hair. "Lay her down, but stay close. You are all that is standing between her and the Halls of Mandos."
The prince settled her back on the bed, her head resting in the crook of his arm. He brushed bloody strands of hair away from her face as he nuzzled her ear, murmuring softly in elvish.
"Ithilin," The ranger gently touched her pale cheek with one hand as he added some crushed athelas to the steaming basin. Soon the oppressive air of death was chased away by its fresh, soothing scent. "Come on, tithen pen. Legolas and I need you to keep us out of trouble."
"Lasto beth nîn, iel-nîn." A deep voice called from the door. "Lasto. Tolo dan nan galad."
Both the elf and the human looked up. Gandalf stood, framed by the opening, with his staff in his hand, glowing softly.
"Come, my daughter." The Maia whispered in a language completely unknown to the others in the chamber. "The Halls of Mandos are not for the Daughter of Varda. There is still much yet you have to do. Do not let the Dark one win this fight."
"Ada?" Came a weak whisper.
Aragorn looked at her then at the Istari, stunned. Was the wizard her father? She had often called Lord Elrond that, but never Gandalf.
"Gandalf, what -"
The old wizard smiled mysteriously, silencing the human. "She is very weak, but she will survive." He sat on the edge of the bed, near the elf. "Now we just have to wait for her to wake."
The elf smiled wearily, his eyes beginning to glaze and flutter closed. "Hannon le, adar o hervess nîn."
"I have known you from an elfling, young one. You are a strange one among the Silvan folk. This fire, you have, is rarely seen in the elves of your kin." Gandalf whispered, brushing pale golden strands away from the prince's face. "Though, if it hadn't been for you, my young prince, her spirit would have fled long ago."
"Gandalf, Legolas said that she had been destined for me."
"Prophecies have their own ways of coming true, Aragorn." Gandalf chuckled. "A bond with you would not have been this strong."
"Why?"
"For all that you bear the blood of Númenor, it has been diluted and weakened by the blood common men." The Istari said. "Come, Aragorn. We will speak of this elsewhere. They both have been stretched far beyond their limits. Legolas will sleep until she wakes." He turned toward the door and caught sight of the worried dwarf. "Stay with them, Gimli, and come for me as soon as they wake."
* * *
A single candle broke the pitch darkness of the chamber. Legolas woke to Gimli's soft snoring beside the bed. He blinked in the darkness. How long had he been asleep?
Ithilin stirred beside him, her hand sliding slowly up the bare skin of his chest. He shivered at the unexpected movement, eliciting a soft chuckle from his mate.
"You are awake!" he whispered in elvish, turning onto his side. "Ai Ithilin, you had me worried."
"It is not over yet, meleth-nîn." She answered, nuzzling him. "It won't be for a long time. Besides I'm not finished with you yet."
Legolas kissed the top of her head, laughing softly. "You're not?"
"No, my very vain, pretty prince, I most definitely am not." She reached up and traced the outline of his lips with her index finger.
He smiled and caught the curious digit gently between his teeth. His lips closed over her slender finger as he ran his tongue over the tip, chuckling quietly when he heard her gasp in delight.
"It has been too long, Legolas. I want you, yet I have not the strength for it."
"It can wait, Ithilin." He said, releasing her finger. "You have been through hell and need to heal. I, too, am still healing."
She looked up at him, the candle light dancing like stars in her dark eyes. "Have you milk, still? I am hungry."
"That is good news, a'maelamin." He said, carefully pulling her closer, "I knew you would need it when you returned to me."
It felt so good to have her so close to him, to feel her warm breath against his skin. He sighed in contentment as her lips closed over the nipple nearest her and began to suckle hungrily. He chuckled softly at the funny little noises she made as she ate.
"I fear it hurts too much to move." She whispered, licking milk from her lips as she pulled away.
Without a word Legolas carefully straddled her waist, making sure he put little or no weight on her abused body. He leaned down over her, supporting his weight above her yet giving her access to his other nipple.
"Does that help?"
:Yes, thank you. But how long do you think you can suspend yourself like that?:
"Very funny, she-elf." He felt her lips curl into a smile against him.
As soon as she finished, he claimed her mouth with his own, reveling in the warm sweetness of his milk still on her lips. Her hands entwined themselves in his hair, pulling him closer and deepening their kiss. Fire raced along the bond, making them both gasp in pleasure.
"Ithilin," he panted, feeling a surprising and very welcomed tightening in his leggings. "I . . . Fate, it seems, has a bizarre sense of humor."
"It does, doesn't it?" she replied, sliding her hands down to untie the lacings on his breeches. "What shall we do about it?"
"Ithilin, no. It's not that I don't want this, meleth-nîn. It's-"
She smiled lovingly at him, "It's all right, Legolas. You are right. My injuries are extensive, yet I am healing. I will be for some time."
He kissed her tenderly, smiling, "Besides, you wouldn't want to wake Gimli and have to explain this would you?"
"He'd only laugh at us and make some comment about the promiscuousness of elves." She laughed.
"Are you finished with me?" he asked, laying down beside her again.
She snuggled into his warm and comforting embrace. "I'll never be finished with you, meleth-nîn. But if you are referring to your milk, yes I am finished for now." She yawned as she cuddled closed to his warmth. "I'm sleepy."
Legolas hooked the comforter with his foot and brought it within reach of his hand. Then he wrapped it tightly about their bodies, creating a cocoon of warmth for her. He heard her sigh softly as she settled into his arms. Then a coughing fit began.
When she pulled her hand away from her mouth, it glistened darkly in the candlelight. Blood. She turned frightened eyes on her mate, who smiled sadly and gently dabbed the blood from her mouth with a cloth.
"The Dragon's Fire. It has found it's way into my lungs."
"Aragorn will have something for this. Have hope."
"You don't understand, Legolas. Dragon's Fire is a lethal poison." Fear filled her voice. "By rights, I should have been dead days ago."
"Aragorn can fix this, Ithilin." He answered, trying not to let his fear show, "If not him, then Mithrandir will be able to do something."
"No, Legolas. Even if my father were still with us, there is nothing he could do."
She didn't know. But then, why would she. She had been held captive by Saruman and there was no reason for him to tell her that Gandalf lived.
"But he lives, Ithilin. He is Gandalf the White now."
"Gandalf the White? But how is this possible? We saw him fall."
"You will see come morning, meleth." He kissed the crown of her head, settling her against him. "Sleep now and heal. Dawn will come all too soon I fear."
He felt her slight body relax against him in sleep and it wasn't long before he, too, was dragged under by the weariness he felt. Both slept soundly, until dawn broke, kindling the high windows with a golden flame.
* * *
Gandalf stood over the pair, chanting softly in Quenya. He had sent Gimli with Aragorn to find some food. Legolas would be ravenous when he woke.
He had seen the blood trickling from his daughter's mouth as she slept wrapped tightly in the elf prince's arms. He knew only one thing could cause this. Dragon's Fire. A poison of torture, favored by Sauron, to induce his victims to talk. Deadly when used on elves. She was fortunate, though. Ithilin was not elf, nor was she human. She was Valar. She was his daughter and Varda.'s.
"Gandalf?" Legolas peered sleepily over Ithilin's blond head.
"Has she woken, young one?"
"Yes. Sometime in the night." He answered softly, not wanting to wake her. "She ate and went back to sleep."
"But that's not all that happened, is it?" The Istari cocked a white eyebrow at the prince.
"No." he replied sorrowfully. Then he felt something warm and wet on the arm where Ithilin lay. "Ai, no."
Quickly he grabbed the cloth he had used earlier and wiped his arm. Fresh blood stained the towel. Gently he ran it across her mouth. He sighed heavily with relief when it came away with only a slight tinge of pink.
"That's not all that happened, is it?" The wizard repeated, watching Legolas closely.
"No, Mithrandir. She began to cough up blood. I fear I will still lose her."
"Dragon's Fire has a tendency to do that. She will be fighting it for some time but she is a fiery one. Have faith, little one, she has the strength of the Valar protecting her." Gandalf smiled fondly at the prince, "And the love of a certain young elf that I know. On that alone, I believe she could survive anything."
"Legolas? Who is . . . " Her soft voice trailed off and her eyes widened in fear. "No1"
"Sîdh, iel-nîn." The Istari whispered, sitting on the bed. "It is only me."
"Eru?!" she breathed, uncomprehending. "It can not be!"
"But it is." He smiled at her confusion, "Nay, daughter, you have not died in the night. You yet live."
"Ada?" She looked hard at the wizard then began to laugh, "You are not Ilúvatar. Why do you tease, Ada?"
"Am I not?"
"Legolas, he teases. Do not take him seriously. He is not Eru."
"As you say, meleth-nîn," the elf said, nuzzling her ear and giving the wizard a knowing smile.
"Who's up for breakfast?" Aragorn and Gimli announced cheerfully as they entered carrying trays heaped with food.
Legolas licked his lips hungrily as they set the platters down on the chest. He started to get up but Ithilin managed to hold him down.
"Not until after I eat, meleth." She said, her sapphire eyes dancing mischievously.
"I think not, hervess!" He was a little surprised at how strong she was in her given condition. "You can wait."
"Don't make me hurt you, elf. Now lay down." A smug smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Aragorn laughed as Legolas did as she asked. "Like I said, Legolas. I'm glad she's not mine."
"Just give me some food, Estel, before I smack you." The elf glared at the human as Ithilin settled against him, her tongue playing teasingly over a nipple. "If you're going to play, meleth, I'm getting up."
"Don't you dare."
He arched an eyebrow at her and cocked his head, daring her to continue playing with him. Her tongue darted out once more, but with a flick of his wrist he caught it between his thumb and index finger.
"Now, are you going to eat, or play?"
:You win this time, meleth o guren.: Her mind voice chuckled audibly, surprising everyone in the room except Gandalf. :Break your fast, herven. I know you are starving.:
He let her go and she move away a little so he could sit up against the headboard. Once he was settled, she curled up beside him, her head resting against his chest. She sighed contentedly as he stroked her hair. Only after Aragorn handed him a plate of food did she begin to suckle.
"That one rivals any dwarf woman on a good day, Master Elf." Gimli chuckled. "She has more fire than most men want to contend with."
"Aye. But I could not live without her, Gimli." Legolas smiled and kissed the top of his mate's head. "Perhaps your dwarf women could take a few lessons from her."
"That they could. Though, I very much doubt they could contend with her beauty and that of the Lady of the Golden Wood."
"I honestly don't know how you handle her, mellon-nîn. I know I wouldn't be able to."
The elf shook his head, "That's the trick, Estel. I don't."
"Yet you somehow manage to keep her in her place." Haldir sneered upon entering.
"What place?!" Legolas laughed. "This little she-elf has me wrapped around one of those pretty, slender fingers of hers. I may be her lord, but I definitely am *not* her master."
Legolas kept her close, petting her. If she so much as shifted uncomfortably, he made sure she didn't need anything. It wasn't long before the Ithilin's eyes fluttered closed and she relaxed against him.
Yes, Gandalf thought as he watched her, she would survive this trial. The next one he wasn't so sure.
Author's Note: Ok, I'm stalling for time. I'm trying to reconcile the books and the movie, not a task to be take lightly, so bear with me. AI!!!!! Return of the King will be in theatres in a little over a month. SHRIEK!!!!!!!! I've got some things planned but I'm not sure how they will fit within the story line. ARGH!!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To all of my reviewers. Any help you can give and all of your encouragement is most assuredly appreciated. Hannon le, mellon-nîns. By the by, you can get a fairly decent Sindarin/English, English/Sindarin dictionaries at Council of Elrond (www.councilofelrond.com). Plus some pretty tasty Lembas recipes and lots of other fun stuff. Say I sent you when you register. Please Review!!!!!! Reviewers are like lembas (or Legolas for that matter) , you can't get enough.
Elvish Translations:
"Sîdh, meleth-nîn. Non sí." - Peace, my love. I am here
"Lasto na guren." - Listen to my heart.
"tithen pen" - little one
"Lasto beth nîn, iel-nîn." - Listen to my voice, my daughter
"Tolo dan nan galad." - Come back to the light
"Hannon le, adar o hervess nîn." - Thank you, father of my wife.
"meleth o guren" - love of my heart.
P. S. Hit the review button, NOW!