Title: Diplomacy Part 34
Author: Arisma
Rating: R (for some naughty, naughty bits... and some foul language.)
Disclaimer: Legolas, Mirkwood, Thranduil... all of that is Tolkiens. I'm just taking them out to play with, cause they're shiny. I will put them back in the box, in the proper order, when I'm done. I also promise to wipe the drool off of Legolas and any excess that might have gotten on any of the other characters by proxy.
The basic concept of bladesingers and the title querimhinue is the property of WoTC, and I'm merely borrowing those too.
I do claim The Quel, both Nessar and A'Har as my own. Rhyalla, Kallo, Kailin, all mine. The waste, Tir Roac and all future 'non-canon' locations are the product of my mind as well. When I'm done with them I'll put them back in my own teeny box of creations, next to the cedar wood butterfly and the sculpy clay horns. (Don't ask.) If for some strange reason you'd like to borrow them or the settings, feel free to contact me and we'll work out details.
Feedback / Contact: Arisma_@hotmail.com
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The first thing he was aware of was the sound, low satisfied growls interspersed with licking and chewing. Cautiously he opened one cerulean eye, quickly snapping it shut again when the sunlight invaded his aching head. With a groan he lifted his hand and covered his eyes with it, sinking back into the cushions, wanting to disappear until his head healed. He felt a cool hand press his forehead, his cheeks.
"How are you feeling?" her voice was low, concerned, and more than a little annoyed.
"Like twice warmed hell." he answered, dismayed at the dull croak that was his voice. He squeezed his eyes shut as he listened to Ip chomping his breakfast, the sound unbearably loud.
He heard her soft footfalls as she moved, a low rattling of pottery and then the coolness of her fingers as they slid behind his head, lifting it. "Drink this."
He obeyed without thought, his first notion one of relief as the cool liquid slid down his throat, quenching a thirst he hadn't even realized he possessed. After a moment he reached the end of the cup and with the last swallow came a heat, a spice. He cleared his throat nervously as it continued to build, wondering for a crazy moment if she had poisoned him.
"What was that?" he asked, noting that his voice seemed clearer, though whether from the tonic or from time he was unsure.
"Some sort of tea, Kailin brought it this morning. It smells awful, but he said it would help you." she paused a moment and then added, "He looked none the worse for your adventures."
Warily Legolas cracked an eye open, the sunlight still unbearably bright but no longer making him wish for a visit from Mandos. He saw the concern in her eyes, the small line that appeared between her brows when she was worried, and then he had to close out the light, even if it meant he could no longer look at her. "Can I have more?" he asked, groaning.
"I have another cups worth, but he said one should suffice."
He nodded in mute understanding, reaching a hand towards her and smiling when she laced her fingers in his. They sat in easy silence for a time, letting the mixture take effect. When finally he felt well enough Legolas opened an eye, relieved beyond measure when he felt no immediate urge to close it again.
"Thank Eru." he whispered, smiling as he sat straighter.
"Thank Kailin." prompted Rhya, smiling lightly as he moved closer.
"Him too." Legolas couldn't help but grin as he spoke. He caught a whiff of food and after a brief debate with his stomach he decided he could eat. Leaning forward he plucked a piece of fruit form a bowl and bit into it, enjoying the mellow taste. She watched silently as he finished it and several other things in quick succession before leaning back, feeling better for having eaten.
After a moment Rhya stood up, extending a hand to him. He grasped it and stood, confused. "Where are we going?" Without speaking she lead him away, into the small room off to the side, the bathing chamber. Immediately the scent of bath salts struck him and he smiled, raising an eyebrow. "Is this a hint?"
She smiled sweetly, seemingly innocent. "Call it a polite reminder?"
He grinned and pulled the tunic over his head, grimacing as small clumps of blonde hair fell all around him. "What the..." he started, running his hands through his newly shorn locks. He looked at his lover, startled, his eyes widening.
She chuckled, gently touching the side of his face. "I didn't do it, silly. You came back this way."
"Why..?" he started, but she shook her head, silencing him.
"You don't remember?" she teased, smiling.
"No, honestly, I don't. Everything is so blurry..." he shook his head as though to clear the memories but the act proved futile.
She grinned again and pointed to the water. "In."
Her tone brooked no refusal and he obeyed, stepping out of his pants and into the water, leaning against the edge of the tub with a sigh. He watched as she rolled up her sleeves and lifted a pitcher, slowly pouring cool water over his head. he closed his eyes obediently, trying to decide whether she was really angry or merely toying with him. "Rhya?" he asked finally, mesmerized by the feel of her fingers working the soap through his hair.
"Hmm?"
"Are you angry with me?"
"Uh uh." she replied and he wished desperately he could see her, but she was positioned directly behind him.
"Then... Rhya?"
"Yes, love?" her tone was patient, kind and he smiled to hear it.
"What happened to my hair?" he couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation and he heard her laughing behind him as well.
"It was part of the initiation. I asked Kailin this morning. If you want more answers than that, you'll have to ask him." He nodded, mostly satisfied but she continued. "Is your hair all you are missing, love?"
For a panicked moment he slid his hand between his legs but then relaxed, finding himself intact. And then suddenly he remembered, the clearing, Driza, the removal of the collar, all of it. He felt his back stiffen but she placed a soft kiss to his soapy neck, her voice soft. "Kailin said you wouldn't be able to talk about it, and I understand. Whatever happened there, I'm glad you are rid of that thing. Now we're truly free."
He turned his head and she moved nearer, kissing him softly, smiling as she heard him groan lightly. He thought of telling her then, in that instant, freeing his conscience. But in his mind an echo of Kailins voice, "Instead of making her feel bad too just put it behind you and make it up to her."
He heard the words but his heart still urged honesty. And then he looked into her eyes, trusting, loving, and thought of the pain and betrayal that would replace that with the mere utterance of words. Maybe Kailin was right, and it was better to leave well enough alone. He saw her watching him, something like wariness entering her gaze.
"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice taking on a tremulous quality.
Immediately he snapped from the thoughts, cradling her cheek with his dampened hand. "You're so beautiful." he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, watching with satisfaction as her eyes slipped closed under his tender ministrations. "You better go." he whispered against her lips, watching as her eyes slowly opened.
"Why?" the dazed tone of her voice made him smile, the obvious effect he had on her a heady thing.
"I'd hate to have to get your dress all wet..." he answered, grinning.
She smiled but stood, moving to leave the small room. "Is there anything else you need?" she asked, holding the divider open with her hand.
For a moment his heart swelled, love, desire, shame, all warring within him. In an instant love won out and he answered softly, "Nothing more than what I have."
She returned the soft smile and left, the flap falling noiselessly behind her. In a moment he heard her talking to Ip, laughing at unseen antics. The smile slid from his face and he closed his eyes, left alone for now with his bath and his guilt.
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A/N-
Tamara- As always, good to hear from you. Keep reading and I'll keep writing.
LKK- LOL!!! You're good with the praise. Careful, or I'll have to enter rooms sideways to compensate for my enormous ego.
Ravenheart- Glad it got you. If I could take a poll of how many people would willingly murder Driza in her sleep... The short hair comes into play, trust.
kate- But I wanted to read a transcript of your freak out! *pouts* Okay, I'll let it go, but next time I get you, I want details.
Ellerina Rose- De nada, tissue valet is just another of the services I offer. I want a drunken Leoglas too... or maybe two of them... ooh, or three... *g*
Arroz- Well, *he* didn't cut it, but it was definitely cut. The cost of entering a strange warrior society, eh?
funky- I think there should be more reviews too... *g* Thanks for trying to stir the tank. Thanks for the quote, too, I collect them.
Serena- Wow. To say your review was incredible is an understatement. Thank you so much for sharing, it's humbling to know that my simple story can effect someone so strongly, especially with such powerful reasons for a different reaction. I wish you and your husband the best of luck. I'm glad your beliefs are helpful to you. Faith is a beautiful thing, whatever the form. I think you should attempt the drawing. You might be surprised at what happens. I never thought I could write until a friend convinced me to give it a go.
I dedicate this chapter to you, in the sincerest of gratitude. Be well.
Kris the Wonder Beta is still in effect, people. As always, she has my gratitude.
~Arisma~
Peace visits not the guilty mind.
Juvenal (55 AD - 127 AD)