**Ecstasy**

When Haldir and Miranda reached the door to her room, Haldir hugged her and kissed her cheek.  Miranda smiled and reached for the door, but Haldir stopped her. 

"Not this room," he said.

Miranda looked at him in confusion, but he just smiled, picked her up, cradling her in his arms, and headed down the hall.  He carried her up a flight of stairs and passed several floors before he continued to another door.  The door was adorned with garlands of flowers, and Haldir pushed it open with his foot.  It was a suite, larger than her room had been.  There was a roaring fire in the fireplace, and the room was filled with candles.  The bed was adorned in fresh white linens, and garlands of flowers hung from the posts. Miranda's things had been moved in, and Haldir's as well.  The room smelled fresh, like a garden and Miranda closed her eyes and inhaled the floral scent.

"You like it?" Haldir asked.

"It's wonderful," Miranda admitted.

Haldir closed the door and carried her to the bed where he gently put her down.  He knelt before her and said, "Long ago my mother told me I would wed and that she already knew you and approved.  Hundreds of seasons passed, and I lost hope of ever finding my promised bride.  Then one day, Lady Galadriel brought you to me.  You were sweet and pure like water to an Elf dying of thirst." Haldir paused and looked into her eyes that were shining down at him.  "I love you, Miranda, and I make a promise to you now, that my love will never fail you.  I will be your shelter from the rain and your warmth in winter. I will guard and protect you, provide for you and follow you wherever you will.  My heart, my body, and my life are yours."

Miranda's eyes were full of tears, and Haldir put his arms around her.  "I love you so much," she sobbed. 

Haldir stood and removed his cloak.  He sat beside her and the looked at his brooch.  Miranda immediately recognized it as Théoden's.  "You have been given an honorable gift," Miranda said.  "Théoden wore that brooch, and he is the soldier carved on it."

"It is very fine," Haldir said.  "Your cousin honors me with such a meaningful gift."

"Tell me about the necklace," Miranda said.

"My mother wore it," Haldir said. "The stone is said to be one of the tears of Luthien."  Haldir reached over and touched the pendant and smiled.  "She and my father passed over the sea long ago, but she told me of you.  She knew you then, and she smiled and told me she approved."

"How could she know me?" Miranda asked.

"There are many gifts among the elves, Miranda," Haldir said.  "Sight is not uncommon, but none have lived to compare to you in that gift."

"Gandalf sees more than I," Miranda said.

"No, melamin, he does not," Haldir said.  "Did you not hear your titles?"

"They were very nice," Miranda said.  "But I don't know what they mean."

"You are the Hiri Nolwe," Haldir said, "The Lady of Wisdom."

"Not tonight," Miranda said softly.  "Tonight I am a bride, and I do not feel wise."

Haldir gently touched her face and looked into her eyes, "So powerful, and yet so innocent," he whispered and then kissed her tenderly.  Haldir broke the kiss and took off his boots.

"What should I do?" Miranda asked quietly.

Haldir smiled to himself and said, "Miranda, for me this is a first as well." He looked over at her and said, "Do what you feel in your heart."

Miranda leaned over and kissed him.  She reached up and pulled the pins from her hair and it fell in a mass of curls around her.  Haldir pulled her close and deepened their kiss as he buried a hand in her luxurious red hair.  He fell back on the bed and Miranda fell on top of him.  Finally he broke their kiss and looked up at her questioningly.  "Nervous?"

Miranda blushed, "Yes."

"Me too," he said. 

"Why are you nervous?" Miranda asked in surprise.

"It's not every day an Elf marries a legend," Haldir said with a laugh. "That's a lot to measure up to."

"I don't know about that legend stuff," Miranda said.  "But I can tell you this, there's no man or Elf alive that comes close to you in my eyes."

He kissed her again and finally he looked into her eyes and whispered, "Let the wedding night begin."

The pair sat up and Haldir removed his belt, coat and shirt.  Miranda looked at his broad chest and her eyes first went to the scar at his side and then to his shoulder.  She stepped forward, but made no move.  Haldir noticed where her eyes had gone.  He took her hands and kissed her palms. 

"The wounds are healed," he said. 

"Every one was my fault," Miranda whispered sadly.

Haldir hugged her and said, "No, they were not, and I never want to hear you say that again."

Miranda closed her eyes and relished the feel of his skin against her cheek.  He was obviously a warrior, with broad shoulders and well defined muscles.  He even had that elusive washboard stomach.  Miranda could feel his strength, and yet he was so gentle with her.  As a child she swore she'd never marry, never put her life at the mercy of a man like Mr. Carver.  But Haldir was not a man, he was an Elf, and he would die before he would ever hurt her.  Never in her life had she ever felt so safe. 

Miranda's eyes opened when she felt a gentle tug at the ties on the bodice of her gown.  As the gown loosed around her she smiled and stepped back.  Haldir watched in admiration as she removed the garment and set it aside.  She stood before him in her white linen chemise, a material so sheer it kept no secrets. 

Haldir felt a knot in his stomach.  He'd waited for this day, dreamed of this day, and here she was.  She stood before him barely clothed and looking at him with a blush on her face and love in her eyes.  It was almost more than he could take.  He stepped forward and removed the offending barrier, tossing it aside.  He gazed down at his bride in awe.  She was beautiful, perfect, his.  He picked her up and carried her to the bed.

"Lle naa vanima," he whispered to her, "You are beautiful, so beautiful, melamin."

Miranda wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her passionately.  He laid her on the bed and was about to join her there, but she pointed to his trousers and frowned humorously.  Haldir rolled his eyes and blushed, and then removed them. 

Miranda tried not to look too obvious when she watched, but her eyes doubled in size and she bit her lip when she saw him fully revealed to her.  Health class never prepares you for the real …thing.  Oh my god, what a magnificent thing!  Miranda's face grew hot when she realized she was staring, and she looked up at his face.  He stood there smiling proudly.

"Want a closer look?" he asked with a chuckle.

Miranda, now completely embarrassed, looked away and said nothing.  She felt the mattress sink as he sat beside her and nuzzled her neck affectionately.  "You do not have to be shy with me," he said softly.  "No secrets, remember?"

"No secrets," Miranda agreed and Haldir kissed her tenderly.

"At last our day has come.  This night we can express with our bodies what is in our hearts," Haldir said.  "I promise, you have nothing to fear," he added softly.

"I'm not afraid," she said breathlessly.  "I trust you."

Haldir kissed her gently and his hands clasped hers.  He didn't want to rush this, her trust was too precious.  His lips brushed against her cheek and then settled on her throat below her ear.  A round ear was fascinating, and he released her hands and lowered her to the bed, half covering her.  He rested on one hand and traced the delicate curve of her ear with the other.

"It must look strange to you," Miranda said as she reached up and touched the point of his ear.

"No, I think it is a fine-looking ear," he said.  He leaned closer and slowly traced the curve of her ear with his tongue. He paused at her earlobe and took it in his mouth, gently nibbling on the delicate flesh with his teeth. 

Miranda gasped softly at the sensual sensation, and Haldir released her ear and looked into her eyes.  "And do you think my ears are strange?" he asked playfully.

Miranda smirked and giggled softly, "Of course not."

Haldir continued his careful exploration of his bride by kissing his way down her neck.  Her skin was soft and she smelled of lavender.  Haldir could feel her tiny fingers delving into his hair and he closed his eyes and moaned softly.  When he opened his eyes he was looking at her breasts.  He paused to stare a moment, admiring the curve, and the delicate pink nipples.  He kissed them, lightly at first, and then suckling on the pink buds that quickly formed peaks in his mouth.

Miranda was breathless in his arms and Haldir was quickly losing control over his arousal.  His hands explored her body as his lips continued their journey to her navel.  She was so tiny, much smaller than elvish women who tended to be tall and strong.  He put his hands on her waist and his fingers nearly touched.  But Miranda was far stronger than her appearance would suggest.  Her body was firm and fit no doubt from months of hard travel over rough terrain.  Her skin was white like milk, and soft like the breast of a dove.  He sat up on his knees, straddling her right leg and gazed at her.  He suddenly smiled, and Miranda had to ask.

"What?" she asked him.

"I cannot make love to you," he said in mock sincerity as he pointed to the mound of red curls between her legs.  "You will burn me with your fire."

Miranda rolled her eyes and Haldir laughed.  But his mirth quickly turned to ardor as he looked at her.  He moved slowly now, never taking his eyes from hers.  He moved up between her legs and gently covered her.  Miranda wrapped her arms around him and he buried his face in her neck. 

"A'maelamin mela en coiamin," he whispered huskily.  "Beloved love of my life," he repeated so she would understand.

"I love you," Miranda said. "Amin mela lle," she repeated in sindarin.

Haldir was touched by her use of his own tongue at such a tender moment.  He looked into her eyes, even as he positioned himself for their joining.  "And now I do wed thee, Miranda, my beautiful bride," he whispered.

"And I wed thee," Miranda said. 

Haldir kissed her, and Miranda could feel a firm pressure between her legs.  Instinctively, she moved her hips forward and spread her legs to receive him.  Haldir felt her movements, and suddenly thrust inside.  He felt something tear, and Miranda shuddered beneath him.  His eyes flew open and he instantly stilled.

"I have hurt you," he said in horror.

Miranda smiled up at him though a tear slipped from her eye and said, "It was unavoidable, and now you can finish marrying me."

Haldir kissed her and made love to her with all the gentleness and restraint he could manage.  It was difficult to keep his passion under control, but the effort was well worth it.  As they reached their climax together, Haldir felt something far greater than shared physical pleasure.  He had been touched by Miranda's soul, and the experience was staggering.  Afterward, they lay in each other's arms and rested.

"Wife," Haldir said.  "You have conquered me."

"I have done nothing but love you," she said, and then smiled and added, "Husband."

Haldir kissed her forehead and smiled.  "Rest now, my love," he said.  "Your kin are leaving early tomorrow, and you will want to see them off."

Miranda sighed, "I'm not that tired."

Haldir opened his eyes and smiled.  "I can remedy that."

"Promise?"

Haldir hugged Miranda and rolled to his back, taking her with him.  He looked up into her playful green eyes and kissed her.  "That, wife, is a promise."