Many thanks to your reviews, they are much needed stimulation!
I have taken your views to heart and I agree with you guys that yes, I am rushing. Maybe its because I cant wait to get to the next best idea that I haven't taken time to build the story up to it. So this chapter onwards, I promise to take things slower and develop my of in depth analysis.
I am also proud to announce that that I have a beta. Blind Guardian is now my beta for this chapter and I thank that many of you who have also offered. That makes me please to know that so many wish to develop this story rather than abandon it. I hope I will do you justice.
Thank you to Blind Guardian for being my muse when mine ran away and my darling boyfriend ...it becomes obvious as you read on....;)
As before, I don't owe anything to do with the works of Tolkien or LOTR.
A Girl's White Christmas.
Serena stirred as she opened one eye reluctantly. Downstairs she could hear Christmas carols sung raucously as people called out season greetings to each other. It was Christmas Eve and Serena groaned and rolled her head back under the pillow.
A smile flickered across her lips as the memoirs of last night came back to her. Though she slept alone in her bed, she was up nearly all night with Legolas sharing those searing kisses that tingled down to her toes even now when she thought of them.
She didn't miss his obvious sign of arousal or how his fingers teased her nipples through the white dress she wore, it was clear he wanted her but a yawn from her made him reconsider. He escorted her to bed and tucked her in, parting with a kiss and some whispered promise that the time will come soon, of when her lonely bed will be occupied by two souls, of when her body be warmed by his, of when he makes her forget she walked this earth.
But how soon?
Fucking soon she hoped!
She smiled as she crawled out of her bed, relinquishing the warmth of her duvet to that of the chilled room, stamping her feet as she tried to pull on her jeans. She opened her curtains and saw it was still dark outside though over the hills the clouds were lighter, indicating that somewhere above their heavy density that obstructed the heavens, the sun was being reborn.
Serena opened the window to allow the cold air smack her senses awake. From the light of the kitchen which was directly below her, spilling into the courtyard, she could see half a dozen horses being saddled in what looked to be a festive red tack adorned with tiny bells that jingled as the stable hands tightened and adjusted. Their manes and tails were intertwined with festive coloured ribbons and Serena could see more horses being lead out and tacked up. She hurried down to the courtyard and saw Sam leading a black mare out. "What's happening today?" she asked, skittering round a horse that was being lead by its master.
"We're riding into the village where there'll be some celebrations." Sam smiled, "Come on, let's tack up before breakfast."
Serena smiled and walked to the stables to collect her favourite stallion, the palomino stallion called Chinco. He was a rather intelligent horse and an absolute darling. She saw Chinco snickering as he watched his mates being geared up for a ride and she lead him out of his stall, smiling as she noticed his frisky gait as he almost pulled her into the courtyard, impatient to be geared up. Tricia joined her to help Serena, laughing and gossiping as they bedecked Chinco with ribbons and tinsel, as the horse snorted dismissively and munched his oats.
Breakfast was a chaotic affair as all the forty stable hands sat close against each other on the benches, all reaching for French toasts, muffins, fruit loaf, orange juice, tea and coffee. Serena grabbed the last piece of toast as she asked Tricia how many were returning home to their families for Christmas, "About ten, they'll be leaving this evening as their families are nearby, mainly in Plymouth." Was Tricia's answer as she took a bite from a blueberry muffin and closed her eyes as she groaned, "These muffins are gorgeous!"
"What does this trip to the village concern?" Serena asked as she dipped her knife in the jam and begun spreading it evenly across the crumbly surface.
"We all ride to a farm near the village where there is a huge barn and we all gather there with the villagers as many of them are employed someway by the stables. There we feast and have a huge barn dance. It's really cool and great fun!" Tricia clapped her hands together with childlike glee.
"Sounds great!" Serena chomped on her toast as she looked around the table to see if she could spot Legolas. No luck she thought but at that moment, as disappointment threatened to take hold of her, the door opened and a tall man walked into the kitchen in a coat that reached his knees with the collar turned up. She watched as the man took off his Stetson (cowboy hat) and undid his coat.
It was Legolas.
"It is getting chilly out there. I think it will snow." He said to Cookie as she took his coat and hung it on a peg, then she handed him some coffee that he gratefully took and seated himself at the head of the table, watching the rowdy people as they ate.
He soon joined in, talking to Sam and Glorfindel and laughing at some joke that Serena couldn't hear. Her eyes watched him as he spooned in a heaped spoon full of sugar into his coffee and stirred it absently minded as his attention went back to Glorfindel on yet another joke. She watched how his startling blue eyes observed the table before coming to rest on a plate of French toast. He reached out, the way the jumper flexed and stretched with his muscles enticing Serena, and gripped the plate and lifted it. He stabbed a piece of toast and dumped it on his plate then poured some syrup over it before tucking in.
The way he bobbed his head as he forked another mouthful into his mouth.
The way the syrup dribbled down his chin.
The way he raised a finger and wiped it off before licking it clean...she could watched him all day and never be bored by the littlest of things this elf did.
"Serena?" a voice called, she jerked alert to realise that Tricia was talking to her, "Come on, we're leaving."
She stood up and followed the crowd out into the courtyard, where many riders mounted and the clatter of hooves and the chatter of many voices washed over her as well as the cold air. Looking up, she could see that Legolas was right about the heavy grey clouds. It was about to snow.
"I'll ride with you." Glorfindel said as he rode up on a chestnut bay, he smiled as Serena attempted to mount Chinco the third time as the horse's excitement meant that he wouldn't stand still.
Once she was up, she rode alongside Glorfindel as they followed the long chain of riders as they rode up a track towards the village.
"I see you and Legolas slept in separate bedrooms last night. Hope you weren't arguing already." Glorfindel smiled as Serena looked ahead, determined not to let the elf's words get to her.
"We decided it was for the best, after all it was rather late when we did retire last night." She simply replied, searching for Legolas. She spotted his golden hair bobbing up and down far ahead of her. It was too far for him to hear them.
"I wouldn't have thought that mattered, not when desire and lust were pumping away in your blood."
"Is sex all you can think about in that head of yours?" she shot him an annoyed look then shook her head when he grinned, "Don't answer that."
They rode in silence for a while until Serena asked a question, "How long have you known Legolas?"
"For countless years, too many for the unexpanded human mind. I've known him since his birth and watched him grow and become both a prince and a king." Glorfindel replied with a hint of pride in his voice.
"A prince and a king?" Serena's voice echoed as she looked at him, puzzlement clear on her face. The elf smiled, "Legolas is of royal blood didn't you know?" she shook her head and the elf continued, "You must forgive Legolas, he finds the titles heavy to bear and much prefers to roam carefree of his duties. Though mind you, nowadays his titles and his bloodline is of very little significance as the realms have intermingled for safety's sake."
"What was he prince and king of?"
"His father was crowned king of Mirkwood, Legolas was an only child as his mother died in an orc ambush. You could say that duties were placed on Legolas' shoulders too soon in his early life but those duties and responsibilities, as I think, had given him character. He was Prince of Mirkwood yet after the War of the Ring when Aragorn became king, who asked his Elven friend if he wished to rule the battle scarred land of Ithilien, a province bordering Gondor. Legolas took up this offer, as he knew that his father wasn't sailing to the undying lands just yet and he wanted to remain close to the tight bonds he had formed within the fellowship. He, with many elves from Mirkwood and those from Lothlorien and Rivendell who didn't wish to sail to Valinor just yet, journeyed to Ithilien and built there homes. He was the crowned King of this province, which flourished with indescribable beauty despite the scars dealt to the land. It was amazing to see what the power of the elves could do." Glorfindel's' eyes took on a distant look as he described Ithilien.
"Did Legolas ever sail to Valinor?" Serena asked, transfixed with the tale.
"Aye he did, he was the last elf to depart from the shores of man and is the last ring walker left alive today."
"How come you are amongst men today?"
"We dwelt in peace for a long time 'till men once again found us. The land that we held sacred became theirs and we had hoped to renew our old alliances with them. But we have been long absent from the world of men and they have grown cold and small minded, they killed what they couldn't understand so we chose to become a myth, a fairy tale and walk silently over the land that we once inhabited." She noticed Glorfindel's knuckles tightened on the horse's reigns and the grim expression on his face told her he harboured ill feelings towards her race.
"So how did the orcs evolve? I heard Elrond mention something about how they adapted so they cannot be distinguished between humans." Serena asked, curiosity at the forefront of her mind.
"Orcs were once elves in case you didn't know. They were elves tortured and mutilated beyond recognition and became minions of the dark lord Sauron. Even after Sauron's defeat they remained loyal to him and we have tried for many years to hunt them all down and wipe them out. I can only assume we have failed, as they are now alive and have increased in numbers. Magic is the reason behind their appearance, that, and evolution. Even we elves have evolved with the times to remain safe. We had surgery to remove our pointed ears though they keep growing back. And we have more control over our appearances so we can blend in. Anyway, Orcs can resemble humans because Sauron, who is alive, was able to embody himself as living flesh. For that he is more powerful and dangerous, his magic is stronger now so he could change the appearances of his minions with much ease. Only when you draw their blood you may know if it is an orc you've slain for their blood is black."
"So how come they spontaneously combust, like when you chopped them to pieces in the alleyway?" Serena edged her horse closer, anxious to hear every word.
"The magic embodied with each orc is so strong that when it is exterminated, it erupts and destroys the vessel that carries it, which is orc himself."
Serena nodded and thought awhile, then one question came to her head that she had to ask.
"Glorfindel? Why does Legolas call you the living Legend?" She smiled as Glorfindel let out a bark of laughter, he chuckled then continued, "Well Serena it all began with a Balrog..."
It was coming up to noon when the party arrived at their destination, they trotted through the village green and came to the huge barn where already disco music was playing and a crowd has gathered to welcome in the riders. The calving stalls that laid empty over the winter, they where now full with coolers of beers with tables full of burgers, sausages, steaming ribs piled high with saucy chicken breasts along with many salad accompaniments and an even wider range of desserts that rendered a full man, hungry over again, just by looking at them.
Serena dismounted and tied Chinco to a rail in a warm stall with the other horses, a cup of mulled wine was pressed into her cold hands by a smiling lady who greeted her. Glorfindel received the same treatment and smacked his lips in appreciation of the good and tartly wine that warmed his innards. They looked out to see the barn floor was strewn with hay and dancers, whirling to the lively beat of the band that was perched on a makeshift stage. Seats temporarily made of bales of hay surrounded the dance floor, offering the dancers a respite from the energetic jig. Serena even noticed that above them was a hayloft where people were sitting and watching the events below, clapping in time to the music and laughing.
"Some party!" Glorfindel grinned and Serena nodded with a smile. Despite the cold winter wind outside, the atmosphere within was decidedly toasty, with the partygoers wearing bright and cheery clothes with hats, scarves and even tinsel, fairy lights and lanterns, it was a great community event and Serena found herself maybe not regretting this Christmas, unlike the ones she had before. She smiled when she spotted the real, huge Christmas tree in the corner, around which children sat round it, pulling off chocolates from its branches. It seemed as if it was going to be a good Christmas.
A lively dance came on and the dancers started spinning and dipping their partners, before she could voice her objections, Serena was grabbed by her hand and whirled around by Glorfindel. The lively beat punctuated by a spin and a bark of laughter from Glorfindel as he spun her around despite her stumbling steps and a string of curses from her lips.
"Slow down will you?" Serena breathed as she tried to regain her breath but failed and Glorfindel laughed, "I live life in the fast lane baby! You better try and hold on!" and renewed his enthusiasm by an even more vigorous jig that left Serena jiggering in her boots and her teeth vibrating.
"No, I need to sit this one out, I gotta cool my heels." Serena waved away another dancing companion as she slumped down on a bale of hay and stretched her aching feet in front of her. It wasn't more than a few minutes when she was joined by another presence. He seated himself behind her, placed his legs on either side of hers, wrapped his arms round her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder before murmuring a husky "Hi."
"Hi yourself. Where you have been?" Serena smiled as she felt his lips place a warm kiss on her neck, which made her shudder.
"Around. I'm here now." Legolas smiled. he sighed as he watched the dancing then turned his attention to the woman sitting between his legs and leaning back into his warm chest.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked, she nodded but a frown came to her face and before he could ask what was troubling her, she told him, "What happened between you and Anarwen?"
He sighed, "Many things, I realised we weren't meant to be. But let her not darken this moment, alright? For we've much merrymaking to participate in." he said with a saucy grin, as Serena interpreted had a double meaning.
"Yes, we've much merrymaking to do." She smiled as she succumbed to his roaming kisses along her neck.
Time certainly does fly when you're having fun, but where does that time go? What else is happening in the time you were blissfully unaware of, trickling away to nowhere?
When you were having fun, someone else wasn't.
Where you felt safe, someone felt intimidated.
Where you felt alive, someone else felt the first cool licks of death creeping over their body.
The elves and Serena danced away unaware that in the nearby city of Plymouth dwelt Anarwen. Bitter and alone, like all beings, both immortal and mortal they succumbed to alcohol, the vice of many was that the liquid set countless tongues flapping and minds hazy. Anarwen was no difference. A stranger had bought her a drink as he asked of her troubles.
Devastatingly handsome and rugged, Anarwen couldn't resist this stranger whose smiles made her pour out her heart, words of anger and words of things she should have kept silent about. As she consumed more drinks, she told the stranger more secrets, not seeing the positive glee on his face. Her mind didn't register when he took her to the toilets, nor did it function when they both went into a cubicle together. The lock sliding into place was lost on her, as she drunkenly kissed him, her fingers wanting to touch flesh again, anything to push that face that haunted her so out her mind.
The stranger dutifully complied, lifting her against the wall and in one thrust, took her again and again and again...
Lost in the throes of desire, Anarwen didn't see the coming of her death, the malicious grin that crept into the stranger's smile or the glowing of his eyes. Only then looking down at him in her drunken, sex induced haze, did she realised the fatality of her mistake, one that was to be the last of her immortal life.
She screamed but no one heard, blood spilled but no one saw and she died but no one knew.... not yet.
But by then, it would be too late; for the stranger has gotten the information he wanted.
And he was coming, like the four horsemen of the apocalypse all rolled into one, the harbinger of death, the fury of Satan, the fires of hell.... he was coming.
And no one could stop him this time.
Not even the last ring walker.
It was a dark evening and a large number of people have gathered in the lounge to sit by the log-burning fireplace and the bedecked tree with many presents around its base. Serena sat by the fire with a glass of sherry in her hand as she stared intently at the dancing flames. She hasn't seen Legolas at all since the barn dance and wondered where could he possibly be especially with the snow that was piling up outside. Glorfindel smiled and seated himself next to her with a can of beer in his hand, "Thinking?" he simply asked.
"Yes. How about you?" Serena turned to see the elf smiling at her; he reached down into his pocket and pulled out a small present wrapped in bright festive paper.
"Got you a little something." He handed it to her, registering the shock on her face.
"You shouldn't have, but thanks!" she opened it to reveal a small brooch, art nouveau in style but with a brilliant cut stone set in the middle. "It's a brooch from Lothlorien, the Golden Woods. That stone is of the purest diamond you can find. It's believed that its wearer will never get lost and that the wearer's true path will always lie before his feet."
Serena turned it over in her hand, admiring the sheer brilliance of the jewel. She pinned it to her jumper and admired how it shone out from the material.
"It's beautiful." She whispered as Glorfindel smiled and said, "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you too." She kissed him on the cheek, truly thankful as the elf surprisingly blushed.
"I'm heading up to bed, shall I walk you up?" he gathered to his feet, Serena smiled and accepted his offer. It wasn't until they reached the top of the stairs that she asked him if he'd seen Legolas.
The elf smiled and simply opened the bedroom door then wished her a goodnight. She stared after him as he walked down the corridor, the thud of his boots echoing off the walls. Turning inside, she saw that her sidelight was on and on the bed was a black box. She walked up to it and took off the lid to reveal royal purple tissue paper. Pushing this aside there was a book. Bound with rich sumptuous red leather with gold engraved Chinese characters she picked it up and opened the first page.
Serena blinked and a blush crept over her cheeks as she looked at the erotic calligraphy drawings of a man and a woman engaged in a sexual act. She flicked to another page to see another sexual position then another. Serena felt the fingers of desire arise in her as she looked at the drawings, all so beautiful and powerful in their own way.
"That book is a pillow book, something a man would give to his woman. Some say to entice a night of unspoken pleasure. Others, to recapture that picture for their own." His voice came from behind her as his lips muzzled her neck.
"Beautiful isn't it? The way it seems so innocent on the cover yet holds within it unspeakable sins and pleasure. I could never understand why sex was something such a taboo amongst the race of men yet it's rehearsed frequently." His fingers dipped underneath her jumper, making her skin come alive as she shuddered at the tingles.
His body pressed up behind hers as he reached over her shoulder and flicked open another page. "See that desire? The way the woman clings to him? The way she masterfully rides him? How come something so demure like a woman becomes so different in the bedroom? Is it where she truly rules?" He sucked her earlobe and she gasped, her senses coming to a new height as his fingers slid her jumper upwards and over her head. It fell to the floor, pooled at their feet as Legolas kissed the exposed shoulder; his arms wrapped so tightly round her waist as a whimper of desire escaped her lips.
"What do you think she's crying? His name?" he slowly undid the buttons of her jeans, "Or is she saying...harder...harder?" he whispered as he slowly undid her zip. The pillow book was shaking in her hands as she bit her lip to suppress a groan.
"What does it say?" her tongue was suddenly dry as she looked at the new page Legolas turned over, the page showing a partly clad woman taking her lover in her mouth. the lover with his fingers intertwined with her hair as his head leaned back, mouth open in a silent cry of pure bliss.
Then his fingers turned over another page to show a woman being taken against a tree, the man gripping her buttocks as he grinded against her, his mouth sucking a pert nipple.
"What does it say?" his whisper taunted her ear as she felt his teeth nibbled the bottom of her ear lobe. "It says of how supple the maid is, of how her legs bend with the wind as she opens up her desire for his taking, a sword guided to her sheath." He whispered as his hands slid her jeans off so she stood before him clad only in her underwear.
From his pocket he pulled a silk scarf, "Trust me." He kissed her neck as he lowered it over her eyes, gently tying it behind her head then turning her to face him, the book still held in her trembling hand. He took it from her, "I'll think we can do better than the book." He murmured, "I want you to remember me by feel, so when you are alone at night you will close your eyes and remember how my skin burns against yours."
He gently grasped her wrists and placed her hands on his chest, he smiled as he watched her bite her lower lips as her fingers slid up his shirt, satin like to the touch, and she hooked a finger round the first button. Serena fumbled as she undid it, running her hands over his warm exposed flesh before venturing downwards before she unbuttoned another button then another as Legolas stood there, watching her with a smile as his arousal painfully throbbed in yearning.
She reached to the end of his shirt and ran her hand back up to his shoulders and slid the cool material down his arms where it fluttered to the floor in one fluid motion.
He grasped one hand and pressed it above his heart, "Feel how I beat for you." He murmured as she felt the fast tattoo of his heartbeat, then he took her hand and cupped it over his growing bulge, noticing the blush coming over her cheeks as he whispered, "Feel how I yearn for you and need you."
Her hand gently grasped it and he closed his eyes, and uttering a soft groan, his hips pushing forward to meet her grip as she stepped closer and ran her other hand down his chest and gently pinched his nipple, a soft intake of air greeted her ears as he opened his eyes and watched her boldly kiss and tease one nipple with her mouth while she continued her pulsating grip upon his arousal.
"Harder." He whispered into her ear as he pressed his body against her hand, that one word sparking a fire in her as her nerves danced with bliss. She complied and her strokes became more deliberate and swift, she could feel his laboured breath and his warm exhales tingled her cheek
"Enough." He hoarsely cried out and pulled her hand away, gently lowering her onto the bed. The rasp of his flies was the only sound that Serena heard, her heart was hammering away as her other senses worked overtime to compensate for the lack of sight, each teaming together to fulfil the picture.
The bed sank gently as his weight added to hers and the cool contact of his skin upon hers made her shudder.
"I wish to see.... please." she begged but was silenced by a deep kiss, his erection silently teasing her as it pressed into her abdomen. In one gentle movement, her sight was restored as he pulled the silk scarf away, leaving her breathless at the sight of the perfect, naked being close to her.
His fingers followed by his lips lightly trailed behind a cool lingering touch that had Serena squirming. Her hands came into contact with his body, warm and soft, hard as steel yet yielding, from the silkiness of his hair to the tightness of his buttocks, she felt him all.
When he gently bit a pert nipple through the lace of her bra, she whimpered.
His hand slipping off her knickers and she gasped.
When he lay directly upon her, she whispered.
His fingers teased at first but then smoothly they were replaced by his hard length. She wrapped her legs around him as he gently rocked, whispering sweet praises that had Serena close her eyes and groan in pleasure. Her hips bucked squarely against his and he knew what she wanted and he gave it to her, plunging deeper as a moan escaped his lips, his eyes closed in unspeakable ecstasy and his muscles began to quake as the tempo got harder, faster, quicker....
Serena bunched her hand into fists as those waves of pleasure swept her along, she watched him thrusting above her, the veins on his neck throbbing as he clenched his teeth and with a savage growl, he took her with renewed energy that had had her screaming in a way never screamed before.
He cried out her name, bucking true and deep into her as they came.
There, Legolas stayed the night. Spending those sweet, tiresome hours with Serena. And as he held her in a strong embrace, his even breaths rising in her ear like music, Serena once again knew peace and happiness.
This, of all this, was bliss........
I have taken your views to heart and I agree with you guys that yes, I am rushing. Maybe its because I cant wait to get to the next best idea that I haven't taken time to build the story up to it. So this chapter onwards, I promise to take things slower and develop my of in depth analysis.
I am also proud to announce that that I have a beta. Blind Guardian is now my beta for this chapter and I thank that many of you who have also offered. That makes me please to know that so many wish to develop this story rather than abandon it. I hope I will do you justice.
Thank you to Blind Guardian for being my muse when mine ran away and my darling boyfriend ...it becomes obvious as you read on....;)
As before, I don't owe anything to do with the works of Tolkien or LOTR.
A Girl's White Christmas.
Serena stirred as she opened one eye reluctantly. Downstairs she could hear Christmas carols sung raucously as people called out season greetings to each other. It was Christmas Eve and Serena groaned and rolled her head back under the pillow.
A smile flickered across her lips as the memoirs of last night came back to her. Though she slept alone in her bed, she was up nearly all night with Legolas sharing those searing kisses that tingled down to her toes even now when she thought of them.
She didn't miss his obvious sign of arousal or how his fingers teased her nipples through the white dress she wore, it was clear he wanted her but a yawn from her made him reconsider. He escorted her to bed and tucked her in, parting with a kiss and some whispered promise that the time will come soon, of when her lonely bed will be occupied by two souls, of when her body be warmed by his, of when he makes her forget she walked this earth.
But how soon?
Fucking soon she hoped!
She smiled as she crawled out of her bed, relinquishing the warmth of her duvet to that of the chilled room, stamping her feet as she tried to pull on her jeans. She opened her curtains and saw it was still dark outside though over the hills the clouds were lighter, indicating that somewhere above their heavy density that obstructed the heavens, the sun was being reborn.
Serena opened the window to allow the cold air smack her senses awake. From the light of the kitchen which was directly below her, spilling into the courtyard, she could see half a dozen horses being saddled in what looked to be a festive red tack adorned with tiny bells that jingled as the stable hands tightened and adjusted. Their manes and tails were intertwined with festive coloured ribbons and Serena could see more horses being lead out and tacked up. She hurried down to the courtyard and saw Sam leading a black mare out. "What's happening today?" she asked, skittering round a horse that was being lead by its master.
"We're riding into the village where there'll be some celebrations." Sam smiled, "Come on, let's tack up before breakfast."
Serena smiled and walked to the stables to collect her favourite stallion, the palomino stallion called Chinco. He was a rather intelligent horse and an absolute darling. She saw Chinco snickering as he watched his mates being geared up for a ride and she lead him out of his stall, smiling as she noticed his frisky gait as he almost pulled her into the courtyard, impatient to be geared up. Tricia joined her to help Serena, laughing and gossiping as they bedecked Chinco with ribbons and tinsel, as the horse snorted dismissively and munched his oats.
Breakfast was a chaotic affair as all the forty stable hands sat close against each other on the benches, all reaching for French toasts, muffins, fruit loaf, orange juice, tea and coffee. Serena grabbed the last piece of toast as she asked Tricia how many were returning home to their families for Christmas, "About ten, they'll be leaving this evening as their families are nearby, mainly in Plymouth." Was Tricia's answer as she took a bite from a blueberry muffin and closed her eyes as she groaned, "These muffins are gorgeous!"
"What does this trip to the village concern?" Serena asked as she dipped her knife in the jam and begun spreading it evenly across the crumbly surface.
"We all ride to a farm near the village where there is a huge barn and we all gather there with the villagers as many of them are employed someway by the stables. There we feast and have a huge barn dance. It's really cool and great fun!" Tricia clapped her hands together with childlike glee.
"Sounds great!" Serena chomped on her toast as she looked around the table to see if she could spot Legolas. No luck she thought but at that moment, as disappointment threatened to take hold of her, the door opened and a tall man walked into the kitchen in a coat that reached his knees with the collar turned up. She watched as the man took off his Stetson (cowboy hat) and undid his coat.
It was Legolas.
"It is getting chilly out there. I think it will snow." He said to Cookie as she took his coat and hung it on a peg, then she handed him some coffee that he gratefully took and seated himself at the head of the table, watching the rowdy people as they ate.
He soon joined in, talking to Sam and Glorfindel and laughing at some joke that Serena couldn't hear. Her eyes watched him as he spooned in a heaped spoon full of sugar into his coffee and stirred it absently minded as his attention went back to Glorfindel on yet another joke. She watched how his startling blue eyes observed the table before coming to rest on a plate of French toast. He reached out, the way the jumper flexed and stretched with his muscles enticing Serena, and gripped the plate and lifted it. He stabbed a piece of toast and dumped it on his plate then poured some syrup over it before tucking in.
The way he bobbed his head as he forked another mouthful into his mouth.
The way the syrup dribbled down his chin.
The way he raised a finger and wiped it off before licking it clean...she could watched him all day and never be bored by the littlest of things this elf did.
"Serena?" a voice called, she jerked alert to realise that Tricia was talking to her, "Come on, we're leaving."
She stood up and followed the crowd out into the courtyard, where many riders mounted and the clatter of hooves and the chatter of many voices washed over her as well as the cold air. Looking up, she could see that Legolas was right about the heavy grey clouds. It was about to snow.
"I'll ride with you." Glorfindel said as he rode up on a chestnut bay, he smiled as Serena attempted to mount Chinco the third time as the horse's excitement meant that he wouldn't stand still.
Once she was up, she rode alongside Glorfindel as they followed the long chain of riders as they rode up a track towards the village.
"I see you and Legolas slept in separate bedrooms last night. Hope you weren't arguing already." Glorfindel smiled as Serena looked ahead, determined not to let the elf's words get to her.
"We decided it was for the best, after all it was rather late when we did retire last night." She simply replied, searching for Legolas. She spotted his golden hair bobbing up and down far ahead of her. It was too far for him to hear them.
"I wouldn't have thought that mattered, not when desire and lust were pumping away in your blood."
"Is sex all you can think about in that head of yours?" she shot him an annoyed look then shook her head when he grinned, "Don't answer that."
They rode in silence for a while until Serena asked a question, "How long have you known Legolas?"
"For countless years, too many for the unexpanded human mind. I've known him since his birth and watched him grow and become both a prince and a king." Glorfindel replied with a hint of pride in his voice.
"A prince and a king?" Serena's voice echoed as she looked at him, puzzlement clear on her face. The elf smiled, "Legolas is of royal blood didn't you know?" she shook her head and the elf continued, "You must forgive Legolas, he finds the titles heavy to bear and much prefers to roam carefree of his duties. Though mind you, nowadays his titles and his bloodline is of very little significance as the realms have intermingled for safety's sake."
"What was he prince and king of?"
"His father was crowned king of Mirkwood, Legolas was an only child as his mother died in an orc ambush. You could say that duties were placed on Legolas' shoulders too soon in his early life but those duties and responsibilities, as I think, had given him character. He was Prince of Mirkwood yet after the War of the Ring when Aragorn became king, who asked his Elven friend if he wished to rule the battle scarred land of Ithilien, a province bordering Gondor. Legolas took up this offer, as he knew that his father wasn't sailing to the undying lands just yet and he wanted to remain close to the tight bonds he had formed within the fellowship. He, with many elves from Mirkwood and those from Lothlorien and Rivendell who didn't wish to sail to Valinor just yet, journeyed to Ithilien and built there homes. He was the crowned King of this province, which flourished with indescribable beauty despite the scars dealt to the land. It was amazing to see what the power of the elves could do." Glorfindel's' eyes took on a distant look as he described Ithilien.
"Did Legolas ever sail to Valinor?" Serena asked, transfixed with the tale.
"Aye he did, he was the last elf to depart from the shores of man and is the last ring walker left alive today."
"How come you are amongst men today?"
"We dwelt in peace for a long time 'till men once again found us. The land that we held sacred became theirs and we had hoped to renew our old alliances with them. But we have been long absent from the world of men and they have grown cold and small minded, they killed what they couldn't understand so we chose to become a myth, a fairy tale and walk silently over the land that we once inhabited." She noticed Glorfindel's knuckles tightened on the horse's reigns and the grim expression on his face told her he harboured ill feelings towards her race.
"So how did the orcs evolve? I heard Elrond mention something about how they adapted so they cannot be distinguished between humans." Serena asked, curiosity at the forefront of her mind.
"Orcs were once elves in case you didn't know. They were elves tortured and mutilated beyond recognition and became minions of the dark lord Sauron. Even after Sauron's defeat they remained loyal to him and we have tried for many years to hunt them all down and wipe them out. I can only assume we have failed, as they are now alive and have increased in numbers. Magic is the reason behind their appearance, that, and evolution. Even we elves have evolved with the times to remain safe. We had surgery to remove our pointed ears though they keep growing back. And we have more control over our appearances so we can blend in. Anyway, Orcs can resemble humans because Sauron, who is alive, was able to embody himself as living flesh. For that he is more powerful and dangerous, his magic is stronger now so he could change the appearances of his minions with much ease. Only when you draw their blood you may know if it is an orc you've slain for their blood is black."
"So how come they spontaneously combust, like when you chopped them to pieces in the alleyway?" Serena edged her horse closer, anxious to hear every word.
"The magic embodied with each orc is so strong that when it is exterminated, it erupts and destroys the vessel that carries it, which is orc himself."
Serena nodded and thought awhile, then one question came to her head that she had to ask.
"Glorfindel? Why does Legolas call you the living Legend?" She smiled as Glorfindel let out a bark of laughter, he chuckled then continued, "Well Serena it all began with a Balrog..."
It was coming up to noon when the party arrived at their destination, they trotted through the village green and came to the huge barn where already disco music was playing and a crowd has gathered to welcome in the riders. The calving stalls that laid empty over the winter, they where now full with coolers of beers with tables full of burgers, sausages, steaming ribs piled high with saucy chicken breasts along with many salad accompaniments and an even wider range of desserts that rendered a full man, hungry over again, just by looking at them.
Serena dismounted and tied Chinco to a rail in a warm stall with the other horses, a cup of mulled wine was pressed into her cold hands by a smiling lady who greeted her. Glorfindel received the same treatment and smacked his lips in appreciation of the good and tartly wine that warmed his innards. They looked out to see the barn floor was strewn with hay and dancers, whirling to the lively beat of the band that was perched on a makeshift stage. Seats temporarily made of bales of hay surrounded the dance floor, offering the dancers a respite from the energetic jig. Serena even noticed that above them was a hayloft where people were sitting and watching the events below, clapping in time to the music and laughing.
"Some party!" Glorfindel grinned and Serena nodded with a smile. Despite the cold winter wind outside, the atmosphere within was decidedly toasty, with the partygoers wearing bright and cheery clothes with hats, scarves and even tinsel, fairy lights and lanterns, it was a great community event and Serena found herself maybe not regretting this Christmas, unlike the ones she had before. She smiled when she spotted the real, huge Christmas tree in the corner, around which children sat round it, pulling off chocolates from its branches. It seemed as if it was going to be a good Christmas.
A lively dance came on and the dancers started spinning and dipping their partners, before she could voice her objections, Serena was grabbed by her hand and whirled around by Glorfindel. The lively beat punctuated by a spin and a bark of laughter from Glorfindel as he spun her around despite her stumbling steps and a string of curses from her lips.
"Slow down will you?" Serena breathed as she tried to regain her breath but failed and Glorfindel laughed, "I live life in the fast lane baby! You better try and hold on!" and renewed his enthusiasm by an even more vigorous jig that left Serena jiggering in her boots and her teeth vibrating.
"No, I need to sit this one out, I gotta cool my heels." Serena waved away another dancing companion as she slumped down on a bale of hay and stretched her aching feet in front of her. It wasn't more than a few minutes when she was joined by another presence. He seated himself behind her, placed his legs on either side of hers, wrapped his arms round her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder before murmuring a husky "Hi."
"Hi yourself. Where you have been?" Serena smiled as she felt his lips place a warm kiss on her neck, which made her shudder.
"Around. I'm here now." Legolas smiled. he sighed as he watched the dancing then turned his attention to the woman sitting between his legs and leaning back into his warm chest.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked, she nodded but a frown came to her face and before he could ask what was troubling her, she told him, "What happened between you and Anarwen?"
He sighed, "Many things, I realised we weren't meant to be. But let her not darken this moment, alright? For we've much merrymaking to participate in." he said with a saucy grin, as Serena interpreted had a double meaning.
"Yes, we've much merrymaking to do." She smiled as she succumbed to his roaming kisses along her neck.
Time certainly does fly when you're having fun, but where does that time go? What else is happening in the time you were blissfully unaware of, trickling away to nowhere?
When you were having fun, someone else wasn't.
Where you felt safe, someone felt intimidated.
Where you felt alive, someone else felt the first cool licks of death creeping over their body.
The elves and Serena danced away unaware that in the nearby city of Plymouth dwelt Anarwen. Bitter and alone, like all beings, both immortal and mortal they succumbed to alcohol, the vice of many was that the liquid set countless tongues flapping and minds hazy. Anarwen was no difference. A stranger had bought her a drink as he asked of her troubles.
Devastatingly handsome and rugged, Anarwen couldn't resist this stranger whose smiles made her pour out her heart, words of anger and words of things she should have kept silent about. As she consumed more drinks, she told the stranger more secrets, not seeing the positive glee on his face. Her mind didn't register when he took her to the toilets, nor did it function when they both went into a cubicle together. The lock sliding into place was lost on her, as she drunkenly kissed him, her fingers wanting to touch flesh again, anything to push that face that haunted her so out her mind.
The stranger dutifully complied, lifting her against the wall and in one thrust, took her again and again and again...
Lost in the throes of desire, Anarwen didn't see the coming of her death, the malicious grin that crept into the stranger's smile or the glowing of his eyes. Only then looking down at him in her drunken, sex induced haze, did she realised the fatality of her mistake, one that was to be the last of her immortal life.
She screamed but no one heard, blood spilled but no one saw and she died but no one knew.... not yet.
But by then, it would be too late; for the stranger has gotten the information he wanted.
And he was coming, like the four horsemen of the apocalypse all rolled into one, the harbinger of death, the fury of Satan, the fires of hell.... he was coming.
And no one could stop him this time.
Not even the last ring walker.
It was a dark evening and a large number of people have gathered in the lounge to sit by the log-burning fireplace and the bedecked tree with many presents around its base. Serena sat by the fire with a glass of sherry in her hand as she stared intently at the dancing flames. She hasn't seen Legolas at all since the barn dance and wondered where could he possibly be especially with the snow that was piling up outside. Glorfindel smiled and seated himself next to her with a can of beer in his hand, "Thinking?" he simply asked.
"Yes. How about you?" Serena turned to see the elf smiling at her; he reached down into his pocket and pulled out a small present wrapped in bright festive paper.
"Got you a little something." He handed it to her, registering the shock on her face.
"You shouldn't have, but thanks!" she opened it to reveal a small brooch, art nouveau in style but with a brilliant cut stone set in the middle. "It's a brooch from Lothlorien, the Golden Woods. That stone is of the purest diamond you can find. It's believed that its wearer will never get lost and that the wearer's true path will always lie before his feet."
Serena turned it over in her hand, admiring the sheer brilliance of the jewel. She pinned it to her jumper and admired how it shone out from the material.
"It's beautiful." She whispered as Glorfindel smiled and said, "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you too." She kissed him on the cheek, truly thankful as the elf surprisingly blushed.
"I'm heading up to bed, shall I walk you up?" he gathered to his feet, Serena smiled and accepted his offer. It wasn't until they reached the top of the stairs that she asked him if he'd seen Legolas.
The elf smiled and simply opened the bedroom door then wished her a goodnight. She stared after him as he walked down the corridor, the thud of his boots echoing off the walls. Turning inside, she saw that her sidelight was on and on the bed was a black box. She walked up to it and took off the lid to reveal royal purple tissue paper. Pushing this aside there was a book. Bound with rich sumptuous red leather with gold engraved Chinese characters she picked it up and opened the first page.
Serena blinked and a blush crept over her cheeks as she looked at the erotic calligraphy drawings of a man and a woman engaged in a sexual act. She flicked to another page to see another sexual position then another. Serena felt the fingers of desire arise in her as she looked at the drawings, all so beautiful and powerful in their own way.
"That book is a pillow book, something a man would give to his woman. Some say to entice a night of unspoken pleasure. Others, to recapture that picture for their own." His voice came from behind her as his lips muzzled her neck.
"Beautiful isn't it? The way it seems so innocent on the cover yet holds within it unspeakable sins and pleasure. I could never understand why sex was something such a taboo amongst the race of men yet it's rehearsed frequently." His fingers dipped underneath her jumper, making her skin come alive as she shuddered at the tingles.
His body pressed up behind hers as he reached over her shoulder and flicked open another page. "See that desire? The way the woman clings to him? The way she masterfully rides him? How come something so demure like a woman becomes so different in the bedroom? Is it where she truly rules?" He sucked her earlobe and she gasped, her senses coming to a new height as his fingers slid her jumper upwards and over her head. It fell to the floor, pooled at their feet as Legolas kissed the exposed shoulder; his arms wrapped so tightly round her waist as a whimper of desire escaped her lips.
"What do you think she's crying? His name?" he slowly undid the buttons of her jeans, "Or is she saying...harder...harder?" he whispered as he slowly undid her zip. The pillow book was shaking in her hands as she bit her lip to suppress a groan.
"What does it say?" her tongue was suddenly dry as she looked at the new page Legolas turned over, the page showing a partly clad woman taking her lover in her mouth. the lover with his fingers intertwined with her hair as his head leaned back, mouth open in a silent cry of pure bliss.
Then his fingers turned over another page to show a woman being taken against a tree, the man gripping her buttocks as he grinded against her, his mouth sucking a pert nipple.
"What does it say?" his whisper taunted her ear as she felt his teeth nibbled the bottom of her ear lobe. "It says of how supple the maid is, of how her legs bend with the wind as she opens up her desire for his taking, a sword guided to her sheath." He whispered as his hands slid her jeans off so she stood before him clad only in her underwear.
From his pocket he pulled a silk scarf, "Trust me." He kissed her neck as he lowered it over her eyes, gently tying it behind her head then turning her to face him, the book still held in her trembling hand. He took it from her, "I'll think we can do better than the book." He murmured, "I want you to remember me by feel, so when you are alone at night you will close your eyes and remember how my skin burns against yours."
He gently grasped her wrists and placed her hands on his chest, he smiled as he watched her bite her lower lips as her fingers slid up his shirt, satin like to the touch, and she hooked a finger round the first button. Serena fumbled as she undid it, running her hands over his warm exposed flesh before venturing downwards before she unbuttoned another button then another as Legolas stood there, watching her with a smile as his arousal painfully throbbed in yearning.
She reached to the end of his shirt and ran her hand back up to his shoulders and slid the cool material down his arms where it fluttered to the floor in one fluid motion.
He grasped one hand and pressed it above his heart, "Feel how I beat for you." He murmured as she felt the fast tattoo of his heartbeat, then he took her hand and cupped it over his growing bulge, noticing the blush coming over her cheeks as he whispered, "Feel how I yearn for you and need you."
Her hand gently grasped it and he closed his eyes, and uttering a soft groan, his hips pushing forward to meet her grip as she stepped closer and ran her other hand down his chest and gently pinched his nipple, a soft intake of air greeted her ears as he opened his eyes and watched her boldly kiss and tease one nipple with her mouth while she continued her pulsating grip upon his arousal.
"Harder." He whispered into her ear as he pressed his body against her hand, that one word sparking a fire in her as her nerves danced with bliss. She complied and her strokes became more deliberate and swift, she could feel his laboured breath and his warm exhales tingled her cheek
"Enough." He hoarsely cried out and pulled her hand away, gently lowering her onto the bed. The rasp of his flies was the only sound that Serena heard, her heart was hammering away as her other senses worked overtime to compensate for the lack of sight, each teaming together to fulfil the picture.
The bed sank gently as his weight added to hers and the cool contact of his skin upon hers made her shudder.
"I wish to see.... please." she begged but was silenced by a deep kiss, his erection silently teasing her as it pressed into her abdomen. In one gentle movement, her sight was restored as he pulled the silk scarf away, leaving her breathless at the sight of the perfect, naked being close to her.
His fingers followed by his lips lightly trailed behind a cool lingering touch that had Serena squirming. Her hands came into contact with his body, warm and soft, hard as steel yet yielding, from the silkiness of his hair to the tightness of his buttocks, she felt him all.
When he gently bit a pert nipple through the lace of her bra, she whimpered.
His hand slipping off her knickers and she gasped.
When he lay directly upon her, she whispered.
His fingers teased at first but then smoothly they were replaced by his hard length. She wrapped her legs around him as he gently rocked, whispering sweet praises that had Serena close her eyes and groan in pleasure. Her hips bucked squarely against his and he knew what she wanted and he gave it to her, plunging deeper as a moan escaped his lips, his eyes closed in unspeakable ecstasy and his muscles began to quake as the tempo got harder, faster, quicker....
Serena bunched her hand into fists as those waves of pleasure swept her along, she watched him thrusting above her, the veins on his neck throbbing as he clenched his teeth and with a savage growl, he took her with renewed energy that had had her screaming in a way never screamed before.
He cried out her name, bucking true and deep into her as they came.
There, Legolas stayed the night. Spending those sweet, tiresome hours with Serena. And as he held her in a strong embrace, his even breaths rising in her ear like music, Serena once again knew peace and happiness.
This, of all this, was bliss........
