After the Party

In the dimly lit hallway of the Steward's hall, Polodrin led his bride to the stairs. He paused a moment and pulled Nyére into his arms and kissed her tenderly. She braced her hands against his broad chest and moaned softly with pleasure. He drew back and gazed into her eyes with passion.

"Come, beloved," he said huskily as he lifted her into his arms, "I have prepared a room for us."

He mounted the stairs, cradling her against his chest. Nyére wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. He smiled and increased his pace, taking the stairs two at a time until he reached the level he was looking for. Three doors down the hall was the bridal suite. Over the door was draped a garland of flowers. He nudged it open with his elbow and then kicked it closed behind him. The room smelled of lavender and sandalwood and was awash in the soft light of candles that were already burning around the room. There were flower petals all over the floor and garlands of lavender hanging down the bedposts. Polodrin watched her face expectantly as she surveyed the room.

Nyére smiled and looked up at him, "It's beautiful."

Polodrin smiled with satisfaction, "Are you happy my sweet Snow?"

"More than ever in my life," she said. I have you here in my arms, and my father… I never thought he would change."

"I am glad he was here to share this day with us," Polodrin said.

"Yes, and he was even polite," Nyére said with a smirk.

Polodrin laughed, "I do not think that he likes me very much."

"Yes, well, neither did I at first," Nyére said humorously.

Polodrin gazed into her beautiful blue-green eyes with passion and asked, "And do you like me now?"

Nyére smiled at him coyly, "You are tolerable for a human."

Polodrin smirked and looked at her with a cocked brow, "Indeed? How gracious of you to say so."

They both laughed and Poldorin set her down and pulled her into a hug. "I love you, Nyére, my sweet beloved Snow White."

Nyére felt a lump form in her throat and her stomach was warm and wonderfully fluttery. This strong, rough man, weathered by the hardships of his duties as a Ranger, was the kindest gentlest person she had ever known, and he loved her. Her eyes filled with tears as she was once again disarmed by his overwhelming love. "And I love you, my Noble Prince of the West."

Polodrin leaned back and gently wiped the tears from her cheek and then kissed her. His hands searched through the piles of raven curls on her head for the pins that bound it and he freed her locks for his gentle exploration. Her tresses were soft and luxurious and he cupped the back of her head and tilted it up to deepen his kiss. Nyére surrendered to his tender assault and timidly reached up and touched his beard. Polodrin moaned with pleasure and pulled her close as his kiss turned almost desperate. She clung to him, aching for the closeness of his masculine strength. Finally he broke their kiss and gazed at her with smoldering blue eyes.

"My beautiful bride, I think that I would perish without your touch," he said breathlessly.

"Then never let go," she said as she drew him close for another kiss.

Polodrin ran his hands over her back and stumbled on the ties to her bodice. He loosened them, and Nyére shrugged the gown off her shoulders. He deftly drew the garment down until it fell into a pile around her feet. He stared at her approvingly, standing in nothing but a sheer chemise. She blushed slightly and he smiled and started removing his belt and tunic, but she pushed his hands aside.

"Let me," she said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Polodrin smiled wickedly and let her remove his clothes as he had done for her. After baring him to the waist, she reached for the ties on his breeches and he groaned when her hand brushed over his already swollen manhood. He caught her hands and pulled her into his arms.

"Enough," he rasped, and then kissed her passionately. "I will finish." And he did, quickly kicking off his boots and removing the rest of his clothes. Then he looked at her, and she was staring at him. "I must look strange to you, covered in hair. Elves do not…"

"I did not fall in love with an Elf, I fell in love with you, beard and hair and all," she said as she ran her hands over his chest. Her fingers combed through the curls and she smiled playfully. "I like it."

Polodrin smiled and hooked his fingers in the collar of her chemise and slipped it down over her shoulders until it fell to the floor. They stood before each other naked, and he looked at her with reverent awe.

"You are so beautiful, Nyére my love. Indeed your skin is whiter than the purest snow and yet," he paused and stepped closer, cupping her breasts in his hands. "It is warm and soft."

Nyére gasped with delight at his touch, so gentle.

"Many nights I paced my watch and gazed at you as you slept, desperate for your love. And now you are here, disrobed before me looking into my eyes with love…" His voice trailed off as a tear fell down his cheek and he dropped to his knees and hugged her close, burying his face in her soft belly. "Oh, princess, you bring me to my knees."

Nyére ran her fingers through his hair and hugged him close, bending down to kiss the top of his head. He nuzzled her belly playfully and she suddenly laughed softly.

"Your beard tickles," she said with a smile.

"I would shave it if you wished," he said as he looked up at her.

She looked horrified by the thought, "No, I like it."

"Truly?" he asked as he stood and lifted her into his arms again. "Let us see what else you like."

Nyére giggled as he carried her to their bed and gently laid her down. He sat beside her so that he could admire her, but she hooked her small hand behind his neck and drew him close.

"The road has been long, my love. At last we can be together," she said.

Polodrin kissed her, and she playfully traced around his earlobes with her fingertips. Polodrin covered her and then kissed each of her ears.

"I love your ears," he whispered, and Nyére smiled.

He kissed his way down her neck, "And I love your neck." He kissed her shoulder and tickled it with his tongue, "And your shoulder…"

Nyére giggled and wrapped a leg around his waist, "Are you going to name every little inch?"

Polodrin raised his head from her breast and looked at her seriously, "I love every little inch, and I mean to give every little inch my attention. Now, where was I?"

Nyére laughed at his playfulness as he returned his attention to his examination of her breast. He kissed his way around the nipple and then suckled the rosy bud until it formed a little peak in his mouth. He repeated the procedure on her other breast and then continued his exploration with her belly.

Nyére felt lightheaded from the sensations that his intimate kisses were creating within her. She felt alive as though all through her life she had been sleeping until this man's touch awakened her. His hands tenderly probed the soft folds of flesh between her legs, and she felt an inexplicable thrill. She knew that soon they would join their bodies and be forever bound together as husband and wife, but it seemed he was in no hurry. After his exploration, he rolled to his back, carrying her with him so that she now covered him. Nyére smiled as she sat up on her knees, straddling his strong stomach and looked down at him.

"So now you are at a disadvantage," she said with a smirk.

Polodrin smiled with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "Am I? Well, do your worst."

Nyére explored his body with all the attention to detail he had shown. She could see the power in his muscles, the strength he possessed form years of hard work and training. His stomach was solid and rippled with the sinews of the muscles beneath the skin. Yet with all the hardness, his skin was soft and warm. She timidly looked at the root of his masculinity and blushed slightly, but he just smiled warmly.

"There is no need for blushes between us," he said softly.

Nyére gently took it in her hand and Polodrin sucked in a quick breath. She suddenly stopped and looked at him questioningly.

"I'm sorry," she said quickly.

"Don't be," he said breathlessly. "I promise you it is not pain I am feeling, but perhaps you may want to look at that later."

Nyére understood his meaning when she felt it stiffen in her hands. In fact, it seemed to grow even larger, and she released it and looked at it curiously. "It's so big."

"My desire is showing," he said as he pulled her close and hugged her. "There is yet one more thing I would explore if you are ready," he said as he rolled back over, covering her.

Nyére spread her legs to give him access, "I am ready."

Polodrin positioned himself, carefully placing most of his weight on his knees and elbows. His rigid manhood pressed against her softness, and he paused. "Oh, fairest Snow, I am trembling in awe of your beauty. I fear I will hurt you."

Nyére was touched by his concern, "Polodrin, my love, have no fear, make me your wife."

Polodrin kissed her tenderly and carefully entered her. The sensations of her warm softness around him were heady, but he maintained control and when he felt the resistance of her maiden's barrier, he stopped. But he felt her arms tighten around him, urging him on, so he breached the barrier in one firm thrust and buried himself within her. His body bucked with pleasure even as she gasped at the brief shock of pain. He broke the kiss and buried his head in her neck.

"I am sorry," he said softly.

"It was but a little prick, and all is well," she said breathlessly. "I have never felt complete until this moment, husband."

He kissed her neck and slowly began to move, carefully withdrawing and then slowly filling her again. She arched her back to give him better access and he moaned with pleasure. She felt a strange excitement build as each thrust seemed to push her higher and higher. She started to move with him, meeting each thrust with her own. The pleasure was overwhelming as they clung to each other in this joyful dance until at last they climaxed together and collapsed in sated bliss in each other's arms.

"Beloved wife," he whispered softly.

"Beloved husband," she answered, and they cuddled together and fell asleep.

As the guests started leaving, Aragorn joined his friends at one of the tables. Thelyn sat with an arm around Jamie and Aragorn cocked a brow at him, but he didn't move it. She looked tired, and was leaning against his shoulder. Legolas smiled at the pair, but Aragorn looked quite serious.

"Jamie will be returning to Minas Tirith with me and my family," Aragorn said. "She will remain in my care until the Winter Solstice."

Thelyn sat up and looked at him in shock, "Why not let her stay in Ithilien? I cannot spend two full months at Minas Tirith; I have a home to prepare for my bride."

"What's to prepare? The house is already built," Aragorn said.

"It was my parent's house, prepared for my mother," Thelyn said. "I would make it Jamie's home."

Aragorn nodded his understanding. An Elf's bride is brought into a home that is prepared with her in mind. Thelyn didn't want Jamie to inherit things prepared for another; he wanted to give her a home from his heart. Once again he was touched by the love this pair had for each other.

Aragorn sighed, "You will have to make use of the River ship," he said.

Thelyn nodded. He knew when argument was futile. He looked down at Jamie, who had fallen asleep against his chest, and smiled. "She will be disappointed," he said softly.

"Visit often," Aragorn suggested. "Now, I think it is time for you to say goodnight," he added meaningfully and he looked at the dozing Jamie in Thelyn's arms.

Thelyn nodded, and the table respectfully cleared to give them a moment of privacy.

"Jamie, melamin," he whispered.

Jamie stirred and looked up and smiled. Her lips were quite near and it was all he could do to keep from kissing her in front of the last of the guests. "I should take you to your room so you can rest in comfort," he said.

"Your shoulder is most comfortable," Jamie said with a coy smile.

Thelyn groaned and looked at her with desire in his eyes, "Such comforts must wait until we are wed," he said. "It will be painful to be separated from you."

"I will see you in the morning," Jamie said in confusion.

"No, sweet, tomorrow you will go with Aragorn to Minas Tirith. He is your guardian until we are wed, two months hence," Thelyn said seriously.

"Then stay at the hall," Jamie said.

"I cannot if I am to make a home for you," Thelyn said. "The house must be made ready fro my new bride, it is our custom. I will visit…" he said.

Jamie was beginning to understand and she didn't like it, "What is to prepare? It's a fully furnished house."

"Made for my mother, not for you," Thelyn said. "I need to do this."

Jamie could see that this was very important, so she offered him a smile rather than a protest. "I'm sure whatever you prepare will be perfect, and you better find time to visit me often."

Thelyn smiled, "I will, believe me. I could not stay away from you for long." He glanced at Aragorn who was obviously watching them and he sighed. "Come; let me walk you to your room."

The couple stood and walked over to Aragorn. He gave Jamie a smile and bid her goodnight. Then he looked at Thelyn seriously, "I will look for your return to the hall shortly," he said meaningfully.

Thelyn rolled his eyes and nodded as he led her out into the corridor. He led her down to the guest quarters and a maid greeted them.

"I have prepared this room for you, my lady," she said, indicating the chosen room. "Your things are already within."

"Thank you," Thelyn said, and motioned for the maid to leave.

When the hall was empty, he took Jamie into his arms and kissed her passionately. She wrapped her arms around him and matched his fervor with her own. He broke the kiss and held her close. "I have wanted to do that since I heard your song. It moved me deeply, for the words echoed my feelings for you."

"That is the way I feel as well," Jamie said.

Thelyn forced himself to release her, "I must leave you, but I will see you off at the docks tomorrow."

"When will I see you again?" Jamie asked.

"Very soon, Jamie, very soon," he said with sadness in his eyes. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Thelyn," she said, and then disappeared behind her door.

Thelyn dragged his feet as he returned to the hall. Alcon caught up with him and just shook his head.

"You're not going to be like that for the next two months are you?" Alcon asked.

"Worse," Legolas said as he joined them.

"Poor lovesick Elf," Gimli said with a chuckle. "It is almost painful to watch… almost."

"Have mercy, Master Dwarf," Legolas said, "Or I shall tell them about Gorda."

Gimli quickly cleared his throat, but Thelyn and Alcon both picked up on the obvious dig.

"Gorda? Who's Gorda uncle Gimli?" Thelyn asked.

"Never mind," Gimli said quickly, glaring at Legolas. "Goodnight, lads." He half stormed out of the hall and the twins looked at Legolas questioningly.

"Oh, she was just a dwarf maid who has been flirting with Gimli for nearly fifty years," Legolas said with a smirk. "He is a confirmed bachelor, but she keeps trying."

"Why not give in?" Alcon asked.

"He loves another," Legolas said quietly and then left. It was not his place to discuss Gimli's choices in the matter of love. He had lost his heart to Galadriel and would probably never wed.

The last of the guests departed or went to bed including the twins, who shared a room. Alcon sat at the table by the fore and looked at Thelyn thoughtfully.

"It will be strange to be separated from you," Alcon said. "We have done everything together since we were children."

"We will always be close, Alcon, we will simply not share a house," Thelyn said, "Unless you would change your mind and stay."

"No, that house is for Jamie, and she deserves it," Alcon said. "I always liked Nárello's house, and it is just down the path."

Thelyn nodded, "As you wish, but I expect you at our table for at least one meal a day."

Alcon smiled, "It will depend if Jamie can cook. Otherwise, I'll be at Failon's house."

Thelyn looked at his brother indignantly, "Do not insult my betrothed, of course she can cook. You tasted her food yourself."

"It was not unpleasant, if a little odd," Alcon admitted. "You may find yourself sneaking over to Silivren's kitchen if Jamie only cooks food from her world."

"I don't know, the pizza was quite good," Thelyn said.

They both laughed and settled in for sleep.