Glorious Sunrise

Jamie woke to the soft caress of Thelyn's lips on her neck. It was the most wonderful feeling having his strong arms wrapped protectively around her during the night. He nuzzled her ear with his nose and she giggled.

"That tickles," she said as she turned to look at him.

Thelyn smiled and kissed her when she turned. "Good morning, Jamie."

Jamie looked at him seriously, "Thelyn, we won't have this kind of comfort and privacy again for a while."

Thelyn understood immediately what she was trying to say. "It will be a while before your injuries are mended."

"I just don't want you to be disappointed," Jamie said.

Thelyn smiled, "I can hold you and kiss you without anyone protesting. Believe me, when you are well, we'll find the privacy and comfort we need. Now, let's get ready and go down to breakfast."

Thelyn rose from the bed, already wearing his breeches and Jamie smirked at him.

"You always wear pants to bed?" she asked.

"No, I usually wear nothing," Thelyn said with a wolfish grin, "But I thought perhaps for now it would be prudent. Do you usually wear a gown?"

"No, I usually wear a tank top and bikini underwear."

Thelyn cocked a brow, "Sounds… enticing."

Jamie smiled, "I think I still have my camping clothes somewhere."

Thelyn smiled, "I look forward to seeing you in them, once we've returned home. Until then, I'm afraid it will be sleeping under the stars with Avari Rangers."

Jamie frowned, "It's not fair. You are a married Elf and you've never even seen me naked."

Thelyn suddenly blushed and had a guilty look on his face. "Well, actually, I have a confession to make."

Jamie looked at him in surprise, "What?"

"I have seen you disrobed… twice. Once when Alcon and I found you, we had to get you warmed up, so we removed the wet clothes," Thelyn said seriously. "It was quite innocent I assure you, you were practically blue with chill."

"Uh, I understand…" Jamie said and then paled, "Alcon too?"

Thelyn rolled his eyes, "It was very quick."

"And the second time?" Jamie asked, suddenly dying of curiosity.

Thelyn got a wistful look on his face, "You were bathing at the oasis. I was keeping watch alone that night, and you hadn't returned right away so I called to see if you were alright. You didn't answer so I looked…"

"But I was in the water," Jamie said in relief. "You didn't see anything really."

"Oh, but I did," Thelyn said as he gazed at her with fire in his eyes. "I saw a most beautiful creature standing under the waterfall like a cascade of stars around her." He stepped closer. "I wanted nothing but to join you there. It took all my will to walk away from you that night."

"The sun is not yet risen, Thelyn," Jamie said as she unbuttoned her gown and let it fall around her feet. "How much will do you have to walk away from your wife?"

Thelyn's eyes were drawn downward as he took in the sight of his bride now standing in all her naked glory before him. Her skin was kissed golden by the sun and her long hair hung down just to cover her breasts. He took a step closer and brushed her hair back behind her shoulders. Nothing blocked his view save the necklace she wore. He wanted to always see her thus, in nothing but a necklace.

Jamie stood there motionless, waiting and he knew there was no way he could keep his promise to wait now. He could see the bruises left by her rough treatment and he tried to control his anger. His hands gently traced over them and Jamie took in a sharp breath.

"Did I hurt you?" Thelyn asked nervously.

"No, it was just… your touch," Jamie tried to explain as she blushed. "I like it."

Her shy confession touched him and he pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Thelyn's stomach fluttered with excitement as he felt her soft full breasts pressed against his chest. Her skin was so soft, and her hands were roaming all over his back. He let his hands wander, feeling the soft skin of her back, and then her narrow waist and finally her round firm buttocks. It was like a dream, only better. His kiss became demanding as his tongue aggressively sought entrance to her sweet mouth. Her response was instantaneous as she parted her lips for his tender assault. His hand returned to gently tilt her head back slightly as his mouth left hers to ravage her neck with soft kisses. Jamie was breathless in his arms and her knees were weakening, but it suddenly didn't matter when he bent down and lifted her into his arms.

"I will be careful," he whispered as he laid her on the bed and removed his breeches.

"I know," Jamie said.

Thelyn lay down, covering her. He kept his weight on his elbows and knees so as not to put pressure on her ribs. He looked into her eyes with tenderness. "Are you sure?"

Jamie spread her legs to give him access and he felt her tug on his waist to pull him to her. "I am sure, Thelyn. Claim your bride, she is waiting."

Thelyn felt a knot in his throat at the boldly provocative demand of his bride. It was alluring and he was instantly aroused. His masculine organ was firm and he positioned himself between her legs. He could feel softness where his member pressed and he slipped his hand down to gently caress her feminine flesh. His fingers gently probed the folds between her legs and she was already wet. He found the soft wetness intoxicating and explored it, sliding his fingers back and forth. Jamie gasped and wriggled beneath him, her eyes dreamy with pleasure.

The sight of Jamie lying beneath him with desire in her eyes was more than he could take. He removed his hand and replaced it with his swollen member. Instinctively he found the opening and slowly penetrated just until he felt resistance. He knew her virgin's barrier would tear and yet there was no help for it. Jamie's small hands clung to him and he tried to wait, to give her time to adjust to his invasion. She wrapped her legs around him and it broke his will to hold back. He thrust himself into her in one swift stroke, breaking her maidenhead. Pleasure washed over him, but reality remained in the forefront of his thoughts.

"Are you alright?" he asked as he kissed her cheek.

Jamie just smirked, "Are you kidding?"

Thelyn looked into her eyes and smiled wickedly. "Wanton bride."

Jamie just smiled, and Thelyn started to withdraw. "Hey!"

Thelyn cocked a brow and paused, "What?"

"It's not over already, is it?"

The innocence in her eyes was charming, and Thelyn just captured her lips in an arduous kiss and thrust into her again. He felt Jamie's moan in his throat and it fueled his passion. He found the friction pleasurable beyond imagining and he continued in an ever increasing rhythm. Jamie even started trying to meet his thrusts with her own and it drove him wild. He continued his kisses, trailing them down her neck while she tried catching her breath.

"So, you like this?" he asked as she gasped.

"Oh, god yes!" Jamie said.

Thelyn lifted her up a little and tilted her head back. Her back arched and her voluptuous breasts presented themselves enticingly, so he tasted one. The motion of his hips paused as his attention was taken up suckling the sumptuous nipple that hardened to a peak in his mouth. Jamie squirmed in his arms and he smiled to himself as he switched to the other breast.

"Oh, Thelyn…"

Her response was as satisfying as the feeling in his loins and he laid her back down and continued his lovemaking with urgency. As the sun peeked over the distant hills announcing the break of a new day, Thelyn and Jamie climaxed together. As the ripples of pleasure slowly subsided, Thelyn rolled them over so that she lay draped over his chest while they caught their breath.

"Now are you truly my wife," Thelyn said.

"And you wanted to wait, silly Elf!" Jamie said with a smirk.

Thelyn laughed, "Oh, woman, you never cease to surprise me. And to think I worried over your pain."

"I'm tough," Jamie said. "And you're too gentle to have ever worried."

Thelyn pulled her close and kissed her, "I'm afraid this tender hour is over. We must get ready for a long journey, unless you've changed your mind."

"No," Jamie said. "They need us."

Thelyn nodded, "Let's get dressed then."

Allassante and Cilmo were sitting in the hall at breakfast, making their farewells. She was not happy to see him go, but understood his responsibility.

"The journey is long, isn't it?" Allassante asked.

"Yes, especially in winter," Cilmo admitted. "We will have to travel at Jamie's pace until she is well."

"And after, what will happen?" Allassante asked.

"I will return to claim my bride," Cilmo said seriously. "I will not fail to return to you, Ally, I promise."

"I would go with you if I could," Allassante said.

"Your place is here, with your family until we can wed. Do not defy your father for me," Cilmo said. "He has my respect, and I will earn his favor, not steal his daughter like an Easterling scoundrel."

Allassante laughed, "You mean you aren't a scoundrel?"

Cilmo smiled at her with mischief in his eyes, "I am most definitely a scoundrel, my lady. That is what you find so appealing about me is it not? But I am an honest scoundrel nonetheless." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. Out of the corner of his eye he saw his Rangers waiting by the door and he sighed. "Will you go to the gates to see your scoundrel off?"

Allassante smiled, "I'll be there."

"I'll look forward to it," Cilmo said. "I must see to the supplies and horses. Thelyn wanted to leave early." He rose from the table and gave her a bow before departing with his riders.

Allassante watched him go and felt a stab of pain in her chest. She had a feeling he was riding into danger. She knew he would not break his vow to return if he was able, but she feared that she was never to see him again.

Polodrin and Nyére strolled into the hall dressed for travel. Ẻowyn took one look at his son and knew what was going on.

"Polodrin," Ẻowyn said as she joined them. "What are you doing?"

"I am taking my wife back to her people," Polodrin said. "She's their leader now and they need her."

"And what if she wants to stay there?" Ẻowyn asked seriously.

"I will return with my husband, Lady Ẻowyn," Nyére said seriously. "But I must go. I will choose a worthy leader to govern in my stead."

Ẻowyn smiled and hugged her new daughter in law. "See to your duties then, daughter. Return when you can."

Nyére offered her a smile and turned to Polodrin, "Well, where is everyone?"

"The rangers are gathered in the stables, and we wait for Legolas, Alcon and the newlyweds."

Legolas and Alcon strolled in through the side door with Aragorn on their heels.

"We're all packed," Legolas said. "I even got Thelyn and Jamie's horses saddled. We merely wait for them."

"They might show up before lunch," Alcon said with a smirk.

Aragorn frowned, "I thought it was Thelyn who had no tact."

Polodrin laughed, "No, he is right. I did not expect to truly leave today."

Thelyn and Jamie entered the hall and Polodrin cocked a brow at Jamie's flushed cheeks. The couple walked innocently hand in hand, but Polodrin was no fool.

"Good morning," Aragorn said.

Thelyn just smiled, "It is a good morning isn't it?"

Jamie rolled her eyes and walked over to Nyére, "You're coming with us?"

"They are my people," Nyére said. "Come, they want to talk, let's get you a few changes of clothes and pack your saddlebags."

Jamie glanced at Thelyn who nodded so she followed Nyére to her room. When they were finally alone, Nyére just had to ask.

"Well?"

"It was… great," Jamie admitted.

Nyére smiled, "Still nervous?"

What for?" Jamie asked.

"Good, let's find you some travel clothes."

"So, sleep well?" Alcon asked with a grin.

Legolas elbowed Alcon, "Ignore your brother, Thelyn. He has lost his manners to the wine."

Thelyn just glared at Alcon, "Someday it will be you and I will be relentlessly annoying if you do not show a little more restraint. Do not embarrass Jamie."

Alcon looked guilty, "Sorry, Thelyn."

"Forget it," Thelyn said. "Where are the Avari?"

"At the stables," Legolas said. "We were just waiting for you."

"I'll grab my saddlebag and meet you there," Thelyn said.

The riders were finally gathered down at the gates, and Aragorn, Faramir and Allassante watched as they mounted up. Aragorn looked at Jamie with a smile.

"Off you go on another quest," he said with a smile.

"I'll be back," Jamie said. "I've grown attached to your country."

"So, are you my subject now?" Aragorn asked with a cocked brow.

Jamie gave him a sincere look, "I'm sorry I said it. I never answered to a king before I met you. Of course I'm proud to be your subject, Aragorn."

Aragorn gave her a warm smile, "We were both angry that day. Go in peace and sing for our friends in the east. I hope it will help."

Jamie smiled, "Thanks."

Cilmo looked at Allassante and rode over to her. "Fair Princess of the West, I must leave you, but my heart remains in your keeping. It is my hope to return to you soon."

Allassante took a handkerchief from her sleeve and gave it to him, "I will be waiting for your return."

Cilmo pocketed the piece of lace and gave her a bow, and then turned to Aragorn and gave him a bow. "Upon my return, I will have a great favor to ask of you, King of the west."

"Ask it then," Aragorn said. "Be safe."

Legolas gave Aragorn a nod and Aragorn returned it. Their friendship was such that words weren't always necessary between them. They knew each other well, and farewell was a word rarely spoken.

Thelyn looked at Jamie who waited by Polodrin and Nyére for her husband to lead them. He gave her a smile and rode over to Cilmo.

"Which is the quickest and safest route?" Thelyn asked.

"Due east," Cilmo said. "We can avoid the river and the Rhûn Sea. In winter we should have less trouble with Easterling patrols."

Thelyn nodded and took his place at the head of the riders. "Then let's get moving."

And with that the riders were off. In their company was Legolas, Alcon, Thelyn and Jamie, Polodrin and Nyére, Cilmo and his six rangers and Ambartur. They traveled at a good pace as they were still in familiar territory. Thelyn wanted to cover as much ground as possible without pushing the ladies too hard. He knew that neither would complain, so he would simply have to keep an eye on them. Their journey was urgent, he knew that. To be cut off from the outside world during winter could be hard. He hoped the Avari were well supplied. He hoped they were still alive.

Crossing the plains, once called the brown lands before the war of the ring, was an easy ride. The Ash Mountains that guarded the northern border of fallen Mordor was to their south. The company took little rest, trying to gain as much ground as possible, and they didn't halt until well after sundown. The moon was rising when they finally settled into a campsite and got the fire going.

Anwaner and Kiirar took care of the horses and Cilmo helped Polodrin with the fire. Jamie and Nyére gathered what they needed to prepare the meal while the rest checked the perimeter and set the watches.

"It is a frosty night," Shaalth said.

"Indeed," Tinechor agreed. "I'll see if I can find more wood, I don't want the women to get cold."

"What about the rest of us?" Lindar asked with a smirk. "I don't want to get cold either."

"Use your manners and speak Westron," Cilmo said. "Not all in this company understand Sindarin."

Tinechor gave half a frown, "Sorry."

Thelyn and Alcon returned from checking the perimeter and they sat by the fire. Thelyn looked around for Jamie and smiled when he saw her bringing a pot over to the fire.

"What's for dinner?" Thelyn asked.

"It's not Dragon stew," Jamie said, "I think its chicken."

"Turkey," Polodrin corrected. "It's the last good meal we'll have that we don't have to catch on the trail, so enjoy."

"Well, turkey stew, then," Jamie said.

Thelyn smiled, "Let Nyére stir that for a while." Thelyn stood and Jamie joined him. "Let's go for a walk." Thelyn led Jamie away from the fire and out into the darkness.

Polodrin just looked over at Nyére and smiled, "He found a good spot not far from here, very private. When they get back, maybe you'd like to go for a walk?"

Nyére blushed and glanced across the fire at him. Her lips turned up in a sly smile but she just lightly said, "They found a private spot and you expect them to return?"

Legolas bit his lip to keep from laughing and Alcon just coughed.

"Well eventually," Polodrin said with an innocent expression.

Cilmo couldn't help laughing, and the chuckles were contagious. Everyone around the fire was laughing. Nyére recovered first and then just glared at them.

"SHHH," she said. "They didn't go that far."

Thelyn and Jamie lay on his cloak in a little dip on the far side of a small rise in the land. They were hidden from the camp, but still close enough to hear if there was trouble. Thelyn cuddled with her, holding her close for a few minutes of privacy.

"I wonder what's so funny," Jamie said as she rested her head on his chest.

"Us," Thelyn admitted having been able to hear everything quite well. "They find us amusing."

"They don't think we came out her to…" Jamie said in exasperation.

"Perhaps not, but if it were warmer, and a little more private, who knows?" Thelyn said with a provocative smile.

Jamie laughed, "Let's stay her a while. It'll give them something to talk about."

Thelyn pulled her closer and kissed her. "Why pretend?" he asked as he unbuttoned her coat. "A cloak is a good blanket after all."

Jamie smiled and giggled as she fumbled with the buttons on his coat. "They're going to know."

"So what, we're married," Thelyn said and kissed her again. He'd never get tired of saying that. It was the most wonderful thing in the world being in love. Jamie was the most wonderful woman in the world. He just couldn't get enough of her touch. It was going to be a long trip, but when he could manage, he'd find them some privacy.

It was nearly two hours later when Thelyn and Jamie strolled back into the camp. Jamie's hair was quite wild, and her buttons were off by one, but no one said a word. The couple nonchalantly sat down and ate their dinner and then went to bed without a word. Polodrin just called to Thelyn from the campfire.

"Where was it you went for your… walk?" Polodrin asked.

Thelyn just raised an arm out of the blanket and pointed.

"Thanks, come on," Polodrin said grabbing his wife's hand and leading her away.

Cilmo just shook his head, "We should have packed a tent."

Legolas nodded.

Alcon just frowned, "Newlyweds!"

Off in the corner, Thelyn and Jamie were giggling.

Alcon glared at them and stormed off to his blanket, and the Rangers all laughed.

"Well, I guess I'll take the first watch," Cilmo said. "I'll just have to watch my step for a while."

"Just guard that side of camp until they return," Legolas said. "Wake me to relieve you."

Alcon just pulled the blanket over his head and brooded. He was happy for his brother, he really was, but he had to admit he was jealous. He didn't like being the last in his family to find love. It was no fun being the only wild one. He wanted to find happiness too. When would he find a love of his own?