Avari Customs

Legolas waited at Harlond for the ship from Rohan to dock. It had been a long time since he'd seen Gimli, and he knew he would be here for Allassante's wedding feast, or indeed any feast. He watched as the sailors secured the mooring lines and set the gang plank. First off the ship was Ẻomer, the King of Rohan and his wife Lothiriel. He greeted Legolas with a smile.

"Ah, good Legolas, Lord of Ithilien's Wood, it is good to see you," Ẻomer said as he gave him a manly hug.

"Welcome, King," Legolas said with a smile. "Is there by any chance a Dwarf on board?"

"Aye, Laddy, there is," a deep voice roared. Gimli appeared between the rails of the ship and descended the gang plank with a look of annoyance on his face. "Where are those two rascals? I have a bone to pick with them."

Legolas laughed, "You'll have to be more specific. There are many rascals around here."

Gimli frowned, "Indeed, I am looking at one now, but you know the ones of whom I speak, our wild duplicate nephews."

"They are here," Legolas said. "You may scold them at your leisure. Come, let's get you all settled in before the festivities."

Elfwine and Anvanime followed, and Gilver and Gloorion brought up the rear. The whole family had made it for the feast, and guests were still arriving.

Allassante paced around her room in her chemise and robe. Her gown was laid out on the bed but she hadn't made a move to dress yet. She fidgeted with her hands and seemed lost in thought. There was a knock at the door and she crossed the room to answer.

"Who is it?" she asked weakly.

"Anvanime," the answer came.

Allassante threw open the door and hugged her sister. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you."

"Me too," Anvanime said. "You look… nervous."

"Oh, no. Does it show?" Allassante asked seriously as she closed the door.

"You are green," Anvanime admitted. "Why so nervous?"

"I am not a young woman anymore. The starry eyes of youth that usually blind one to the magnitude of marriage are gone and reality is in their place."

"What starry eyes? I saw reality too; do you not remember how sick I was?" Anvanime asked.

"Yes, but Elfwine is a good man," Allassante said.

"And your Captain is not?" Anvanime asked sarcastically.

"He is indeed," Allassante said firmly. "It is just… he's an Elf and I'm… not."

"What are those I see, pointed ears?" Anvanime asked.

"You know what I meant," Allassante said.

"And our cousins have all married the daughters of men and care nothing for the differences. Father and mother…"

"Mother gave up much for him," Allassante said. "But for Cilmo it will be different. He cannot change who he is. He will watch me age and eventually die. I don't know if I like that idea."

"Oh, go to the basin and vomit. You'll feel better," Anvanime said with a smirk on her face. "If you didn't have this to worry over, you'd find something else."

Allassante sighed, "You are right. I am being foolish."

"No, you're a bride with wedding day jitters. I saw your groom downstairs. He seems nice, and quite anxious," Anvanime said.

"Anxious?"

"Yes, he keeps asking everyone if it is time to start yet," Anvanime said with a chuckle.

Allassante rolled her eyes. "It figures. I'm surprised he hasn't tried to sneak up here to see me yet."

There was a quiet tap on her door and Anvanime bit her lip to keep from laughing at the timing.

"Who is it?" Anvanime called.

There was a long pause and finally someone said, "Sorry, wrong room."

Allassante opened the door and glared at Cilmo. "What are you doing up here before the feast?"

"I just had to see you," he said, "Who is that?"

"My sister, Anvanime," Allassante said.

Cilmo bowed and then looked back at Ally with a warm smile. "I haven't seen you all day."

"That is tradition, Captain," Anvanime said as she stepped between them and started to close the door. "Go now, you will see her soon."

Cilmo frowned and tried to look past her to his betrothed, "Your sister is quite the watch dog. I will await you downstairs then." The door closed in his face and he bit his lip to keep from swearing. He just wanted to see her for a moment.

He turned to go but the door opened, and Allassante stuck her head out, so he quickly returned.

"Are you sure you want a human bride?" she asked nervously.

"I am sure that I would parish without you," he said. "I care not about your heritage or mortality."

Allassante smiled and gave him a small blue flower. "I'll see you soon."

Cilmo took the delicate gift and lifted her hand to his lips. "It will be an eternity until then, my love." He stepped back, gave her a bow and then left.

When Allassante closed the door and turned around, Anvanime just looked at her with mirth in her eyes.

"And you were nervous," she said with a smirk. "Let's get you dressed."

The guests were all seated and waiting for the King and the bride to enter. Failon, the twins and their families sat at the first table with Legolas and Gimli and a few other guests. Gimli just stared at the wild ones and their wives a moment before making comment.

"So you both got married, just like that. No feast, no invitations to family, nothing," Gimli said.

"It could not be helped," Thelyn said. "There was simply no time."

Gimli frowned and looked at Alcon, "And I suppose you were rushed as well?"

"Yes," Alcon said, "And we were married in the East."

Gimli sighed and looked over Lyneya and Godwin a moment. He'd heard the short version of their story already and was still making up his mind about them. He looked at Godwin and just said, "Silverhelm, eh?"

Godwin looked at the dwarf curiously and then smiled. "It was my father's title. I must make my own someday."

Gimli seemed satisfied with the answer. "And how do you intend to do that, Laddy?"

"He's only six," Alcon said in annoyance, quickly defending his adopted son.

"That's all right, Alcon, I want to answer," Godwin said. "I will reclaim my father's seat and finish what he started by making my land a free country. No warlords, no slavery and no more fear."

"Ah, but are you ready to pay for it in blood?" Gimli asked, "Often the price of freedom is very high."

"The price of evil will be higher," Godwin said.

Legolas cocked a brow and Gimli smiled.

"I believe I like you, boy," Gimli said. "I approve, Alcon, indeed I do."

Alcon smiled, "And you forgive me for not holding a feast?"

"Ah, what's a feast but a meal with lots of wine? I will come visit you and you can get me drunk and fill my ears with stories of the east," Gimli said lightly. "We can call it even."

Legolas laughed and Thelyn just shook his head.

"And me?" Thelyn asked.

"Well, maybe I'll return when the child is due," Gimli said. "Surely we must hold a celebration for such an occasion."

"Indeed," Thelyn said. "My son is worth a grand celebration."

"Or daughter," Jamie said.

"He is a son," Thelyn said firmly.

Gimli laughed, but quickly quieted down as the side entrance to the hall opened and Aragorn led his daughter Allassante up to the dais. He was a proud looking father, with his eldest and dearest child on his arm. She was beautiful with her hair swept up in a pile of flowers and curls on her head and a rich white gown embroidered with tiny blue flowers all over it. A single gold ribbon crowned her forehead with a star in the center.

"Friends, family, kings, princes, lords and ladies," Aragorn began. "Too many are the great ones in this hall to name you all. I thank you for coming to share this grand occasion."

The main doors to the hall opened and everyone turned to look. There in the door stood Cilmo, Captain of the Avari Rangers. He wore a dark grey Ranger's uniform with a black cloak. He bore all his weapons as if he'd just arrived from a patrol, and his Rangers all stood with him, similarly armed and attired. Cilmo wore no special decoration, save his brooch which was gold and featured a large red stone. They marched down the aisle boldly as if in formation to meet their commander, but Cilmo was here for important business. He halted at the foot of the steps and gave Aragorn a sweeping bow.

"Speak, Avari Ranger," Aragorn said.

"I come to claim my bride, your fair daughter Allassante," Cilmo said. "I pledge to you that I will provide for her every need, guard and protect her with my life and love her with all of my heart and being."

Aragorn turned to Allassante and asked, "Daughter, do you wish to marry this Captain?"

"Yes father," Allassante said.

Aragorn beckoned for Cilmo to join them and then placed his daughter's hand in his. "Then I do give her into your keeping, and from now forth, she is your wife."

Cilmo kissed Allassante's hand and everyone cheered. Then Anwaner joined him on the dais bearing a small wood box. He opened it and Cilmo took out a delicate gold necklace with a bright red stone, like the one in his brooch.

"For my bride, a gift from the east, a heart stone from the red mountain," Cilmo said, and then put it on her.

Aragorn seemed pleased by the gift, and glanced at Arwen who stood and joined them.

"For our daughter's husband, a treasure of Gondor," she said, holding a silver arm guard up, "Aldamir's bracelet." Cilmo held out his arm for her and she put in on him. It was very fine, engraved with a Gondorian design and highly polished.

There was a bit of ooh-ing and ah-ing among the people and then, with the wedding gifts given, it was time to celebrate.

"Serve the wine," Aragorn shouted. "I have another son!"

The cheers rang out and the feast began. Everyone took their seats and there was music and singing in the hall. With so many from far away present, it was a good time to catch up on the current events. Stories and tales were told from near and far and everyone listened and ate their fill. Allassante kept glancing at Gimli and Cilmo just had to ask.

"Does the Dwarf bother you?" he asked quietly.

"No indeed, Lord Gimli is a close family friend," she said.

"Then why do you stare at him?" Cilmo asked in confusion.

"He is sometimes colorful at weddings," she said simply. "It can be embarrassing."

Cilmo smiled, "It is late, and the deserts have been served. Must we stay until the end?"

"No, it is not common for the bride and groom to stay, it is expected that we leave soon," she admitted.

"Now is as good as soon for me," he said. "Come, let's away to our room."

Allassante nodded and he pulled her chair out for her. They said goodnight to her parents and then discreetly headed for the back door of the hall, but Gimli saw them and stood up on his chair to see as he once again raised his glass in what had become his expected toast.

"And there they go!" Gimli roared with laughter.

The hall all stood and raised their glasses, laughing and cheering.

Allassante's face was bright red, but Cilmo just laughed. "Oh, what a villain!" he said. "I think I like your friend, Ally."

As they headed into the empty hall he just pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He reached his hands up and started pulling the pins and flowers from her hair. In a moment, her hair fell in cascades of rich dark curls down her back and there was a pile of small blue flowers around her feet. He stepped back and gazed at her with a warm smile and fire in his eyes.

"I have wanted to do that all night," he said. "Now we have honored your customs and mine at the feast. Are there any customs for the rest of this night that I should know?"

"Only the obvious one, I think," she said.

Cilmo's smile turned playful, "Good, then we honor mine." He bent down, grabbed her legs, and lifted her off the floor. Ally gasped in shock. He carried her over his shoulder, hugging her legs as he strolled down the dimly lit hallway with a spring in his step.

"I've heard of Elves carrying their bride, but not like this," she said as she watched the hall lengthen behind him.

Cilmo just chuckled, "Old Avari custom," he said. "During the first years of our clan, there was a Blacksmith who loved a Lady of high birth. Her father refused his claim on her, so he stole her away in the night."

"How… romantic?" she said.

"Indeed it was, and the Lord forgave the blacksmith when he saw his daughter's great love for him. He is my ancestor, and I was named for him."

"But my father gave me to you," she said as he climbed the stairs, "And this is a scary way to ride."

"Fear not, I will not drop you," he said. He finally reached the landing and turned down the hall to the room that had been prepared for them. There were flower petals all over the floor in front of the door and Cilmo nearly lost his footing on the slippery mess, but recovered.

"Uh, Cilmo?"

"What is it with these blue flowers?" he asked in annoyance.

"They're my favorite," Allassante said dryly.

Cilmo swung the door open and ducked down as he passed through, "Oh, well, they're nice."

Allassante laughed, and then gasped again as he unceremoniously tossed her down on the bed. She sat up and looked at him with a cocked brow.

"Hey," she complained and started to get up, but he stood against the bed in front of her.

"Oh, no," he said playfully. "You are staying right there."

She crossed her arms, "I will have to undress if we are to…"

"I'll take care of that," he said firmly. "We follow my customs now."

Allassante bit her lip nervously and just asked, "What customs?"

Cilmo smiled and put his finger over her lips, "No more questions."

Cilmo stepped back and started undressing, first setting aside his weapons and removing his cloak. He turned to the table to set them down and Allassante slipped a leg over the side of the bed, but he noticed the movement right away.

"No," he said simply, and she sat still, frowning at his back.

Cilmo calmly continued divesting himself of his garments until he stood in nothing but his underwear, a pale grey loin cloth. Ally stared at his bare back, fascinated by the muscular build. He turned and cocked a brow at her.

"Do you approve?" he asked.

She looked at his chest and firm muscled stomach and smirked, "Yes, I approve."

Cilmo smiled and sat beside her. He touched the pendant on her necklace and seemed far away far a moment. "This is the same gift that Cilmo the First gave to his love."

Allassante smiled, "But you didn't have to steal me."

"I would have," he said seriously. "I would have risked death for one moment in your arms."

Allassante put her hand on his cheek, "But I am yours, and you can have a lifetime in my arms."

Cilmo closed his eyes, basking in the softness of her simple touch. "One lifetime is not enough," he said softly.

"It is all I can give," she said, "One lifetime and all my heart."

Cilmo opened his eyes and saw tears in her eyes. He felt foolish for being so thoughtless with his words. "I will take one day at a time," he said. "That is all anyone has to give."

Allassante smiled and he gently brushed the tears from her cheek. "I would look upon my bride," he said softly as he loosened the strings on her bodice. Allassante helped him with the removal of the gown, but he was careful to keep her on the bed, and she was suddenly very curious about that.

"Cilmo? Why can't I get out of bed?" she asked.

"Shhh," he said, kissing her before she could ask again. His hands fumbled with the fabric of her chemise, trying to get it off her, until he finally broke the kiss to look. "How do you…?"

Ally smiled and pulled it up over her head, and Cilmo stared at her in awe. He'd known she was a beauty, but the vision of her disrobed before him was too wonderful for words. Her skin was whiter than the petals of the flowers that covered the hills. Her breasts were full and round and the nipples were a delicate pink. The blush on her cheeks was too enticing, and he leaned close and kissed her forehead.

"My bride is so beautiful," he said. "I fear I am unworthy of such a prize."

"My father gave me to you, did he not?" she asked.

Cilmo smiled, "A most generous King, your father," he said. "I am forever in his debt."

Ally smiled and kissed him, "So, your customs?"

Cilmo smiled wickedly, "Yes, customs, we must remember all the customs."

For Avari, the wedding night was very important. A groom did not just indulge in the pleasures of his wife's body, he worshipped her with his. For all the shortcomings of the Avari, they were devoted husbands.

Cilmo spent hours on foreplay, massaging every inch of his wife with gentle caresses and kisses. Finally he lay covering her, kissing her neck, and Allassante basked in the pleasure of his touch. She held him close and tried to explore him as he'd done with her, but he would not have it.

"Tonight is about you," he said softly as he took her hands and held them above her head.

"And I want to touch you," she said.

Cilmo closed his eyes and groaned softly, "Later," he rasped. "It is nearly dawn and I must prepare you to receive me."

"I am ready," she said, lifting her head to kiss his cheek.

"If I rush, it will hurt you," he said seriously. "If you are patient, it will not." Cilmo smiled down at her and silenced her remaining protests with a kiss. He spread her legs apart and knelt between them. His hands that had so gently explored her carefully massaged the feminine mound between her legs. He increased the pressure gradually as he dipped a finger between the delicate nether lips. Tender strokes wreaked havoc with her patience as pleasure built in the pit of her belly.

"I'm ready," she said breathlessly.

Cilmo just smiled and kept working. With each pass of his finger over her opening, he pressed a little deeper until he felt the flood of moisture. He whispered words of love as he slipped a finger inside her.

"My beautiful Ally, so fair and pure… I Love you," he whispered, and slipped a second finger in, gently stretching the opening.

Allassante gasped and her head thrashed from side to side, "Oh, Cilmo…"

He felt the barrier, and gently pressed and stretched until he was satisfied that she was ready for him. He watched her face, eyes closed, cheeks flushed and an expression of bliss on her lips. He leaned closer and took a nipple in his mouth as his fingers dipped in and out in a slow steady rhythm. When Ally arched her back and moaned, he couldn't stand it any more. He slipped his fingers out and covered her. Ally spread her legs and wrapped her arms around him.

"I love you," she whispered, even as he slowly penetrated her. He felt the barrier and stopped, letting her body adjust to him. Her breathing was erratic, and his was labored, but he maintained his control. He kissed her softly on the lips and held his breath as he breached her maidenhead. He heard a slight catch in her breathing, but then he felt her relax. He opened his eyes and looked at her, and her face was dreamy and her eyes fluttered.

"Ally?" he asked nervously. "Are you well?"

"I never knew anything could feel so pleasurable," she said breathlessly.

Cilmo smiled with pride. He'd managed to make the experience pleasant rather than painful. His father would be pleased that he remembered his advice after all these years.

"All for you, my love," he said as he began to move within her. He mimicked the motion of his fingers, drawing out and then filling her again and again. It was the most wonderful sensation, the warm wet softness of her body around him. Her arms held him tightly and her soft hands stroked his back as he loved her. He nuzzled his nose against her ear, tickling it with his tongue. She giggled and lifted her hips, arching toward his thrusting erection. Cilmo gasped with ecstasy as he plunged even more deeply. It destroyed the last shred of his control and his body tensed as he increased his tempo and vigor until he felt the building pressure break and a rush of bliss and contentment wash over him like a flood. Ally gasped for breath as her body clenched around him with ripples of ecstasy cascading outward from her stomach. Her legs wrapped around him and she clung to him as if for dear life. She felt him trembling, even as she felt weak and faint.

Cilmo stilled and slowly relaxed in her arms as he caught his breath. He rolled to his side, still holding her close. As the sun peeked in through their window he kissed her neck and sighed.

"It is dawn," he said. "And now all the customs have been honored."

"So, can I get out of bed now?" she asked with a smirk.

Cilmo smiled and looked into her eyes, "Are you in a hurry to leave?"

Ally laughed, "No, I would stay here forever if I could. I was just wondering why…"

"It is an old superstition," Cilmo said. "If the bride's feet do not touch the floor before dawn she will conceive her first child on the wedding night."

"Are you in a hurry?" she asked.

"Indeed," he said seriously. "I want a family, whenever it comes."

Allassante smiled, "I hope it is this night. I can think of nothing I want more than to bear you children."

Cilmo kissed her head, "You know you can touch me now."

Ally cocked a brow and looked at him, "It's about time."

Cilmo threw his head back against the pillow and laughed, but drew in a sharp breath when he felt her hands on his penis, "Oh, Ally…"

"Shhh," she said. "Today is for you, and my feet haven't touched the floor yet."

"Woman, you will wear me out," he said seriously as he felt a new erection build in her hands.

"Give me your child," she whispered.

Cilmo's heart leapt when he heard her speak those words. All the secret dreams he'd carried for his future family were coming true. He held his beautiful wife in his arms, and she loved him as much as he loved her. He'd wanted children since he was barely come of age. For her to speak so plainly about such things was moving.

"I will love you night and day until you conceive," he said huskily.

"I hope you don't stop when I do," she said with a playful smile as she urged him to lie on his back and straddled his hips.

Cilmo's eyes filled with passion and he lifted her up and impaled her on his bulging erection, "Never," he whispered.

He made love to her again, and deep in his heart he knew she would conceive his child. It mattered little if it be a boy or a girl. All he cared was that he would hold a new life in his arms that was created from the love they shared. No language had a word for happiness that was adequate to describe the joy in his heart. As they climaxed again, feeling the closeness of body and soul, Cilmo smiled.

"And now do you carry my child," he said, and Ally believed him, for she too felt a stirring in her own heart.

"I love you," she whispered.

And I love you," he answered.