(A/N-the dialogue in italics is where Elvish is being spoken)

Chapter Twenty Nine-Terms of Agreement

The next morning, I woke up pleasantly sore from our tryst. After our bonding, Glorfindel and I made love twice more, and thus my tender nether regions. I'm the type who likes sex, a lot. Usually it's my partner who has to beg off, as I'm good to go after a twenty minute nap. Glorfindel's girth was taking a little bit to get used to, and the twenty minute naps weren't making a dent in the exhaustion. Finally after the third time, I begged off and went to sleep. Not that I was unhappy, quite the contrary. I fell asleep tired, tender and very satisfied. Upon waking, I arched my back in a stretch and felt a hand on my waist. I turned and saw Glorfindel looking at me tenderly.

"How did you sleep melamin?" he asked softly.

"Very well, thank you," I kissed him gently and ran my fingers through his hair. "Do you think Lord Elrond managed to talk some reason into Thranduil King?"

"I do not know, but even if Thranduil King was immovable, our bonding last night will keep him from being able to claim you," Glorfindel explained.

"Okay, so why did he want to claim me? There are a ton of lovelier ellith around here; and I wouldn't be surprised if he took a walk on the wild side and tasted the sweet fruits left on the vine up in Esgaroth. Why me?" I asked.

Glorfindel's brow creased in a frown, "I know that Thranduil loves pretty things and if they are intelligent, he likes that even more. I believe when you discussed the foreign policy changes you thought would be beneficial to his realm, he saw value in you. You are lovely and able to think analytically, as well, you have experience in the governing of a realm. That was shown when you discussed foreign policy. If you were an elleth, he would have tried to bond with you as soon as possible to keep you here."

"But I'm not an elleth. So what then?" I countered.

"He would not have bonded with you, but he is familiar with mortal customs and knows you would be considered chattel by the race of Men. He would have used that custom to keep you, claiming property rights, and should anyone disagree, would have paid them handsomely to dismiss any injunction. I think that it is important to remember that Lord Elrond gave his approval to our bond, and Thranduil did not realize how seriously Lord Elrond takes his word," Glorfindel said.

"As in 'his word is his bond'?" I joked.

"Something like that, yes. Do not worry, now that we are bonded, you cannot be forced to stay. You cannot even be asked to come back here," Glorfindel assured me.

"You know what? I don't mind coming back. I mean, I see the bigger picture here. The Elven realms may be on their way out, but they will still be here for a little bit. So negotiating trade agreements and instituting an ambassadorial system among all the regions that agree to peace, would be instrumental in stabilizing the regions as a whole. This would be the first time that Arda would be under a general peace and new policy changes could be implemented such as uniting all nations under one banner for foreign policy purposes. Not only could we send representatives to other regions as ambassadors, but we could negotiate a neutral territory for any international disputes to be diplomatically mediated. A neutral armed force could be instituted to keep the peace in volatile areas and a security council could also be set up to decide security matters for the regions. We have a set up like that on Earth called the United Nations and when they work properly, they can be quite effective. The Elven realms are integral to this plan working. I mean, think about it. If the Elves reach out and negotiate terms like these with the other races, such as the race of Men, the Dwarves, the Hobbits…" I trailed off; trying to think of the races I was missing.

"The Ents. You have sound ideas that in this time of new peace could be implemented, however, I do not think it is a good idea for you to be here with Thranduil alone," Glorfindel advised.

"Alone? Good heavens, I wouldn't be alone. I'd be with you," I said confidently.

Glorfindel laughed, "You are that determined to change the world?"

"Better believe it. This is the first time anyone will listen to me. I can finally implement those changes to the international political system that would help make things run better. God knows I couldn't do it at home. Unless you're a Nobel Peace Prize winning political force, forget it. You can't even get an invitation to speak at the United Nations unless you're a mover and shaker. Here I've got a shot at making a real and beneficial change. I wouldn't miss it for the world," I said happily.

Glorfindel smiled, "The oddest things make you happy. Did you know that?" I nodded grinning, "Well, first things first, as you like to say. Shall we prepare for breakfast? I am sure Thranduil will be unhappy at our bonding."

"Good lord, to see his face! Let's get going. This isn't something I want to miss!" I crowed.

We dressed quickly, not bothering to bathe, because as Glorfindel said, we wanted everyone to know we'd made love and bonded last night. Just for the official record. The smell of sex was like a heavy perfume, and I knew Thranduil would get a nostril full. I didn't hate Thranduil. I just thought his motives were misguided. I think he hasn't ever had a female, who wasn't in it for the power, in his life to keep him on the middle path. I figured I may not be staying, but I could introduce him to the concept, and maybe make some headway in the diplomatic department.

We walked down to the meal hall, only to be met by Arwen on the way. One whiff and she grabbed my arm.

"You did it!" she gasped, "You bonded last night!"

Glorfindel slowed down to let us speak privately.

"So, why now? What happened? I did not see you after the dancing last night, so I can only assume something happened." Arwen was practically chomping at the bit.

"We had to. Thranduil King made an ill conceived decision and we had to speed up the process," I said coyly.

"Hmmm, maybe that is why I did not see Ada either. He left the room quickly when Lord Glorfindel approached him during the dancing," Arwen mused.

"He was called in to negotiate a peaceful settlement," I explained.

"What? What happened?" Arwen stopped me in my tracks.

"Thranduil King figured out we had not bonded and decided to keep me here. He said I was a valuable asset and he didn't like to let those go easily," I said shortly.

Arwen made a sympathetic noise, "Oh that is too bad. But you are bonded now, so no one can make you stay."

"Yup," I agreed.

We started walking again and Glorfindel caught up, taking my hand in his. I smiled at him and kissed his hand. He kissed my hand in return. We all walked into the dining hall and saw Thranduil sitting on the dais, looking unhappy. We walked up and sat down around him, with Arwen paying a particularly polite greeting to Thranduil, a wide smile on her face. Thranduil did indeed get a nostril full and turned to Glorfindel and I in disgust. Elrond walked up behind him, nodding a greeting and sat down beside his daughter, a small smile playing around his lips. Thranduil decided to break the silence.

"So, you have bonded. My congratulations to you both," his words sounded slightly insincere.

"Thank you your Majesty. We appreciate the sentiment," I said politely, "Did you sleep well last night?"

Thranduil scowled, "No. I was up almost all night talking to Lord Elrond about you."

There was a pregnant pause before he went on, "You are free to leave, however I have negotiated the rights to have you here for a consult on matters four times a year."

I looked over at Elrond who nodded, "And the stay would be for how long sire?"

"No longer than one month each time. As well, you are permitted to bring your fëa-mate with you and a security entourage. However, should an emergency arise, I can request a longer stay, which will be negotiated with Lord Elrond of course," he sniffed.

"That sounds just wonderful sire. Then maybe I will be able to help you implement the diplomatic policies I outlined with you last night," I agreed.

Thranduil snorted and looked at me, "Why are you not angry with me? I could have caused you to stay here against your will and taken you to my bed and kept you in servitude for the rest of your natural life. Does that not make you unhappy?"

I shrugged, "No sire. As you are not keeping me, and even if you could have kept me, I am older than I appear and may not live long enough for you to have your fill of me." I reasoned.

Thranduil smiled a genuine smile, "You are a valuable asset. Lord Glorfindel is very lucky to have you. I suppose I will have to be satisfied with your counsel four times a year."

"Yes. That would be advisable sire," I agreed.

We ate and made small talk, and even Glorfindel relaxed the iron grip he had on my thigh after a while. Sure, I was upset that Thranduil tried to make me an indentured servant, but he didn't. And facts are facts. You can't turn back the hands of time just because it suits you, and Elrond had ensured our bonding with his curt dismissal of us the previous night. I made a mental note to thank Elrond after we left Thranduil's realm.

Our stay in Eryn Lasgalen was shortened from the original ten days to six, and they were a busy six days. I spent some time with both Thranduil and Elrond discussing the details of my plan for diplomacy on a grand scale. Elrond renegotiated a trade deal with Thranduil. Glorfindel and I spent lots of time in bed making love and taking advantage of the time we had in complete privacy, as we wouldn't have any on the road. Arwen obtained some new jewels for her wedding, and we spent time ogling their beauty, which only served to magnify the beauty that was Arwen.

The day we left Eryn Lasgalen, Thranduil rode out of the gates with us to the small river we had crossed when we came in. He left us there, bidding us a safe journey and reminding Elrond that he wanted me safely delivered on the first of October.

After we had ridden for a couple of hours out of range of Thranduil, I rode up beside Elrond and spoke, "Thank you my lord for the rescue you performed six days ago. Lord Glorfindel and I greatly appreciate it."

Elrond looked over at me, "I am just glad we were able to intervene before something else had happened."

"Still," I cleared my throat, "I am forever in your debt and if I can do anything for you, I would like for you to let me know."

Elrond nodded in acceptance, "I will my lady."

Satisfied I slowed down and moved back to my position beside Glorfindel.

Our ride to Lórien took almost fifteen days. Fifteen days with no privacy or opportunity to make love leisurely. Sure, we had the occasional quickie behind a bush, biting our tongues and each other to keep from crying out. But other than that, nothing. It was terrible. I say this because there was this odd compelling desire to make love constantly. I asked Glorfindel why I was feeling this and he said it was because our bond was new, and usually after a bonding, the new couple are left to mate for a couple of weeks before the urge abates enough to go back to regular duties. My urge didn't abate even when we reached Lothlórien. I took Glorfindel aside the first night we camped before we were to meet the wardens, and asked him why I was still having the compulsion to engage in coitus. He didn't know and thought it might have something to do with my mortality. The answer didn't soothe me at all, and I spent a lot of time figuring out ways to snag Glorfindel for a quickie. After all our love making, it ceased to be uncomfortable and I found I could easily go back to my old routine. The second day in Lothlórien we were met by the wardens.

They leapt down from the high tree branches and greeted us politely. Their leader, a warden named Haldir, seemed particularly interested in Glorfindel and me. We were led deeper into the forest by Haldir and his brothers, Orophin and Rúmil, before we camped again for the night.

Melamin-my love (informal)

Esgaroth-Lake-Town