A Work in progress

Chapter Twenty-Six

Gold shimmered hazily as Anor rose slowly across the horizon causing the Hithaeglir to sparkle as if diamonds and mithril has been carelessly scattered by the Valar as a gift for the wedding. I turned my gaze from the Northeast back towards Caras Galadhon, encircled by the protective walls wrought centuries ago to defend the inhabitants of the fair city.

A wry smile spread across my face as I took in a lungful of air and closed my eyes hoping for some quiet, some calm. But alas! That was not to happen. My mind was racing; going over all my convictions, all my plans, checking for any cracks, any errors that would be troublesome. It amazed me how I could be so calm in the heat of a battle, so firm in my beliefs. I knew my few weaknesses and I could cover them well. And yet this one short day in my eternal life was causing such turmoil, and it had yet to start!

I sighed, my hand gripping the rail of the balcony tightly, was I truly ready to marry? Shaking my head I turned towards the staircase that would take me back to my talan. I was surprised to see two concerned eyes, exact replicas of my own, staring back at me.

"You seem sombre."

I pursed my lips, my hand coming up to rub a knot that had formed in my neck.

"And nervous?" I could head a slight tone of amusement in his voice.

"And wouldn't you be?" I questioned, my eyes narrowing, "wouldn't you be nervous on your wedding day?"

A heavy sigh came across from the stairwell, "Nay, I would be joyful for I would be marrying my love, the other half of my heart, the one bound to my fea."

"You think I am foolish." I replied heavily, "I realise this is not horseplay, the lives of the Galadhrim rest on my shoulders."

Rumil laughed harshly, "Your arrogance is comical. Elvendom survived long before you were born and I have no doubt that it shall continue to do so whether you are Marchwarden or not! You are having doubts: do you not see? You cannot marry her when you yourself cannot justify the reason for this. It will make both of you miserable."

"The Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond-"

"Do not know everything!" Rumil exclaimed striding towards me and grabbing my shoulders, trying to look me in the eye.

"Do not be disrespectful." I snapped angrily, pulling out of his grip.

"I am merely stating the truth," he replied lightly, "they can see one outcome in a many pathed future. Not even Vairë knows what is to come of us."

I turned from him and closed my eyes, which were suddenly heavy. An image of a very angry Laingalad came to mind, her eyes full of fury, hands clenched into fists, her hair static with the power of her passion. And then I realised, I wanted that passion, I wanted that energy, I wanted her.

I frowned, startled. I wanted her? Even with her temper? Her childishness? Her stubbornness? Her difficult disposition?

Turning to Rumil I smiled softly, "I am ready."

"What?" he questioned mystified, "haven't you listened to what I have said? Stop thinking and follow your heart."

"That is precisely what I am doing," I replied, strolling around him and making my way to the stairs.

"But you do not love her!"

"No, I don't." I confirmed not turning to look at him.

"Then what in Eru's name are you doing?"

"Getting ready to marry. Are you coming?"

Rumil followed me towards my talan, his footfalls heavy, "In all my years I have stood firm behind your decisions. Yet I fear that I cannot see the logic behind this one."

Turning towards him I smiled, "did you not just tell me to follow my heart? The affairs of the heart follow no logic. Now come, my brother, we have much to do."

Rumil pursed his lips, frowning, "I dare not pin down what has brought about this change but I will leave it with you. Just remember to think of Laingalad as well."

I smiled, patting Rumil on the shoulder, "I must wonder, which would you prefer me to use? My heart or my head?"

"Somewhere in-between," Rumil laughed, "I promised Orophin that I would bring you back to the talan safely and quickly."

"And of course you shall." I replied, once again making my way towards my talan.

Oooo0oooO

Orophin grinned widely, "Fabulous. I don't know why you didn't let me do this before."

I blinked several times staring at my reflection. I counted; I clenched and unclenched my jaw.

"You know your eyes are twitching?"

"I wonder why," I growled, already attacking my hair with a brush, "Rumil, remind me never to let this halfwit near my hair again!"

"Don't be such a girl," Orophin exclaimed, pouting.

"Well he certainly looks like one," Rumil shot back, barely concealing his mirth.

"Then in future he can just get Laingalad to do his hair," replied Orophin now examining an arrow he had pulled out of a nearby quiver.

"Or I could just do it myself."

"Not willing to let her near you?" Orophin questioned slyly, "in but a few hours your mouth will be plundering hers, your-"

"Orophin!" I ground out, "would you kindly resist the urge to speak and leave me in peace."

"You are not nervous are you?" he weaselled, mirth clear in his eyes.

I opened my mouth to reply, but then closed it again.

"You are!" Orophin proclaimed, "That's such a shame for I was looking forward to being an uncle."

I resisted the urge to hit him, instead Rumil did, making Orophin rub his arm in mock pain, "I do sometimes wonder if you are related to us. Try using your brain, and if your in an exceptionally good mood, some tact."

I laughed as Orophin gaped at Rumil, "it is not as if he is out of practice. I'm sure Cerina, or a variety of other elleth would vouch for that."

"Yes I am sure Laingalad would love to talk to Cerina, they are quite alike. They could talk of our two week tryst, I'm sure Laingalad would be put very much at ease." I responded sarcastically.

"It is not as if she is a prude," pondered Orophin, "you have discussed tonight with her haven't you? Asked her what she would prefer to set her mind at ease."

There was a tense silence as both my brothers stared at me expectantly.

"No."

"No?" Rumil echoed, "haven't we already has this discussion? Didn't you say that you would speak to her?"

I felt an inexplicable surge of guilt, "I did try to talk to her but she kept on changing the subject."

"I have never known you to pussyfoot around something, especially something as important and integral to your marriage." Rumil stared at me in disbelief, "no wonder you are as much fun as Erestor in a forest circle."

"The biggest question is, however," started Orophin, "will you be able to perform with your nerves as bad as they are."

"Way to make him feel even more nervous," Rumil snorted.

"What I would give to be at the borders at the moment." I muttered to myself.

"Well you're not," came Rumil's blunt reply, "and you are giving up the chance of freely going to the borders with this marriage."

Orophin looked between the two of us, frowning slightly, "Anyway, you have yet to do your hair. Would you like me to try again?"

Oooo0oooO

I stood.

I stood trying to take it all in. All I could feel was the cool, sharp grass beneath my bare feet. There was a dull murmur behind me as our guests waited for Laingalad.

Elrond and Galadriel stood before me on the white marble path that meandered through the clearing between the tall Mellyrn. They were not speaking, at least not aloud, though there was laughter in both their eyes. Perhaps they were thinking that their collaboration had come about well, without any hitches or problems; all that was left was for the ceremony to finish, or indeed start.

And then it happened. Laingalad entered the clearing. She was dressed in white, a mithril circlet nested in her hair, a drop pendent of opal hung upon her forehead, sparkling incandescently. Her dress was fitting yet flowing at the bottom, creating the illusion of water rippling. It had an intricate flower pattern around the collar, which revealed much of her pale skin.

She was standing beside me now, to the left. She turned her head to smile at me slightly. It was not a sad smile though it was not necessarily a happy one either, altogether bittersweet. I turned back towards Lord Elrond who was making a speech, welcoming everybody.

Galadriel turned her gaze towards me, her eyes penetrating. She smiled softly, 'I knew you would come to see her as we all do'. I let my eyes drop, finding the base of a mallorn more interesting.

We were soon exchanging vows, repeating eternal promises that had been uttered by all elves in matrimony. Orophin softly came to stand next to me, giving me a bright smile. He was holding a small, red velveteen cushion: Laingalad's ring sitting squarely in the middle. The sapphire twinkled brilliantly from its mithril setting. I had chosen a stone that shared the same hue as Laingalad's eyes, which were currently bright, alive and clear as she watched me pick up the wedding band. Softly taking her right hand, I carefully placed the ring on her finger, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before letting my hand drop to the side.

My gaze turned to Doldaer who was holding the band Laingalad had chosen for me. It too was made of mithril, set in a common, yet altogether delicate design of a knot. I decided to take a much greater look at it later.

It was now time for the exchange of gifts, chosen by our parents. In place of my ada Rumil stood, holding a small, carefully carved box, silver filigree running through it. He made a short speech before handing the box to Laingalad who opened it slowly to reveal five, small delicate bangles.

Doldaer came forward, her eyes misty. She too had a box, which she gave to me eagerly. Opening it I found a metal clasp for my hair. Beside it were a few hair ribbons and leather thongs. She smiled widely, "I would so hate for your hair to impair your sight and lead to your death."

I pursed my lips as I felt Rumil stiffen beside me. There was a poorly concealed cough from somewhere behind me, which I believed to be Orophin.

I murmured my thanks and passed the gift to Rumil as I readied myself for the last part of the ceremony: The Hand Fastening.

Taking Laingalad's left hand in my own I turned my gaze to her eyes, which seemed to be scrutinising me from the top of my head to my bare feet. Catching my gaze she smiled softly, her hand gripping mine tightly, as if trying to reassure herself.

I watched in a haze as first one of my own cords were used, pink for unity and friendship. The next chord intrigued me; it was orange, chosen by Laingalad. It represents adaptability and encouragement, something I didn't expect from her. Light blue came next and then yellow for harmony and joy.

I was vaguely aware of people clapping as we turned to face them, a smile of relief, hope and happiness spreading across my face. It was done! The ceremony was over and we were officially married, well nearly. I glanced at Laingalad from the corner of my eye. Would I be able to seal the deal?

Unbidden Orophin comments from earlier came to mind. What if I was too nervous? What would she think? I was to be her first, her only. It was to be embarrassing enough without that problem. It had never happened before of course, but they had always been lust filled affairs.

As we entered the pavilion, that had been set-aside for us to change in, there was a heavy silence, the soft click of the lock resonating around the room in a heavy and dull echo. Laingalad was staring ay me unblinkingly, an odd expression on her face.

"Orophin thought the pink would suit my hair," I started trying to diffuse the situation, "he was most disappointed when he found that the dye had completely left my hair."

Laingalad's face split into a smile, "trust him to note the humour of the situation."

That was indeed true, you could never be depressed when around him. Looking at the complicated interwoven chords I started to pick at them, all too ready to free my right hand again. "Could you pull at that loop in the orange chord please?"

She nodded, her fingers nimbly jumping over the chords. "Why did you pick such a strange combination of colours?"

"Strange? They do not have to match. I chose them on their meanings. I hope for tranquillity, patience, wisdom and truth. These are represented in the blue rope. Unity, happiness and friendship are in the pink. I thought these to be good attributes." I smiled in remembrance, "Orophin said they were good colours…for a nursery. Thinking about it now I probably shouldn't have brought him with me."

She laughed gently, her fingers still pulling, finally freeing the pink chord. "But even if you didn't want to bring him he would have come. He wouldn't miss his older brothers wedding would he?"

I shook my head gravely, "I did suggest sending him to the borders but, alas! The lady would not allow it, perhaps she thought I was joking." I paused, staring at her hand as it worked in harmony with my own, as if they always had. "I did not think you would hope for a marriage of balance, harmony and joy. No, I lie, you would hope for joy. A sad life is something no one would yearn for."

Laingalad nodded, "Precisely. I doubt that be could live together were there not some sort of harmony between us. When I chose the chords, I chose them for their meaning. Harmony is not just something that I want out of the marriage but also something which…I will try to give, as hard at times as it may be." She looked at me sincerely, her hand stopping on top of the chords, on top of my hand, and what a delicate and enticing hand she seemed to have all of a sudden.

I smiled down at her, "then a lot has changed since out first clash of wills in Imladris." I pulled out a blue rope and the chords fell to the floor. "There! We are free." There was a pause then; how long it lasted I could not say. We simply stared at each other, utterly still, neither one daring enough to disturb the tantalising uncertainties building up between us in a thick sensual fog. "Would you like me to help you with the fastenings of your dress?" The timing of my question was off, very unlike me usually but then again this was very unusual situation to be thrown into. I hoped I hadn't made her more nervous than she already appeared but to my complete surprise she nodded curtly and turned around, allowing me full and unadulterated access to her delicate, feminine shoulders and back.

"Thanks. Things have to change whether we like that or not. Fighting it just makes things difficult. I have grown weary of trying to fight every second of the day."

I paused, halfway through her ties, releasing more and more of her pale, deliciously seductive flesh, "if I knew marrying you would bring about such a change I would not have put it off until we reached Lothlorien." I pulled the last of her ties out. "I'll turn around now for you modesty."

I looked around in front of me to find my new tunic and leggings. I had stripped and was half dressed when I felt Laingalad tap by bare shoulder. "Erm…could you?"

I stared at her blankly as she turned around slowly, firmly clutching the front of her dress to her chest. "You want me to do your ties up?" I questioned.

She nodded again, "I can't do up formal dresses myself."

I blinked slowly, staring at her back, white porcelain skin bare all the way from her neck to the small of her back, "your wish is my command, my wife."

She turned her head to stare at me in surprise. Was that a glint of approval of my use of the words 'my wife' in her eyes, or was it just my imagination?

"Tell me if I pull too tight."

She nodded slightly, her head resuming a forward position, her neck tensed, as if waiting for my reaction to our closeness.

I fumbled as I tried to put the ties through the correct holes, "sorry, I haven't had to do this in a while…" I winced as soon as the words came out of my mouth. How very unaccomplished working with the feminine form she must have thought of me now…but how very wrong she was.

"It's alright," she muttered quietly, her back somehow tensing even more.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that." I pulled her hair out of the way as I quickly completed the last of the ties, my last ditch attempt to affirm the trust she had in me to have exact control over what I was doing to her…and over what I would soon be doing to her.

She turned around and stared at me, her gaze falling downwards. She visibly gulped before looking away, a blush escaping from her cheeks. "Haldir, your top…" She trailed off, obviously uncomfortable.

"What's wrong with it?" I questioned turning her around to face me, lost in the moment.

She averted her eyes from mine, instead choosing to stare at a point behind my shoulder. "Put it on," she murmured.

"Put it on?" What?" I looked down and saw what she meant, "I am sorry Laingalad." I seemed to be saying that a lot of late. I sighed and turned back to where my tunic was, 'she'll be seeing it soon anyway,' I smirked to myself.

I started to put my tunic on as she walked across the room to a mirror where she started to fiddle with her hair. "I know…I know we may not love each other but I still meant what I said in our vows."

She glanced at my reflection in the mirror, "Thank you that means a lot to me."

"Earlier Rumil tried to persuade me that marrying you was a foolish idea."

"He did? I thought he was over the idea that I was trying to force you to marry me." She looked genuinely quite concerned.

"As did I. He got rather worked up about it. I was quite surprised."

She pursed her lips, turning to face me. "Maybe I should talk to him later."

I shook my head though I was touched that she would care about my family, about our family. "That is not needed. He respects my decision and he cannot change anything, can he?"

Laingalad put her brush down, "True…but…oh never mind."

I leant against the wall, right leg crossed over the left. "How long do you think we are expected to be here? Orophin suggested at least an hour. Then again, he thought that we would have different things on our minds."

"I'm not sure. Until someone comes and calls for us I guess."

"We should get used to it I suppose," I mused, "we are to be left alone in our talan for three days."

"This is going to be awkward," she muttered to herself rather quickly, too quickly.

I grimaced, "Aye, it is. It is somehow quite different from living in the same house where we have out own rooms…our own beds."

Laingalad stood up and went to look out of the window, as far away from me as she could get herself "everyone is so happy today."

I went to stand behind her, deliberating whether or not to put my arm around her slim waist, "and why shouldn't they be? They are at a wedding. These occasions do not occur frequently, do they?"

"Nay, a rare event for them to celebrate, though I didn't quite picture it this way, then again not everything works out the way you want it to."

"I'm sorry," I muttered for the third time, putting my hand on her arm in comfort.

We waited in silence for someone to come for us, for someone to come rescue us from the discomfort of our own making.

Oooo0oooO

"I'll admit to you all and to myself now that on second thought I had actually dismissed the idea of Haldir being a suitor for my daughter..." Finally we had reached the last of the speeches. It was Laingalad's ada now, when just before both my brother's had jointly embarrassed me with their tales of the one and only night I had let myself indulge in their debauchery and childish escapades. They will pay for this humiliation later.

"You see, I had thought that Laingalad wasn't nearly enough accomplished, or conventionally beautiful for that matter, to ignite a genuine interest from such an honourable ellon like Haldir." Now that's not entirely true. I'm sure I would have noticed Laingalad one of these days, eventually.

"I asked myself," he continued. "If she had any chance in uniting with such a fine ellon. She had not the wit, the feminine charms or indeed, the maturity that would attract an elf of such high standing." Oh please someone stop this tirade before Laingalad really gets upset. Or perhaps she was used to her Ada's humiliating outbursts, but I surely was not.

"And I thought this question over long and hard, and now," he drew a pause. "And now that I see her sitting here before me my answer to my own question is a resounding and undisputable, yes." Thank goodness for that! He was just, albeit cruelly, drawing out a point. "I would never have thought that my Laingalad would turn out to be such an admirable elleth and for that I am no less than ashamed. I'm ashamed that today, of all days, I did not have faith enough in my own daughter to stop myself thinking that she would not get through with this union after all"

I took her hand in mine at those words, almost as a thank you for not running out on our nuptials even with the doubts I knew she had about getting married…about marrying me. "But here she is hand in hand with a partner that I can find no fault with. She is no elfling any longer. I have done all I can for her now and it is the turn of Haldir to best advise and direct her now, as I have tried my best to do over the centuries. I raise my cup to them both." Everybody rose to his or her feet in toast of both Laingalad and I. "May the Valar bless you with all the marital bliss that this life we lead allows. I pray for the happiness of my daughter in the home, and for the protection of the March warden on the borders."

"Here, here." cried the crowd.

"I love you, my daughter and am proud to be your father this day, for you truly are Aglarebwen, a most glorious maiden." Ahh yes. Glorious maiden indeed, my glorious maiden, who may have been sitting still, but held within a storm emotions bellowing inside of her, stirring her to tears over her Ada's tender words. With a warm embrace she thanked him for his speech and continued to wear a glaze of contentment over her eyes for the rest of the afternoon.

Although I felt glad that her Ada's speech had pleased her so ardently Laingalad's apparent day dream left me with the mind-numbingly monotonous task of thanking each and every guest who came past our table to wish our marriage well. But once the number of well wishers became less frequent, it seems that my brothers had started up the band and were now sweeping every unmarried elleth onto the dance floor, I saw my chance for escape. "Are you ready to retire to our talan now? The time draws near to make our exit." My impatience had effectively brought my wife back to reality, where all other more subtle attempts had failed.

With her leading by the arm, we left the celebrations with cheers of delight from the now rowdy guests. No doubt they all assumed that we both had more important things on our minds that needed more privacy. I had no desire to correct their misgivings. Instead we smartly made our way through the thickets of the forest of which I knew so well. Our secluded talan had been built not too far out from the main city, close enough to not be in any immediate danger but further enough as to not be disturbed. Laingalad would have naught but my company for the next three days, whether those days would be filled with silence or more vigorous noises would be entirely up to her.

"Are you ready to enter?" By the look of her quivering form I should have guessed not. Perhaps I should have taken a longer route to our formally prepared private talan, but then again the sooner we got this over with the better.

"Yes Haldir. I am ready. Take me inside." Not wanting to break from tradition, well, not all of them any way, I surprised her, much to my own amusement, by taking her into my arms and carrying her over the threshold of our first resting place together as husband and wife.

"Thank you Haldir. I can walk from here." Her nerves were understandable, but could she not sense my own. I willed her to take notice of my own reservations at this daunting arrangement. Did she think me such a savage brute that I would attempt to ravish her against her will? I had hoped not. She had much to learn about me, and we had an eternity together for her to know it.

Placing her onto her feet as softly as possible she hurried out of my reach as soon as she could. "Excuse me a moment." Barricading herself in the bathing room won't make me disappear, dear wife, I thought to myself. Best not let her onto the fact that I am in no hurry to jump into bed together with a partner who is still petrified of very presence, even if we are husband and wife. Love and physical attraction will grow between us in time. "Is everything alright in there?"

"Yes, thank you. I will be with you momentarily," came the clipped response from the other side of the heavily adorned doorway.

I smiled, 'how quaint my wife is' I sighed to myself. Once the fireplace was lit, flickering flames that kept total darkness at bay with its radiant amber glow, I decided it was best for me to spend my wedding night elsewhere than the bed and from my own wife. Besides, I had to admit that I was a little worn from all of the other activities that had occurred since the day's dawn. "Laingalad, will you please come out of there I have something to show you."

She was stalling for time, but when she finally did emerge from behind the safety of the large door, she anxiously glanced at my make shift bed by the fire. "Is that for us?"

"No. 'tis for me. You can have the bed, I left you plenty of coverings, besides I am more accustomed than you to sleep on the floor as the softness of your back suggests. We've both endured a long day. Goodnight, Laingalad."

"Goodnight Haldir and thank you, sweet dreams." Oh yes, my imaginings of my wedding night were proving to be sweeter than its reality. Pity. I turned away from her, waiting to hear that she was under the bed covers. Was she undressing? I thought she had difficulty undoing the ties, or maybe she would rather struggle than have me touch her in bed?

Now it was my turn to disrobe. And why should I hold such modesty as to fight under bed linen, I have nothing to hide from her, for I knew very well that her sleeping position was a façade. She was wide-awake, and curious of my movements, I could hear her breathing quicken, even if she could not. Perhaps I should provide a show that she will surely never forget. After having removed my under tunic, slowly, and my leggings even slower I turned directly toward her lying form. "Is this view more to my lady's pleasure?" I teased.

"Do not take another step forward!"

"Well do you not think it fair that now that you have so lovingly observed my naked body, that I don't at least get a peak at yours?"

"Lovingly, indeed, you brutish elf! Do you think so highly of yourself that you deem me impressed by your form?"

Well, I certainly couldn't think of any part of my body that I was ashamed of! "Yes, my darling wife, I do think that. On the contrary, I did presume that you would be too indifferent to pander into possible physical pleasures with me this night, but your keen curiosity toward me belies your previous intent."

"Trust me, I am entirely dispassionate towards the likes of you, on this night and on every night!"

She sat up suddenly and to my delight completely unaware that her covers had slipped away from her chest. "Tell that to your blossoming assets. They seem very keen to go ahead to say the least," I gleamed.

"My shame amuses you does it?"

"Sexuality and sensuality are nothing to be ashamed of. None the least between consenting partners such as ourselves," I spat tersely.

"Consenting! Speak for yourself!"

"I see. Well, I and your pert nipples seem to have gotten you wrong," my jest being an attempt to lighten her mood of embarrassment.

"Yes you both have! YOU have, not my nipples. I mean…forget my nipples!"

"I'll try but that may prove more tasking than you think." Would she rise to my bait?

"Just shut up and leave me alone!"

It seemed not, as at that moment her whole body turned to the other side of the room, as far away from me as possible. A short time had past before a ferocious tone spitted out "How many women have you had?" from somewhere behind me.

"I have no wish to disclose that information to you, my honourable wife, especially in your obvious state of unease."

"I just wondered why in all the land any elleth in her right mind would want to bed a malevolent elf such as yourself. I'll never be yours, I can assure you that."

"But you are in fact mine." I rightfully corrected her.

"And for your information in your presence I am always in a state of unease!" I could not help but laugh out loud at that. Disrupting the silence, and my attempt to fall into a comforting reverie for a second time, I heard Laingalad's voice again saying, "So you're implying that you were never shy about intercourse with the opposite sex at any point in time?"

"No I am not," I puffed. "I'm trying to sleep Laingalad, so if you don't mind-"

"Well, I do mind. As your wife I demand that you answer my question."

"Oh really. So, you are disgusted at the thought of me casting my marital rites over you, yet you feel free to exploit your own over me." I will have to take this ballsy elleth down a peg or two. Knowing full well that I would shock her, I jumped into bed as heavily as I could, not far from where she lay.

"What are you doing?"

"All this shouting across the room to each other is very uncivil. Much better that we share the great breadth of this sturdy bed if it is your wish to continue disturbing my reverie at whim, don't you agree?"

"I certainly do not!"

"Pity. Now where were we…Ahh yes, my first sexual experience."

"Stop it, Haldir! Just, please stop." Where those actually tears swelling at the brim of her eyes? "Don't you understand? I'm scared, alright," she blurted out, emotionally. "It's hard enough for me to be a dutiful daughter after these many years, let alone being the perfect wife and the perfect lover as well."

I wasn't her taskmaster, so why would she think she owed me as much as perfection. "It is not perfection that I am asking of you, Laingalad, I never have and never shall. How could I when I myself fall short of such a feat? As for being my lover, you have every right to be nervous. You are delving into the complete unknown. But I am here to guide you, if that is what you want."

"I want to be able to please you Haldir. You are my husband. That is what I am supposed to do." Although as pleasing as it was to hear those words finally coming from Laingalad after all this time, I did not reckon that I would now be wanting differently.

"You are wrong, Laingalad. You are supposed to be yourself; in actual fact I forbid any false charades or biting doubts from here on in. Do you understand?"

Sensing her trembles, I carefully wrapped one arm around her waist and my other hand rested itself along her brow. "Don't cry, dear heart," I soothed, my hand stroking loose the pins and ornaments still assembled in her hair. Once the last pin had been freed and tossed to the floor, I fanned her sultry tresses around her shoulders and down her back. "Beautiful. You are truly a glorious elleth."

"Haldir?"

Had I said too much too soon? "Do you wish for me to stop?"

"No," she said to my relief, "it's just…no one has every thought I was beautiful in the way you mean. Please don't stop."

I was very fortunate then, to be the first, her first, not doubting that fact. "Don't stop which," I asked. "The compliments or my touching you?"

"Both."

I had underestimated my own wife. A feisty temptress had been hiding beneath that cold exterior all along, just waiting to be discovered and explored. "As I did the ties of dress this afternoon, all I could think was how magnificent the silky suppleness of your back was", moving her hair aside, I feathered kisses down the column of her neck all the way down her spine. Kneading the curve of her behind, much to her delight I confessed, "Do you realise how many times my eyes have gorged on your splendid behind and the subtle sway of your hips." Leaving the small of her back, I headed all the way round to the flat of her toned stomach. "And I love your breasts. Not to small and not to big, faultless," I continued, believing in every word I said and every kiss I delivered to her quivering flesh. Her skin tasted sweet but her feminine scent smelled even sweeter. Cupping one breast in my palm I captured her other breasts nipple, stimulating both points of contact simultaneously, savouring every moment of the joy I provided for her. "Laingalad, if you've changed your mind and do not want me to carry on, tell me now before we go on any further. I have almost reached my point of no return, you have bewitched me and I won't be able to stop myself very soon."

"I don't want you to stop," her voice husky with desire. "I want you to kiss me and I want you never to stop this feeling."

"That's all I needed to hear, dear one." Thoroughly convinced I dipped in for a kiss, which she readily accepted, with open arms and the parting of her thighs. Teasingly I trailed my fingers down from her cleavage the tousled hairs of her feminine folds. Stroking ardently, but gently, I let one finger slip into the seeping slickness of her arousal. "Since you are much closer than I am, I will bring you to your climax before we work on mine." But my instruction fell on deaf ears she was too far-gone already.

"Wh-h-hat, what did you say?"

She was still coherent then, just barely. "I want your completion to come before mine. I may hurt you when I enter you for the first time and I want nothing but intense pleasure at our first union, so I will take you where you are rearing to go, dear one, and then I will take you there again and again and again…" Delving into her mouth again, our intertwined tongues danced so passionately that my soul almost leapt up from within me. What paradise this was to behold, Laingalad, finally in unison with me, submitting to me and me to her.

My thumb working her feminine centre, into aching wanton had Laingalad's hips bucking and arching in sub coconscious sexual frustration. She was close and I could feel it with every fibre of my being. But my own needs would have to wait, besides she won't be able to handle me unadulterated and completely unleashed just yet, she will though, in time…after her internal explosion of excitement, my own need for completion increased tenfold, "Are you ready for me now? All this gets better, trust me?"

"I trust you."

Smiling at her faith in my ability I shifted into a kneeling position between her legs. Seeing her discomfort at her own exposure I reassured her as best I could. "You are beautiful Laingalad, especially there," I began again at her aching nub to bring her back to yearning, ignoring the fact that she had a full view of my now very prominent erection. Looking down with worry she seemed to be in shock more or less.

"You are so big, you won't fit in there!"

A broad smile escaped across my face, "I assure you that I will fit perfectly, I thought you trusted me."

"I do but…"

"Then trust me, wife." Pressing a light kiss to her lips and then at the tops of each of her pert breasts, I raised one of her knees up slightly. "I will go in easier this way," I explained. Edging into her was sweet agony, how tight she was. Even tighter than I had imagined, as it has been a long while since I had taken a virgin. Shallow strokes kindling her desire but stunting my own, I had to work hard at ignoring my primitive urge to ravish her hard and fast until we both were fully spent. "How does it feel?" were my desires getting the better of me?

"Wonderful…" she panted.

"I'm going to fill you with all of me now. You can hold me closer to you if you like."

Feeling a firm grip on my shoulders I thrusted deeper. "Relax, my dear. Anxiety will bear no fruit. Just stay in the moment with me, I will guide you to were you want to go I swear." Then came the tense and release of flesh tissue breaking. "Stay with me," I rasped, I was starting to lose hold of my senses, but I had to make sure I was not alone in my fervour.

As if she had just read my mind, I heard that honeyed voiced of hers say in a hot breath "Don't hold back, Haldir. Do you not trust me? I want all of you, just as you are, don't stop, don't ever stop, yes…that's it…oh…yes…oh, Haldir…Haldir…oh!" All coherent thought lost as I accepted her request hastily, half closing my eyes, throaty grunts vibrated from primal instinct and desire. Shaking with every surge of my hip I pounded into her again and again and again.

Uncontrollably I gasped out her name and convulsed with vigorous shudders as nature had me spend myself into her swollen mound.

"How was it?" She asked soothing my hair with her hands.

Still disorientated with the weight of my now seemingly boneless body, I swung over to the empty space beside of her, feeling a mixture of both tenderness and humour toward her question. "It was exquisite."

"Good."

"And it will get even better."

"How can that be?"

"As with anything else…with practice."

"Oh you shameful elf! Best be glad that I actually enjoyed our intimacy otherwise it would have been an eternity of celibacy for you."

"I perish the thought! No, I would have got you to come round eventually."

"Do you always get what you want, March warden?"

"No, but I have noticed how much you, dear wife, want me. And perhaps when I have fully recovered you will want me again?"

"Perhaps…is this love do you think. I mean, this happy feeling you have created inside of me now that I know that you will be near me again?"

"I know that this is love-making. Maybe in time we will make a love that would have prompted us into a more conventional marriage arrangement in the first instance."

"Well, I'm looking forward for that time to come sooner than later."

"So am I."

Oooo0oooO

I awoke to the light caress of the sun on my skin. I could feel the sheets tangled around my legs, hear the dawn chorus of the birds in the tree above us as they flirted. I could even feel the low hum, the pulse of the tree I was in, full, invigorated with life. But as I slowly shook off my drowsiness I could feel that Laingalad was not in the bed with me.

Opening my eyes I could clearly see where she had folded back the sheets on her side of the bed. Quickly running my hands over it my thoughts were confirmed, she had been out of bed for quite some time. I hurriedly thrusted my feet into my leggings, haphazardly did up the ties. It seemed that I would have some exploring to do.

I strode purposefully towards the door, which was already flung wide open. Had I scared her that much? Had she not been ready for the passion? Had she lied to me, just to please me? I shuddered at the thought that was effectively taking her against her will. She had seemed so loose, so free. Such a free spirit. But if she had accepted me, why had she left? Had she chosen to leave? Had someone taken her? With that, I quickly vaulted off the platform, ignoring the stairs. I had to find her, and I had to find her quickly.

Translations:

Hithaeglir: Misty mountains- Sindarin meaning 'mist-peak-line' (I didn't make that up, it's proper Tolkien!)

Vairë: One of the Valar and the spouse of Mandos. She weaves the tapestries, which cover the halls of Mandos and tell the story of all things within time.

A/n He he. I feel like going 'dun dun duuuuuun'. Well that has to be the quickest update in quite a while, though I suppose that's not really saying much, is it?

Thank you to the two people that did review. I have to say the three of us were slightly, no, very disappointed. The last chapter and this chapter took a lot out of us with regards to what wedding stuff we do include, what we don't, how much do we stick to LACE etc. It was just a lot of headaches. Well, not the last part, I think Fran had a lot of fun with the last part (apparently she has an even raunchier version, but I think that's under lock and key, she won't even let me see it!)

I hope you are more generous with your reviews this chapter, we love to hear your opinions!

Did you think Orophin was well…camp at the beginning of this chapter? (I did)

Do you think Rumil's argument with Haldir was justified?

What did you think of Laingalad's Ada's speech? Was he evil or nice?

In turn, you can feel free to ask us questions such as:

'Where is Laingalad?' 'Did she leave him?' 'Has she been abducted by orcs/trolls/Elladan and Elrohir/ Cerina?' Though we may not necessarily give you proper answers to those questions!

Anyway, I have to go get for a friend's 18th Birthday bash.

PiXiE