Chapter 8

Enough is Enough!

Merida's POV

I went back to Haldir that night. He was still in bed and I nodded in satisfaction. I put my bow down in the front of his talan and then went back to my own. I would not leave him until he was up and walking around again. All I brought back with me was the picture of my family. I needed to see that picture before I went to sleep, I knew not why I just did. Haldir was sleeping peacefully and I did not wish to wake him so I decided to sleep on the floor. I placed the picture on the table near me and looked at it.

"~Good night everyone. I love you.~" I whispered in Khuzdul.

I closed my eyes and quickly fell asleep. In my dream I was in Lothlorien, and I could see Haldir asleep, and myself as well.

"Merida."

I smiled and ran to hug my grandpa.

"I have missed you grandpa." I said.

"I am always with you, you know that. And I see that you have met someone who will protect you. An elf, you are just like your mother."

I scowled and he laughed.

"There is nothing wrong with that. He is a strong one too. I saw him fight the day that arrow struck him. He is a brave elf who does not fear pain or death. Even after he was hit by that arrow he continued to fight. Several elves are alive because of him. I can think of no better match for you."

I smiled and looked at Haldir's sleeping form.

"I love him grandpa. And he loves me."

"I know, I have seen that. Your connection with him is very strong."

I looked at him.

"That is something I still do not understand. How am I able to feel what he feels? To know when he is in danger?"

Grandpa smiled.

"I had the same connection with your grandmother, my Tawariell. She always knew when I was sad or hurting. She told me she could feel it in her own heart, as though she were just as sad and hurt as I. Our bond was so strong that no matter how far apart I was from her, it always felt as though she were right there beside me. I know your mother and father have same bond and you will with this elf as well." He took my hands. "Trust him Merida, believe in him and his love for you and it will never fail you. Nor shall you ever be alone. I approve of your choice of him and I know your father will as well."

I winced.

"He does not like him does he?"

"No, the same as I did not like your father when he fell in love with your mother. There were times I wanted to take his head off, but your father saved my life countless times. Someday I will tell you that story. But now…"

He stopped and looked behind me. I turned and saw Haldir get out of the bed. He saw me on the ground and shook his head. He picked me up and placed me on the bed and pulled the blanket over me. He kissed my temple and whispered,

"I love you Merida."

I smiled and then he walked to the picture of my family. He picked it up and smiled.

"~I wonder what happened to this little girl." he looked at me. "She has grown into a beautiful princess with a kind and loving heart, a free spirit and a deadly hand.~"

He walked back and put the pictured on a side table closer to me. He then put on his tunic and a new pair of trousers and left. I looked back at my grandpa.

"He will always take care of you. And you must always be there for him."

I nodded.

"I will be."

He hugged me and kissed my forehead.

"Now it is time for you to wake up. The sun will rise soon and your bow is waiting."

I smiled.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

He disappeared and I opened my eyes. I sat up.

"Haldir?" I called.

There was no answer. I assumed he left the talan. I stretched, yawned and then retrieved my bow. I went to my talan and freshened up and put on fresh cloths and then went to the practice fields. I expected to find Haldir there but he was not. I wondered where he could have gone.

Haldir's POV

I went to Rumil's talan and woke him.

"~Haldir you may enjoy being up this early but I do not.~"

"~I have…..a favor to ask.~"

He raised his brows and smiled in interest.

"~And what favor is that dear brother?~"

"~You are the only artist I know who is skilled enough to fulfill my request. I wanted you to paint a picture of Merida and myself. Not for me but for her. She has a picture of her family and I can see it brings her comfort. I want her to have something to remind her of me when she goes home.~"

"~Do you think I have not already done this?~"

I turned and looked at him. He got out of bed and went to a nearby trunk. He produced a beautiful painting of Merida and myself. Her arms were around me and I was looking up into her eyes. I smiled.

"~It is wonderful Rumil. You have always had a gift. But I need one that can fit inside a frame and be carried.~"

He sighed and preened to be annoyed.

"~Is nothing I do ever good enough?~"

I smirked and shook my head.

"~You know it is.~"

He laughed and promised he would make a smaller version of the painting. The sun was just starting to come up and I knew Merida would be doing archery. I smiled and set out for the practice fields.

Legolas' POV

With Merida's 19th birthday only 7 months away, and Dain constantly asking where she was, Maetharanel was stressed and tired. She had less patience than usual and the smallest things would set her off. Something was more than wrong with her these past few weeks though. She slept like a dwarf and ate like one, and there were times when she would just cry. For no certain reason.

I finally had a healer come and look at her. She smiled and pat her back.

"She is in perfect health, she is with child."

My eyes widened and Maetharanel smiled and started to cry. After a minute I smiled and went and kissed her. I hoped to have another daughter, but I would be proud to have a son. A guard knocked on the door and I groaned.

"My lady queen! Dain approaches."

Anger burned in me and I looked at Maetharanel. My eyes widened and she stood up and walked out the door. She had a sword in her hand.

Maetharanel's POV

I had had enough of Dain! Because of him my daughter had been forced to leave her own home! I was done dealing with him. He was already in the throne hall when I got there. He looked at me with that smug smile.

"Ah cousin, has the little princess returned home from….."

I did not slap him, I punched him square in the face.

"I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU!"

He looked at me with unmistakable anger.

"How dare you…."

"SHUT IT! Because of you my daughter was forced from her own home! Ever since my father's death I have been trying to be a good queen! But in doing so I have lost myself and I let the love of my life leave me for 3 years. You have NO power over me or any say in the future of Merida! I have been letting you control what I do but no more! You are banished from Erebor and so are your people! You will never have the throne Dain! I am immortal and so is my daughter! Legolas may never be king and should Merida choose an elf then he may not be either! But my daughter will be a queen if she wishes it! If you want war then by all means send an army! I will take them out myself! But do not ever come back here! If you do I WILL kill you!"

He stood up and without another word he left. I took a deep breath and then turned and looked at Legolas and the rest of my family.

"It is over."

Legolas came forward and took me in his arms.

"I always knew you had it in you my love. Now our Merida can come home and never have to worry about Dain again."

I smiled and hugged him tightly.

Merida's POV

With Haldir recovered, I went back to my talan. That day a letter came to me from my father. I opened it and read it.

Merida,

Your mother has dealt with Dain! You will never have to deal with him again, nor do you have to marry anyone anymore. Come home now Merida. Come home.

Your Papa

8 months ago I would have been jumping with joy. Now my heart was breaking. Tears started to stream down my face and I dropped the letter. I ran and did not stop.

Haldir's POV

Rumil had finished the painting and even put a frame around it. I thanked him and then went to Merida's talan. However when I got there she was gone. Her bow and quiver were there so I knew she was not out practicing. I saw a letter on the floor. I picked it up and when I read it I felt a sharp pain in my heart.

Merida's POV

I stopped at the lake Haldir had saved me at. I knelt down and started to cry. After a few minutes I felt a sharp pain in my heart. I cried out in pain and clutched my chest.

"Haldir!"

I stood up and ran back to find him. He was not at the practice field or in his talan. I decided to check my talan. He was there sitting in a chair with the letter in his hand. He stood up and I ran into his strong arms.

"~I do not want to be parted from you.~" I cried.

His own voice shook with sadness.

"~I do not want you to go either, but Erebor is your home. Your family is there and it is where you belong. I want you to be happy Merida.~"

I stopped crying and looked up into his eyes. I put my hand on the side of his face.

"~I can feel it, all your pain and fear of being alone again. I do not want you to feel that way Haldir my love.~"

He said nothing, he just kissed me. I wound my arms around him and kissed him back with a fiery passion. I could feel his desire and love for me. I knew I had to go home, but I would not leave without giving myself to him. We pulled away and looked into each other's eyes.

"Merida…."

I put my finger to his lips. I pulled him back towards my bedroom and the started to kiss him again. His tongue slid into my mouth and I moaned. He picked me up and placed me on the bed. His lips never left my skin as he climbed on top of me. I started taking off his tunic and he did not stop me. He pulled back only so I could lift it from him and toss it aside. My eyes greedily roamed his body. I had longed to see him since I first met him. His chest was flawless and there was not a single hair upon it. He kissed me again and I ran my hands all over his chest, feeling every inch of him I could. His skin was soft and smooth beneath my fingers. I wrapped my arms around him and felt his strong back and shoulders. He started to kiss down my jaw to my neck and then just above my shoulder.

"Oh Haldir!"

He sucked my neck and I gasped. His hands played with the hem of my tunic and then went beneath the fabric. He stroked my skin and playfully danced across my abdomen. Finally he lifted it up until it was off and tossed somewhere. He kissed my body gently yet passionately. He pulled off my trousers and then my bindings. I was naked before him and I wanted to feel his skin against mine. He leaned back and I sat up and untied his trousers. I pushed them down and his erection came free. He kicked them off and then he was on me again. The moment his skin made contact with mine I felt as though I were on fire. One of his hands began to massage my breast and I moaned his name loudly.

"You are so beautiful Merida! Every inch of you." he breathed.

"I love you Haldir!" was all I could manage to say.

He kissed the base of my throat and then his mouth closed around one of my breasts. I cried out in pleasure and hoped no one had heard me. His tongue flicked over the hardened nipple and I clutched the sheets. He moved back to my lips and stroked my inner thigh. I had never done anything like this, and I hoped I could give him as much pleasure as he was giving me. I ran my leg up his and reached down and stroked his hard member.

"Oh Merida!"

I smiled and he looked into my eyes.

"Are you ready for me my beloved?"

"Yes Haldir! Take me!" I begged him.

He positioned himself above me and then slowly began to slide inside. He shoved himself forward and I cried out.

"Did I hurt you!?" he asked alarmed.

I smiled and shook my head.

"No my darling you have not. I never expected this to feel so good, feel so right."

He smiled at me and kissed my lips again. His tongue danced with mine and I took his hand in mine. He started to move in and out. At first it burned a little, but after a few more seconds it was only pleasure I felt. He started to move faster and thrust harder. I was moaning and crying his name. He pumped into me harder and faster with each thrust. My moans only seemed to spur him on.

"You are perfect Merida!" He moaned.

I could not answer him. I only kissed him and held onto his hand. I could feel his love for me! I loved this ellon with all my heart and soul, and I knew he loved me just as much if not more. I felt a strange sensation fill my body and with a cry I came hard. He reached down and rubbed me and then he too came. His movements slowed until them came to a complete stop. He looked at me and I twirled a lock of his soft hair with my finger. He smiled and took my hand and kissed each finger.

"~I love you so much Merida. I will always love you no matter how far you are from me. No matter what happens I will always be with you, forever.~"

Tears came to my eyes and he wiped them away with his thumb.

"~No tears. Look at me Merida.~"

I looked into his eyes and he kissed my cheeks and then kissed away the remaining tears.

*"Mela en' coiamin." he whispered.

I looked at him.

*"A'maelamin."

He smiled and then lay down and pulled the blanket over us both. I cuddled up in his arms and he kissed my head.

"~Sleep Merida. I will be here with you all night.~"

"Amin mela lle Haldir O Lorien."

"Amin mela lle Merida."

I closed my eyes and let sleep take me in its warm and comforting arms.

*Love of my life.

*My beloved.

*I love you Haldir of Lorien.

*I love you Merida.