Chapter 3

Miner's Waterfall

Gentle chirps roused the sleepy Elven King from his fitful slumber. Daybreak blurred the residual images of a raven haired temptress with pearly skin, her plump pink lips wrapped around his swollen member. This sole image had his arousal jutting out from his body creating a tent under the bed sheets and Thranduil rolled out of the bed to walk off his predicament. Wandering through his chambers, he spotted a large painting of himself and his wife, his son's mother. She wore a pleasantly fitted white gown with a bouncing Legolas on her lap. The vivid detail of the painting reeled in old memories from hundreds of years ago, her white blond hair, much like his own, swishing behind her as he chased after his devious little wife. He smiled sadly at the memory, knowing that her absence has caused so much pain for him, for their son. Thranduil had promised her, the last time they spoke, her eyes rimmed with unshed tears.

"When I'm gone, you have to be both of us for Legolas." Her voice cracked at the mention of her son, "you have to be strong yet loving. Firm but caring. A father and a mother."

Thranduil shook his head, trying to rid his mind of the memory but he knew she was right. Legolas needed both kinds of love and he could not deliver. Thranduil grew up without a mother and he knew the implications and feelings and needs that a motherless child requires. But how can an Elf who grew up without a mother's love, give a mother's love? He knew the answer and felt guilty that he let his wife go, effectively stopping the potential happiness only a mother can give.

How can he be a mother, father and most of all, a King? Disappointing Legolas by sending him away from the council meeting was another blow to his parenting skills. Thranduil fell back on his mattress, his erection long gone. This elleth he saw on the balcony was a distraction from what needs to be done. Legolas needs both parents so he does not end up like his father, alone and broken. To be both parents, Thranduil had to be caring and loving but strong and firm.

Thranduil called upon his valet and was quickly bathed and dressed for the day. Fardir, the valet, had aptly informed his king that a certain Elf Prince had drunk too much last night before the Captain of the Guard rescued him from public humiliation. Sighing, Thranduil ordered a cup of White Remedy to be sent to Legolas to soothe the inevitable hangover and sent a message for him to not bother coming to breakfast, if he even wakes up early enough to have it. Firm but caring.

Heading off to his private solar, the King erased all thoughts of this tempting mistress and threw himself into his days' work.

He inhaled deeply, the curious mix of woodland flowers and something sweet wafted deep into his nose.

"Nienna." He whispered, turning toward the smell. He dug his nose in the source of the scent, the grainy material rubbing against his skin.

"Huh?" He muttered when he opened his eyes and realised that he was nuzzling his green outdoor cloak. Sighing he rolled over, flipping his fair hair away from his face, when all of a sudden a splitting headache wracked through him. It throbbed in his skull and Legolas had to bite his lip to hold the scream of pain that threatened to escape. He grasped his pounding head, willing the pain to subside when he noticed a tall glass filled with a cloudy liquid sitting atop his bedside table. Sitting up, he picked up the glass and found a note under it.

Prince Legolas,

Please accept The White Remedy from his Royal Highness for your current ailment. He also sends his regrets that he cannot break the fast with you this morning.

Kindest Regards

Fardir, on behalf of His Royal Highness, King Thranduil

Sighing, Legolas downed the glass and set it aside, tossing the note onto the floor. His headache began to fade and Legolas internally thanked his father for the remedy and letting him sleep in; he considered that it must be his father's way of apologising. Sighing, Legolas glanced behind him to the green cloak laying crumpled between the sheets. It had stayed there after it dried and he used it for...recreational purposes in his bed. Leaning over the mattress he brought the material to his nose and sniffed deeply. The mere fibres of the fabric were permeated with her delicious smell which brought back memories of last night. The crippling disappointment of her absence washed over him like a wave and he wished he hadn't raised his hopes like that.

Stifling his feelings, Legolas rose from the bed, daylight streamed through the windows and Legolas caught his reflection in the mirror. His tunic and breeches were loosed, his shoes were strewn on the floor and his silver crown lost amoung the bed sheets.

Tauriel

It wasn't the first time she had to prep him for bed and he was grateful for her. He manoeuvred his way around his room when he noticed a thick booklet sitting on his table. Picking it up he saw the typical markings of a patrol report, probably a product of yesterday's meeting.

Skimming through the pages he noted he was put for patrol duty tomorrow night before closing it and dropping it back onto the table.

Legolas stood still in his bed chamber, his eyes focused on a point on the other side of the room as his mind began to wander. The empty glass, Fardir's note, his cloak and the patrol report seemed to fade as if he hadn't just interacted with them. He envisioned a stream, long and winding, that meandered through tall beech trees. In front of him was a black haired elleth whose wet dress clung to her every curvature, her startled green eyes tucked under a fringe of dark lashes.

"Nienna." He murmured and the delicious smell of her cascaded around him, pouring over his body like a waterfall.

Returning to reality, the forest outside filled with the soft chirping of birds, Legolas realised something. There was no elleth, in all Middle Earth, who had captivated him so and he would fight for her, until she was his.

Standing before Nienna's door, Legolas held his clenched fist mere millimetres away from the wood. He inhaled deeply, astounded that her unique scent lingered even outside her chambers, and marvelled at its smell. Legolas' fist trembled, worried about how his presence affected her. She was afraid of him yesterday, will she feel the same today? Nervously, he pressed a pointed ear against the door and heard muffled footsteps accompanied by some faint humming. Closing his eyes, Legolas focused on the bright, lilting sound of her voice as she sung an unfamiliar tune.

He pushed back off the door and gathered strength. If he wanted her, he was going to get her.

*Knock knock*

The humming halted immediately, followed by shuffling and the clink of a door handle being pulled down.

Legolas wished he'd braced himself as he looked upon Nienna. Her hair, now dry, hovered about her face like a black cloud with deep green eyes piercing through. Her luscious pink lips were slightly parted in surprise but it was Legolas who was truly shocked. Shocked that he was ever going to give up on such a beautiful elleth.

"I've never heard that tune," Legolas said, feigning confidence, "Is it Elvish?"

"My Prince!" Nienna said with a quick courtesy, her heart pounding in her ears. "It's a song of the Rohirrim. Lady in the Field, I believe."

Legolas nodded in assent. Nienna stood to the side in a silent permission for the Prince to enter, her heart still thudding violently. This was it, the moment he punished her for disobeying him. She did not attend the Ball as he had asked and now she was going to pay for it. She knew the protocol but she was still wary, her fear evident on her pale face.

"Nienna," he said and pushed through the door into her humble living room. A set of padded wooden benches surrounding a brick fireplace with walls lined with books.

"You've taken up residence in a library?" Legolas joked. Nienna blushed and dipped her head in embarrassment.

"I've been fond of books, mainly geographical ones, since I was a child."

Legolas nodded and turned toward the elleth. Nothing would have prepared him for the sight of her red stained cheeks and glassy green eyes. Her lithe body draped in a pleated sheer material that seemed to float around her. Trying to maintain some composure, Legolas stepped forward toward her.

"You did not attend the Ball last night." Legolas stated, his voice stern. Nienna bent her head in fear of his tone. His gaze penetrated through her, he could hear her shallow, fearful breathing and knew she was afraid; he couldn't stand seeing her like that.

"Do you..did you not want my kiss?" His demeanour had faltered incredibly, the doubts and insecurities borne of last night now plain to see for Nienna. Taken aback by his almost pleading tone, she struggled to find a suitable response. Did he not want to punish her?

"My Prince, I was too ill to attend. My..our," Nienna struggled to find the right words to use, she did not want to irritate him and worsen her punishment, which she was sure to come. "The..um…dip in the stream caused my malady."

Legolas stayed silent, contemplating her response.

"Why did you not dry off? A simple remedy to that situation."

"I..I wanted to but your kiss distracted me so…" Nienna said, her voice barely above a whisper. She waited for him to get angry, raise his voice and hurt her.

"Why did my kiss distract you?" He asked, swallowing in anticipation of her answer. Nienna looked up, her face a picture of confusion. Was this a trick?

"Because I couldn't stop thinking about it."

Legolas released a breath he did not know he was holding. Nienna watched him carefully, his reaction was strange, unpredictable and it set her on edge. As a few moments passed, Legolas burst into a fit of laughter. Nienna grew wide-eyed and afraid.

"My Prince, I did not mean to offend you, if I co-,"

"Offend me? Oh, Nienna, you have no idea what kind of hell you put me through when you did not attend last night. I thought…well it does not matter what I thought, it was misinformed. I am glad you enjoyed my kiss." He said with a grin.

"My apologies, your Grace, I will no-."

"Nienna," an involuntary shudder passed through her and Legolas internally smirked, "I would like the pleasure of taking you to the forest today."

Nienna stayed silent, confused by his reaction.

"You are not angry with me?"

"No Nienna, no. I do not think I could ever be angry with you."

Glancing to her small table, beside a ceiling high book case, lay the engraved cover of The Miner's Waterfall. Its location was a little far out from the Palace but Nienna knew with every ounce of her being that the trip would be worth it.

"If possible, my Prince," she muttered, her eyes cast to the ground, "I would like to visit the Miner's Waterfall."

Legolas did not reply and when Nienna looked up at him, he seemed as though he was calculating something, weighing up options.

"Yes, it can be possible," he replied half-heartedly, "pack a picnic and we shall make a day of it."

Nienna responded with a full blown grin and Legolas could not help but return it, despite the nagging feeling in the back of his mind.

"I'll come back in an hour, prepare a basket of food."

He took a tentative step forward but Nienna did not move. He leaned in slowly, his piercing blue gaze locked on her deep jade pools. Just a hair's breadth away from their lips touching, her eyes closed, lips puckered in anticipation.

"You are so beautiful, Nienna." He whispered before pressing his lips against hers. She moved forward, deepening the kiss, relishing in its warmth. Her hands snaked their way up his lean body to wrap around his neck while he joined his hands at the small of her back. Her slender fingers tangled themselves in his hair, the silky strands twirling around her wandering digits. Their kiss melted into an all-encompassing embrace, their laboured breaths filling the distance between them.

"Legolas..." She purred and she felt his body shiver.

"Yes, Nienna, I want you to always say my name like that."

Nienna blushed and turned her gaze to the floor.

"I should prepare lunch, I'll see you in an hour." She said breathlessly, unhooking her hands from his hair.

Legolas nodded before turning to leave; as he closed the door he smiled to himself.

Soon, he thought, soon she will be mine.

The walk was long and tedious accompanied by the rhythmic tapping of Legolas' sword against his hip. The sun was high in the sky and breeched the tree tops with all its might, littering little specks of light on the forest floor. Nienna kept remembering the kiss and was still swimming in the after-effects, the warmth surrounding her like his cloak.

Soon they passed a clearing, encircled in thick brush very similar to their cove by the stream and the pair glanced slyly at each other at the memory of their meeting before falling in a fit of laughter.

"My Princ-."

"Please, call me Legolas!" He said, exasperated.

"Sorry, Legolas, what were you doing in that tree?" She asked.

"I was walking back from a patrol and I saw you. You looked like you were asleep so I just wanted to see you without...disturbing you." He said with a smile and Nienna followed.

"If that's how you don't disturb people then I'd love to see when you do!" She laughed and Legolas playfully nudged her.

They reached the other end of the clearing and into a narrow path densely lined with greenery. Legolas had to pull out a small dagger to cut through the branches to make a clearer path. The gentle splashing of water over rocks started to amplify around her and Nienna curled her toes in excitement.

When they broke through the path all they could see was the waterfall as it stretched from edge to edge, pouring over tall, smooth grey rocks. They stood in awe of its beauty, pretty white flowers grew in dotted places in the cracks between the rocks and the small rock pool surrounding the waterfall was a deep, glassy blue. Nienna's breath caught in her throat, the sheer size of the waterfall was completely unexpected and the splashing of water hitting rock reminded her of Rivendell, of home. Recalling the book, Nienna walked toward the waterfall's edge, bending low as if looking for something, her black hair creating a curtain around her face.

"Nienna, careful!" He yelled.

"Legolas, the path! It goes behind the waterfall!" She yelled in return. Grasping his wrist, she pulled him along the path as it snaked behind the waterfall. The uneven steps were difficult to walk over but she didn't care because they were getting close. Up ahead was the infamous glimmer that she had read about in the book, its tell tale amber shine lighting the space between the water and rocky wall. Her eyes grew wider at the mythical glow as they passed further behind the water, little droplets dropping on their heads.

"See!" She pointed toward the red and amber glowing that grew the more they walked toward it, "this is why they call it the Miner's Waterfall! There are rubies and topazes embedded into the walls!"

They stood at the mouth of the cave, entranced by the luminescent glowing of the gems, with the cascading waterfall pouring behind them and their hands entwined. Legolas recognised the cave instantly, but knew the cave under a different name, Gael Lanthir. He remembered coming here with Tauriel when they were young. Nienna turned to Legolas, distracting him from his reminiscing, her heart thudding from the excitement at visiting a treasured monument in Middle Earth's geography and felt as though she were having an epiphany. He came to her, sweet and caring and he never wanted to hurt her. It was a strange feeling, not being afraid, it gave her hope.

"I can smell 'em." Someone yelled, it's voice was gravelly and it resonated through the cave. "Little Elves, I can smell 'em."

Nienna turned to Legolas, wide eyed with fear. "What is that?" She asked.

Gripping the handle of his sword, he replied, "Orcs."

The sound of the heavy footfall of the orcs thundered through the cave and Legolas pushed Nienna behind him, pressing her into the walls where she could feel the strong vibration of their movements. His long, muscled torso pressed against her breasts, his taut buttocks nestled into the cradle of her hips. He kept pushing back until all Nienna could focus on was the searing heat of his body that now was engulfing her. This heat was so familiar, accompanied by his musky, heady scent, it roused a fierce longing inside her. It started an insatiable rush that had laid dormant for eight months but it surged through her as if nothing had changed.

"Legolas...", said Nienna breathlessly, "I can't… please..."

She clamped her legs together, her wanton body readying itself like always.

"Legolas!" She pleaded.

"Nienna, I will protect you, please trust me." Legolas replied and Nienna internally crumbled. She did not want his body to protect her at this current moment.

They stayed in this same position until the marching subsided and the only sounds in the cave were their laboured breathing. He pushed off of her and in turn picked her up from the wall where she looked as though she was in terrible pain.

"Are you unhurt?" He asked. Nienna only managed to nod in return, her body warm and demanding to be filled.

"They must have moved on, we should move too." He tugged her wrist and they fell into a full sprint. Nienna struggled to keep up, his long legs creating too wide strides. Passing silently under the waterfall back down the path, Nienna looked behind her one time to see the faint glow of the gems a final time. They headed in the direction of the palace and when they reach a familiar clearing Legolas halted. He noted the tracks on the ground, the grass was disturbed and flattened, an obvious sign that the Orc group had passed through recently. Legolas grasped the thick handle of his sword and unsheathed it, the blade glinting in the light. Nienna, burning with the embers of her arousal, was momentarily taken aback by the sword. Obviously Elvish with inscriptions lining the cool metal from edge to edge, a bespoke sword for a worthy swordsman.

All at once, the brush surrounding the clearing began to rustle and a malicious laugh resounded through the small space. Nienna eyed the opening at the far side and nudged Legolas, hinting the way out to him. He grabbed Nienna again and scurried to the opening when an oversized, sweaty orc with a head shaped like a ginger root jumped from the brush and blocked their exit.

"He weren't lying, there is a pretty little elf girl!" He yelled to the supposedly empty clearing as he ran his eyes unabashedly over Nienna's body. The action was enough to have Nienna imagining the ugly orc thrusting deep into her, feral moans ripped from his disfigured throat with her lying completely at his will. She turned away from the orc's gaze, her thoughts turning into unabated lustful desires.

"See, I gots a good eye," another orc from their right said as he came out of the brush, "look at her mouth, it would look good around my cock."

Nienna felt overwhelmed by the fresh surge of imagery, she could feel the orc's thick head plunging into her wet, hot mouth. She saw his impatient face when she looked upwards as he tried to push himself deeper; the action felt so real that Nienna gagged behind Legolas, her throat closing in on itself. No..no, not now…Nienna fought the internal battle with herself, she was different now, she knew better.

"See, Orc, she finds you revolting. Now step away before I kill you." Legolas stated, his sword raised high, poised for attack.

Suddenly more orcs came forth from the brush, until there was a pack of seven of them all forming a circle around the two elves. Nienna clutched onto Legolas' tunic, a soft prayer on her lips, when the ginger root orc lunged at them. Legolas threw himself in front of Nienna, blocking the orc from touching her. Their swords met with a loud clang as both amassed as much strength to throw the other off but Legloas swung his leg out to trip the orc before slitting his throat.

"Leave us be and I shall let you live," promised Legolas as he inched forward to the gap in the clearing, tugging Nienna with him but the orcs followed.

"Killing him made us more bloodthirsty, elf, you can't fight all of us. Give us the pretty thing and you just might leave with your life." A tall pale orc countered before five orcs descended on them. Legolas pushed Nienna behind him and engaged with the orcs, swinging his sword with accuracy and delivering killing strokes quickly. Nienna stood mesmerised by his skill, she knew the Prince would have had the best training but to see him in action was enthralling. Suddenly, a large hand covered Nienna's mouth and a body pressed behind her.

"He'll be busy awhile, he won't notice." Nienna confusedly looked behind her before she felt it. His hard, stocky cock dug into her back and it elicited the most instinctual act to her Elvish body. She grinded on him. The orc released a guttural moan, moving his hips in return when Nienna used this distraction to bite down on the Orc's hand and break out of his grip. The orc roared angrily and grabbed his sword then hit her across the head with the handle. Nienna fell to the floor dazedly and the orc grabbed her legs, wrenching them open with ease.

"Pretty elf wants to play games," he said untying his fly, pulling out his semi-erect penis, "so why don't you play with this?"

Nienna struggled but her earlier arousal still lingered between her legs and when the orc ran his deformed fingers through her slick channel, he laughed smugly.

"I got myself a pretty little Elvish whore." He muttered to himself and as he readied his stance to enter the semi-conscious elleth, Legolas appeared and sliced open the orc's throat.

"Scum." He mumbled. He threw the orc off Nienna's body and kneeled over her, his gold spun hair falling around his face.

"Nienna? Can you hear me?" He shook her and Nienna rolled her eyes from side to side, trying to evade the darkness but eventually gave in.

"Nienna, no!" Legolas cried but before he could think of helping her a strong blow struck him off his feet and Legolas immediately engaged the culprit. Legolas lunged at the orc but his sword was blocked, the impact sending a strangling pain through his wrist. Switching the sword to his other hand, Legolas sliced through the air to impale the orc and lowered his sword, letting its twitching body slide off the blade into a pool of blood on the floor. He rubbed his wrist which felt like it was inflaming and turned to Nienna who lay lifeless on the ground behind him. Slowly, Legolas lifted the elleth, wincing at the pain in his wrist and began running toward the palace.

"Nienna, stay with me." he pleaded, his wounded wrist bearing her delicate weight and every slight movement it made caused him to wince. "We're almost there." He said, more to himself than her.

The forest was thickening, which was a good sign, the Elves liked to keep their borders hidden so as to not attract unwanted attention. If there was one thing that could describe wood-elves, it was their hostility to strangers. Finding a break in the bush, Legolas waded through and the palace was now in full view.

Thranduil hurried through the Palace doors with guards flanking him. His face a mask of worry and fear, he saw his son, his fair hair bobbing toward them, holding a familiar elleth in his arms.