Chapter 6

Revelation

Cruel and mutinous he crushed her, his legs pinning hers strategically so that her body was immovable. The stench, far fouler than anything she'd smelt, loomed over her like the orc. She knew their methods and how they liked to take her. Her eyes were a beautiful curse so they always laid her on her back for their assault. Suddenly the image changed, grey skin morphed into paleness and armour melted into worn wool slacks.

"You pay upfront Rigean," a burly arm pressed on his shoulder.

The man above her, a tall broad-shouldered peasant from a little way away from their cottage, dug into his pocket for coin and tossed it at Erir. Nienna was breathless, she knew he was dead but seeing him again after so long was staggering. However, the moment was short-lived, Rigean knocked off the arm and quickly tugged at her undergarments.

"I never do this, I never 'urt a lass," his expression almost concerned and his fingers pressed at her womanhood, "but I know you beg for it and you want it more than I do."

His fingers released and he held his liquid glistening fingertips in front of her, as if he found evidence of her lust. He gripped her thigh, his gaze pointed at her.

"Tell me you wan' it."

Nienna mustered her innocent flush, knowing her green eyes glittered with desire. "Please, I want you inside me."

Rigean smiled, they always did, before plundering into her. Her eyes closed and she yielded…

Her chest fluttering in anguish and eyes darting across the room, she understood that it was a dream. A nightmare formed from a memory. A memory… It seemed a lifetime ago almost as if it had never happened. Erir. Erir. She recalled him nigh perfectly, strong farmer of the Wilderland, a lost man at the mercy of debt. She hated the thought of her life with him, she reeled back from the feeling of the men he brought to her.

But then she sensed it, its throbbing vibration dancing on her skin. She never understood her connection to it but it always called to her when she needed to just, disappear.

It was like a white spot on a black canvas, its presence dominating all. She made her way toward the drawer, even in pitch dark she knew its exact location because of its power. A strange irony to be the only noticeable object in her room.

Sliding the drawer open, streaming moonlight glinted off the sculpted edges, Nienna picked up the small, pearly trinket. Its effect was instantaneous and as she walked up to her full-length mirror, she saw no pale eyes returning her gaze, no satin covered body in the reflection.

The trinket she held in her hands was the only physical proof any of it ever happened. Even in the dim moonlight she could read the inscription by Master Elrond. Years had worn away the delicate curves of his Elvish but she knew, she remembered.

The remnants of her dream now sat idly in her mind, images of Erir's face as he poured over debt invoices trying to find another way to pay them off…

She recoiled again, certain that his presence in her dreams was just coincidence and there was only one who could save her. Forever.

Nienna slipped the Invisibility trinket into the pocket of her nightdress and walked out of her room, gently shutting the door behind her. Quietly and carefully, she proceeded up the winding staircases until she reached Legolas' floor. His guards were whispering outside the white double doors of his chambers. She walked slowly toward them keeping her footsteps quiet until she was almost standing before them.

"Orcs roaming in packs! Captain Tauriel has the entire guard doing shifts on the borders!" The burlier guard said, exasperated.

"We'll be fine, orcs have been in the area before and it has never been anything we can't handle."

Nienna listened carefully swallowing back the memory of the Orc attack.

"You don't get do you? Something has changed, something is happening! I haven't seen Orcs this organised since… well..."

Their heated verbal sparring provided ample distraction from the gentle tapping of her feet and swish of her nightgown. She slipped between them, pushing the chamber door handle down slowly and silently before sneaking in.

Nienna was aware of the Orcs regrouping efforts, she had seen them in the Wilderland in their packs pillaging and swarming some of the smaller villages of the Rohirrim. Their reorganising this far north suggested their epicentre is relocating, perhaps they were hiding? Or expanding? Mirkwood stretched through thousands of trees, thousands of creatures that even the King did not know all who dwelled there.

Her light handedness set the trinket by the door without any noise and she draped her nightdress over a nearby chair. Sweet Legolas, eyes fluttering and softly breathing, lay wrapped up in bed sheets which revealed peeks of his contoured chest and back. Naked and unafraid she approached his bed, careless of the noise she made. Legolas startled, reaching for the bedside table before staring. Just staring. The streams of morning light lit up her pale Elvish skin, revealing her every intimate secret. The fading red finger imprints around her neck, her lithe scarred limbs, her marred breasts, and the long scar at her inner thigh. Marred but not ugly, the exposing light did little to hide her beauty and soon Legolas disregarded the busy canvas of flesh and beckoned her close.

Nienna bade his command, strands of black hair glinting and swirling around her body.

"Prince", unbeknownst to her, her bright green eyes sparkled as she spoke, "I found it difficult to sleep last night."

She presented a perfect picture of demure beauty, she seemed too ethereal under the glow, mesmerising and angelic.

"So, you thought it prudent to invade the private chambers of your Prince," he twirled a black lock around his finger, before using the digit to tip her chin upwards. 'I see you may need to be punished for such indiscretion."

Abased by his utterance of that word, punish. Her desire soared; he saw in her the flaws that plagued her throughout her life. The very same flaws that sent her parents away, that let Master Elrond release her to the wretches of Middle Earth with the pitiable trinket. He sees her worthy of punishment for her offensive nature yet adores her, returns to her. Nienna never believed evilness to be left to fester, yet the Prince punishes and embraces it.

"As you please, my Prince." Nienna breathed.

It was a breathless moment, Nienna and Legolas waited for the other to press forward and initiate. Something in Legolas' breathing, his hesitation was stunting. Was he waiting for her to make the move? Nienna waited, glancing over his body and seeing his faithful erection, she knew it was her choice. No force or coercion, she placed her hand on his on the soft mattress, the light of Mirkwood's bright morning in her eye. Legolas leaned into a breathless kiss, their fingers interlaced.

Nienna trembled, her lashes lowered at the feel of his body press into hers, so close that the tips of her breasts brushed against his chest, and the nearness forced her face to gaze up at him. They kissed again, Nienna more demanding of his royal mouth. Their bodies moved together, tangled in the bed battling to dominate the other. Legolas flicked his leg out to collapse the precocious elleth onto her back and he positioned himself between her parted legs. His fingers delved into her flesh, circling and rubbing, coaxing inexplicable pleasure. Her hands pushed against him but his fingers rubbed and explored so deep within her and yet he was only so close…

"Please Legolas, I can't wait any longer." Her voice strained under her shame in begging, not in a loss of dignity but in losing the battle of wills. Legolas only smiled and sought to torment her further. His veiny hand snaked behind her head and dragged his nails from the base of her scalp to the cap, grasping as much thick hair as he could. The trails of sparks his fingers elicited sent sharp delicious shivers down her body, drawing more deep sighs. He gently pulled, the grasp enough to sting but deliver more slick where Legolas thrust into. He savoured her face full of pleasure, he was dominating every part of her. Her pleasure nub throbbed and any usual feeling of depravity as she lay there in delicious torment was silenced. He kissed her fervently between strokes and held her face in his hands so as to stare into those green pools. Her senses swam as his mouth moved over hers, her fingers gripping on his taut flesh as she helplessly drowned in the heady kiss. He continued to move, her soft whimpers and moans spurring him forward, her body begging for more of that delicious friction…

The King reclined in his ornate, wooden seat, rubbing his temples as they throbbed under his touch. Sleep, or the lack of it, was the cause. His dreams were smothered in a particular shade of green that blinded him to madness.

The sun sat idly in the sky and the waiting was making his head ache more. Legolas was late again, and the King had no patience for it, a summons from Maeglin would not teach him the respect he is owed as his father and King. A quick glance to the imposing family portrait reminded Thranduil of chasing Legolas and reprimanding him for whatever offense he committed. His beloved wife could never bear to even raise her voice at their only son, such was her gentleness.

Rising from his seat, Thranduil felt rejuvenated with anger at his only son's insolence. He would drag Legolas from his bed and teach him a lesson he would never forget. And that elleth…Thranduil knew in every fibre of his being that he must find her. Those swirling eyes! He housed a temptress and tormentor in his own Halls and he would seek to subordinate the dark-haired elleth. The King called for servants to clear the overabundant breakfast and set off from the depths of his private chambers. He padded down the hall and out into the upper atrium. Guards stood to attention; eyes faced away from their King.

"You," commanded Thranduil, "where is your Prince?"

"Your majesty, he is in his private chambers."

Typical.

King Thranduil shouted orders about gathering another council meeting before racing down the great stairs toward Prince Legolas' chambers. As he approached the white double doors, he saw the nosey guards pressed their ears against the wood listening to the breathy moans of a woman in the throes of passion. So, Legolas would rather perform his princely duty between the thighs of some whore than discuss the orc infestation of the forest. The thoughtlessness of his own son brought his blood to boil, his anger effervescing.

"And what do you think you're doing?" The guards suddenly stood at attention, their shock stupefying their mouths.

"Well, we- erm – we heard and – well, Prince Legolas has a – erm- guest and we were just wondering – aha- erm how she got in because we were here all night and no one came to visit him, my King." The guard garbled his words but King Thranduil understood, his son snuck a whore into his room at such pivotal time in his romantic life. He knew there was a desire to see him settled and married before his ascension to the throne. Livid beyond belief, Thranduil headed to the doors, prepared to humiliate the testy Prince.

"My liege! My liege!" Yelled Tauriel from behind him, "the orcs have breached the West Gate, we must assemble."

The delicate moans still beat against the double doors, the bed squeaking incessantly. But Thranduil knew he needed to time to put on his armour and get Maeglin to fetch his sword. Banging on the door in frustration and torn between his son and his Captain, Thranduil turned to Tauriel.

"Get him out of bed and send him to me, assemble an initial attack force and we will join you within the hour." Tauriel nodded and let Thranduil pass her and watched him walk up to his chambers, she approached the white double doors and before she could rap on the door a familiar blonde face peered through.

"You knocking for me Tauriel?" Legolas' face was flush pink and he was out of breath.

"What are you doing in there? Your face looks so sweaty and gross…were you 'moving furniture' again?" Tauriel mocked. Legolas narrowed his eyes and mouthed 'get lost' to his Captain.

"King Thranduil wants to see you as soon as possible, you should probably mention your day labouring job." Legolas stuck his tongue out and slammed the door on Tauriel, releasing a breath she couldn't help but think about how much she loved him.

BANG

Nienna froze under Legolas, he instinctively threw a protective over her more irritated his morning activities were interrupted. The distinct thundering of his father's voice could be heard and Legolas quickly jumped out of bed covering his lower half in a billowy robe. Nienna drew the covers over her naked body and face more mortified than any time in her life. Surprisingly Tauriel's voice came through and soon enough the door closed, Nienna felt a familiar form sit on the bed and slowly draw the thin sheet over her face.

"I'm in a lot of trouble, Nienna." Her skin prickled and she smiled at Legolas' exasperation.

"I better get on, I don't mean to get you in more trouble." She said politely, a sudden realisation overwhelmed her. She had lain with the Prince, his hand had touched her and brought to life her innocence and naivety in love. He could be aggressive, but his hands also soothed her and she was so close to her peak it left her wanton. She was not shameless but unashamed in her feelings for Legolas.

"Get on? I'm not finished with you yet." It was some time before Legolas could get away.

A swirl of orange and red, the sky looked like a raging fire, the clouds like billowing smoke. Perched on a thick, curved tree branch, Tauriel and Legolas sat motionlessly; their sights set on a clearing known for its heavy Orc foot traffic.

The stillness of the forest, the leaves shrouding them in isolation, it was a perfect mix. Tauriel felt that particular feeling where you're alone with someone, the small sounds around them fading away, and you feel comfortable expressing your honesty. Opening up to vulnerability as such is a sign of weakness but with such beauty around them and with the world seemingly at ease, Tauriel found this encouraging.

"What do you think about love, Legolas?"

Legolas' ears twitched and he slowly turned to his partner, a befuddled expression on his face.

"I don't understand your question."

In all the years she had known him, the way the fiery summer night sky reflected off his blue eyes had always been her most favourite thing. It's how she imagines he sees her hair, a thought that spreads a heat deep within her.

"Tauriel." Her name brought her back to reality.

"I…uh…mean," she squirmed under Legolas' direct stare, "have y-you ever been in love?"

She clawed onto the possibility that he would understand the nature of her question, see through her words and confess his love to her. But a niggling feeling hung on her back, a doubt that he may not feel the same and feel alienated by the question. She could be risking their friendship but she needed to know!

"Wai-." She said to attempt avoid any disaster she had created but was instantly interrupted.

"Yes," he almost whispered, his gaze lifting to the raging sky. His mind's eye projecting the image of a black haired elleth lying under the morning sun, her arm dangling over the edge of the bank, "I think I am."

Eyes wide, mouth agape, Tauriel was stunned into silence. Legolas smiled softly to Tauriel and a feeling so sweet and satisfying gripped her. Suddenly, the loud clattering of armour startled them, and the moment was gone.

"Captain drop behind, and I'll close in on the side," Legolas ordered. Tauriel nodded and swung off the tree dropping silently behind the orc pack. They had keener senses than humans but none superior to the elf. Drawing an arrow and aiming it at the head of the largest orc, she held her stance at full charge while Legolas flew into their flank, arrows flying. Tauriel joined and soon the pack lay in a heap on the ground.

"This scroll in the fat one's pocket should fetch us some intel," Legolas handed the parchment to Tauriel, "make sure Maeglin gets this to father as soon as he transcribes it."

Legolas returned to the bodies, yanking his arrows from their still-warm flesh releasing wafts of fleshy steam from the arrow holes. Tauriel hated this part, even though the orcs would know who had killed their kin, it was best not to leave their higher ranked marksmanship behind.

More grunts and orc cries echoed in the distance and the two elves hoisted themselves back into the tree. The night engulfed the massacre that the patrolling elves inflicted on the hundreds of orcs that flooded between the trees. Their screams of pain reverberated between every space under the canopy, the Captain and Prince leading the assault. Tauriel twisted and flew between the packs, her blade slicing necks and limbs with ease until she dropped in front of a charging, overlarge orc. He stretched his mouth emitting a roar that revealed his long, pierced tongue. Her eyes narrowed and she took an arrow from a separated section of her quiver. He stomped toward her with incredible speed but Tauriel quickly released the arrow into his left arm which knocked him onto his back. Tauriel watched briefly as he lay howling, almost choking on his spit, and leapt back into the branches and back to the perch.

Legolas joined her above the trees, his clothes stained deep red and brown. "Good fight, I miss the old days when this was just target practice." He smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder, she reciprocated and thanked him.

"Morning will come soon, better sleep Prince." She patted his shoulder in a light dismissal and Legolas grinned before dropping to the forest floor.

"Not joining me, Captain?" Legolas inquired.

"I've still got arrows to pull, sleep well Prince." Legolas shrugged and darted off.

When she was sure Legolas was out of sight and earshot, Tauriel quietly crawled down the tree and walked toward a small clearing. Right where she left him, the orc was clutching his arm but his howls had turned to mewls. At the sight of her he hissed and attempted to crawl away. Tauriel closed the distance between them and bent down so that they were eye level. The orc snarled and growled but Tauriel grabbed his wide neck and squeezed until he choked.

"Orc, my arrow tips are dipped in poison and only I have the remedy. Follow me silently and I will spare you." Tauriel uttered this spiel with practiced confidence and released his neck.

The orc struggled as the poison burned his flesh as it traversed through the surrounding muscle. He faltered, bending over and leaning on his good arm, unable to stop the poison surging through every fibre. Looking up to the patient, arrogant Tauriel, he nodded and pushed himself up.

Tauriel unhinged a vial from the belt on her hips, "half now, to get you where I want you to go, rest when you complete the task. Don't think about crossing me, you need every drop of this antidote to live."

The orc nodded again, his surrender clear for Tauriel, and she yanked the protruding arrow clean from his arm. The yelp could have been audible from miles away. Tauriel pushed him onto his back, knee on his elbow and one hand on his shoulder. The orc was immobile as Tauriel spilled half the contents of the vial in the now empty arrow hole. The orc braced with laboured breaths for the pain but it had already begun to subside. Tauriel looked at the orcs face again noting the blue-gray shade of skin, the flat nose and disgusting sharpened teeth. Her curiosity piqued again, a sudden desire spiralled in her and she replaced the vial back on her belt. She roughly cupped his jaw, "open your mouth", she demanded.

The orc released his long, slick pierced tongue, the tip reaching well past his chin. A wry smile formed on Tauriel's face and she traced a curious finger across the silver knobs lodged in his flesh. She released her grasp and pulled the orc to his feet.

Sparing a look around the forest around them and finding it quiet and empty, she helped the hobbling orc down the winding leaf littered paths toward the Elven King's Halls.

A/N: Two reviews so far, very grateful for the feedback. I live off of reviews! Please comment and follow to keep updated on further chapters. Seven should be up in a couple weeks.