The Return

Disclaimer: All belongs to Tolkien except for my characters Roslyn and Maethor – they are my own creations and are not meant to resemble anyone else's OCs in any way.

A/N: Rated M peeps, you have been warned.

So this turned into a REALLY long chapter. I just couldn't find a good place to split it, but I'm sure you all won't mind lol. Anyway, think of this as an early Valentine's Day treat :)

Chapter 4: Politics

Roslyn briefly awoke in the early dawn, her mind still hazy with sleep. She felt the steady rise and fall of Thranduil's chest against her back and the weight of his arm draped over her waist. She closed her eyes again and let herself indulge in the moment. She imagined that he really loved her. That they were a couple and this was the way she woke up every morning. She smiled to herself as her mind drifted back to sleep.

…

A short while later, Thranduil cracked open his eyes, his heart fluttering at the sight of Roslyn still asleep in his arms. It was not often that he allowed sleepovers. He gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face and softly kissed her temple. All he wanted right then was to flip her over and make love to her.

I could get used to this.

As quietly as he could, he untangled himself from her body and stood up. Getting dressed, he soundlessly made his way out of the bedroom, his duties as king never ending.

…

Roslyn awoke again some time later, the still early morning sun weakly shinning through the window. She sat up and glanced around the empty room. Clutching the sheets to her chest, she suddenly began to feel embarrassed about the previous night. She got up quickly and walked into the bathroom, but her dress was nowhere to be found.

Grabbing Thranduil's robe off the chaise lounge, she walked back out. Throwing it over her shoulders and wrapping it tightly around her waist, she peeked out into the antechamber. Empty. She walked over to the beautiful breakfast that was laid out on the table and picked up a pastry.

Roslyn wasn't sure what she'd expected or hoped for this morning, but this wasn't it. She felt an anguished mix of emotions swirling in her stomach and knew she had to get out of there. She glanced out into the hall and found it empty as well. Taking the opportunity, she walked as fast as she could without running all the way back to her own room.

She stood with her back against the door, unable to eat the pastry that was still in her hand. Her heart thudded in her chest as she remembered her silly fantasy.

You are such a fool Roslyn.

…

It had barely been an hour since he'd left and Thranduil was already rushing back to his chambers, Roslyn's now clean dress in his hands. He was hoping to make it back before she'd woken, or at the very least, join her for breakfast. He walked through the antechamber and opened the doors to his bedroom. Empty.

His hands fell lamely to his sides as he looked upon the unoccupied bed, the outline of her small body still impressed in the sheets. He clenched his jaw and swallowed hard, trying to temper the feeling of utter disappointment that rippled through him. His heart twisted painfully for an instant.

You really are a fool.

Turning back around he walked over to the table and tossed the dress over an empty chair. Then he sat down and began to eat his breakfast alone.

…

Roslyn hadn't left her room all day. She was feeling out of sorts and didn't really know what to do with herself. On top of which, she was due to write another report and had nothing to put in it. She'd really just been playing around and hadn't even had a serious business conversation with Thranduil yet.

She groaned and threw herself down on her bed. Turning her head she buried her nose in the robe that lay there. It smelled just like him, woodsy and spicy. There was a hint of something else too, something she couldn't put her finger on – It just smelled like Thranduil.

Roslyn jumped back, feeling guilty as a knock sounded on her door. She nervously stood up to answer it, wondering who it might be. She started for a moment, finding Thranduil standing there, toying with the fabric of her dress.

"Oh."

He just looked at her for a moment before speaking, "I've come to return your dress. It was being laundered."

"Thank you," she said softly, "I was wondering where it had gone."

She flushed as she suddenly remembered her lost panties as well.

"And I suppose you'll need these too?"

He arched an eyebrow at her as he held out her underwear. She snatched the garment from him, feeling mortified.

"Yes, thanks," she said tightly.

"Well then, I suppose I'll leave you to it."

"Oh! Wait! I have something of yours as well."

Roslyn turned and walked back into her room. She laid her clothes down on the bed and grabbed the robe instead. She folded it haphazardly as she made her way back to him.

"Here, this is yours. I took it this morning since I didn't have anything else to wear."

His heart gave an inexplicable jolt as he looked at his robe in her hands. Slowly, he reached out and grasped the fabric, taking it from her.

"Ah yes. I figured you must have taken that."

His lips gave a little half smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Um, also…we need to talk."

"Oh?"

"Well, you know… all the politics and stuff. The reason why I'm here."

He blinked at her a few times before the wry smile returned to his lips.

"Of course. The reason why you're here. How could I forget. I'll arrange a time."

Before she could say anything else he had bowed his head to her and was turning to leave.

"Good day, my lady."

Roslyn closed the door behind him. She turned and pressed her back to the wood, sliding down to the floor. She didn't know what had come over her but she drew her knees up to her chest and began to cry.

What's wrong with you?! You haven't even slept with him! Why are you so emotional?!

And maybe that was the problem. She had prepared herself for sleeping with Thranduil. She had coached herself to let it just be sex and not become emotionally involved in the act. Yet the previous night had been something completely different. It was loving and intimate. It was Thranduil finally showing the softer side of him that she'd only had glimpses of during her previous visit. And for that, she had not been prepared.

…

Thranduil dropped off his robe in his room and then walked to his study. He was confused by the tumult of emotions inside of him. This was not something he was used to. He was trying, in the only way he knew how, to be more open and honest with Roslyn. Yet she kept running from him like a frightened rabbit.

He'd never had to chase a female like this before. Most were more than willing to come to him without much coaxing. He wasn't sure what to do anymore. Truth be told, he wasn't really sure he even knew what he wanted from her anymore. He grit his teeth together as a small part of him knew he was lying to himself.

His eyes refocused on the paper he was trying to write on. Just then, Maethor walked through the door and seated himself across from Thranduil's desk.

"So, how's it going?"

Thranduil refused to look at him, trying to concentrate on his work.

"Oh come, what have I done to deserve this kind of treatment?"

He sighed and set down his quill.

"You don't look too happy today."

"I am…frustrated."

"Like…sexually?"

Thranduil rolled his eyes, "Well yes, but that's not what I meant."

"Mmmm, I see."

"Do you now?"

Maethor sighed, "Oh Thranduil, why do you do this to yourself? I have told you repeatedly, tell her how you feel. Things would be so much easier for both of you."

"I'm not so sure. She seems uncertain now. Perhaps she does not wish for there to be anything more between us."

"Can you really blame her? After what happened last time? You told her you did not want her."

"That is not what I said!"

"But that is what she heard."

Thranduil groaned and rubbed his face with his hands.

"Be honest now, what do you want?"

"I don't know."

"Yes, you do."

One of the guards suddenly appeared in the door.

"Excuse me my lords, I don't mean to interrupt, but lady Tauriel is looking for you," he said to Maethor.

"Very well," then looking back at Thranduil, "Think about what I've said. Stop making things difficult for yourself."

He got up and left the king to his thoughts.

…

Roslyn needed to calm her mind. She needed to run or workout, something. So pulling on her exercise clothes that she'd brought with her, she made her way out to the practice range. There was no one else there so she took advantage and began going through some of her kickboxing workouts.

Too bad there's no punching bag here. That would be some good stress relief.

She continued her workout for about an hour. Finally feeling a bit relaxed she walked back inside.

"Ah, lady Roslyn! I have a message for you!"

Mirien hurried up to her so as not to yell.

"The king requests that you join him for dinner. He says that you may discuss whatever you wish with him at that time."

"Um, ok."

Roslyn's heart thudded as she wondered if this was such a good idea.

…

She stared at herself in the mirror, making sure she looked nice, but not suggestive. The dark amethyst dress she wore was flattering but had a modest neckline and a long row of buttons in the back.

Those should be a deterrent! She laughed to herself.

Finally feeling satisfied she made her way to Thranduil's chambers. She knocked on the door twice and waited for an answer.

"Enter."

She walked inside and closed the doors softly behind her. Thranduil chuckled as he looked at her.

"So you're knocking now?"

She flushed at his reaction, "I thought it was the polite thing to do."

"Please, sit," he gestured to the chair across from him.

She did as he asked and looked at the table in front of her, laden with delicious food. They sat there awkwardly for a heartbeat before filling their plates. Quietly, they ate their food. At last Thranduil broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Alright then, what is it that your superiors wish to say to me?"

Roslyn chewed thoughtfully for a moment.

"Well, I suppose they want you to allow a few more dignitaries into your kingdom. They'd like for you to share your wisdom and knowledge. And perhaps open some trade once you've established ties with various countries. Right now I think they view you as hostile."

"No."

Roslyn glared at him, "You didn't even think about it!"

"Of course I have. I have thought about this very carefully."

She continued to stare at him skeptically as she finished her plate.

"Come," he said as he grabbed his wine glass and made his way to one of the chairs in front of the fire.

Roslyn followed him, making herself comfortable in the other chair.

"As a king, I have to think first and foremost, about what is best for my people. You say you want me to allow 'a few more dignitaries' here. But a few, turns into hordes. It becomes a disruption. My people suddenly find themselves on display, objects to be studied and questioned. Then I have to think about everyone's safety. It is difficult enough to guard our borders in this ever-sick forest. Now I'll have to worry about the safety of another land's royalty. That is more Elven lives to gamble with. What I give to ensure their safe passage, I must take away from the watch on these very halls. And lastly, I risk war."

Thranduil paused and took a long draught of his wine before continuing.

"With the exploration of new lands and new people there is always greed, jealousy, and the desire to possess. First, a few will want to settle nearby. Then more will come. Next, they will try to push our borders back. And before long, we will be at war, fighting to hold on to what has always been ours. I refuse to let that happen. I refuse to even entertain that possibility. My people are happy here – undisturbed, prosperous and thriving. I intend to keep it that way."

Roslyn sat there quietly nursing her wine. She mulled over everything that he said. In truth, she did not have anything to say mainly because she agreed with him. She knew how he felt because she felt the same. Here, in these halls, she was in a little bubble. Tucked away from the rest of the world, from her hectic life in New York. Here she was at peace. What would it be like if there was a constant stream of strangers poking and prodding at everything? She finished off her wine and stood up to refill her glass. It had grown dark outside, the only light coming from the fire and several scattered candles.

"I suppose I can understand that," she finally spoke, "But what am I supposed to say to my boss?"

Thranduil got up and joined her.

(As The Rush Comes – Motorcycle)

"Tell him that as much as you tried, you could not convince me otherwise."

"But I didn't exactly try very hard," she laughed.

"And besides, he told me not to come back until I'd changed your mind."

"Well then, I suppose you'll just have to stay here."

He stood directly behind her now, his voice low and husky. Roslyn felt her heart skip as he reached around her and took the goblet from her hand, setting it down on the table. She felt him brush all her hair over her right shoulder. He was so close that she could feel the heat coming off of his body. She let her eyes fluttered shut as she felt his lips on the nape of her neck.

"Roslyn," he whispered her name like a plea.

Why…why again didn't I want to do this tonight? It feels so good. His lips feel so good. And I've wanted this for so long…what can it hurt? After all, it's just sex…

She let out a small sigh as his lips continued to ghost over her neck. Thranduil felt her shiver and couldn't hold back the small smile that broke out over his lips. He reached for her dress and began to undo the buttons, slowly, teasingly. His mouth followed his fingers, kissing down her spine as he exposed the skin. Roslyn swallowed hard and gripped the edge of the table for support. He'd finally reached the last button.

Spinning her around, Thranduil examined her face. His eyes bore into hers.

"Do you want this?"

Roslyn's lips parted as she hesitated for a moment. Her mind felt foggy with lust and wine. She felt torn inside.

Maybe I just need to jump.

"Yes."

He cocked his head and looked at her skeptically.

"You told me you weren't ready not too long ago," he stepped up to her and cupped her cheek, "I want you to be sure."

She fisted the fabric of his elegant robes in her hands and gazed up at him.

"I want you," she finally admitted.

That was all the encouragement he needed. Thranduil bent his head down and kissed her soundly on the mouth. She shoved his robes off his shoulders and moaned into his mouth, letting herself go at last. His hands were all over her now as he guided her into his bedroom. She quickly yanked her dress down and stepped out of it. Thranduil watched her with lust filled eyes, feeling himself grow hard as he gazed at her satin lingerie set. Slowly, he began to undo the buttons of his tunic. He pulled it off and stepped back up to her. Roslyn ran her hands up and down his chiseled torso. She wanted him so badly she couldn't even think straight anymore.

He grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled her head back, exposing her neck to him. He kissed it softly up and down. She gave a little yelp of surprise as he bit down lightly at the junction with her shoulder, feeling herself grow wet from the action.

"Thranduil," She moaned.

Roslyn felt his hands go to her bra and she immediately reached behind and unclasped it for fear that he'd just tear it off in frustration. He chuckled softly against her lips and pushed the straps down her arms.

"Ahhhh," she sighed as he finally cupped her breasts.

Thranduil felt her reach for the ties of his leggings, his erection throbbing in anticipation. He helped her pull them off and then went back to worshiping her breasts.

"Uggghh," he groaned as her fingers wrapped around him.

She squeezed lightly, enjoying the feeling of him in her hand. She came closer and stood on her tip-toes so she could reach his neck. She kissed him down his chest as his hands slid over her back and gripped her ass. Roslyn continued to kiss down his body slowly before dropping to her knees in front of him.

She gazed up at him and watched his face, filled with hazy desire. Keeping eye contact she licked her lips. Thranduil swallowed hard as he watched her. Her pink lips parted and she slowly brought him into her mouth. He let out a rush of air as one hand braced himself on a bed post and the other flew to her head. He tangled his fingers in her hair as he watched her take him in.

"Roslyn," he choked out.

She smiled slightly, pleased at being able to make him fall apart like that. Her hands grasped his tight ass as she began to work him up and down with her mouth. Thranduil felt his legs shake slightly as she swirled her tongue around him. His lips parted as he continued to watch her, mesmerized by her mouth.

Finally, he tugged back on her hair. She sat back on her heels and looked up at him confused.

"Not yet," he breathed.

Pulling her up, he grabbed her by the waist and tossed her back on the bed. He crawled over her body and kissed her deeply. Thranduil still couldn't quite put into words how he felt about her, but he was determined to show her. If he couldn't say it, he'd make her feel it. His hands ran up and down her body as his lips moved to her jawline. She whimpered, feeling his cock against her thigh.

"Thranduil," she begged, "Please, I need you inside me. I need to finally feel you."

His heart squeezed at her words. Pulling back he gazed into her eyes. Roslyn squirmed and panted underneath him as he positioned himself at her entrance. Slowly, he began to push in. She gasped and clawed at his shoulders for support. Gently, he pumped in and out, going deeper and deeper with each small thrust.

"Ahh!" Roslyn whimpered.

He was driving her crazy with every movement of his hips. And then finally, he buried himself to the hilt. She closed her eyes and threw her head back, crying out at the sensation. Thranduil joined her, collapsing on top of her for just an instant. He shut his eyes and nuzzled her neck, overwhelmed by the feeling of being completely surrounded by her at last.

Finally he felt her squeeze her thighs around his waist. Taking that as his cue he propped himself up and pulled out almost completely. He watched her face as he thrust back in, hard. They cried out together at the sensation. He repeated the action, Roslyn's hips coming up to meet his. He continued to push into her deeply, eliciting breathy moans from her.

The pleasure was so intense that he didn't know how long he'd be able to last. Angling her hips better, Thranduil began to pound into her, her moans growing loader and loader with each hard thrust.

"Oh my God. Thranduil. Harder! Don't stop. Please don't stop!" She begged him.

One, two and he felt her walls clamp down around him. She cried out loudly as she finally came, the orgasm wracking her body with intense pleasure. Thranduil groaned deeply as he continued to thrust. He felt himself explode not a moment later. He clung to Roslyn as his hips ground into her of their own accord. Somewhere through the fog of his orgasm he felt her nails drag down his back, drawing up droplets of blood. He shivered at the mix of pleasure and pain.

They lay there, connected and clinging to each other for several long moments. Thranduil felt his breathing slow down as his heart continued to pound in his chest. He pulled back slightly and brushed the sweaty hair out of Roslyn's face. Gently, he kissed her temple.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Roslyn swallowed and smiled up at him, only managing to nod in response. He sighed contentedly and rolled off of her. Laying on his back, he waited for her to nestle into his side. But a moment later he felt the bed shift and her weight lift off of it. Turning his head he watched in surprise as she began to get dressed.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm putting my clothes on. I can't walk down the hallway naked you know," she joked, but her laugh was humorless.

"You don't have to go you know," he said softly, "You can stay with me."

She did up the last of the buttons on her dress and sighed.

Turning to face him she replied, "No, I can't."

She couldn't bear to look at his face, so with that she walked out of his chambers.

A/N: Alright, this was a looonnngg chapter filled with lots of goodness so I hope I've earned some reviews! ;)