A/N: BoL has agreed with me that to avoid changing our audience rating to R, I must put in a little warning about the content of this chapter. It gets a bit smutty (not sex, but there are many innuendos that suggest that may be the possible conclusion). You have been forewarned, so do not complain- I did warn you. If you are one of those people who ignore the Author's Notes, that's your problem.

PS: If the formatting's off again.bah. We don't know what's up with it.and we haven't changed what we've been doing at all.

I didn't see Gil-galad for the rest of that day or the next. Glorfindel and I alternated sitting by Rhiannon's- Minaimîr, that is- side.

Glorfindel spent any time that he was not needed for the war to sit beside her, gazing at her with eyes of deep concern as Elrond tended the dark bruising at the base of her neck. I had known that Glorfindel cared for her, and that my adopted-sister was a complete dope for him, but I hadn't known how deep it went.

I wonder if Rhiannon knew. And if she knew what a scolding she was likely to be in for when she awoke.

Since my rather public argument with Ereinion Gil-galad, no one had thought to push the issue further, to force me to admit that I'd been wrong, but then again none spoke very much to me at all. I wondered if it were deliberate, the consequence for betraying their trust, or if perhaps it was just because they were so busy. They needed time to regroup, heal the wounded, cart the dead from the fields; neither the men nor Elves wished for their dead to lie buried in that desolate barren land. As the High King of the Elves, and co-commander of the Last Alliance itself, I knew Gil-galad would be the most busy of them all. Still, I had seen in his eyes, heard from his own mouth, that he cared at least as deeply for me as Glorfindel did for Rhiannon. I didn't like the idleness I was forced to endure each day, in which I spent all my time thinking about that beautiful Elf and his soft lips as he kissed me- between praying that Minaimîr would be alright, of course.

The stars shone brightly in the dark night sky, as I made my way to Gil-galad's tent. It wasn't early in the evening, nor was it particularly late, as there were still a greater number of people awake than those asleep. Dinner had been finished for quite sometime, so I reasoned that Gil-galad would be not be surrounded by people waiting his immediate attention.

There were guards posted at the four corners of his tent, naturally, but they didn't so much as blink until I made to move the tent flap back.

 I froze reactively as one of them grasped my wrist and the other held his weapon to me in warning that I should not go any further.

"I wished to see the High King," I stated, hoping they would not ask why.

They exchanged a glance. The Elf who had held my wrist let go warily. "Your name?"

"Anórmír," I replied slightly nervous.

The Elf-guard went inside the tent, while I stood anxiously outside, waiting.

He returned shortly, and gave me a short nod. "You may enter," he said, holding the tent flap open for me. His companion stood back to allow me through.

I stepped into the vague sort of antechamber, hesitating before pushing aside the next flap and entering the main section of the tent.

I blushed slightly when I saw Gil-galad; once again, he wore no shirt, and his muscles rippled as he turned to face me from his seat at his desk, his face enquiring soundlessly my reason for being there.

"I…" I swallowed, wetting my dry mouth before continuing with my rather pathetic but realistic excuse. "I feel useless, my Lord. These last few days, I have had nothing to do but to stay by my sister when Glorfindel is busy, but when he relieves me of that task, I am more often left at leisure to do as I will so long as I do not disturb anyone; but there is nothing that I can occupy my time with. Might you have a task or job of some kind that I may do?"

Gil-galad looked at me thoughtfully. "Had you not been injured as you are, I would have insisted that you practice your skills with weaponry, but I do not wish you to be hurt again. Maybe.how well do you know the camp of the Last Alliance?"

"I know its borders and where each Elf's or Man's command is stationed, but beyond that, I know little." I confessed timidly. My heart was pounding in my chest, wishing he would discard my pitiful excuse for being in his company and just kiss me again. I blushed at how frank my mind was in its desires and thoughts.

"Then starting tomorrow, you will map out the camp on parchment for me," he instructed. "Marking out where each captain, sergeant, corporal, commander and their soldiers are located, starting in my camp and then moving onto Círdan's. I want it to be as accurate as you can make it. You will work in the main pavilion, where myself and the other Lords make council. I do not want to let you out of my sight for very long, neth elleth."

I nodded acquiescingly, and gave him a small smile, my hands behind my back where I'd put them to disguise my nervous fidgeting. I glanced at the quill and ink lying upon the parchment on his desk. "More work, my Lord?" I asked. "Surely it is too late for such to be dealt with now? Many of the humans I imagine would be sleeping."

Gil-galad smiled and beckoned me further over. He did not seem to care so much to show me his work, as he did to put his arm around my waist. "I once thought so myself, but minor details are Elrond's problems to deal with, and he doesn't believe in letting things wait till morning. Of course, once it is out of his hands, he doesn't have to worry about it. I do."

I grinned then noticed the bowl of water that had been pushed aside to make room for the parchment. "He interrupted your bath?" I surmised. "Or rather, what passes for a bath in these times?"

Gil-galad chuckled and pulled me closer. "Indeed." He pulled me onto his lap and stroked my unruly hair behind my ear before kissing me.

sigh I could kiss him without ever stopping or ever getting bored.

At last he withdrew and sighed wistfully. "I wish I did not have to write this paper," he murmured, nuzzling my cheek. "I would rather spend my evenings very differently."

I suppressed a giggle, turning my attention to the cloth in the basin. Dipping my hands in to fetch it, I wrung most of the water out. "Then why don't we kill two orcs with one arrow?" I suggested, amending the common adage of birds and stones. Somehow I didn't think Elves would really appreciate it. "I'll wash you, while you write. I promise not to get in your way of your writing. I know it is important." To emphasize my point that I was not going to take 'no' for an answer, I ran the cloth over his neck and down his shoulder.

Gil-galad said nothing, but his eyes were closed as continued to wipe him with the moist cloth, rinsing it from time to time. The report lay forgotten on the desk. I kissed him chastely, his lips seeking out mine as I retreated to rub the cloth over his well-muscled chest.

I must admit, I enjoyed it as much as he did. I had the perfect opportunity to explore his wonderful torso without feeling the least bit self-conscious and embarrassed at what I was doing.

When I realized that I couldn't clean him much more on his front, I took to his strong arms. He seemed reluctant to release his arms from my waist, almost certain that I was going to leave somehow, thus every time I made a movement which he deemed might be my escape, his arms- wet and drying- wrapped themselves around my waist again.

"My Lord, You are going to have to trust me, if I am to clean you properly," I chided teasingly.

"Ereinion. My name is Ereinion. I am 'My Lord' or 'Gil-galad' to my fellow Elves and Lords. To you, I am simply Ereinion." He insisted. I heard the groan deep in his throat as I kissed him lightly.

"Ereinion," I whispered, liking the sound of his name on my tongue.

I returned the cloth to the basin and stood up. Ereinion opened his eyes and grasped my wrists quickly, his breathing deep and faster than was normal.

"I am not going anywhere," I assured him. For the moment, my wicked mind cackled. "But if I am to wash your back." I left my sentence for him to interpret. I knew he would not like the notion of my having to stand behind him, and not sitting in his arms, and I found teasing him such fun. He pulled me closer and I straddled his lap, a leg to either side of his waist. I wrapped my arms around him as though cuddling him, but I continued my façade of washing his back.

Ereinion moaned softly, but it was not from terrible pain...at least, not a wound like the gash in my side. Ereinion had his eyes closed again and submitted to the pleasurable torture I inflicted upon him. He trusted me in this way, and thus it was, I was able to tie the large cloth around one of his wrists and pull it behind his back along with his other arm, to tie it with the other half of the cloth. When I finished tying his hands together, I sat back to look at him.

Ereinion gazed upon me openly, his face lit in a mischievously knowing smile. "And what would you do to me, Anórmír?" he asked teasingly. "You have sparked my curiosity." He leant forward as much as he could with his arm tied behind the back of the chair, enticing me into a soft kiss.

I grinned impishly at him. I ran my index fingers across the tips of his ears, delighting as he shivered and gasped. "Sweet dreams, my Lord," I replied, sliding back off his lap.

Ereinion's eyes snapped open. "Anórmír!" he struggled against the tight knots I had made of the cloth binding his wrists. His struggling only made them tighter. "Anórmír, do not leave me…not like this…Anórmír!...Get back here!" I tried not to smirk as I quietly and calmly left him there, straining to free himself, whilst he called my name.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Rhiannon had awoken late last night. The surprise turned to fear and shock as Glorfindel admitted to me that he knew the truth of whence I came; it seemed Rhiannon had blabbed it. I doubt she would have if she'd been of a right mind, though Glorfindel assured me that her mind remained intact. Then my assumption was that her raging hormones had too, since I could think of no other reason why she'd have spilled the beans to anyone.

Glorfindel graciously allowed me to visit her before he went to tell the High King. I entered Glorfy's tent just in time to see him kiss her forehead. I raised an eyebrow in silent mocking question, carefully assuming a cheerful poise as he brushed past me and out.

"Hey sis, how's the neck?" I enquired, just in case he could still here us. And I was genuinely concerned; it had worried me the notion of losing my only friend and confidant in this foreign world.

"Hurts like a bitch," she mumbled. "How long has I been out?"

"The battle was three days ago," I answered evenly. Damn you to hell if you thought I was going to let her get any hint of my real emotions. She'd interrogate me until she had all the details and there was certainly some things I was not going to tell her!

"Three days?" she shrieked.

"Yep. Elrond wasn't sure if you'd escaped brain damage - well, more than you have already anyway," I added with a grin. She glared at me through half-woken eyes. "So he told Glorfy to keep you up until he was sure. Apparently, you did that yourself - by blabbing our past to Glorfindel. He didn't actually have to say anything." I couldn't kept the hint of anger from my voice. I felt betrayed almost. Things were just getting better, and now we were going to be in trouble again.

"I couldn't help it! I thought I was in the dungeons of Barad-dûr! I only babbled to keep from going insane...and I thought that Glorfy was just a shadow, a figment of my imagination. It was too dark - I couldn't see anything."

I sighed. "I'm going to have to fill Gil-galad in with my half sooner or later. I suppose it was too much to hope that we- you- could actually keep a secret."

She ignored my comment. "So how come you're not wounded?"

"I was. Same orc that belted you got me with his axe- he was one ugly son-of-a-bitch! - in my right side. Elrond 'healed' me but he was not very gentle about it." I lifted up my shirt to show her. Elrond had taken the bandage off claiming that the wound needed to breath and would heal faster this way.

Rhiannon wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Ok, that's enough. How the heck did you get out of that mess? And how did I, for that matter?"

"I didn't see much but Ereinion tells me that Glorfy got you out, fighting like a madman to get to you." I carefully omitted to answer her first question, hoping she wouldn't ask. I didn't want her teasing me. But alas, she knows me too well.

"You didn't answer my question. But how did you get out?" Suspicion was clear in her now clear eyes.

"Ereinion." I felt my cheeks go red and hoped Rhiannon wouldn't notice in the dim light. I was not comfortable with the idea of spilling to her what I'd done last night.

"Gil-galad got you out?"

"Yeah, and took me to Elrond for healing. Damn that Elf needs to work on his healing skills! It hurt so much that I punched his lights out." Ok, a slight exaggeration there, but I knew Rhiannon would appreciate it as much I had felt satisfied doing it.

"Go you!" she grinned. "Did you get into trouble for that?"

"Yeah. Ereinion saw me and got rather peevish about it."

Rhiannon nodded, suspicion written on her every feature. What had I let slip? "Fiona…why do you keep calling him 'Ereinion'?"

Oh for crying out loud! I'm such an idiot at times! My face was definitely red as I wracked my brain for a convincing excuse.

"Because it's his name?" I cursed myself for making it sound like a question. What was I supposed to say? 'I gave him a bath last night, he seemed to enjoy it, and told me that I was to call him Ereinion.' ?

"Fiiiooonnnaaaa.."

"What?" The innocence I lathered on that single word made me cringe inwardly, but I wasn't going to stop lying now.

"Have you been getting some Elf action that you haven't been telling me about?"

I opened my mouth to deny vehemently 'of course not!' but it must have gotten lost somewhere on its way from my brain to my vocal chords as I remembered the previous night, telling myself that I was right- giving him a bath was certainly not 'Elf action', though the manner in which I had done so.

Apparently I took too long to reply because Rhiannon sat up suddenly and squealed at the top of her voice (and much to my embarrassment; I prayed no one would hear it outside), "You have been getting Elf action!"

'No!' was meant to be my denial but she was hugging me before I knew what was happening.

"That's wonderful!" she squealed. "Did he kiss you?...Or did you kiss him? Or." She paused, and all sorts of things were implied in that silent query. "Did you.?"

"No!" I almost shrieked with outrage.

"Is that because you're wounded?"

"Ye- No!" I searched my flustered mind for a suitable answer to get myself out of this predicament. "We're just not…I mean…I'm not."

Rhiannon cackled with glee. "Hee hee! Has he seen the lingerie yet?"

"No!"

"You sure?"

"Yes!"

He better bloody not have…or I'm in the deepest rose-bed of shit that humiliation can conjure.

"Just checking," she replied, obviously enjoying my predicament. "Now. Details. Give."

Oh bugger. "Well." I floundered for an explanation which would satisfy Rhiannon's curiosity without giving away anything I didn't want anyone to know…if you tell Rhiannon something, you're likely to have a lot of people know about it before the end of the day. Note her ability to keep secrets since our arrival in Middle Earth. Not too good, is it? And you're probably wondering I'm entrusting her as my confidant? The answer is- I really don't know. I suppose, for the more important parts (using her judgement, which is none too reliable), she can keep her mouth shut. If she believes something is important, she'll stick to her strict moral code. The problem is her choice of morals she believes in.

Fortunately, Glorfindel chose that moment to return. "Is all well, Ladies?"

"Of course," I answered. "Minaimîr and I were just chatting." I needn't tell you how glad I was to be out of the hotpot.

"I heard screams of pain," Glorfy said concerned. He glanced back and forth, trying to discern if we were telling the truth.

"Those were squeals of excitement," Rhiannon waved negligently. "Don't worry, Glorfy. I'm not getting too excited."

I wondered whether Glorfindel heard what I did in Rhiannon's remarks. I have to agree with my sister-spirit; innuendos are fun.

Glorfindel was having none of it. "Lady, I heard those 'squeals of excitement' from the other side of the camp." He crossed his arms, exuding an aura of authority. "If you cannot remain calm during your sister's visits, I will be forced to have the High King cause them to be ceased!"

Rhiannon beat me to answering heatedly, "You will do no such thing!"

Since when did anyone get away with purposefully separating me from my sister without a damned good reason! It wasn't as if we were lying, and so what if Rhiannon was actually happy for me!?

Rhiannon swayed and fell back onto the cushions. I moved to help her, but found myself pushed out of the way by Glorfy who tended to Rhiannon. I watched, still fuming, as he helped her lie down comfortably again.

"You must be careful, melyanna," he reprimanded. "It is bad enough that you disobey orders concerning your life. Do not carry this trend through to your health."

As far as I knew, the two were connected, and disregarding orders concerning our lives seems a lot more important than that of our health. Of course, Glorfindel wasn't talking about me, just Rhiannon. I couldn't help a small grin that grew on my face. Glorfindel cared so much for Rhiannon. It was hard to think that less than a week before she'd run her hand over his arse and he'd been disturbed by it. I noticed that Glorfindel returned the favour, running his hands over Minaimîr's arms and legs as he rearranged her and settled the covers gently.

He sighed exasperatedly and turned to me. "Is she always as such, Lady?"

"No," I grinned broadly. "Normally she's much worse."

Glorfindel seemed horrified for a second and then he too grinned resignedly.

"Get some rest, Minaimîr," I said, making my intention to leave clear. Glorfindel and Rhiannon were definitely in need of some alone time together. "I'll come visit again soon."

If Ereinion ever lets me out of his sight, I added to myself silently. I imagine he'd know about our true origins by now, and after the state I'd left him in the previous night, I doubted he'd be in the best of moods with me. With a last wave, I added, "Toodles."

"You do that," she answered, giving a little wave. I could tell she was thankful I'd seen the point to leave her with her Elf. "Tiddly Boogles, yo!"

I grinned and slipped outside.

Seeing the many Elves walking around in armour carrying messages or going to training reminded me that no matter how much I wanted to avoid Ereinion today, I had asked him for something to do and whether I liked it or not, I was going to have to face him to achieve the pointless task of mapping out the camps.

With a bit of questioning of the Elves around- the ones that could speak the Common Tongue anyhow- I found the main pavilion.

I hesitated to enter, noticing that there were even more guards watching over this tent than there had been of Ereinion's personal tent. An Elf and a Man stood either side of what was clearly the entrance. Should I explain my presence? Or just enter? I stood there for a moment, watching the two whom I would have to pass.

At that moment, Gildor exited the tent to find me standing there.

"Lady Anórmír," he inclined his head. "Lord Gil-galad has been awaiting you." He held back the curtain-type 'door' and I smiled politely as I entered.

Many faces turned to look at me. I recognised a few; Elrond, Isildur…and Ereinion.

"My Lady," Ereinion greeted, standing up from the map he'd been bent over. His mouth betrayed a small secretive grin, letting me know that he remembered the events of last night well. "Lord Glorfindel tells me you have a story that I would be most interested to hear. I should like it very much if you could write it down so that I may read it later when I have time." He gestured to the chair and small table where a parchment book and pen and ink lay that would serve as my desk whilst in Ereinion's presence.

"And what of the map that you set me to marking, my Lord?" I asked, feigning submission.

"Write your story first, Lady Anórmír." The look he gave me brooked no argument, but there was a sparkle in my eye that told me that he had had little rest during the night, but had much opportunity to think of what he was going to do to me the instant he got me alone.

Therefore, I tried unsuccessfully to hide my smug little grin as I took my place at the 'desk'. Thankfully, only Ereinion's attention was on my reaction to his order. The others in the pavilion were more interested in whatever they had been talking about before I had entered.

I spent much of that morning writing in the book. Thankfully when I was back home I'd taken an interest into written with old pens and ink bottles, so my writing was not too messy or blotchy.

Something to note is that when I'm writing, I get so involved in it, all else fades from memory or view. My total focus is on writing, and whilst I have the flow of the story going, I cannot stop for anything. I do not see people pass me, do not smell the hot food they carry, I do not hear people call my name.

Thus it was a complete surprise to me when I heard a soft voice whispering so close I could feel the breath of my sensitive Elven ear, "Anórmír, you have done well this morning. Take rest and seek out something for your midday meal."

I shivered involuntarily, dropping the pen in the process. I spun around in the seat to face Ereinion, who still bent over where my shoulder had been just before. "Erei- My Lord, please do not do that," I reprimanded, more annoyed at myself for having concentrated so hard on my writing that I let him get the upper hand. "You startled me and I almost spilt ink over it all."

He chuckled deep within his chest. "My Lady was much absorbed in her writing that she has not noticed that she is the last to leave her work for food." He stood aside so I could see for myself. I looked around and saw that what he said was true. Only he and I remained in the pavilion.

Somewhat sheepish, I stood up and waited for him to pass me.

He stood there, smiling with that mischievous twinkle still in his eye. "Anórmír, in such situations, Ladies are always the first enter any room and the first to leave."

"But you're the High King," I countered, unable to stop the grin from spreading on my face. I was enjoying myself, so what? It had been some time since I had last had a decent argument over something as nonsensical as who should go first.

"That is no exception." Ereinion declared.

"No?" I gave him a feigned astounded look.

Ereinion pulled me against his chest, tilting his head as he said softly, "Are you afraid of something, Anórmír?"

"I hope my Lord will forgive me if I say I do not trust him to walk behind me," I retorted, my heart feeling as though it was going to burst out of my chest.

I know that sounds sappy, but that's the honesty of it. Now shut up and let me get to the good bits.

"And why is that?" he asked with a grin just before kissing me.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, not realising that his hand slid down my back to run over my backside.

My eyes flew open and I jerked back with an exclamation of, "Ereinion!"

The High King of the Elves grinned at me boyishly. "Whatever is the matter, Anórmír?" he asked with feigned innocence, giving my rump a squeeze to show that he was teasing me.

Flustered and blushing, I replied hotly, "Hands off!"

His answer came in the reply of putting his other hand behind my head so I couldn't pull away as he kissed me again. My resolve weakened, I could only comply with his wishes.

Somebody coughed.

Ereinion and I split apart, startled.

"Elrond," Ereinion acknowledged.

Elrond raised both his eyebrows. "It was wondered what could be holding the High King of Lindon up from taking the midday meal in King Elendil's pavilion."

"I will be right there," Ereinion said with his authoritative 'business' voice. He inclined his head to acknowledge that he heard and that Elrond was dismissed.

"I believe I should stay with my Lord, so as to make sure his current 'interests' do not delay his presence at the luncheon."

Ereinion's sour look gave me the impression Elrond was going to cop it later. Most likely in the practice ring. He turned to look at me. "My Lady, I shall leave you to your own devices. Be sure to return here when you are done." Once again, he used his commanding tone that he always used when dealing with the war issues. I could tell he longed to be rid of this war and rid of the constant meetings and tactics discussions.

"Yes, my Lord," I replied in my obedient pretence that matched his serious demeanour.

Ereinion released me from his grasp and walked past me over to Elrond, muttering something in Elvish; Elrond just grinned and the two left the tent.

After finding lunch- sandwiches of cold meat leftover from the night before- I decided to skip food (I'm not overly fond of cold meat, so it was much to my advantage to just forget it) and headed over to Glorfindel's tent in the hopes that she was awake.

Visiting Rhiannon that day was perhaps the biggest mistake I had made yet. To be fair, it wasn't really her fault, but during my visit many events happened that I really wished I had not been a part of.