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Rated M for violence and sexual encounters in this chapter

Disclaimer: The characters all belong to the master Tolkien and this is only being written for my own enjoyment and hopefully yours. No money or profit involved

A Cage of a Different Kind

Chapter six

Just before dawn she felt him stir and she kissed his neck and reached down to take him in her hand yet again.

"Oh bless the Valar Eowyn. I don't know if I have the strength." he said as she carefully positioned herself on top of him - avoiding putting any weight or stress on his still healing wounds. She lowered herself onto his penis feeling his tip push against her womb and hiding the slight wince of pain. She started to rise and fall above him increasing in speed, pleasure replacing the slight stinging until they both practically screamed with fulfillment, his warmth spreading inside her.

She fell onto the bed beside him and they lay together again, each lost in their own thoughts as the reality of the coming days started to overwhelm them. "I have moved too fast and yet this feels so right."

Shaking herself from her thoughts, Eowyn eased herself out of the bed and went to draw a bath. She felt the elf's eyes watching her every move, smiling to herself. Legolas found that he was fascinated by the sway of her hips and the taunt muscles that moved tantalizingly under her skin as she gracefully went about her business. "Come back to bed fair lady for I miss you already."

"I am heating some water for a bath, would you like to join me?" she said as her fingers trailed down his neck and chest.

"That would be my hearts desire right now, meleth." he said as he sat up and started to kiss her again.

She laughed merrily "If we keep this up, we will never get to the bath master elf." she said as she tried to pull away. He would not have any of that and before she knew it he had managed to get her back in bed and totally at his mercy. After another toe curling interlude she escaped and this time pulled him playfully from the bed and into the bathroom. He helped her fill the tub and then allowed her to unwrap his bandages for it would not do anyone any good to let them get soaked.

"Elves do heal unbelievably fast!" She exclaimed and he laughed and pulled her into the tub with him.

By the time they finally emerged, the sun was fully in the sky and the noise of the fortress started to invade their world. They could hear everyone preparing to leave.

Reality was closing in and they reluctanly dressed moving to the door where Legolas took her in his arms and held her tight, kissing her almost with desperation.

"Eowyn, I want you to know how special this night was to me and that nothing can keep me from you when all this madness is over."

She gazed up into his eyes, her heart near bursting and words seeming insufficient right now but she knew she had to try. "I have never felt this way for anyone and I will hold you to that promise." she responded begining to feel lonely already.

She could tell he felt similarly when they walked to the great dining hall arm in arm forgetting all around them. He did not want to let go of her and seemed to draw strength from just the feel of her close. Neither one seemed aware of anything but the other so they did not notice Eomer or his expression when they entered the dining room. His face reddened and he started towards them but then seemed to think better of it and fairly ran from the room. They were just finishing eating when Aragorn came in looking for Legolas.

"There you are my friend. We were just getting ready to go and were wondering when you would emerge." Aragorn chuckled as he noticed both of them blush. He could guess what had gone on the night before and he smiled to himself. It was good to see his best friend so happy and relaxed.

Legolas looked at him and reluctantly nodded his head. "I just have a few things to gather and then we can be on our way." he said.

"I have a few things to pull together as well." Eowyn responded and they looked at her in surprise.

"My Uncle has granted me and some of the other women permission to ride as far as Dun Heran with all of you. We will accompany the troops as far as the encampment. It is tradition for the women to farewell the men."

Legolas sensed her underlying anger when she said the word "permission" but he was happy to know that his time with her would be extended.

She saw the smile erupt on Legolas' face and returned it wholeheartedly.

"He is like a school boy with his first crush." Aragorn thought. "The dwarf will tease him furiously!"

The elf must have sensed this as well because some of his usual stoicism seemed to return as he took his leave from Eowyn and followed Aragorn out of the hall.

"I won't ask for details but just reassure me that whatever went on between the two of you was worth the wrath of Eomer." Aragorn said softly as they walked to their room.

"Aye Mellon nin. It was..." the elf responded quietly.

"You also owe me my friend." Aragorn stated as they went through the door.

Legolas looked at the ranger in bewilderment as Aragorn laughed and clapped him on the back. "With your hasty retreat last night, I was left to drink with the dwarf in your stead. Need I say, dwarves hold their ale quite well." They both laughed as Aragorn winced and put his hand to his head. "I never knew that sunlight could be so bright."

"Come mellon nin," said Legolas smiling. "I think I have something in my pack that will make you feel better!"

The next few hours were filled with people running around gathering supplies and loading horses. There were many tearful farewells as loved ones worried they would never see each other again. Eowyn hardly noticed. She was too busy getting her armor and weapons stowed away where no one could see them. She would not be kept from this battle. She had already written a note to one of the nobles that was too injured to make the journey, leaving him in charge in her absence. By the time he read it, she would be on her way and her Uncle and brother would be too preoccupied to notice.

Lost in thought as she secured her sword under the blanket of her horse, she started guiltily as Legolas came up to her.

Wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling her neck, he was able to get a quick peek at what she was doing. "Why do you have your sword Eowyn?" he asked raising one eyebrow and looking at her sternly, his worse fears coming to fruition.

"I...ah.. I might need it when I am returning to Rohan. After all, it will just be myself and all the women coming back when you travel to Gondor." the color rose in her cheeks as she finished covering it with her blanket.

Legolas was again plagued with the feeling that she was planning on fighting in the upcoming battle. "You would not be intending to sneak along with the battle host would you my love?" he said, teasing but with underlying seriousness.

His fears were confirmed by her reaction. She looked like he had slapped her and her whole demeanor changed. "Of course not" she replied angrily. "Where did you get that idea? I will be a dutiful niece and return with the women." She followed up with a comment about him minding his own business and stomped away from him, leading her horse as she went.

"Well, now I know that the temper runs in the family!" he thought as he smiled slightly and tried to decide what to do about the situation next. "That did not go as I had intended."

The host left the fortress and made their way with all haste towards Dun Heren where they were hoping to meet up with reinforcements. Legolas had ridden with Aragorn and Théoden for the first few hours, helping with last minute plans that needed to be discussed. Finally, he quietly asked Gimli to ride with Aragorn for a short while and made his way back to find Eowyn.

When he at last found her, his reception was decidedly more frosty than he had hoped and he slowly joked and teased her until she seemed to relax and forget about their earlier exchange. When they finally made camp, the Eowyn from this morning had finally reappeared and they were once more at ease with one another.

Eowyn went about her business getting their tents and campsite ready while the men discussed who was still coming and how long they could wait. After helping with the evening meal, Eowyn was just going to find Legolas when Eomer pulled her aside.

"Come sister, we have some things to discuss." he said as he steered her away from the crowd. She was surprised and just a little upset with his timing but went with him willingly.

Legolas noticed but realized it would be best to stay out of it right now. Eowyn could handle her brother he had been witness to that!

When Eomer finally found a spot with a little privacy, he turned to his sister and angrily. What were you doing with the elf again? I thought that had ended once he started to heal." he said.

Eowyn really had no desire to discuss any of this, but she realized she had no choice. "I have strong feelings for Legolas and I have every reason to believe that he returns those feelings." She said resigned to the argument to come.

"You were cozy enough this morning." he sneered.

"Brother, I have honestly never been this happy before. I would hope you could find something good in that." Eowyn said, hoping that perhaps he would understand.

Eomer paused for he had hoped she would find some happiness eventually, but he had always thought it would be with a human. "He will not marry you. He will leave you to return to his own people and you will be left without options." His anger building as he warmed to his subject. "Who will want to marry you after you have been so publicly involved with the elf? He is going to leave you a 'soiled' woman!"

"Soiled! Is that what you think of me?" Her voice rose as anger started to overwhelm her again. She had never been at such odds with her brother and she was at a loss as to how to handle him. "Have you ever given a thought to the women you have "soiled"? I do not see a wife at your side but you have not been idle." She almost smiled at his shocked face but she continued on with her usual bluntness. "You know nothing of which you speak and it would be best if we just walk away now brother." Eowyn spun on her heel and started to walk away but she did not get far when Eomer grabbed her elbow and turned her roughly back to him, his eyes blazing. "What I do is none of your business. I am a man and although you try to pretend otherwise, you are a woman. You have a duty to marry someone who will further the political position of Rohan. You do not have the leisure to dally with whomever you wish. You have made marital arrangements more difficult by ten fold, playing with the elf, Prince or not!"

Eowyn could not believe her ears. This was the first time an arranged marriage had been mentioned and he had certainly never thrown her gender at her before, she was almost speechless with hurt and anger. She summoned all her dignity and drew herself up, staightening her shoulders. "Any marriage I enter into will be for love. You should know me well enough by now to know that I will never be a pawn for anyone's political gain. Our Uncle would never expect that of me Eomer." she finished almost pleading with her brother for some understanding.

"We do not know what this evil battle will bring sister. The world as we knew it no longer exists. Rohan has been much weakened by all this and Theodin no longer has a heir. I can't have you running around throwing away any options your family may need later." Eowyn was starting to realize where all this was coming from now and almost felt pity for Eomer until he continued. "I forbid you to see the elf again."

Eowyn was again stunned and she felt like she was looking at a stranger. Her brother had always been protective but up to now it had always been in a loving and caring way. Who was this person who looked so much like the brother she loved? How could he think of using her for political gain? "The stress of the last months has finally caught up to him." she thought. Her eyes welled with tears and she said quietly "I will not even honor that last statement with a response!" She broke away from him and ran to her tent.

Legolas looked up in time to see her rush back. It was obvious she was upset and that disturbed him. When she fled into her tent without even a glance his way, he decided he had better see what was going on. Just as he was about to call to her outside her tent, Eomer strode up and planted himself in front of the Elf.

"I have forbidden my sister to see you again and I would ask that you honor my wishes, Elf." Eomer stated with his hands folded in front of his body, distain clearly heard in his voice.

Legolas just looked at him and calmly tried to walk past him. "I will let your sister make that decision Eomer."

This was too much and Eomer cried out in frustration grabing Legolas and throwing him forcibly to the ground. He then dove on top of the elf and started to pummel him with his fists. Normally, it would be difficult to overcome an elf, but Legolas was focused on talking to Eowyn and Eomer's physical attack took him totally by surprise. He finally managed to regain his senses and easily flipped Eomer on his back, pinning his arms above his head.

Eowyn, hearing the commotion outside her tent, wiped the tears from her eyes and pulled back the flap to see what was going on. She was appalled to find Legolas and Eomer wrestling on the ground like hooligans, Legolas finally pinning Eomer "Hold or you will experience my wrath human!" he said through gritted teeth.

"I will kill you elf if you lay another hand on my sister, that I promise you!" Eomer spat as Legolas looked up to see Eowyn standing there glaring at the both of them.

"You will do nothing of the kind Eomer. You are embarrassing our house with this behavior. Please remove yourself at once!" the command in Eowyn's voice was unmistakable and the queen she could someday be was apparent for all to see. She then looked at Legolas, glaring daggers at the both of them and asked him to kindly let her brother up off the ground. "You are both acting like children. I am not some bone to be fought over!" She hissed and turned and marched back into her tent.

Eomer glared at Legolas and whispered "Remember what I said Elf." as he stormed away.

Legolas stood there bewildered by what had just happened and was shaken from his thoughts when a hand emerged from the fold in the tent and dragged him inside.

He smiled as a lithe body wrapped itself around him and soft lips met his. His indecision and uneasiness gone, he responded by picking her up and enveloping her in his arms as his mouth returned the kiss with a vengeance.

'You never cease to surprise and delight me my shield maiden, he whispered into her hair as he set her down and she lead him to a pile of blankets and furs. She softly pushed him down and they quietly expressed their love for one another.

Legolas stretched his legs out as he relaxed with Eowyn held snuggly in his arms. She looked up at him and gave him a quick kiss before a giggle escaped her lips.

"What are you laughing at?" he asked as he quirked an eyebrow at her.

"It is just that in all the time I have known you, I have never seen you quite this disheveled." She said giggling some more as she reached up to try to smooth some of his hair back into place.

He caught her hand and reached up himself, a smile coming to his lips as he felt his hair. It was obviously going in all directions and there was even a leaf or two left over from his altercation with Eomer.

His long fingers started to unravel the braids in his hair in an attempt to bring his usually pristine appearance back.

Eowyn smiled as she pulled his arms down and rose gracefully to find her brush. He watched her appreciatively as she moved behind him and started to brush through his long hair. She carefully undid his braids and continued to brush, massaging his scalp as well. He sighed in contentment and she marveled at the beautiful shiny blond hair. It fairly shimmered in the candlelight and she realized that she had never seen it unbraided before. It fell handsomely down the sides of his face as he turned to her and she thought fleetingly that even with all his beauty he could never be mistaken for a woman.

He growled playfully as he pinned her arms to her sides, tasting her mouth greedily.

"This is a new but very arousing form of foreplay my love" he purred as he laid her back on the mountain of furs once more.

His luxurious hair cascaded down and tickled her breasts as he began to kiss her neck. She shivered at this new sensation which just seemed to excite him further.

"Take me now my love. I do not wish to wait to feel you inside me once more." She begged as he took her mouth again, rearing up over her and sliding himself inside her open thighs willingly. Her mouth opened for breath as she took his length inside her body and they began the dance their bodies seemed to know instinctively. Her legs wrapped around his waist and she helped him thrust inside her while her hips rose to meet his.

Their breath came in pants and Legolas could only think of making her his, mind, body and soul. He strained to control himself but her hips moving against him and her legs holding him to her made his orgasm rip through his body leaving little room for any coherent thought but that he loved her and wanted her. She breathed his name as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him tight against her, shuddering in pleasure as her orgasm flowed over her. They lay in each others arms waiting for the roaring in their ears to subside.

He leaned up to look down on her beautiful face. Her hair was fanned out around her like a sunny halo and she had her eyes closed in contentment, a small smile playing across her lips. Her green eyes opened and a mischievous sparkle appeared as she reached up and messed his hair again. She tried to roll away from him, laughing as his fingers tickled her into breathlessness once more.

"Stop!" she cried as she continued to laugh and he silenced her with another kiss.

"Was that truly necessary?" He smiled as he tried to tame the silvery strands that she had sent flying in all directions.

"Absolutely" she said looking at him serenely as she added "nothing in nature has the right to be as perfect as you my prince.

"Or you my princess" he added silencing her with yet another passionate kiss.

He loved this new playful side of Eowyn and he longed to see it more, but it made the thought of her going into battle even more disturbing.

She seemed to sense this change. "Is something wrong Legolas?"

Not knowing exactly how to approach the subject, and not having much experience with emotional human women, he reverted to his usual directness. "I need to make my heart feel safe. You are not planning on fighting in the coming battle are you my love?"

Eowyn felt like a bucket of cold water had just been poured over her and she could only raise herself on her elbows and look at him.

Seeing her reaction and totally misjudging it, he decided to push on, now positive he was right. "I would not be able to concentrate knowing you were there. Please do not fight."

Her whole body went rigid and she stiffly gathered a blanket around her body as she stumbled around gathering her clothes. "You, of all people Legolas. I really thought you understood." She fought to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill from her eyes. "I see I must lie to you as well. Of course I am not fighting. I am returning like the dutiful woman everyone expects me to be." She almost instantly regreted that but after her earlier altercation with Eomer she was not in the mood for more useless discussion and the thought of her gender once again being an issue made the last of her patience flee. Her tone was becoming increasingly frosty and the elf silently berated himself for even bringing it up.

"This is not how I would have us part - please, I beg you, promise me you will return to Rohan with the rest of the women." he pleaded.

She looked at him as if she didn't know this being she had just shared her body and soul with. "You know that I cannot make that promise my lord." She tossed his clothes at him in dismissal. "I have much to do."

She stood rigidly as Legolas looked at his clothes flung at his feet. He was numb from the sudden turn of events and he had a hard time making his body move. He finally picked them up and put them on as his emotions threatened to overwhelm him. "I did not mean to offend you Eowyn, please, I just want to protect you."

"I do not need protecting my lord - from you or my brother." He winced as she returned to his title and he tried to take her in his arms again. She wriggled away and set about straightening the tent, effectively busying herself and ignoring him. Anything to stop the hurt she felt starting to overwhelm her. She was stunned by his request and suddenly felt totally alone. "I really thought he understood and accepted me but he is like every other man in my life. I am just someone he wishes to control." A sob caught in her throat as she watched him start to turn and leave.

"I am sorry my lady. I obviously have overstepped my bounds. I will take my leave." and he was out of her tent before she could even respond.

She could no longer control herself and threw herself on the blankets that had just been the site of their lovemaking mere minutes before, and sobbed uncontrollably. "How had this night gone so astray?" Her heart felt like it would break and she could do nothing but lay there.

Legolas stood outside her tent, his heart breaking as well. When he heard her strangled sob he turned to go back in and take her in his arms but before he could do so, Gimli's loud voice rang in his ears.

"There you are laddie. I need to talk to you immediately."

The urgency in the dwarf's voice shook the elf from his intended course. Legolas looked at him but was unable to respond right away since he was still reeling from what had just happened between he and Eowyn.

Gimli had never seen his friend look so lost but he had no time to console him. "Aragorn is leaving for the paths of the dead, we must make haste. He means to leave us behind and go alone.

The dwarf started to tug on his arm and pull him towards their tent. "Gather your belongings elf, we must hurry!"

"But what does he intend to do there Gimli?" Legolas asked, still trying to get his arms around the situation.

"He means to gather an army of the dead!" Gimli hissed.

Legolas' heart sank as he realized that he had to go with Gimli. They couldn't let Aragorn strike off alone. Reluctantly, he followed Gimli, his heart in turmoil.

TBC