Story Summary:
Set before, during, and after the War of the Ring.
During the War of the Ring, Legolas has left his wife Vanelossë and
their children in Mirkwood in the care of his father, King Thranduil.
When Mirkwood and Lothlorien are attacked, she is taken along with
other ellith from the two elven realms. Legolas must band together with
both elves and men to find them. Will he be able to save her and bring
her home to their children?
Warning - Deviation from the book and movies.
PLEASE NOTE - A COUPLE OF CHAPTERS (Chapter 3 and 5) HAVE STRONG
VIOLENCE/RAPE IN IT. IT IS PERTINENT TO THE STORY OR I WOULD NOT HAVE
IT IN THE STORY AT ALL.
Rated - NC17
**2005 Mithril Quarter Finalist for Het Romance and New Author**
**2005 Mithril Semi-Finalist for Drama**
Chapter 9
After another week, Vanelossë was well enough to make the long journey
home to Mirkwood and her children. Some of the large company had
already departed to return to Gondor and Rohan, leaving the others that
planned to go to Mirkwood.
Aragorn, who planned to escort Vanelossë and Legolas home, had very few
Gondorian soldiers remain with them who would camp near the borders of
the elven city. He knew King Thranduil would feel uncomfortable with
that many men, no matter who they were, within in his realm. Some of
the rangers had planned to go to Gondor with him after leaving
Mirkwood. Thranduil knew them; therefore, their presence would be
acceptable. Thranduil would be so grateful for the safe return of his
family and his people, he might accept the others within the city but
no one wanted to make the citizens uncomfortable after the recent
attack.
Most of the Rohirrim had left as well. Legolas approached Éomer and Aragorn with a smile.
“Éomer, you would be most welcome in Mirkwood, if you would care to visit,” Legolas offered.
“I would be honored to come and also meet your father. Never has Rohan had a relationship with the elves,” Éomer said, shocked.
“My father would welcome this relationship. I will always feel a close
friendship with you and your people. Fighting side by side with them
has taught me how honorable and valiant the Rohirrim are and you will
always be my brother. My wife will never forget your part in her rescue
so I think it is safe to say you will always have a place in her heart
as well,” Legolas said, grasping Éomer on the shoulder.
“And you will always be friends to me as well,” Éomer said with a smile as he put his hand of Legolas shoulder.
Turning from Éomer, Legolas eyes rested on Gimli. “And what of you, Gimli. Will you also accompany us to Mirkwood?”
“According to my father, the Elven King does not welcome dwarves in his realm,” Gimli grumbled.
Legolas laughed, “Aye, but he would welcome any friend of mine. Even a dwarf.”
Éomer and Aragorn laughed.
“Perhaps I should come just to see the look on the king’s face,” Gimli smirked. “Aye, I will most definitely come.”
The others laughed again as Legolas smiled at the dwarf. Their
friendship was very strong and perhaps the most unheard of in Middle
Earth.
It was a long, slow journey because of the size of the diverse party,
and also due to Vanelossë’ condition, which did not allow for her to
ride too long at one time. She rode with Legolas the whole way because
he wanted to keep her by him at all times as well as monitor her
condition. Not wanting to be a burden, she did not speak of her
suffering the first day and was in much pain that night. From that
point on, Legolas judged whether she was in discomfort enough for the
party to stop and everyone respected his views.
When they reached the borders of Mirkwood, the guards and scouts
greeted them warmly. It had been over a month since Vanelossë had been
taken from the city and almost been a year since Legolas had left. They
were both overjoyed to see their home and Legolas pulled her tight to
him, kissing her tenderly. All of the citizens of Mirkwood had come to
welcome the party. When they finally reached the king, Legolas helped
Vanelossë down from the horse.
As he turned around, Legolas heard Séro screaming as he ran and jumped
into his arms. Both girls ran to their mother as Vanelossë wept and
held onto them.
Séro looked at Legolas and said, “I am mad at Ada.”
“Whatever for, Séro?” Legolas asked.
“You have been gone too long and I did not know if you would come back,” Séro said with a pout.
Legolas hugged him tightly, choked with emotions. After holding his son
in his arms for a long time, he heard the girls screaming “Ada” and
handed Séro to Vanelossë. Legolas scooped up his daughters amazed at
how much they had grown. He had forgotten how special he felt when the
two little girls were covering him in kisses. Neither girl seemed
willing to let him go but he made no attempt to detangle himself from
their grasp laughing for the first time in ages it seemed.
Vanelossë cried as she held Séro so overjoyed that he was unharmed. He
kept kissing her on the face and wiping her tears away then he would
bury himself in her hair. She touched his face repeatedly to reassure
herself that her child was well.
Looking up, Vanelossë saw the king approach Legolas.
“Forgive me son. I vowed to keep your family safe and I have failed you,” Thranduil said overwhelmed with emotion.
“You kept my children safe. You have not failed me, Adar.” The two men
embraced as much as Alasse and Illisse would allow without letting
Legolas go.
Lienilda walked up quietly and when Legolas turned to her, she smiled. “I have someone who wishes to meet you, Legolas.”
Thranduil took the twins as Lienilda handed Legolas his youngest son.
Anarion, sensing the commotion, looked up at Legolas with big green
eyes much like his mother’s. Legolas was so overwhelmed with emotions;
he felt tears sliding down his face as he gently stroked the soft skin
of Anarion’s cheek.
Vanelossë walked over and kissed the baby on his head. “My sweet Anarion, you have grown so much”
Legolas looked at her and kissed her tenderly. “He is so beautiful, Melethrilen.”
“He looks like his father,” Vanelossë said, lightly pulling one of Legolas’ braids.
Aragorn, Elrohir, and Elladan dismounted and grabbed the three older
children to hug on them and they all bowed their heads to King
Thranduil.
“Strider, it is good to have you visit again. I have heard a rumor that
they have made you king in Gondor,” King Thranduil said with a huge
smile and an elegant bow of his head. Aragorn laughed. “Perhaps they
were unaware of your tendency to disappear for long periods of time
into the wild. Will you be able to settle in one place long, Dúnedain
of the North?”
“Only time will tell, I fear. I feel more at home in the wild than
within the white walls of Minas Tirith. I am quite sure the citizens
would not appreciate my returning to my old ways.”
“Elladan and Elrohir, welcome again. Tell me, how is my old friend Lord
Elrond? Long has it been since I have seen him,” Thranduil said.
“He is well. His mind will be more at ease now that Sauron has been
defeated,” Elrohir replied as Alasse was hugging on his neck with a
giggle.
Elrohir and Elladan put the girls down and they promptly started
pulling on Thranduil’s hands until he began to swing them back and
forth while trying to focus on his guests as well.
As Éomer, Gimli, and the Lórien brothers walked over to the king,
Legolas walked over still holding Anarion and said, “Adar, these are
our friends Rumil and Orophin of Lothlórien. Those vile men had also
held Orophin captive. His brother Rumil was most helpful in finding
them. Their brother, Haldir, fought by our side and tragically lost his
life at Helm’s Deep.” Both brothers quickly bowed their head. Rumil and
Orophin had heard about the imposing king but this was the first time
they had met him. Having long heard what a great and powerful man he
was, it was touching to both of the Lórien ellyn to see him with two
small ellith swinging on his hands.
“This is King Éomer of Rohan. He has been our friend and brother at
arms since he most graciously “greeted” us upon our entry in the
Riddermark," Legolas said with a grin at Éomer.
“He and his men have greatly assisted us in the last couple of weeks,” Vanelossë said with a smile.
Bowing his head, Éomer said, “It is a great honor to meet you, King
Thranduil. Legolas has proven to be a most valuable ally and friend to
the people of Rohan.”
“In honor of the last Alliance of Men and Elves and your friendship
with my family, the elves of Mirkwood will always extend that
friendship to the Rohirrim,” Thranduil said putting his hand on the
shoulder of the King of Rohan.
When Thranduil saw Gimli, he raised his eyebrow and looked at Legolas and Vanelossë.
“This is Gimli, son of Gloin,” Legolas said. Thranduil looked even more
intrigued. “He has been my companion since we left Rivendell. He was
welcomed into Lothlórien as well and greeted warmly by Lady Galadriel
herself whom Gimli is most fond of. He has been an invaluable friend to
myself and has been a great warrior in our quest. He is a true friend
to the elves of Middle Earth.”
Gimli grumbled as Aragorn smirked at Legolas.
After a few moments of looking at the dwarf, Thranduil smiled and said,
“I am honored that you have come then, Master Dwarf. I am most humbled
by your loyalty to my son and his wife as well as your valor in the
battles that have faced the Fellowship in this war.”
Gimli bowed his head to the elven king and Thranduil returned the honor much to the dwarf’s surprise.
“These are all children; our twin daughters Alasse and Illisse, our
baby Anarion, and Aragorn is holding Séro, our bundle of energy and
mischief,” Vanelossë said to their guests with a loving smile towards
her children.
As the guests were greeting the children, Séro let out a laughing
scream and squirmed out of Aragorn’s arms to the ground. True to his
nature, he ran over to Gimli and started pulling on his beard with
great amusement. When Legolas went to retrieve his son, Gimli shook his
head at Legolas and allowed the child to have his fun. From that point
until the day Gimli left, Séro would not leave Gimli’s side for any
length of time.
After greeting her own family, Calime came and the children all ran to
her. She spent long moments with each child having missed each of them
as if they were her own. Every once in awhile, her eyes would meet
Vanelossë’s and they would share a smile. Their friendship had grown
even closer during their ordeal and the time during which Vanelossë was
healing.
Mehtar and Tauro drew Orophin and Rumil as well as the twins away from the group.
“Allow us to introduce you to some of Mirkwood’s beauties. I am sure
you will see that they rival the finest of Imladris and Lothlórien,”
Mehtar winked as some of the single ellith soon began to greet the
brothers and twins.
Tauro snickered at the commotion the arrival of the Perehdil twins
always seemed to cause. Of course, Elladan and Elrohir relished every
moment. Rumil and Orophin seemed to be enjoying the attention as well.
Neither had been to Mirkwood and found the citizens, especially the
female ones, most welcoming. Vanelossë looked at Mehtar and Tauro and
shook her head. Long she had teased the two very handsome ellyn for
their love of the ellith’s attention while both seemed unwilling to
commit to any of them.
Legolas would frequently withdraw from the conversation; intent on his
youngest son’s every movement. As he had been told, the baby had not
cried since they had arrived and he seemed fascinated just looking at
his father. Legolas did not seem to want to let Anarion go until
Vanelossë finally took him from his arms so she could hold him as well.
Within seconds of Legolas having free hands, Illisse threw herself into
her father’s arms. Alasse was content being held by Elrohir for the
time being, having always been fond of her favorite uncle ‘Ro. Although
Elrohir hated the nickname, especially when his brother used it in
jest, he loved both girls dearly. He most loved the fact that Alasse
followed him around as if his shadow.
The children helped ease any discomfort when people remembered what had
happened. King Thranduil held Vanelossë for a long time just talking
softly in her ear as she tried but failed to hold back her tears. No
one knew what the words were spoken between them but everyone knew the
sorrow of the king when she had been taken. As predicted by Lord Elrond
many years before, Thranduil loved Vanelossë as if she were his own
child for she had blessed his son with love and the halls of
Thranduil’s palace with four beautiful children that he adored.
Thranduil compared the day Legolas brought her home to an answer to his
prayers. Finally, his son would have all of the love he needed and
Thranduil would have his beloved grandchildren to keep him young.
The citizens had come to greet the party and the children were passed
around so many times that for one frantic moment, Legolas realized he
had no idea where Séro was. Visions of previous exploits of his son
danced in his head before he found Éomer sneaking off with him to show
the elfling his horse. King Thranduil requested that all of the guests
join them for a celebration feast and sent them all to lavish suites
where they would stay until they departed. Rumil and Orophin were both
shocked being treated as if they were royalty but Mehtar advised them
to enjoy the moment for if they argued Thranduil might put them in the
stables instead.
Feeling the need to alone with his family, Legolas led them to their
quarters. Legolas spent the next few hours finding out from the
children what they had been doing since he left. Each child clamored
for his attention and he could barely understand as they all spoke at
once. Vanelossë cuddled with the baby watching the older children climb
all over their father.
Vanelossë felt a serenity she had not felt in long time watching her
family. This was the reason why she lived through all that was done to
her, what had stopped her from fading. Holding her baby close to her,
she felt an ache in her chest of how much she loved her young children.
She could not bear the thought of their sorrow if they had lost either
she or Legolas. She remembered Elrohir, Elladan, and Arwen’s pain when
their mother left for the undying lands after her abduction. They were
adults at the time and it had almost destroyed the twins with their
rage. She could not imagine the pain her children would suffer being so
young. She looked over at Legolas as he looked at her and smiled, his
blue eyes overflowing with love.
“Where were you Ada? You have been gone for a long time. And Nana had
to go find you after the uanin came into the city,” Illisse looked at
Legolas with wide eyes. “After that Daeradar would not let Lienilda
take us anywhere without a guard and we could not leave the caves to go
to the lake.”
“That is because Séro was in trouble because of the last time he went
to the lake and was naughty. One of the archers had to bring him down
from the tree and back to the city the day those uanin came to the
village. The day that Nana left,” Alasse said.
“So you remember when the uanin came to the city? Do you remember what
happened?” Legolas asked Alasse as Vanelossë held her breath.
”Yes, they came into the city and they tried to get into the palace but
Daeradar and the guards would not let them. Lienilda took Anarion and
us in one of the room in the back of the palace. Daeradar was yelling
at the archers and guards to find Séro and Nana and secure the city.
Illisse was crying, of course, but I was not because I knew that
Daeradar was going to protect us,” Alasse bragged. Vanelossë released
the breath she had been holding.
“And then Iârnaur brought Séro back into the room with us. And Séro was crying,” Illisse said.
Vanelossë’s heart skipped a beat. “Séro, why were you crying?” She asked softly.
Séro shrugged and looked down.
“What is it Séro?” Vanelossë asked concerned.
“Alasse told me I was going to be in trouble when you and Ada returned
because I ran away from you and went up the tree,” Séro said with his
lip quivering.
Legolas rearranged the girls and brought Séro closer. “Séro, you are
not going to be in trouble. We are not angry. We worry that you will
fall or be hurt.” Looking at his son tenderly, Legolas asked, “Did the
men and the uanin not frighten you Séro?”
Séro smiled and shook his head. “Iârnaur told me that they were running
away. Then Daeradar told us that Mehtar and Tauro had killed the uanin
and they had taken Nana to bring you home. You must have been very lost
Ada because they have been gone for a long time.”
As Vanelossë bit back tears of relief, Legolas kissed Sera’s forehead
and said, “Yes, I was very lost indeed. I am always lost with out your
Nana.”
Vanelossë’s tears began to fall silent as she looked at Legolas
lovingly. Their eyes met and held for a long moment before the children
were demanding his attention again. Vanelossë wiped away her tears as
she watched Anarion sleeping peacefully.
“We missed you so much,” Illisse said, hugging Legolas tightly.
“As we have missed each of you, miregen,” Legolas said kissing each child.
“Ada, Séro and Illisse would cry for you sometimes at night,” Alasse informed him seriously.
“You cried too, Alasse!” Illisse accused.
“And what would Daeradar do when you cried?” Legolas asked.
“Daeradar would take blankets and pillows and throw them all over the floor, Ada,” Séro laughed.
Confused, Legolas looked at Séro and asked, “Whatever for?”
“He let us sleep on the floor with him in front of the fire,” Séro said
as if it were the most natural thing in the world for the King of
Mirkwood to camp out in the floor. As Legolas struggled to grasp the
image of his father doing that, Vanelossë bit her lip to keep from
laughing.
Soon they had to prepare for the feast so Legolas and Vanelossë bathed
the children, both getting drenched in the process from the antics of
the excited children. Neither parent minded, laughing at the simple joy
of spending time with their sweet little elflings. Legolas wrestled
with Séro, trying to get him settled down enough so that he could be
dressed. Vanelossë put the girls in fancy dresses as the girls
insisted, owing to the presence of so many guests. Vanelossë spent a
long time fixing their hair just enjoying being with the girls. Illisse
insisted that she and Alasse could fix their mother’s hair. Vanelossë
laughed and held back tears as they tenderly brushed her hair. The
purity and sweetness of their gentle touch and beautiful faces warmed
her heart. She could not stop touching their baby soft skin and
stroking their beautiful hair.
After Legolas had washed and changed, he managed to get all of the
children under control. Vanelossë went to wash as well then change into
one of her gowns. Seeing the wounds on her legs, which had healed into
fresh still tender scars, she cringed, unable to imagine how horrible
her back looked. She had to wear a long sleeved gown to cover the scars
on her arms, fearing the children would see them. Faile, the healer of
the village, had brought salves to put on the scars as well as
medicines that alleviated the pain, which helped greatly. She felt a
cold chill run through her when she thought back to what happened.
Lowering her head, tears burned her eyes. Drawing in a shaky breath,
she pushed the thoughts back into the deep recesses of her mind.
Determined not to let anything ruin their homecoming, Vanelossë
finished dressing and went into the other room. The look of love and
desire that Legolas gave her when she walked into the room made her
feel flushed. She gave him a loving smile before he pulled her to kiss
him with Anarion in between them. He reached up and caressed her cheek
with his fingertips as he smiled at her. When the girls began to tug on
Legolas’ tunic, Vanelossë pulled Séro into her arms, where he giggled
and wrapped his arms tightly around her neck. Legolas carried Anarion
with the girls gaily skipping along beside them, happy they were
finally home. Legolas was amazed that Anarion had still not cried once
since they got home.
At the feast, the king had gone to every effort in the preparations for
the celebration and made their guests feel very welcome. Between the
twins, the brothers of Lothlórien, and the two mortal kings, Vanelossë
felt sure that every available elleth was in the hall at some point
during the celebration fawning over the men. Even Gimli was given much
female attention, to his great amusement.
Finally, seeing him alone, Vanelossë sought out time to spend with Thranduil.
Vanelossë began crying soon after sitting down in front of him. Through
her tears, she said softly, “Thank you Adar for protecting and caring
for our children. I cannot imagine what they would have done without
you. They love you so much, as do I. I can never say how grateful I am
for all that you have done…”
Thranduil put his finger to her lips and when she stopped speaking, he
took both of her hands in his. Kissing them tenderly, he smiled at her.
“Vanelossë, there is no need for your gratitude. You are one of the
most important people in all of Arda to me. The thought that you would
not come home to those beautiful children or not be with my son, whose
world revolves around you, was like a knife in my heart. The life that
you and Legolas have built together was more than I ever dared to dream
for him. Legolas was the perfect ellon and I always knew that he would
do wondrous things in his lifetime. I imagined he would be noble,
brave, and a great warrior with superior skill. Even after he became as
I had wished, I watched him become more than I dared dream but there
was always something missing; something he was searching for. I feared
that he was hearing the call of the sea already and felt pain with the
thought that he would leave for the undying lands before I would.”
Squeezing her hands lightly, Thranduil continued, “I ached to find what
it was that he needed and did not have. One day he told me that I could
not give him what he sought. He knew not what it was, but he felt he
must find it on his own. I realized at that time, he knew more than I
how to obtain his dreams and I must let him go forth on his own. My son
always had more heart than seemed possible coming from my loins.” He
chuckled as Vanelossë smiled.
“When I first saw him that day he returned from Rivendell with you, I
thought he had finally found what he was looking for. He was happy,
blissfully happy, and you two were so in love, everyone could see in on
your faces. But still there was something that both of you needed yet
did not have. When Illisse and Alasse were born, the two of you stopped
seeking for what was missing. My son never wanted to be a great warrior
for the glory. That was not his purpose in this world. He is a great
warrior because it is the way to protect those he cares about.”
Vanelossë felt the tears sliding down her face as Thranduil reached up
and stroked her cheek. He looked at her with his intense blue eyes, so
like his son’s, overflowing with love.
“I have spent much of this afternoon with Strider, Elladan, Elrohir,
and Gimli. They have told me what happened in their quest and of
Legolas’ bravery and honor. I was also told what transpired when
Legolas found you again, broken, and how it seemed to nearly drive him
insane. They explained that a lot of your injuries were caused by your
protection of the other captives. We discussed how Legolas handled the
man that did this to you. All of them agreed that he did something they
could not have done.”
“What was that?” Vanelossë asked quietly.
“Legolas had the wisdom to know that he could not win this by losing
his fea, by succumbing to the rage that filled his heart. I knew then
that my son is much wiser than I. I have never been more proud of him
than I am now. You pulled him from the edge Vanelossë but only Legolas
could have found the strength within himself to stop himself from
falling. You look at him and you see the man you love, your husband,
and the father of your children. I look at him and see a son who has
far succeeded me in wisdom and heart, more than I will ever do in my
years. It is much easier to be brave in battle than to fight the inner
battle he has faced. But he has faced it and he has won. He has more
now than he did the day he left her many moons ago because he has paid
for it.”
Vanelossë nodded and looked down. After a moment, Thranduil cupped her face and turned her to see him. He smiled gently.
“Legolas could not have done what he did without you. I know you feel
as if you have paid the price for rewards you have been given but you
are wrong. You did not deserve what was done to you, nor does anyone.
When I think of what those animals did to you, I feel a rage inside me
that makes me wish I had been there when they found you: to make them
pay for what they had done to you, for what they did to all of you,”
Thranduil said.
“Suffering as you did was not payment for what you have been given,
Vanelossë, so do not feel as if you are not allowed anger or hurt for
what was done. You have every right to feel anger and sorrow, allow
yourself to heal by facing these emotions. Just as you helped to pull
Legolas away from the edge, you must now have the wisdom to let him do
this for you as well. But only you can stop yourself from falling. You
cannot do this for him or for the children. If you are to go on, you
must do this for yourself.”
“Your love with Legolas has become a circle that never ends. And within
that circle are those four precious children. Legolas cannot be who he
is without you nor can you be who you are without him. Do not break
that circle because you are so consumed with his recovery and his fea
that you forget your own. Just as he must not be so consumed with your
needs that he forgets his own. You must allow each other time to heal
or you will both lose.”
Thranduil pulled her to him and laying her head on his shoulder, she
began to cry softly. He held her for a long time before she felt him
pulling away. Smiling, he rose from the chair and left as Legolas sat
down. Vanelossë and Legolas looked at each other for a long time before
either spoke.
“My father is very wise. I hope he has given you some comfort,” Legolas
said, running his hand over her arm trying not to flinch when he felt
her wounds.
Vanelossë chuckled, “He told me that you were the wiser than him.”
At first surprised, Legolas then grinned slowly. “Be wary my beautiful
wife, for while my father is wise, he has been known to use his sugary
words and charm to defeat many adversaries of their will to know what
is right and what is an illusion.”
Vanelossë reached out and pulled the braid from behind his ear
carefully, a familiar loving gesture between the two. Leaning forward,
she kissed him lovingly.
“Your father is right most of the time and I feel sure he is right
about this now,” Vanelossë whispered then kissed him again. “Would it
be horribly improper for us to take our children home to bed? Despite
how grateful I am to each and every one of them, I have spent many
nights with our guests and would like to spend the remainder of night
alone with my children and their father.”
Smiling, Legolas stood and took her hand. Retrieving the sleepy
children from the laps they lay on, they bid their farewells before
going back to their quarters. Legolas held Anarion as Vanelossë put
Séro and the girls into bed. She curled up with the girls for a long
time just watching them sleep holding Séro tight to her chest. After a
little while, Legolas came into the room and placed the baby into his
cradle. Pulling Vanelossë from the girl’s bed, he kissed both girls on
their temple. Smiling, he picked up Séro to lay in his own bed, kissing
him as his son curled up and began to suck his thumb: the very picture
of peace.
Taking Vanelossë to their bedroom, Legolas turned to her and pulled her
into a deep passionate kiss. She began crying and he rested his hand on
her cheek.
“What is it, Melethrilen?” Legolas said softly.
“I am afraid. I cannot help thinking about what those men did to me and
how you deserve more than that. All I have to do is look at my scars
and see how ugly they are to remember. Why would you still want me
after all of this? How can you stand to touch me?”
Legolas pulled her onto the bed and turned her so she was facing him.
Vanelossë looked away and he forced her to look at him by gently
holding her face in his hands.
“Vanelossë, this was done to you, it is not something you have done.
There is no reason for you to feel shamed by it. I love you more than
anything in this world. Nothing those men did to you can change that.
You are the most beautiful woman in the world to me to this very day,”
Legolas said softly. “Please do not let those men destroy what we have.
Do not let them take that from us. They have already taken so much, I
cannot bear for them to take anymore.”
Legolas’ voice was full of sorrow as he spoke. He was so fearful that
her heart would not heal from this and she would fade. As would he, for
he could not live if he lost her forever.
Seeing Legolas’ pain broke her heart. Vanelossë reached over and kissed him as her tears spilled onto her cheeks.
Vanelossë whispered, “I love you so much. I cannot imagine my life without you.”
Holding her face in his hands, Legolas kissed her tenderly. Allowing
her set the pace, he was overjoyed when she let him have full access to
her mouth. Gently, he explored her mouth with his tongue as she pulled
him closer.
Legolas kissed Vanelossë until she felt out of breath then kissed her
even more, seeming unable to stop. Slowly, he began to kiss down her
neck and she moaned. Pulling her hair away, he lightly sucked on the
tender spots of her throat. He moved his lips across her skin as her
breathing quickened. He was tender and loving. No matter how much he
desired her, he refused to rush this. He felt her respond to him but
sensed her fear. While he understood, it deeply hurt him that his touch
would cause her to feel any discomfort.
Finally, he kissed his way back to her mouth, wanting her to feel his
love flow over her. When he pulled away, he could see desire and love
in her eyes. Pulling her to her feet, he slowly began to undress her,
kissing her tenderly the whole time. When she was completely naked, he
stood back and stripped off his tunic. Drawing her to him, he just felt
the warmth of her skin on his own.
Looking deep into her eyes, he whispered, “Gerich velethen guilen a phân lû.” (You have my love and my life for all time.)
Stroking her back lightly, Legolas kissed her again. He could feel the
raised wounds that would soon be permanent scars on her back. Legolas
tried not to focus on what had caused them feeling she needed to know
that they did not repulse him.
Tracing the wounds lightly with his fingertips, Legolas whispered
softly in Vanelossë’s ear, “Nach vein, Melethrilen” (You are beautiful,
my beloved.)
Vanelossë began to tremble. She turned her face away from him. As she
looked down away from him, Legolas watched her for a moment.
“Melethen, what is it? Are you not ready?” Legolas asked softly, unsure what to say.
“Legolas, forgive me, I just …” Vanelossë pulled away from him and
reached down, grabbing his tunic from the floor. As she covered
herself, she would not look at him.
Taking the tunic from her, Legolas pulled it over her head and drew her
to lay on the bed with him. Gently, he stroked her cheek until she
looked at him and he could see how terrified she was.
“Vanelossë, you do not ever need to be afraid of me. I will wait.
However long you need, I will wait. Know that I love you and I just
want you with me even if you are not ready for me to make love to you.
But please, Melethen, allow me to comfort you through this,” Legolas
said softly watching her eyes.
The tenderness of his words and his touch was in such far contrast to
what she had been though. Finally, the floodgates crashed and she cried
for what had been done to her. What started out as silent tears ending
up being deep heart-wrenching sobs that tore at his heart. He held her
tightly as she wept. When she could cry no more, he just held her
whispering words of love as he kissed her tenderly.
Vanelossë was overwhelmed. She was exhausted from her tears but at last
felt some relief of the burden she had been carrying so long. She no
longer had the energy to pretend all was well. Only Legolas would ever
see her this weak and vulnerable. Her love for him was never stronger
than at that moment.
“Melethen, you are exhausted and need rest,” Legolas said.
He slid from the bed and brought the medicine and salve that Faile had
made for her back to the bed. He gave her the medicine then tenderly
rubbed the healing salve on her scars on her arms. Eventually she
rolled onto her stomach and he carefully pulled up the tunic to expose
her back. His chest tightened as he saw the wounds. He gingerly covered
them and the scars on her behind and the backs of her legs with the
salve. When he was done, he stroked her hair soothingly until the salve
had time to absorb into her skin.
Pulling the tunic down over her back again, he lay down beside her.
Legolas drew Vanelossë to him and she rested her head on his chest.
Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, “Sleep, Vanelossë.”
Too exhausted to argue, she fell asleep as he held her. Legolas stayed
awake for a long time, worrying about how he could help her through
this. Finally, he fell asleep as well.
When Vanelossë woke up the next morning, she watched Legolas sleep for
a long time. It was still very early and the children would not wake up
for a while. She ran her hands over his chest and down his stomach.
When she looked up at his face, his eyes were open and he was watching
her. Reaching up, she put her hand on the back of his head and pulled
his mouth to hers.
Needing to drive the horrible images from her brain and remind herself
what it was felt to be loved, she began to kiss her husband
passionately.
Legolas allowed her to lead him as to the pace of their kisses. She was
kissing him slowly at first, timidly. As her tongue explored his mouth,
he stroked it with his own. When she became more confident and relaxed,
he buried his hands in her hair and kissed her with all of the love he
felt in his heart. Her hands began to roam his bare chest and arms
clutching him to her.
Holding her tight against him, he began to kiss her neck and throat as she stroked his hair.
“Legolas, make love to me,” she whispered.
Looking at her, he asked, “Are you certain?”
Vanelossë nodded and kissed him again to show him how certain she was.
Taking everything very slow, he kissed her until her hands were roaming
every inch of his exposed skin. Gently, he removed his tunic that she
was wearing. She sat up so that he was able to pull it free from her
then she kissed him hungrily. Pulling away, he cupped her breasts in
his hands, caressing them softly. Deftly stroking one breast, he closed
his mouth over the other as she moaned. As he was swirling his tongue
around her areola then sucking her nipple into his mouth, she arched up
to him and ran her fingers through his hair.
Legolas’ movements were tender, yet deliberate. He took his time with
each breast and then continued to kiss his way to down her flat
stomach. Even though they had four children, her body was as it was
when he first beheld her by the waterfall.
Sliding down the bed, Legolas continued to caress Vanelossë with both
his hands and his mouth until he reached the apex of her thighs. Moving
her legs apart, he rained hot kisses on the insides of them. Tenderly,
he licked her sex and felt her quivering under him. He stroked her with
his tongue as she moaned. When he sucked her sensitive core into his
mouth, she gasped then moaned loudly. He continued to caress her with
his tongue until he felt her arch into his mouth. He slowly slid two
fingers into her as she cried out in pleasure. Taking his time, he
continued to stroke into her with his fingers as he sucked ardently on
her. She whimpered as he felt her contracting around his finger.
Suddenly, she arched up and moaned his name as she exploded around his
fingers. Withdrawing his fingers from her, he began to thrust his
tongue into her as her juices flowed from her.
Legolas continued even after she stopped quivering beneath him,
bringing her once again to climax as she whimpered with desire. Licking
her one final time, he began to kiss the insides of her thighs then
moved back over her stomach. Sitting up, he removed his leggings as she
stared at him with passion filled eyes.
Taking Vanelossë in his arms, he caressed and kissed her breasts. He
enjoyed re-acquainting himself with her exquisite body as well as her
pleasure of his touch. He moaned when she closed her hand around his
pulsing organ. Unable to bear much of her stroking him since it has
been so long, he moved between her legs. Slowly, he entered her as he
caressed her face, watching her eyes. He was so gentle with her that it
took all of his restraint to hold back his passion. As he began to move
into her slowly, she ran her hands down to the small of his back. Her
tantalizing touches made him mad with desire.
Legolas began to kiss her on the neck again as she started to meet his
thrusts urgently. He allowed her control of their lovemaking and she
increased their tempo steadily. She cried out in pleasure every time he
entered her. Reaching down, he pulled one of her legs higher on his hip
as he held himself up with the other hand. As the speed of her
movements up to him increased, he kissed her again, dipping his tongue
deep into her mouth as she returned his kiss passionately.
Legolas felt so good to be enveloped in her heat; he was having
difficulty maintaining control after all of these months. She let out a
low but steady moan that was muffled by his kisses. Sensing her
imminent climax, he increased the pace of his movements while remaining
gentle with her.
Vanelossë screamed out his name into his passionate kiss as she clung
to him tightly. The waves of pleasure wracked her body and Legolas
could feel her inner canal massaging him. Overwhelmed with her
passionate movements to him, he could no longer restrain himself.
Moaning loudly, he buried himself into her as he released his pent up
climax deep inside her.
Unwilling to release him, Vanelossë wrapped her legs around his waist
and he made love to her again, this time in a more frenzied manner. She
devoured his mouth as she ran her hand over every part of his body she
could reach. Withdrawing from her kiss, Legolas gazed down at her
beautiful face as her eyes burned with need for her husband.
Vanelossë was besieged with both love and desire for her beloved
husband. Nothing ever felt better than his embrace. She loved every
moment of his making love to her. As he watched her with his deep blue
eyes so full of love, she was able to forget everything but him. They
continued to move against each other with a familiar yet exciting
manner and watched the other tenderly.
When Vanelossë began to climax again, Legolas watched the pleasure
overtake her. The very sight of her in such rapture forced his passion
to rise to an unbearable level soon sated by his release in her
clutches.
Legolas lay on the bed beside her and pulled her to him, stroking her
skin as they both of them were gasping for breath. After sometime, she
whispered, “Thank you.”
Rolling on his side to look at her, he asked, “What have I done to do
to have earned your gratitude, other than make love to my beautiful
wife? I am the one who should be thanking you.”
“Thank you for reminding me how beautiful it can be,” Vanelossë said facing him.
They kissed tenderly and lovingly for a long time, before they heard
stirring in the other room. Smiling at each other, they eagerly rose
and dressed, rushing to be with their children again, so they could be
a family once more.
Two days later, the elves of Mirkwood said goodbye to their guests and
friends. Rumil, Orophin, and the twins were to go to Lothlórien.
Elrohir and Elladan would then go home after visiting their
grandparents, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Gimli was to go back to
Gondor with Aragorn and the rangers until the coronation in a few
months time when they would all be together again. Éomer was leaving
for Rohan along with his men, after developing a deep bond with
Mirkwood’s royal family that would grow over his lifetime.
~*~
Vanelossë could not stop her tears whilst saying her farewells to the
men who had rescued her from such torment. There were no words to
express that type of gratitude she felt. Seeing her back with her
family and the other ellith returning home to their families made
everything worth it to the men. Still, Vanelossë spent time thanking
each one for all they had done.
Every time that Vanelossë would look over at Orophin, he would look
down or away ashamed. Legolas put his hand on her back and whispered to
her that she should try to speak with Orophin. She knew that Orophin
was racked with guilt and shame. Legolas had tried to no avail to make
him realize that they did not blame him at all. Taking him aside,
Vanelossë finally talked to him about what had transpired between them.
“Orophin, I hold nothing but love for you in my heart. There is no
anger, nor hatred for you. What happened was not your fault and it is
unbearable for me to know that you cannot forgive yourself and do not
realize you are not to blame,” Vanelossë said holding his arm.
“But I…” Orophin started then looked away quickly.
“Orophin, do not torture yourself. Those men have caused us so much
grief and shame, we must let it go,” Vanelossë said softly. Pulling his
face gently so that he was forced to look at her. “You must end this
guilt.”
Orophin looked at her for a long time as she smiled gently at him. He
knew she truly forgave him for his disgrace. He felt a sense of relief
stronger than he had felt since this ordeal began and he returned her
smile. The two embraced as loyal friends knowing that nothing but love
of deep friendship was now between them instead of all of the guilt and
shame he had carried since that night.
Rumil turned and, seeing Vanelossë and Orophin hugging, smiled. Looking
up, he saw Legolas watching them as well. When Legolas sensed Rumil
looking at him, he glanced over with a smile. Rumil truly felt the
forgiveness of Legolas and Vanelossë would help Orophin recover his
honor again and Rumil was thankful to both of them for he could not
lose another brother. As the brothers were departing Legolas embraced
them both, as did Vanelossë.
“Take care of him. He needs someone to help him through this,” Vanelossë whispered in Rumil’s ear and he nodded.
The kids were running around to each of their new friends with hugs and
kisses for them all. Séro could not leave Gimli alone. Gimli seemed to
love it, as he would chase him around threatening to grab him while
Séro squealed and ran. Aragorn and the twins had always had a special
affection for the girls and spoiled them both rotten. And of course,
Elrohir made time to spend with his best girl, Alasse, as she hugged
and kissed on him. Séro had also gotten very attached to Éomer because
he would let him ride on the horse with him. Éomer promised him a horse
when he was old enough to ride and had secured his place along side
Gimli in Séro’s heart.
Each of the men received a tight embrace from Vanelossë as Legolas and the king also said farewells to each man.
Finally, having waited to say goodbye to them until the last moment,
Vanelossë hugged Elrohir, Elladan, and Aragorn, sobbing openly. Elladan
and Elrohir both hugged her at once and thought back to many carefree
moments they had shared in Imladris as they held back their own tears.
Aragorn and Vanelossë shared a moment as well, thinking back to the day
by the waterfall where their previous affair had allowed her to meet
Legolas. The three knew that the Vanelossë they had known and loved had
been so wounded; she would never be the same. Their hearts ached for
the loss of that spirited woman they had all adored as well as the
carefree happiness Legolas had once had with her.
Finally, extracting the children from the men, they said their final
good-byes as the parties left. It had been decided that since Vanelossë
was unwilling to let Legolas miss Aragorn’s coronation and he would not
leave her and the children again, they would all travel to Gondor under
a heavy guard including Mehtar and Tauro. She knew that Mehtar would
never again let harm come to her as he still felt responsible for this
time. She felt bothered by the trouble being taken for her benefit but
she appreciated the fact that there would be more men to guard her
children. If it were only Legolas and anything happened to one of them,
it would have destroyed him completely.