Wedding Night – Reprise

The hours passed and Ithil filled the sky with silver light when Rhinure heard a sound outside her balcony. It was a small sound, imperceptible to all except one with an Elf’s sharp hearing. Rhinure immediately stiffened, reaching for the daggers tucked underneath her pillow. She remained absolutely silent as the shadow entered her room.

Her fists closed around the metal blade, ready to strike at the intruder. The figure approached carefully, not making any sound. It came closer and closer, almost within striking distance.

It was only a flash of gold that stopped Rhinure from plunging her dagger in the intruder’s shoulder. *~ Legolas! ~* So, her husband had resorted to sneaking into her room. It was not enough that he haunted her steps during the daylight hours, now he was determined to make her nights miserable as well. Why would he not leave her in peace? Why could she not ignore him?

Her frustration did not stop Rhinure from attacking Legolas and tossing him onto the bed with her knives at his throat.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

To say that Legolas was shocked when he found himself lying on Rhinure’s bed would have been an understatement. It was not that he had never imagined being there, truth be told he had thought of it often. In slow, agonising detail, night after night since he had married her. Many of those flights of fancy had involved her straddling him as she did now. But none of those dreams involved Rhinure looking down at him with furious eyes. And most certainly, none of his fantasies had involved her holding daggers to his neck.

Legolas did have to admit that her weight on top of him felt good – very good. She was leaning in slightly to keep the blades on his neck, making her braid fall across her shoulders. Suddenly hungry eyes followed the long hair down where it swung enticingly in front of Rhinure’s breasts. Legolas had to physically restrain himself from touching her hair, from using it too pull her down to him so that he could touch all of her.

But it was growing more difficult as the minutes passed. Rhinure did not move or say anything, and Legolas found that his mouth had dried out, making speech impossible. His eyes trailed along her body, taking in the almost demure cut of her nightgown with the ribbon holding it closed around her neck. The material was light, suitable for the mild night, but it also clearly showed the outline of her body. Legolas was once again surprised to realise how small she was, seemingly fragile, but perfectly proportioned to fit him.

It was as if her body were created keeping his in mind. Legolas knew from experience that she fit perfectly in his arms, her head tucking in nicely under his chin, his arms able to envelop her. Everything about her was made for him, she belonged to him. She was his wife. That thought sent a possessive thrill along Legolas’ body.

She was his, so beautiful in that white gown which glowed as the moon hit it.

“You are not wearing black.”

Rhinure arched an eyebrow, “My Lord, I am holding you at knifepoint and all you can comment upon is the manner of my dress?”

“Yes, well, if you would be so kind as to move your daggers, my Lady.” Legolas reached up and took the blades away from Rhinure, placing them as far away as possible from her. “This is getting to be a bad habit.”

“If you did not steal into my rooms, my Lord, this would not be a habit at all,” Rhinure replied archly, while still perched on top of him.

“Ah, my Lady, how can I not? The reward is too great,” Legolas responded as his hands trailed across her hips to rest at her waist.

Rhinure ignored Legolas’ roving hands, “Truly, my Lord?”

Legolas grinned, “Yes.” With that, he pulled her sharply toward him. Rhinure just managed to prevent falling on him, but she might have as well not bothered. Keeping one hand on her waist, Legolas used the other to trace the outline of her spine until he found her nape. He dragged her down until she was lying on top of him, lips almost touching.

Rhinure steadied herself by placing her arms on Legolas’ side. She could feel the hardness of his body against her. There was so much heat between them. All Rhinure wanted to do was sink into him, allow herself to be warmed. Forget the ice that chipped away at her, let it be blasted away by the fire his touch invoked.

But she did neither, “Why are you here, my Lord?”

“To see you, my Lady.” Legolas’ hands never stopped caressing Rhinure’s body, learning the contours distinctive to her.

“About anything in particular, my Lord?” Rhinure returned the favour, by trailing her foot along Legolas’ leg.

“Can I not want to just spend time with my wife?” Legolas asked playfully, hands going down to caress her thigh, inching up the nightgown slowly so that he could really touch her.

“Sadly, my Lord, that is highly unlikely.” Rhinure looked into Legolas’ eyes, seeing the truth of her words. The worry and the fatigue of their titles still lurked in both of their eyes. With a sigh, she rolled off him, lying next to him but not looking at him.

Propping himself onto one elbow, Legolas looked at Rhinure’s profile. “My Lady, about tonight …”

“My Lord, I do not think there is anything more to say. Neither you nor I can change what we are or what we do. Why repeat what cannot be changed and ruin another moment between us?” Rhinure turned to look up at Legolas, silently asking him not to talk about what had happened earlier.

Legolas nodded, finding that he could not deny her request. He wondered exactly how much he would be able to refuse her if the situation ever arose. Surprisingly, he also found that he was unable stop himself from touching her. To have her so close to him and not touch her caused him to ache – ache so badly that it frightened him. When had she become so important to him?

His fingers rubbed her braid, tugging it slightly to get her attention. “Have you ever wished that you were not the Sacrifice? That you could just be yourself, and not your title?”

Rhinure turned slightly so that she was facing him, “My Lord, I choose to be Sacrifice. It is not a hereditary title. It is a vow that I, of my free will, chose to pledge. I knew the burdens I was swearing to carry and thus I cannot regret what I am.”

“That does not answer my question, my Lady. What you cannot do, very rarely has any relevance on what you want to do. After you swore your vows, did you never wish to leave it all behind?”

“Ever waking moment, my Lord.” Legolas burst out laughing at the acerbic answer. But even he knew that what Rhinure wanted to do had very little relevance with what she could do. Wishes after all, were only shadows and had no place in the harsh light of realty.

“What of yourself, my Lord?”

Legolas thought carefully before answering, “Sometimes, I have thought that fate was deliberately being cruel to me by making me a Prince. My life would have been much simpler if I did not have this responsibility to fulfil.”

“Would it have been better?”

“I do not know, my Lady. It might have been. I might have been happier as some unknown farmer in the Realm. Content with my work and my family. That life has great appeal for me, sometimes.”

“But it would not be your life.” Legolas looked down at Rhinure, asking her to continue. “My Lord, you might not have had a choice in your birth, but being a Prince is a large part of who you are. It might not define you, but it does influence you. Without it, you would not have been the Elf you are.”

“So sure, my Lady?”

“You are a Prince, my Lord.” Rhinure touched Legolas’ face, “My Prince.”

Legolas caught her hand, kissing it. “That almost makes it all worthwhile, my Lady.”

“Would you change what you are if you could?”

“Knowing what I do, and how important it is – no, I would not change what I am. I am Legolas Thranduilion whether I like it or not.”

“Come, my Lord, you cannot tell me you do not enjoy your position at all?”

“There are benefits – like what I can do for my people. The faith they put in me, the respect the give me. All of it makes it bearable. But in the end, it is the people who know me, not the Prince, who make my life the joy it is.”

Rhinure looked at him, warmed by the happiness in his face. Without realising it, she bent forward and lightly kissed him.

Legolas blinked, “Not that I am complaining, my Lady, but what was that for?”

“For being you, my Lord.”

Legolas smiled, “Then let me return the compliment, my Lady.”

Legolas pulled her closer to him, kissing her eagerly, tongue demanding that it be allowed access. When Rhinure opened her mouth, he greedily took control of it, stroking her tongue as if he had every right to do so. His hands wandered over her body, tugging impatiently at the gown. It was essential that he feel her skin under his hands, not this cotton.

Rhinure arched into him, rubbing herself against him, causing him to growl. Breaking away slightly from him, she said archly, “That was quite a compliment, my Lord.”

“I am just beginning, my Lady.” Legolas bent down to kiss her again when the door opened behind them.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Ehtewen walked into the room, taking in Prince Legolas’ presence in her stride with great aplomb. She was pleased to note that the couple were suitably involved with each other and had not noted her presence. She watched with interest as Rhinure moaned as Legolas touched her. Ehtewen has been right; the Prince was competent in these matters. It was good to be proved right.

Nevertheless, she needed to speak to her Mistress. Once she was done they could continue, but only when she was done. Duty was more important. “Mistress, I would have a moment of your time.”

Legolas flinched at the sound of Ehtewen’s voice. *~ Please, not again. ~*. When he realised that Ehtewen did not mean to leave, Legolas buried his face in Rhinure’s neck. What had he done to deserve this? Now he was sure – the Valar were punishing him by putting him in this position. Legolas could only hope Ehtewen would not stay for long because he had no intention of giving up his wife – again.

Rhinure raised herself on one elbow, looking at Ehtewen with displeased eyes. Ehtewen looked back impassively. “What is it, First Guard?”

Ehtewen raised an eyebrow at Rhinure’s husky tone. Prince Legolas was better than she had given him credit for. She was delighted for her Mistress. “We are ready, Mistress. We can leave whenever you wish.”

“And you felt this news to be important enough to disturb me?”

“Mistress, you are the one who said that I should report back as soon as possible. Besides, I did not know there was anything to interrupt. It is not as if the Prince has evinced any interest in sharing your bed before.”

“That will be all, First Guard. You may leave.” Rhinure’s tone was clipped.

“As my Mistress wishes.”

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Rhinure looked down at the blonde elf in her arms. His face was hidden in her neck, but she could feel his smile against her skin. She was surprised to note that she was almost tiny compared to him. He was slender but masculine at the same time, and tall enough to make her feel small, insignificant. Even now, he dominated her – and in her bed no less. Rhinure was not sure she liked this feeling. Legolas’ hands came up to encircle her waist again, thumbs rubbing the material into her skin – Rhinure decided this feeling was not too unpleasant after all.

“Do you get the feeling sometime that people are conspiring against us?” Legolas asked, moving so that he was on top of her again. He concluded that having Rhinure under him was his favourite position. Every time he moved, he could feel her body respond. Every time he took a breath, he could smell her. He was not sure what she smelled like, but he liked it – a lot.

“What do you mean, my Lord?” Rhinure hands stroked the back of Legolas’ head, marvelling at how soft it felt.

“Whenever we get … comfortable, someone or something interrupts us.”

“Is that what we were doing, my Lord? Getting comfortable?”

Legolas raised himself so that he could look at Rhinure, to make sure that she was not teasing him. “Were you not comfortable, my Lady? If not I can leave.”

*~ Please say no. ~*

Rhinure cupped his face in her hands, bringing him down so that she could kiss him. “My Lord, I do not want you to leave. But I would not say that I was comfortable.” With that, she kissed him, softly sucking at his lips causing him to feel decidedly … uncomfortable.

“I see what you mean, my Lady.” Legolas managed when she finally managed to move away from him.

Both elves looked at each other, knowing that after tonight what was between them would change forever. There was no going back. In mutual agreement, they moved closer.

“Mistress, you did not say what time you wished to leave.”

The sound of Istion’s voice made the couple leap away from each other.

Forcing herself to sound calm, when all she wanted to do was throw Istion out of the room, Rhinure answered, “I will speak to you about this – later.” Looking down at Legolas, she added, “Much later.”

Eyes twinkling, Istion wondered if he would be able to interrupt again. As he looked into Rhinure’s glaring eyes, he decided that it was not a good idea. “As my Mistress wishes.”

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Legolas leapt off the bed, literally growling in frustration. Rhinure watched with some alarm as he yanked the blanket and sheets off her bed. “My Lord? What …” Rhinure did not get any further as Legolas bent down and lifted her up from the bed. Wrapping her in the blankets, he strode towards the door.

“I am tired of being interrupted. I will spend this night with you even if I have to take you over the Sea to do it.”

Rhinure blinked at the declaration; she had known that Legolas had been frustrated by the interruptions – but so much so? Not that she was complaining. Snuggling into the blankets, she made herself comfortable, putting her arms around Legolas’ neck. “You do realise that we will not be left alone if you carry me out of the room.”

Legolas looked down at the elleth in his arms. “Maybe not, but I am going to try.” He smiled teasingly, “Besides, if you order them to stay away they will have to do so.”

Rhinure raised a disbelieving eyebrow, “If you say so, my Lord.”

“At least, they will have to find us before they interrupt. Right now, even those few moments will be enough”

“Truly, my Lord? I would have thought you had a lot more … endurance.”

Legolas kissed his wife again, silencing her very effectively as he kicked the door open.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Istion and Ehtewen had to move very quickly when Rhinure’s door burst open. They were convinced that they would see an irate Sacrifice standing there. One thing they had learnt from experience was that troubling Rhinure was not healthy for a person. Imagine their surprise when they saw a determined Legolas stride out, carrying a cocooned Rhinure in his arms.

For a moment, neither was able to move. Somehow, Istion managed to find his voice, “Mistress?” It was a pitiful attempt at best, more a croak then a question.

Rhinure raised herself slightly, so that she could see Istion over Legolas’ shoulder. “Istion, you will stay here. I have business to attend to with the Prince and we do not want to be disturbed.” Rhinure’s voice brooked no argument, so Istion nodded his head. She glared at Ehtewen till she nodded her head as well.

Legolas never stopped walking, one glance from him was enough to convince Herenion that maybe he too should stay away from the couple tonight.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

“You do realise that we shocked our Guards out of at least a years growth, my Lord?”

Legolas grinned at his wife, marvelling at how adorable she looked wrapped in the blanket. “They can spare it, my Lady.”

Rhinure smiled slightly at Legolas, almost causing him to miss a step. It was shocking to see what a difference that tiny little smile made to Rhinure’s face. While nothing would change Rhinure’s sharp features into true beauty, the smile made her lovely. It softened the firm set of her mouth, making it even more desirable. Though Legolas had to concede, smile or not, that mouth was tempting. But he liked it when his Rhinure smiled. He would have to make sure she did it more often.

Any further thoughts of Rhinure’s smile were driven out of his mind when she nuzzled into his chest. Thoughts of making her smile were replaced with thoughts of making her moan, loudly. Did she realise what she was doing to him?

Keeping the mirth she felt deep inside her, Rhinure stretched slightly causing her body to rub against Legolas’ chest. The immediate tensing of his muscles meant that her actions were having the desired effect. Her prince was going to learn exactly what kind of elleth he had married tonight.

“Where are you taking me, my Lord?”

“It is a surprise, my Lady.”

“I am not fond of surprises, my Lord.”

“You will like this one though, my Lady.”

*~ You will pay for this Princeling. ~* Rhinure thought with great satisfaction.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Legolas managed to slip out of the Palace without anyone seeing him. Years of practice as an Elfling and a youth served him well today. Later he would have to speak to the Palace’s security; but for now, he was glad to be alone with his wife.

Rhinure turned an impatient face to him again, “My Lord, I hope you are not taking me to the Gardens again. I will have to hurt you, if you are.”

“I would not dare, my Lady.”

“Then …”

“Patience, my Lady. All will be revealed in time.”

Rhinure was tempted to hurt Legolas – gardens or not.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Legolas placed Rhinure down carefully, watching her as carefully as she took in her surroundings. “My Lord, it is … beautiful.”

And the meadow was stunning; the flowers clearly visible in the moonlight. Everywhere Rhinure turned, she could see flowers, a veritable carpet of them. Taking a deep breath, she filled her lungs with the sweet smell, feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted from her. This had been a good idea.

Moving a step forward, she felt her feet sink slightly in the grass. “It is lovely, my Lord.” Her voice was slightly husky causing Legolas to lean in close to hear her.

He watched as the blankets fell off her shoulders, pooling to her feet. It was like watching a present being unwrapped – his very own little present. The delicate nightgown was not enough to fully conceal her body and Legolas watched closely as the moonlight revealed her shape. “Yes, most lovely.”

Rhinure did not turn around and therefore she missed the hungry look he gave her. She was more interested in the sight before her. “What is this place, my Lord?”

“I believe it used to be a garden, now it is wild meadow.”

“I never thought I would hear myself say this, but this garden I approve of, my Lord.”

Legolas chucked, “Come here, my Lady.”

Rhinure turned around to see that Legolas had spread the blankets out under a tree. He extended a hand to her, which she took, allowing him to draw her down to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck while he kissed her.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Rhinure felt Legolas’ impatient fingers release her braid, running his fingers through it to loosen the hair so that it fell across her back. She hissed slightly when he hit a snarl, pulling at it in his haste.

“I am sorry, my Lady. Did I hurt you?” Legolas immediately moved away from her, disentangling his fingers from her hair.

Rhinure brought his hand back to her hair, letting him sink his fingers back into the black mass. She did not even complain when he pulled her forward. She watched with bemusement as Legolas carefully loosened her hair, taking care to untangle each snarl without hurting her. When he was done he had such a look of satisfaction on his face that Rhinure had to ask, “What are you doing, my Lord?”

“Unwrapping my present.”

“Do I look like a gift to you, my Lord?”

Legolas nodded, drawing her onto his lap. “Yes, my Lady. A gift, just for me.” As his hands framed her face, he added, “A very tempting gift indeed.”

Rhinure should have taken offence at his remark, but she found that she did not have the strength left in her to object. Well, if the Prince was going to have fun at her expense – then it was only fair that she return the favour. Wicked fingers moved to the stays on Legolas’ shirt, opening them with great ease.

“And what do you do, my Lady?”

“I am opening my present, my Lord.” With a challenging look in her eye, Rhinure slipped her hands inside. Deft fingers moved over the smooth chest, teasing, caressing.

Hissing, Legolas held the slender wrist still. When Rhinure looked at him questioningly, he managed to say, “There is no hurry, my Lady. We have the entire night before us.”

“And what would you have us do, my Lord?”

Legolas swallowed, “Talk?”

Rhinure sighed; he was going to be the death of her. “As you wish, my Lord.” However, she was not about to let him get away this easily. Settling herself comfortably between his legs, Rhinure placed her head on his chest.

“Talk then, my Lord.”

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

And talk they did. Minutes became hours, and they talked. Later neither would be able to remember much of what was said, except that it was of no substance but great consequence. Legolas would forever remained convinced that they talked of flowers, moonlight and beauty in general. However, he would not swear to it since he was highly distracted at the time.

“Do you ever think what it would have been like if we had met under different circumstances?” Rhinure asked curiously as Legolas played with her hair.

He decided that he liked her hair, the weight of it, the smell of it, the feel of it against his bare skin. Somehow, Rhinure had managed to divest him of his shirt, saying that she preferred him without it. Who was he to deny her request? Truth me told, he liked it when she caressed his bare arm or when she would turn around to kiss him and then settle back against his chest.

“Sometimes.”

“What do you think it would be have been like?”

“I really do not know,” Legolas answered distractedly. He had managed to open the bow around Rhinure’s neck, exposing a pale expanse of her chest. It was most tempting.

“Come, my Lord. How did you imagine us meeting?”

Legolas slipped the gown off one of her shoulders before he answered, not paying attention to what he was saying, “We would have met at a ball, obviously.”

“Obviously.” Rhinure knew that Legolas was not paying any heed to his speech, but since he was so nicely nibbling on her collarbone, she was not complaining.

“I would have taken one look at you and immediately known that you were the one to be my wife.”

Rhinure twisted out of his grasp turning around to face him. “My Lord, these are not imaginings, these are delusions. If we had met at a ball, you would not have given me a second glance.”

Legolas winced, knowing the truth in her words. “But does it matter, my Lady since I have already given you a second look – and a third, and a fourth?” He crawled forward as he said this, a predatory look in his eyes.

Rhinure scrambled backwards as he came closer to her. “Tell me the truth, my Lord. Would you not rather have had a blushing maid, with fair skin and laughing eyes?”

Legolas caught her ankle, pulling her back under him. “What need have I, for blushing maids, when I have you? Though now that I think of it, I would like to make you blush. You would look delectable with some colour in you cheeks.” He bent forward, a sinful look on his face.

Rhinure put a restraining hand on his chest, pushing him back slightly. “Legolas,” she said warningly.

Legolas immediately stilled, looking down at her with burning eyes. “Say that again.”

Rhinure just looked at him, unsure what he wanted but mesmerised by the fire she saw in him. “My Lord …”

“No,” Legolas cut her off harshly, breathing deeply. “Say my name again.”

It was then Rhinure realised that she had called him by his name. Lying back down on the grass, she looked up at her husband. With a wicked smirk of her own, she breathed softly, “Legolas.”

The sound of her name coupled with the invitation in her smile was enough to sweep the last restraints holding Legolas. With a low moan, he lowered himself onto Rhinure, finally claiming his wife.

  x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x