The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Chapter 20: Book 3 - Passion's Mirror
by Sienna Dawn

Haldir and Lisse made their way separately to the large dining hall, now empty and still. Haldir judged it to be mid morning.

"Are you hungry?" Lisse asked him. She was pleasant, but distant. Haldir could see her eyes were swollen as if from weeping and her nose and cheeks were flushed red. He realized with a pang that she had been crying but had no idea why.

Haldir arched an eyebrow, "Aye, and so must you." He added with a grin, hoping to smooth things between them, and choosing a chair next to a closed window. Leaning toward it, he opened it wide, letting the delicious morning breeze waft through the high-ceilinged hall.

Lisse nodded, her posture stiff, "I am. I will fetch some food and drink. I think we are going to need strength for what is to come." Lisse kept her face averted from Haldir's gaze. She felt drained and knew still the pang of humiliation. She did not wish for Haldir to see the extent of her grief, for she knew much anger lay coiled in her heart.

Haldir made to stand, "Need you my help?"

Lisse shook her head. "Not in the kitchens."

Haldir sat once more.

Silently, Lisse exited the hall.

Moments later, Haldir heard conversation entering the hall, and he looked up from his reverie. Lisse was followed by several elves bearing large trays of food.

Setting these down before him, Haldir waited for Lisse to join him.

As they ate, they quietly discussed Eadendir, his behavior of hours earlier and what they could do to prevent the escalating battle of wills that both knew was in the making.

Lisse sighed and set down her cup. "I fear Grandfather will seek to disown me of my lands." Her eyes studied a tiny fleck of food on the table, she did not wish to meet his gaze, fearing he would see her anguish there.

Haldir frowned and sat back. He pulled an empty chair closer to him, and draped an arm around it. "How can that be?"

"If Grandfather can show that my will is adled or that I am under your dominion, or worse yet," she raised her eyes to wall behind him, "if he can prove you forced yourself upon me, then I forfeit all and you as well."

Haldir considered Lisse's words for a moment. "So that is what he meant." His voice was soft.

Lisse nodded, "Yes, that is what he meant." She thought furiously and then turned to Haldir. "I have an idea." She began.

Immediately, Haldir straightened and sat upright in the chair. "Oh no!" He exclaimed and shook his head. "I am thoroughly familiar with the many fine examples of what you deem "an idea". In fact, I was wondering how long it would take you to have one!"

Lisse snorted and Haldir frowned. Her voice was insistent, "If you can drop your fancy speech for a moment and heed."

Haldir sighed and sat back once more. This was not a good idea...to heed her when the glow of her eyes intensified. But he decided to be fair. "Very well," he conceded, "proceed."

In a short time, Lisse detailed her plan to Haldir, who merely sat, stunned, watching her animated face. Shaking his head, he stood. "Nay, Madam. I'll not be a party to such willy wiles." He shook his head again and fixed his gaze on her face. Her idea was madness itself.

Lisse's eyes burned. "I tell you, 'tis the only way."

Haldir's eyes flashed in determination. "Nay, I will not be party to it!"

Lisse crossed her arms and her eyes darkened, "I tell you, you stiff-necked wood elf, 'tis the only way!"

Finally, Haldir had enough. "It may very well be customary for the elves of Eressea to avail themselves of the Valar at the first sign of trouble, but 'tis not the way of my kindred." His eyes flared and lit into her. "There are tribunals in Tirion, Lisse, whose jurisdiction encompasses all of the island. I will not follow in your Grandfather's lead and seek Manwe!" His words were said with force and Lisse knew enough to not press the point.

Giving her one last furious look, Haldir turned. "I need air." He said with a heavy sigh.

Frowning, Lisse watched Haldir turn and walk from the hall.

Haldir fled the Hall and did not stop walking until he had reached the fruit orchards where he could lose himself and think.

He realized now it had been a mistake to try and dupe Eadendir. He knew the old elf was not easily deceived. They would simply need to confront Eadendir with the truth. The ruse had not worked. Now, Lisse and he would face the old elf's wrath. And rightly so, thought Haldir. It had been his desire to please Lisse which clouded his judgement in the first place. He should never have agreed to the game.

As he strolled, his keen ears picked up the sound of harsh and loud voices and he knew it was coming from the Hall.

"And so," he thought, "it begins." With a sigh, Haldir turned back to the house.

By the time Haldir had entered the Hall, Lisse's and Eadendir's argument had reached a fever pitch. Several elves gave him a worried look but he did not acknowledge this.

When he finally reached the dinning hall, both Lisse and Eadendir turned to him. Lisse's face was a mask of fury, while Eadendir's was calm.

"Ah," Eadendir exclaimed casually, sitting, "and here is the knave."

Haldir frowned for a moment and stopped, "Knave? Why say you this?" He asked Eadendir. Haldir kept his tone deliberately light, but the trace of challenge was still unmistakably etched in the low notes of his rich voice.

Lisse glared at Haldir. Fancy words! She was sick of them. She was about to reply, when Eadendir's words cut her off.

"Know this, Haldir o Lorien: you have aimed higher than your station allows. First with my daughter and now with Lisse. You gave me your word once that this relationship would not continue. I accepted your word as your bond. And now, here I am and come to learn from my granddaughter that not only are you partnered to her, but I find you in her bedchamber?" His voice dripped sarcasm.

Haldir stared directly at Eadendir. "As I recall of that conversation," Haldir began, stung by the accusation in Eadendir's words, "was that I would leave these lands. And I also recall telling you that nothing had passed between myself and Lisse at that time. I gave you no oath further than that."

At Haldir's words, a sharp pain stabbed Lisse's soul. This was her confirmation, dragged from Haldir's own lips. He had never loved her. Perhaps he had formed a fanciful attachment to her because she was his lover's daughter, and he had come to begrudgingly accept her, but he had never loved her. Not in the way she loved him, desperately, deeply, fully. All at once she felt wretched and miserable and wished she could send both elves before her to Mandos Hall!

Eadendir straightened in his chair and contemplated Haldir, "And what is that to me now? " and with these words he glanced at Lisse before turning to look at a stony-faced Haldir. "I believe you influenced her and coerced her for your own motives."

Lisse gasped and glared at her Grandfather, but it was Haldir's reaction that made her nervous, for his patience seemed to have come to an end.

Roughly, Haldir grabbed a chair, dragged it toward Eadendir and sat it directly in front of the old elf. Eadendir's startled expression was the only hint that the old elf realized he might have gone too far.

With blazing eyes and a stony expression, Haldir looked into Eadendir's face. His body was relaxed in the chair, but when he spoke, his words were said in a soft hush. Both Lisse and Eadendir clearly heard the power behind the voice.

"I do not know, Eadendir o Tirion, what it is my people have done to you, nor do I care to know." Haldir began, "Since coming to these lands you have done naught but slander my name."

At that Eadendir made to protest but Haldir cut him off, "Yes, you have. I full well know of your work in Tirion."

Haldir's gray eyes burned into Eadendir's face. "Do not come now with threats, for I have had a lifetime of threats from you. My only crime was that I cared for Min. Now I am made still to pay for that." He paused for a moment and saw Eadendir's face set in stony silence.

Lisse listened to the astonishing words, a slow realization coming to her.

She heard Haldir continue.

"Fate brought me Lisse." Haldir continued, "I did not seek this destiny, Eadendir, it sought me. I made good on my word to you, I left. And with it, I left my heart behind in Lisse's care. But what did that mean in your grand scheme?"

Eadendir remained silent, simply staring into Haldir's face.

Lisse looked down at her Grandfather wondering what secrets he hid and how Haldir had come to know. She was sure now that there were secrets here, hidden things which she had no knowledge of. What part did she play in it?

Haldir continued, "I was made to give up love once. And still this is not enough? So now you would ensnare an innocent into your schemes and plans? Am I that much of a threat to your ordered life? Can you not see how this affects Lisse? Once you closeted Min amidst walls of mortar and stone, later behind lies and plots, and what came of it?" Haldir's eyes flashed in controlled fury.

"What came of it, Eadendir?" Haldir asked softly, his eyes never wavering, never leaving Eadendir's face. "Or do you simply not care about anyone save your own neck?"

Haldir voiced questions that he had long supressed. But he saw no response coming from Eadendir, so he went on and pressed harder. "So, what will you do now, Eadendir o Tirion? Will you call for another Doom to be passed?"

Haldir stopped briefly, seeing a light flare in Eadendir's eyes. "Tread with care, my friend, for the Valar do not do well with lies and deceit."

Haldir's voice was very steady, very confident and this shook Eadendir to the core. For the first time in his dealings with this warrior elf, Eadendir realized that Haldir knew much more than he let on. Yet, he met Haldir's gaze with a confident stare, although deep inside his heart confidence was the last thing Eadendir felt.

"Even a pup knows when to bite and when to retreat." Haldir added softly.

The insult was not missed by either elf. Lisse gasped and stared at her Grandfather. She saw that Eadendir's eyes had narrowed into slits and his lips were pressed into a fine line. Fury was written upon his face, but he remained silent, even after a daring taunt from Haldir.

Lisse stood quietly, looking from one face to the other, watching the battle of wills between these formidable elves and she wondered what was the true root of their clash. Was it all over her and Guve Hall? Her mother? Or was there something else? Something neither one was willing to tell her.

Suddenly, a terrible chill and a dread shook Lisse and she trembled. Aye, she thought. There is an unspoken secret here. But dare she delve too deeply? She sighed and crossed her arms wearily.

"Grandfather, are there secrets you have kept from me?" Lisse asked abruptly. She saw Haldir's eyes raise to her face. But her Grandfather did not turn to her nor acknowledge the question.

Irritated, Lisse came round to stand before Eadendir. "Grandfather?" She asked, keeping her voice light but firm. She saw the flow of emotions on her Grandfather's face and suddenly felt pity.

Kneeling beside him, Lisse took one of his hands, although Eadendir still stared stonily ahead of her and would not meet her eyes. "Surely there is nothing you cannot tell me. Haldir has told me many things," she began, not realizing how her words would cause further damage.

"I know how my father sunk into madness when my mother died. I know how I came to the House of the Elms and who brought me there. Haldir has told me many things I did not know. Are these the secrets you hide?" Her eyes were softly shining onto the old elf's face, but Eadendir did not reply nor acknowledge her words.

"Grandfather?" Lisse asked softly.

Slowly, Eadendir withdrew his hand from Lisse's grasp and stood. Briefly locking his eyes onto Haldir's face, he shifted his gaze to Lisse. "There is one thing I would know."

Lisse nodded and stood, "Ask it." Her eyes searched Eadendir's face.

"Have you coupled with him?"

Lisse's eyes widened. She felt the color rise to her cheeks and then dropped her gaze.

Lisse's reaction was all Eadendir needed to see. He had gotten his answer. Yet, he was a stubborn elf and simply could not let things be.

Haldir never once looked at Lisse, but kept his full attention on the old elf.

"So there has been a consumation?" Eadendir's green gaze studied Haldir carefully. But it was Lisse who answered.

"Nay, Grandfather," she cried, her voice breaking from the strain of the emotions thrust upon her in the short space of a few hours. "Nothing has happened between us." Lisse saw Eadendir's eyes alight upon her face. Boldly, she looked into the old elf's eyes and he saw the truth of her words.

"There has been no coupling, Grandfather," Lisse repeated in a soft, still voice and she dropped her head. "For Haldir does not love me." She raised her eyes to her Grandfather once more before striding quickly out of the room.

After Lisse's astounding declaration, Haldir remained silent, but his eyes candidly met Eadendir's bright gaze and the old elf saw the truth of the situation.

"She is not for you." The old elf said quietly.

Haldir's mind was racing. Had Lisse really said the words? Had she really told her Grandfather that he did not love her? Confusion rained darkness in his mind. How could she say this? Had he not shown her he cared for her?

Focusing on Eadendir, Haldir acknowledged the words just spoken to him, "The Valar shall be the judge of that, Eadendir o Tirion, not you!" His words were said forcefully and he bowed deeply to the old elf before heading in the direction that Lisse had taken.

Eadendir briefly closed his eyes. So much damage done already and by this upstart wood-elf.

With that thought, he turned and left the hall, his steps heavy and some would have said, sad.

~*~*~*~

Haldir walked out into the bright sunshine of a typical morning on Tol Eressea. The sky was lit with a pure golden light, its blue framed by small white clouds. Birds dove in and out of the skyline, dipping toward the sea.

Pausing, Haldir let his eyes wander and he dropped his gaze to the ground. Soon, he caught Lisse's trail and he began to follow it, realizing after a moment, she had taken a deliberate route toward the orange groves.

In seconds he had reached the deepest sections of the groves and his keen hearing caught a muffled sob. Frowning, he followed the sound but was stopped by curt words.

"Halt, leave me in peace, Haldir." Lisse's words were muffled, but Haldir could hear the anger in them. His eyes had quickly adjusted to the green darkness of the orange grove and he could see her form, sitting on the ground, her back against one large tree.

Slowly, Haldir approached and when he had reached her, his right knee dropped to the ground and he knelt behind Lisse. His face was full of compassion for the obvious pain she was in.

"I will respect your wishes for privacy, meleth, but tell me what I have done, to cause your tears, for you to say I do not love you, for in truth you know I do."

Haldir had not expected that his words would bring about such a reaction from Lisse.

Abruplty, she turned, her eyes flashing, her face a mask of anger, "You love me?" Her voice was bitter.

Haldir stared at Lisse, a stunned and confused expression on his face. He was about to nod a silent "yes" to her words, when Lisse smiled and Haldir saw a single tear course down her face. Getting up, she gazed into his face, "Liar!" She spat the words into his face with as much venom as she could muster and then ran further into the grove.

Haldir watched Lisse's retreating form until she disappeared from his sight, anger and bewilderment whirling inside him. Liar? He turned and shook his head.

Perhaps he had underestimated this elleth after all.

Perhaps she had not been as different as he had convinced himself that she was.

"Go to her", came the sudden voice.

"Nay! 'Tis best I do not" Was his heated response, for the first time refusing a command. His face darkened with anger, Haldir marched out of the groves and made for his room. There he stayed for the remainder of the morning, pondering a great many things.

Later that same afternoon, Eadendir departed Guve Hall without a further word to his granddaughter. Neither Lisse or Haldir were surprised by the old elf's decision. Both fully expected to receive a tribunal summons from Tirion or a Doom from the Valar.

~*~*~*~*~

Days and weeks passed and no tribunal summons appeared nor was a Doom passed.

Things between Haldir and Lisse had cooled to an agreeable and polite truce. While they were never rude to each other, they were not exactly the closest of friends either. In the business of running Guve Hall, they remained stoic partners, both efficiently conducting their many duties and responsibilities. Haldir worked as hard as he always had and Lisse made certain that she did not countermand his instructions in anything. The least thing she wanted to do was to force Haldir into a conversation. She did not think she would be able to withstand his glare.

By now, the misunderstanding between them had grown to an almost unsurmountable wall, but long is the arm of the Valar, who kept watch over the Quendi and when it behooved them, ocassionally interceded.

One early evening, Haldir had wandered off to the strawberry rows, his own favorite patch, and was laying on his back, hands on his chest, his eyes fixed on the starry-sky above him. The scented breeze delighted him and he sighed deeply, content for the time, his memories taking him back to the Golden Woods of Lothlorien. How his heart ached for the beauty of that wood; how he longed to return to Middle Earth and walk its groves and forests once more. But he knew, as did all his kindred, that the Middle Earth of the elves was gone forever. He wondered briefly what Lisse would have thought of that land.

Amid his reverie, the gentle touch of light came into Haldir's mind, "She is coming." it told him.

Since no one came to this strawberry patch as it was not due for harvesting, Haldir had taken the liberty of removing his clothing, delighting in the freedom of lying nude in the soft grass, feeling the air stroke his body, letting the stars energize his spirit. As he mentally thanked the voice, he scrambled to don his clothing. He could hear Lisse's footsteps approaching. Did she know he was but a few feet away from her? In seconds, as he hurriedly slipped on his leggings, he had his answer.

From a few feet away came her clear voice. "I believe that Grandfather has decided to let things rest."

Haldir was almost done lacing up his leggings when Lisse thrashed through the tall grass and came to stand before Haldir. He was still shirtless, and for some unknown reason which completely unnerved him, he felt the slight tremor of a blush heating his face. That he, who was over 7,000 years old, should be made to blush like an untried elfling was more than his pride could endure, so he turned to Lisse, scowling deeply.

"Do you not give anyone their privacy, Lisse Nyere?" His tone was gruff and he yanked the tunic over his head.

Lisse smiled sweetly, relishing in her revenge.

In the past few weeks she had decided to torment him as much as he tormented her. Of course, she realized he had no idea what was going on and this made her little victories all the sweeter. In the ensuing weeks, her anger and pain had turned inward and had nearly become a bitter vile that threatened to spill into her spirit. She knew it was there, she touched it each time she was alone, in her chamber, without him, yearning for him, loving him, wanting him. That he had not declared his love for her, but instead compared her to Min both pained her and brought her shame. That she could love her mother's lover...though Haldir said naught had ever passed between them...no, she had thought once. She had to forget Haldir, and yet she could not. Instead, she contented herself by provoking him, attempting to ellicit some sort of emotional reaction from him. But Haldir was usually in command of his emotions, though truth be said and unbeknownst to Lisse, Haldir's iron control was beginning to slip day by day.

Lisse cocked her head to one side and contemplated Haldir with a bold look, her arms crossed. "Aye, I do respect the privacy of others. But you, dear sir, are an equal partner, and so I treat you as I would do myself. Naturally, without pretense."

She gave him a sweet smile, watching him pull the tunic over his head. She had known that his was as near-perfect a physique as she had ever seen, and it was a marvel to her that after all these centuries his muscled body looked as fit as it probably had been once long ago when he wielded his great bows and swords. He was beautiful in her eyes. So beautiful it hurt her to watch him, so she turned her gaze toward the strawberries.

"Hear you what I said, Haldir?"

Haldir nodded in frustration, "Aye, I heard. It means nothing."

"If he has not made a move by now, he will not at all." Lisse turned to look at Haldir, now fully dressed and leaning down to gather his cloak. The form-fitting leggings showed off his thighs to perfection and her breath caught in her throat and she gagged.

Hearing her cough, Haldir raised his eyes to Lisse's face and saw she was blushing furiously. Without remarking upon this, he began walking out of the patch, Lisse close on his heels.

She had difficulty keeping up with his pace, "What do you mean by it means nothing?" She had to run to catch up to him as he parted tall fronds and disappeared behind them.

Suddenly, she crashed into Haldir's strong chest as he had stopped and turned to face her. He brought up his hands to steady her and his touch on her skin burned her, sending a smouldering heatwave of desire that weakened Lisse and she slumped against Haldir.

Haldir caught Lisse against his chest and said, "I mean that nothing will come of it, Lisse." His voice was a smooth, melodic baritone. With its Lorien accent, Haldir's voice was unusual to her ears and she loved its sound. Lisse grimaced. He knew how to use his voice and used it so well. Now he used it to caress her and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise up in sexual heat.

Shaking herself free from Haldir she glanced firmly at him before passing him and parting the tall fronds before her and then letting them snap back closed in Haldir's face. Although she did not see it, she knew he had most likely given her a cowering glare.

She chuckled loud enough for Haldir to hear her while she continued to part the tall grass fronds between the rows of strawberries, each time letting them snap closed after she passed, knowing that Haldir was but a few inches behind her.

Several moments later, she heard Haldir mutter in an unfamiliar speech and abruptly felt his hands grasp her waist and pull her to him. The shock of the contact with his chest drove the breath out of her lungs and she gasped once, feeling herself being lifted in the air as if she were made of nothing more substantial than a summer breeze.

"That is enough!" Haldir glowered and lifted Lisse into his arms, carrying her out of the grass and into the clear rows. Lisse struggled briefly and then waited for Haldir to deposit her on the ground. When he did so, she found herself glared into silence, as the weight of Haldir's eyes stole her speech away.

"You do not have to taunt me with little games and words, Lisse Nyere, for me to notice you. I notice you all the time."

His words were measured and Lisse realized he had spoken to her with a great deal of sensuality and she bristled at his audacity. First he lied about his feelings and now he was going to seduce her? Indignation welled up inside her but she subdued it, letting instead a frosty look come into her face. One she had practiced for hours, knowing this reaction above anger would hit the mark.

Lisse coldly looked up at Haldir. "Think you that I care one whit as to what you think or feel, or for that matter, that I desire your attentions?" She kept her voice low, but it was hard and icy. She saw Haldir's eyes flash with an emotion she did not recognize.

" 'Tis hard for me to say, Lisse Nyere, what you desire these days, for more yielding is yon sapling and greater warmth comes from the north winds than I receive at your hands!" His silver eyes flashed and his face was stern.

Lisse's jaw set and she shook herself free of his grasp. "I care not a whit of what you think of me!" She turned to leave. But Haldir's words rooted her to the spot where she stood.

"I do not believe you, for many are the nights your voice calls to me, gently and softly."

Lisse whirled at the words and gave him a cold stare, not wishing to let him see the truth of his words. For as he said, yes, she called him at night, though not consciously, but in her dreams, which were filled with images of his loving her, taking her, thrilling her. That he could so easily read her heart caused Lisse such anger that she tried to speak, but found that words failed her. So, instead she settled for giving Haldir a withering look and walked away.

But in a moment Lisse felt a pair of strong hands grasp her waist and she was turned around, to face a Haldir whose countenance was serious but whose eyes held concern and compassion. "Tell me, what do you want?" He asked her quietly. "I've asked you before, yet you answered me not."

Lisse felt herself drawn closer to Haldir's body and she closed her eyes, willing herself to calm. When she opened her eyes she saw he was looking down at her, a smile on his face. Was she that easy for him to read? Sudden fury filled her and she fought him off, trying to break loose of his grasp. Instead all she succeeded in doing was to force Haldir to catch her wrists and hold her arms at her side. She began to struggle with Haldir, attempting to throw him to the ground, but she found that once he had positioned himself in a wide stance, he became an immovable wall.

"I warn you, Lisse, you are no match for me." His words were calm and they registered. At once Lisse calmed down and Haldir released her.

"Why are you doing this, Lisse?" He asked her softly, but all he received in response was a snort from Lisse. She made to turn and walk away from him, but she found that she was once more raised above the ground. This time she fought him.

"Let me go!" She dug her fingernails into the arms that had her waist surrounded but she found Haldir's strength was no mere legend. No matter what she did, he would not release her.

Instead, he brought her toward him, her back to his face, and she felt his warm breath on her neck as he spoke to her.

"I think it is time we settled this between us."

His voice sent shivers down Lisse's spine and she trembled, her reaction to him not lost on Haldir. "If I release you will you abide and speak with me reasonably?"

Lisse nodded. How else was she going to obtain her freedom from the hands of steel that now gripped her so tightly to him. "Aye, I agree."

At once she found herself free, and she swiveled to face Haldir. She found him composed and calm. "Is this how the great warrior goes into battle? Emotionless?"

Haldir smiled, "What know you of battle?" His eyes warmly travelled over her, but Lisse mistook the emotion for arrogance and snorted.

"Yes, I had forgotten. You are so ancient, wise and powerful," her voice dripped sarcasm, "the great Marchwarden of Lorien, famed for his prowess and courage....he who kept the borders of Lorien free from shadow for centuries....the one who led the Nine Walkers to the Lady of Light....the elf who single handedly downed over hundred Orcs at Dol Guldur and who..." Haldir waved a hand in front of her.

"Enough, little one." His eyes were kind but his face grave. "You are better acquainted with my deeds than are my own brothers!" Haldir's laugh was gentle but Lisse merely snorted and continued.

"Oh yes, call me little one," Lisse spat out, "if that makes you feel powerful. After all, what am I to you? You, so old and wise!" Lisse crossed her arms, her face distorted into a grimace by the anger and anguish in her heart.

Confused, Haldir made to reach for her shoulders but she evaded his touch. Concerned, Haldir spoke carefully. "I do not profess to know all there is to know, for I am most ignorant of a great many things, one of which is the heart of elleths. Lisse, if I have offended or insulted you, tell me now. Let us put an end to this childish game we play."

Lisse could only glare. She loved Haldir so desperately that she was afraid his gentle concern would be her undoing. Instead, she wanted him to want her as much as she wanted him, to burn for her as much as she burned for him. And so in response to his statement, she pressed herself as close to his body as she could and raised her arms and brough his mouth down to hers.

The contact was gentle, Lisse's lips gently savoring the taste of Haldir's warm mouth. Her breasts were crushed against his chest and Lisse felt her nipples harden with desire. But in a moment, Haldir had broken the contact, staring into her face, his own eyes full of astonishment.

"Is this what you want, little one?" His voice was a whisper on her lips.

Lisse raised her eyes to Haldir's face. "I want you to kiss me, Haldir." She closed her eyes.

Haldir looked at the beauty in his arms and knew beyond all reason he had fallen in love with this elleth, but he was not so certain that she loved him or was even sure of her own feelings. He had once thought she understood him and that had turned into disaster. Then, had come an uneasy truce, followed by this current period of sexual games she seemed to be playing with him. Should he give her what she asked for? Did she realize how she affected him? Looking at her flushed face Haldir realized that Lisse knew what she wanted, she just did not understand the possible ramifications.

Because of his delay, Lisse opened her eyes and looked at Haldir. Seeing the emotion on his face, without its usual barriers, stunned her. Smouldering silver fire gazed upon her with hungry desire. Dropping her gaze to his lips, she whispered his name, "Haldir" before he took her mouth in a kiss of hunger and desire.

Lisse's mouth opened to receive Haldir's kiss and she felt herself pulled into the length of his body. For long moments they kissed, a slow, honeyed kiss of hunger, desire and love.

It was Lisse who broke the kiss and breathlessly stared into Haldir's unfocused gaze. His wide mouth was slightly open, the generous lips moist, his face calm. He tried to draw her in for another long kiss, but Lisse slightly resisted and Haldir ceased his movements.

Spurred partly by her love for him, her frustrated desire and her anguish, Lisse reached up to the back of Haldir's head and brought his mouth down to hers. She kissed him with abandon, with a recklessness she did not know her soul possessed. Of its own volition, her hips ground against his and she realized he was hard, erect, and that she toyed with a fire that could consume her. But she did not care, she wanted to drown in the ecstacy the kiss gave her, feeling a coiled heat beginning to burn inside of her, between her legs, at the deepest core of her womanhood.

Haldir grasped Lisse's supple body to his own, forgetting his earlier thoughts, knowing only that he melted in the fire of the passion Lisse brought to him, licking her neck, pulling the sleeves of her riding tunic lower away from her shoulders and exposing the creamy skin. He heard her gasp when he gently bit her neck, then licked it leisurely, sucking the skin, working his way to her face, cupping her breasts into his large hands, finding her mouth open and inviting.

Desire overwhelmed Haldir and he bent to pick Lisse up in his arms, heading without thinking into the deeper shrubbery, feeling her light kisses and nips on his neck, knowing he was ready to take her, but realizing he must proceed slowly for she was an innocent. Suddenly this thought was dispelled when Lisse pressed herself closer to him and brought her mouth to his lips in a kiss of raw desire and want. He collapsed to the rich soil, desire weakening his knees and on the ground they clung to each other, hands caressing, exploring. Moans of desire, of want, filled the early evening breeze and a gentle wind rustled the leaves above them.

Lisse had closed her eyes and a soft moan escaped her mouth. She brought her hands to Haldir's shoulders and felt a physical jolt at the feel of his power and strength beneath the fabric of his tunic. She began to tug at his tunic, wishing to see him nude, hot desire, raw and molten driving her, giving her a courage she did not know she had.

Haldir brought his hand to Lisse's back and the other reached behind her head. Slowly, he dropped small kisses on her neck, pulling the golden mane away from the slender column so he could have greater access. "You taste like summer rain," he whispered and felt her shudder. She was pressed to the ground, Haldir laying atop of her. He ground his hips into her and she looked into his eyes, his own gaze dark and smouldering.

Haldir dopped his gaze to Lisse's mouth, and traced the outline with the tip of his finger. Locking her eyes onto his heated gaze, Lisse licked the tip, her eyes never leaving Haldir's face.

Groaning, his control deserted him completely then and Haldir lowered his head and took her lips. Gently, his mouth touched hers and he felt the dizzy intoxication of desire swirl in his veins.

But before Haldir could deepen the kiss, Lisse pulled away, breathless, staring wide-eyed into his face, and whispering, "Please do not stop, please love me!"

She gave him a sultry look, laden with want. Her hands stole toward his chest and they slipped beneath the folds of his tunic, caressing the warm skin of his chest.

Haldir's body hardened and his gaze turned into silver fire. He found he could not breathe. Her hands boldly caressed him, exploring his smooth stomach, briefly circling the nipples. He breathed deeply and stared into Lisse's eyes.

Capturing Lisse's chin, their eyes met in an explosive moment of desire and longing. "Aye, my sweet. I will not stop." He whispered against her mouth, opening his lips, sucking her mouth into his, lying fully atop her body.

Lisse moaned into the kiss, and brought her arms around to Haldir's shoulders, losing her hands in his hair, pressing herself up into his body, without thought opening her legs, inviting him to a deeper closeness.

Breaking the kiss, she looked into Haldir's passion-filled gaze, "Oh, your hair is as I thought, silky, so soft."

Her words undid him and Haldir lowered his mouth over hers. He deepened the kiss, drawing her out, letting his tongue lick her lips, asking for entrance to her mouth.

Panting, Haldir raised his head and whispered, "Open your sweet mouth, my love. Let me taste your nectar."

His tongue licked her neck as he whispered to her, and Lisse felt she was drowning.

Looking deeply into his eyes, Lisse brought her lips to Haldir's mouth and slightly parted them. Groaning, Haldir plunged his tongue into her mouth, licking, tasting, showing her with his tongue what he wanted to do to her body.

Meeting Lisse's tongue, Haldir flicked it with the tip of his and tortured Lisse for long moments until she moaned in protest, opening her mouth and driving into him, her intense response surprising Haldir.

His kiss was delight and ecstacy incarnate, Lisse thought, wrapping her arms about Haldir's broad shoulders and pulling him down to her.

She was lost in the taste of him, in his groaning heat. Haldir pressed his body into Lisse's, letting her feel how she affected him and the realization he wanted her melted Lisse. His fire fanned her own and soon they were lost in the passion long denied.

Haldir knew he had to proceed slowly, and broke the kiss, smiling when Lisse protested and grabbed his head, slightly tugging at his loose hair. Searching for his mouth with her avid lips, Lisse found him willing and open and it was she who now kissed Haldir with abandon.

Haldir allowed Lisse to pull him down into her body, moaning when her stiff nipples pressed into him. He felt her hands roaming about the front of his tunic and he realized she was attempting to disrobe him.

Smiling against her lips, he broke the kiss and whispered against her mouth, "The stays are in the front, sweeting."

Lisse immediately ran her hands over the front of Haldir's tunic, finding the stays and hooks that held it securely in place. Tugging, she growled when the stays did not fly open and began to tug, intending to shred the tunic off his body.

Chuckling and delighting in Lisse's inexperience, Haldir sat up. " 'Tis not a hard thing to do, sweet." he began, reaching to remove the tunic.

Lisse instead grabbed his hands and pushed him down onto the ground, straddling him, her blue eyes sparkling in the fire of passion.

Astonished, Haldir widened his eyes and looked into Lisse's face.

Their eyes met and held.

Haldir's faced darkened with desire and he pulled Lisse down toward him. This brought her close to his body and he bucked his hips toward her so she could feel him, so she could see how she affected him, how he had no defenses against her.

Lisse felt a heat throbbing between her thighs, at the core of her, and her body began to move against him, slow circular movements that she could not control.

Haldir groaned, "Easy, sweet, we have time." He reached up and caressed her hair, bringing his knees up so that she could lean against them. His hands wound about her back to her breasts and he began to unfasten the stays of her tunic.

Lisse's thoughts were centered in the passion she felt, in the sensations Haldir brought to her. She wanted to lower her mouth and lick his body, taste him and unable to quickly undress him made her growl in frustration. All she knew was that the friction between his hardened body and the apex of her thighs brought a deep pleasure. Her hands caressed his face and Haldir left her tunic and reached up to her hair and fanned it between her shoulders.

Lisse lowered her mouth to take Haldir's lips, kissing him gently at first, her kisses honeyed and slow. But when his hands settled on her hips and he began to grind her against him, Lisse deepened the kiss, her mouth demanding his surrender.

Haldir was having a difficult time controlling himself. Already his manhood was straining painfully against his leggings, but he was going to let Lisse set the pace. At least the first time around. So he contented himself with returning her ever-growing ardent kisses, licking her tongue as she plundered into his mouth again and again.

Growling, Lisse broke the kiss and ripped his tunic open, fastening her mouth on a nipple. Bewildered and groaning with desire, Haldir nearly pushed her off him, his body bucking from the ecstacy of her seduction.

"Mmmm..." he said, licking his lips, trying to breathe, while Lisse licked, sucked and bit the hard nub, "you have grown from chit to wildcat!"

His voice was husky and low, his hands pushing her pelvis deeper into his groin. "Ahhh..." he moaned, his hips rising while Lisse rode him with delight, her mouth never leaving his nipple.

In response to Haldir's erotic words, Lisse rolled his other nipple between her fingers and his cry of passion nearly undid them both, for Lisse ground herself hard against Haldir's throbbing manhood, and his reaction to the contact was to twist her around and push her down beneath him.

Grabbing the top of her green leggings, Haldir deftly pulled it over Lisse's hips, revealing her. He quickly unfastened the stays of her tunic and he pulled it over her head. Then he slowly allowed his gaze to wander over Lisse's body, ending in the meeting of their eyes, her gaze passion-filled, her lips slightly open and moist. Once more he looked at her, allowing his hands to caress her. Her shoulders were slender, her skin a glowing alabaster that matched his own. Her breasts were full tipped with rosy peaks which were hardened with desire. He looked lower still, as he felt her hands lose themselves into his hair and begin to massage his scalp. He saw that her stomach was as flat as his own, her hips gently flaring, her legs slender and well shaped. Blonde tufts of hair covered her femininity and Haldir avoided touching her there, at least for now. Looking back to her breasts, Haldir lowered his head, his silvery hair now covering her, and fastened his mouth over a taut nipple.

A low moan escaped Haldir as the peak stiffened inside his mouth.

Lisse arched her body, her legs raising themselves and wrapping around Haldir's waist. Desire clouded Lisse's thinking. She wanted him to take her and ease her longing.

Moaning and thrusting into Haldir, Lisse spoke but knew not what she said, although she realized her words served to spur Haldir on. He rubbed one breast with one hand, while he dropped the other to her leg, caressing it from the knee toward the thigh and then back again.

Lisse arched her body into Haldir's, and she moaned low in her throat. She was overcome with passion and love for the elf who was taking her to the greatest pleasure she had ever known.

She reached for Haldir and ran her hands down his back. Then she hooked her fingers into her leggings and tugged, whispering hoarsely, "Take them off."

Haldir smiled and sat, unlacing the front of his leggings, removing his boots as well. But just as the last boot came off and he began to draw the tight-fitting breeches past his hips, Lisse reached over and pulled on them, drawing them down to his ankles. She pushed him onto the ground, reaching and completely removing the leggings, throwing them far from him. She saw him look up at her, his eyes calm but passion-filled and Lisse ran her hands over his chest.

"Now it's my turn," she whispered, gazing at his body. "You are so beautiful," she whispered, reaching for a nipple and gently pinching it. She heard Haldir gasp and felt his hands on her back.

"As are you, my sweet." He reached around and began to caress her thighs, where the mound of golden hair covered her core.

Lisse closed her eyes and sighed. She lowered herself onto Haldir's body, feeling her hardened nipples crush against his chest. The contact of body to body fueled their fire and both groaned, reaching out to caress and touch, explore, kiss and lick. Somewhere in their heated coming together, Haldir had deftly turned Lisse on her back and she was now below him.

Haldir felt Lisse's hands roam over him, settling on his buttocks, while one hand continued to slip between their pressed bodies, inching toward the front of his body. Slowly, Lisse worked her hand further down, until it touched his hardened manhood and she gently wrapped her fingers around him.

Groaning, Haldir released the nipple he had been leisurely suckling and stared into Lisse's face, seeing it was flushed, her lips slightly parted, her eyes closed.

"Play with fire, my sweet, and I shall burn you!" His voice drawled, laden with passion, husky and intimate.

Lisse felt Haldir throb in her hand, and she opened her eyes. His silver gaze held her spellbound for a long moment. Her gentle fingers tugged on him, beginning a hypnotic rhythm.

That movement was enough to push Haldir over the edge.

With a furious abandon, Haldir lowered his head and plundered Lisse's mouth. His kiss was wild, deep, demanding and devouring. Lisse returned the kiss with the same fervor and passion, pulling and tugging on him.

Without releasing Lisse's mouth, and feeling her still holding him, Haldir moved himself slightly and shifted so he could insinuate one hand between himself and Lisse. Slowly he began to caress Lisse's bare thighs, feeling her breasts pressed against him. Gently he licked her nipples, working his hands between her thighs, gently spreading her legs wider so that he could kneel between the apex of her parted thighs.

Although her eyes were closed, Lisse felt the cool air on her legs and she opened her eyes. Her legs were splayed out, Haldir was kneeling between her parted thighs, and hotly gazing down at her. Finally, his eyes held hers and she saw they had darkened with desire and want, and she smiled, "Will you show me?" her voice was barely a whisper.

Despite the passion that fogged his mind, Haldir smiled just as he reached for Lisse's feminine core, and gently opening her, he replied, "I am, meleth.....I will," as his fingers opened her, rubbed her, teased her.

Lisse screamed with delight, feeling Haldir's strong fingers open her, rub her, run the length of her. He lingered over the most sensitive areas and rubbed until her legs bucked and he placed one over his shoulders. Gently, he moistened one finger in her honeyed wetness and carefully inserted a finger in her wet sheath, finding her maidenhead and not proceeding further, watching the passion on her face.

Slowly, Haldir removed his finger, drawing a faint protest from Lisse. His body was demanding satisfaction, and Haldir felt Lisse's hand dropping away, but this moment would be hers, he thought. Again he rubbed her core and entered her gently, a soft moan and sigh of satisfaction escaping her.

Lisse could not think, she could only focus on the delight Haldir brought to her. "Ahhhh.....ohhhh..." she moaned and sighed deep in her throat, licking her lips, opening wide her mouth when Haldir kissed her, feeling her body tighten around him as they kissed with slow abandon.

Then, the tempo changed and Haldir began to caress Lisse's body with a growing urgency. Lisse's moans matched Haldir's passion. Pulling her mouth away from Haldir, Lisse twisted and bucked against her lover. Slowly, she was opened for him like a budding flower.

Haldir rubbed her, conscious of her intact virginity, increasing his tempo to match her loud groans, her body pushing into him, her fingers wrapping on his erect manhood. Her hand was hot, like molten lava, and it rubbed him, pulled him and he began to feel as if he was losing his essence and melting inside the fire Lisse fueled.

Faster Haldir's finger thrust into her and then a second, as Lisse tried to return the pleasure, but found that ecstacy served to render her immobile while her focus was centered on what Haldir was doing to her. With a thumb he began to rub the nubbin at the center of her core and this brought a loud grunt from Lisse. Haldir alternated between thrusting and rubbing her, delighting in the knowledge he was the first to bring her to this passion.

The ecstacy reached a pinnacle and Lisse moaned and screamed, her body lifting off the ground, pushing into Haldir, her words incoherent. The pleasure was almost unbearable and his fingers were driving her to say things she would not have thought herself capable of voicing. She wanted him, "Deep, Haldir...please!" And she ground against him, trying to push her limbs to move. But the ecstacy robbed her of strength.

Haldir smiled and began to rub one finger across her, loving her wetness, playing with her core in a delicate, but rapid, steady rhythm. He delighted in her moans and little cries, her words of pleasure, the commands to take her, "Not yet, my sweet, not yet." He husked, rubbing her again and gently removing his fingers from inside her body.

Lisse frowned and protested, so high on the wave of pleasure had she been riding. But Haldir smiled and focused once more on her pleasure.

Lowering Lisse's legs, Haldir slid down her body, realizing he desired to taste her. Kissing her belly, blowing on the golden curls, opening her with this fingers, he dipped toward her....licking her, tasting her, a deep moan of want escaping him.

Lisse gasped at the new sensation, his tongue lapping and tasting, bringing her to a new pinnacle of lust. She clutched Haldir's hair, gasping, unable to draw a deep breath, arching into his mouth, feeling pleasure coiling from the base of her spine, into her belly, devouring her....spiralling into her legs....and then it was a flash of bright light, a current of delicious pleasure that coursed through her. She felt her body contract although his fingers were no longer inside her. Her hips bucked and she rode the height of ecstacy, knowing her words were incoherent, only knowing this delight was centered around him.

Haldir's breathing was ragged and his chest heaved with the deep breaths he was taking, still covering Lisse's body. Below him, she still shuddered from the force of her orgasm and he slowly began to tease her once more. He ran his fingers over her smooth legs, raising himself on his knees again, seeing her lovely body open before him, her face flushed, her eyes closed and her nipples taut and erect.

He was painfully engorged, but Haldir still wanted to make this first time for Lisse only.

Lowering himself, he took one nipple into his mouth while he kneaded the other breast. His free hand found its way back to Lisse's core and once more he parted the curls, slowly running his finger the length of her but not inserting it into her tight sheath.

Lisse was slowly beginning to return to reality, when the delicious torture began again, and she bucked under Haldir's expert hands and mouth, feeling delight, abandon and a mental fogginess that chased away all rational thought. All she wanted was more of him, more pleasure, more of his mouth, his hands, his body.

Reaching her hands into Haldir's hair, Lisse played with the golden strands as they covered her face. Then, she felt Haldir's finger enter her body, as his thumb flicked at her nub. His tongue still licked the nipple, and his other hand was still rubbing the taut peak of her other breast.

She stopped thinking, asking him only to, "Love me, Haldir...deep please!" Moaning, groaning, bucking into his hand, only conscious of the rhythmic tensing of her sheath and his quick thrusts.

Not even knowing how, Lisse reached out for Haldir's his erect manhood. Hard and throbbing, she felt it against her thigh and she reached down between their bodies, conscious of only wanting to return the pleasure, hissing when Haldir twirled his thumb over her core, groaning and moaning at the delight and ecstacy he was giving her.

Lisse found him and wrapped her fingers around him and began to tug, gently at first, but then with more speed, her hands seemingly knowing what to do of their own accord. Smiling, as he growled while he licked her still, Lisse began to increase the tempo of her hand.

Suddenly, Haldir freed the nipple he had held captive in his mouth and looked down into Lisse's face, his eyes were almost black with passion, the pupils wide and dilated.

"I need to have you now." His voice was thick with desire. His hands roamed and rubbed her sensually.

Lisse arched in pleasure and closed her eyes, his words intoxicating, her need for him devouring her every thought except one: to have him, loving her, bringing her to a place she had never known before.

Opening her eyes, Lisse met Haldir's gaze, which was still locked on her face, "Take me, Haldir." she softly breathed, her eyes becoming deep pools of sapphire flames.

Haldir leaned down and began to gently pleasure Lisse with his mouth and hands, giving Lisse time to build up the tension once more, the tempo growing fast, faster. Lisse licked her lips, moaning Haldir's name and other things she would never remember, her whole being concentrated on what Haldir was doing.

Using his free hand, Haldir brought his manhood to her feminine core but proceeded no further, his fingers still pleasuring Lisse, and then he withdrew, this drawing a deep protest from Lisse. Her eyes opened and she gasped, "What are you doing?"

Haldir moved his hair away from her face and smiled, "Hush." was all he said and with that gently guided himself inside of Lisse's body.

At the first moment of contact between them, Lisse tensed.

Haldir stopped and watched her face. Smiling encouragement, Lisse brought her hand down to him, meeting him and gently touched him where he was joined to her. Bucking her hips upward, she whispered, "I am not afraid." Her eyes were clear and trusting.

But I am, thought Haldir, not wanting to rush and cause her undue pain. Yet, instead, he smiled as he pushed a little way inside and said simply, "I love you."

Lisse smiled not yet fully realizing the full import of what Haldir had just revealed, and in response reached out for his hair, smoothing it back, "I love you too..." and she gave a sudden grimace as she felt Haldir thrust entirely inside her, tearing past her maidenhead, opening her as she had never known before. Despite herself, she moaned a low groan of pain and then stilled, pulling Haldir down onto her body, caressing his back.

Haldir knew he had hurt her, and he knew there was nothing for the pain, but to begin to move again, so he raised his head and kissed Lisse gently, licking her mouth, letting his manhood throb inside her before beginning to thrust. Lisse returned Haldir's kisses, at first somewhat timidly, a thing which surprised Haldir, but growing in passion.

It was when Lisse began to lick Haldir's mouth that Haldir allowed himself to begin to thrust. Slowly he drove in and out of Lisse's body, keeping his own desire in check, holding back. As he pushed, he noticed Lisse's kisses began to slow, until she was kissing him with a slow, honeyed passion, lingeringly, moaning loudly.

For Lisse, the pain had passed and all she was conscious of was the sweet ecstacy and abandon she felt as Haldir brought her again to another peak of wild pleasure. She could feel herself tightening around him and she could hear his growls each time she did so, and this caused her more delight and further fueled her passion.

"Oh...faster...Haldir...meleth nin..." Lisse said the words not knowing she said them, and her entreaties were met with yet a harder, faster or deeper thrust.

Finally, Lisse felt the coil of pleasure beginning to mount at the base of her spine and she heard Haldir's continuous moans...deeper he was thrusting and her mind suddenly stopped thinking and all she became was a stream of living fire, moulding itself around the elf whom she loved beyond reason. Her spirit and her body suddenly fused into one single moment of pleasure and Lisse screamed her pleasure at the same time Haldir released his, their energies fusing into one volcanic eruption of pleasure and delight. Their spirits soared then.....blending....spiralling.....coiling into one....recognizing each other.....beginning to fuse......limbs and bodies entwined.....straining....arching into each other...

~*~*~*~

Key:

Doom - when applied to the Valar, as in a Doom, this is meant to be a law or a commandment.

Meleth - Love

Meleth nim - My love

Quendi - the race of elves; what the elves call themselves

~*~*~*~

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Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work.
Painting is taken from John William Waterhouse's "Miranda", 1875.

Graphics copyrighted Cari Buziak