The Awakening of Sadril

The Awakening of Sadril
Chapter 3: Legolas' Awakens
by Sienna
Disclaimer: All familiar characters of this story belong to the awesome world and works of JRR Tolkien, who is an unparalleled genius of this genre. All unfamiliar and original characters, animals and places are of my own invention. I do not derive any monies from this work and created this story solely out of the love and respect that I hold for all of the works related to this canon.

Summer was slowing fading and with it Sadril's hope. She had come to accept the futility of her situation and made peace with the Valar, with herself and most of all with Nathor. She had quietly kissed him goodbye and now waited with him for the day he would be free of his torment.

Crossing the room where Nathor lay, Sadril opened the door and stepped outside. She needed to get some fresh air, to think, plan and decide.

As she exited the Healer's Hall, she caught sight of the solitary figure, who now stood and bowed in silent greeting. Politely, Sadril acknowledged the gesture with a short nod.

She had come to know the identity of the tall silent elf who waited each night outside the Healer's Hall. She knew by now his name was Legolas and that he was the son of Thranduil of Mirkwood. She remembered him from his brief visit to Imladris shortly before the War of the Ring.

But that seemed now so far away, so distant.

Sadril never spoke to Legolas and never waited for him, always turning away and walking toward her living quarters alone. Sensing her despair, Legolas always nodded a silent, respectful greeting, but never followed her. Sadril knew he always remained behind to speak with the Healer. About what she knew not.

Tonight Sadril felt the need to tell this gallant elf that his silent show of support meant a great deal to her. Somehow, the quiet strength he radiated had become a lifeline to her and she clung to it. As long as he was there waiting for her, she knew there was hope for her. Why he had come to mean this to her, Sadril did not understand.

Crossing the street to the other side, Sadril drew close to Legolas and saw just how golden his hair was. Indigo eyes searched her face and she felt undone by his kind gaze. Kindness, she realized, was a thing she had never had and it would be her undoing. Already she felt hot tears sting her eyes and she blinked them back.

Legolas bowed deeply, "My Lady, I bid you a good evening."

Despite the circumstances, Sadril found herself smiling. She looked into his eyes. Kindness, strength and purity. She saw those things there. "And I you, Legolas Thranduilion."

Legolas returned the small smile, "Ah, I see you know of me."

Sadril laughed despite her sadness, "As you well know of me."

Now it was Legolas' turn to chuckle and nod. "Yes, it seems we are well acquainted with each other's name." His eyes turned darker still. "And what of your husband, Lady?"

Sadril sighed, feeling comfortable, accepted and protected within the radiant circle of energy this elf cast about him, "He fares worse, my Lord." Her eyes clouded over in pain, "I have bid my goodbye to him. I do not think he will last long.'

Legolas' face mirrored her own sadness as he too worried over Gimli, who had been showing signs of the disease in the last few weeks. Although he still toiled alongside Legolas, the dwarf was slowing down. Yet he refused to take some days of rest even though Legolas had assured him he would do well by himself, accustomed as he was, to working alone. But Gimli refused all suggestions of rest and visited the Healer's Hall once a week. By now, they all knew he was afflicted, although the Healer suspected his hardy dwarf blood would keep the disease at bay long enough for them to sail and take the Straight Road. Legolas hoped that in Aman would the dwarf's sickness be cured.

Now he looked at the sad face of the lovely elf before him and his heart constricted in longing.

How had this happened, he asked himself? He, who had kept love at bay for countless centuries, offering friendship and no more to the many elven maids who came to him with words of need and love. How had he lost his heart so soon, without even the benefit of a touch or a kiss from this dark-haired beauty?

The heart wants what it wants, Elessar had once said to him.

Looking at Sadril, Legolas knew what his heart wanted. Already he knew he would trade his life and immortality for the taste of her mouth, or the feel of her body pressed to his. Sighing deeply, he quickly looked away, wiping the rising passion in his body and turned to face Sadril.

"I too worry over one dear to me who has been stricken." His melodic voice dropped to a soft hush.

Sadril's face softened in compassion. "Yes, the dwarf." She saw Legolas' eyes raise and meet hers. She saw the sadness there. Sadness she knew her own eyes mirrored. "I know of it, my Lord. But mayhap you will finish your ship in time to sail." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She had no such hope left to her. "For him there is the hope of the Valar."

Sadly, Legolas smiled and nodded. "Mayhap, my Lady." Was all he would say, lost in the black pools of her raven eyes.

~*~*~*~*~

In the weeks that followed, Legolas and Sadril met every day after her vigil at Nathor's side had ended and Legolas' and Gimli had finished toil on their ship.

Gimli was weaker but still able and willing to wield a hammer and saw and eagerly rose each morning to take up where he had left off.

Legolas, meanwhile, toiling by the dwarf's side, watched him carefully. Their days were spent in hard work, banter and story telling to pass the time. In the evenings, they ate together and then parted, each to their own private diversions. Gimli usually to his tankard of ale in the company of the last dozen or so remaining elves in Mithlond, while Legolas bathed and came to wait for Sadril outside the Healer's Hall.

Then, Legolas and Sadril would walk down to the marinas or quays, quietly talking about their lives, childhood and goals. It was during these walks that Legolas came to learn how Sadril met and married Nathor, though his family forbade it and shunned the couple after the marriage. By Sadril's account, it had been a very private ceremony, attended only by Arwen and Elessar. Sadril told Legolas of their thirty years together, happy but childless. The disease had taken him suddenly while enroute to Mithlond.

Legolas had listened to it all, his heart beating wildly at her nearness and he too found it easy to share with her the story of his life, of his part in the Fellowship, his work in leading his people to Ithilien. He told her of his childhood in Mirkwood, his pride at his prowess in archery, his sadness at the passing of King Elessar, and much more he had never before revealed of his personal and private life.

So it happened that one night as the last days of summer graced Middle Earth, Sadril turned and asked Legolas, "Why have you not married yet, Legolas?"

They had come to one of their favorite places, a hidden pier which overlooked the open sea. The stars were mirrored on the calm surface of the water and a cool breeze fanned their faces. Sadril leaned over the railing to catch Legolas's eyes.

Legolas smiled and stared out at the vast sea before him, watching the foamy crests of the waves. He turned and looked into Sadril's black eyes, "Perhaps because my heart has never before heard the rhythm of love's song."

Sadril laughed good naturedly, "Oh, Legolas!"

Legolas grinned and shrugged, " 'Tis true, Sadril." Dark indigo eyes travelled over her face and came to rest on Sadril's lips. What would he give for a taste. He felt himself grow lightheaded with desire and forced himself to take a deep gulp of sea air.

"I do not believe you, Legolas." Sadril laughed and turned her back to the sea, leaning against the stone railing that kept the ocean waters from leaping over into the pier.

Legolas' gaze turned to Sadril and he felt his heart brim over with love and passion. He was beginning to find it hard to breathe around her. These pointed questions were not helping him keep his composure either.

Staring at Sadril's mouth, he licked his lips and smiled. " No matter. 'Tis true. Never have I heard love's melody."

Sadril's smile turned to a slight frown. "Never?" She breathed, her eyes trustingly searching his.

Legolas gave her a sad smile. "Never." His eyes then left her face and returned to the sea once more. These questions were unsettling him.

Sadril watched Legolas for a moment, "Have you ever kissed before?"

Legolas took a deep breath. He did not think he could contain himself any longer. Not if Sadril persisted in this line of questioning. He had to change the subject. But his mind was so clouded with love and lust that he could not think clearly.

Turning his gaze to Sadril's face, he answered her, knowing his voice was going to betray him, "Aye, I have kissed maidens." His eyes held her gaze for a thunderous moment of passion and then he broke the contact and looked out at the ocean. Desperately he fought for control of his desire. Already he could feel his breeches becoming tight and confining.

When Legolas turned to look at her, Sadril felt a tremor pass through her body. His gaze penetrated her and she could feel the heat of his energy as if it were caressing her. Slightly parting her lips, she continued to stare at him even though he broke the contact and turned his face away from her. Still watching him, Sadril studied Legolas quietly.

He was tall and lithe, graceful in his movements like all elves. But Legolas was also a hunter and warrior, and his body and height gave the impression of great strength and stamina. His arms, she already knew, were well toned and muscular. He did not know that she had several times watched him and Gimli toil over their ship. She remembered now the corded muscles of his chest and arms and felt a shiver run down her spine.

Sadril knew she was attracted to Legolas for he was passionate, kind, strong and radiated a sensual aura that she found difficult to resist. Her mind rushed back to Nathor. She still loved him. She looked at Legolas. This was different. Somehow, Legolas completed a circle within her that she had not known needed closure. The emotions he brought to the surface of her mind and body gave her a sweet respite from the loneliness which had been her sole companion for so long.

Sadril's eyes lingered over Legolas, studying the strong body of the elf standing beside her. Desire suddenly robbed her of breath and she felt lightheaded from it.

Feeling Sadril's eyes on his body, knowing she was caressing and undressing him with her raven gaze, Legolas closed his eyes, gripped the rail tightly and nearly groaned outloud.

Just then, he heard Sadril's whisper, "How do you kiss, Legolas?"

He let out the breath he had been holding and slowly turned to Sadril.

She was bathed in starlight and the breeze blew the black curls away from her face. He looked into her eyes, smouldering with an emotion he recognized and then dropped his gaze to her mouth, slightly parted, moist and inviting.

"Legolas, how do you kiss?" Sadril whispered again, turning slightly toward him.

Legolas felt as if his heart would explode. Moaning softly, he lowered his head toward Sadril and brought his mouth to hers.

Sadril closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss.

Legolas' lips were soft, gentle. She opened her mouth in silent invitation and at once he responded, deepening the kiss, pulling her into his arms, fusing his body with hers. Sadril felt his arousal and she ground her hips against him and in response he thrust his tongue inside her mouth. She brought up her arms and wound them about his neck so that the tips of her nipples pressed into his chest. From deep inside him, Legolas growled with pent-up passion.

The kiss was wild. Both groaned in desire, hands touching, exploring. Hips grinding.

Legolas broke the kiss and licked Sadril's neck leisurely, lapping with his tongue, swirling it around the tips of her ears, dipping his mouth to her throat and suckling the skin there, returning to her neck, and then nuzzling gently. While he nibbled and licked Sadril's earlobes, Legolas pressed her body to his, letting her feel what her words had done to him. All the while, Sadril's arms were wound round Legolas' neck, clinging to his body, moving as he moved, matching every kiss, every nip, every lick.

Sadril groaned and brough her hands to Legolas' hair, fanning the silken strands through her fingers. "Show me," she said huskily, "show me how you kiss."

And Legolas complied, devouring her mouth with his, sucking her lips, running his tongue over her bottom lip, sucking and thrusting with his tongue, letting her feel his arousal, groaning and cupping her bottom in his hands, pressing her even more deeply into him.

Sadril thought she was close to swooning and realized she was dizzy and placed her hands on his chest and lightly pushed.

Slowly, Legolas returned to reality, his breathing harsh and his eyes an explosion of blue fire. Looking into her face, his breathing labored, he frowned, and caressed her cheeks and lips. He saw that Sadril's black eyes burned with fire for him.

In that one moment, Legolas was undone and his heart could no longer contain the secret it harbored.

"I love you, Sadril. I love you." His words were said sweetly and passionately, blue eyes burning into the astonished face of Sadril of Imladris.

~*~*~*~

I love you, Sadril of Imladris...I love you...

The words burned into her mind and she stared at Legolas. His fair face glowed with passion, desire and love. His eyes were soft and gentle. As Sadril looked into his deep indigo gaze, she saw his words were true. He loved her!

Breaking free of his embrace, she put distance between them and saw his face flush with pain. She was hurting him. Sweet Valar, what had she done! Guilt engulfed her. But, she thought desperately, how to undo what she had begun?

"Legolas," Sadril fought to control her own emotions. " 'Twas no more than a kiss." She took a deep breath and turned to face him.

Legolas' face was stunned. "No more than..." His voice failed him and he turned from her and quickly strode away.

Sadril watched him leave, something in her heart breaking, knowing she should call him back, but not knowing what she would say if she did. So she let him leave her, and for some time Sadril watched the quiet sea, her thoughts in turmoil, her emotions in chaos. Each time she closed her eyes, she could see his face, the fire of his indigo eyes, the taste of his mouth, the feel of his arousal. Soon, she was enveloped in a lust and need for Legolas that far surpassed anything she had ever felt for Nathor.

Legolas was perched high above the pier, watching his beloved heart as she peered out into the sea. He had been here all the while after he had left Sadril, the pain in his heart so great he could not bear her nearness. Suddenly, as he watched her still form, a wave of desire and passion washed over him, mental images of very graphic erotic scenes flashing into his mind. Smiling in contentment, he knew what these were and what they meant. There was still hope for him yet. Laying down on the soft grass, he placed his hands behind his head and contemplated the stars as wave after wave of erotic emotion washed over him, bringing him to a peak of desire until he cried out and his body found release.

Sitting up, Legolas saw Sadril slowly walk away from the pier. Watching her from his position, Legolas hoped that the Valar would forgive their transgression for he knew that she was not free. He asked them to forgive him as well, for he could no longer resist the love his soul harbored for her.

After leaving the pier, Sadril headed toward her little cottage and walked inside. Not bothering to light a candle, she quickly undressed and ran a warm bath. Stepping into the fragrant water, she relaxed as the soothing oils and aromas began to calm her frayed nerves.

Slipping deeper into the water, she suddenly sat up with a gasp as she felt invisible fingers caress her breasts. Her eyes wide with shock, the sensation and pleasure soon over took her senses and she closed her eyes, feeling the gentle hands tug at the nipples, a hot mouth pressed against her neck and gentle fingers pry open her femininity and pleasure her until she cried out in lust and release.

Gasping, Sadril jumped out of the water and looked at it in suspicion. Just then, another wave of pleasure leapt into her mind and it was at that moment when she heard a voice whisper her name, "Sadril..." She knew that voice.

"Legolas?" She hissed into the night, knowing it was futile. He could not hear her. Just then another wave of emotion, this time longing, sweet and unfulfilled, entered her mind and she could see his intentions toward her were pure. He loved her. He desired her.

And she? She had used him. Guilt covered her soul and she sat on the floor of the bath weeping in confusion and rage.

Not far from where Sadril struggled with her emotions, Legolas sighed as he caught his name in the air. She was thinking of him. Feeling her guilt wash over him like bitter bile, he tried to soothe her and sent her loving thoughts. But she had closed her mind against him.

Sighing, Legolas watched as the Sun began to rise over the horizon, turning the ocean a bright orange red.

Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work.

Graphics copyrighted Cari Buziak