RSS

Printer Chapter or Story
- Text Size +

Author's Chapter Notes:
Mind games, heart pains, and decisions made...

internal thoughts be in italics


Chapter 6:

Iavas, Edge of Eryn Vorn, 141 F.A.

Sídhiel collapsed to her knees, leaned over and literally kissed the ground. Upon hearing a sword being drawn, she carefully tilted her head up and met dark, flint grey, eyes. The ellon towering over her was quite awe inspiring and caused her to gasp in surprise. From her admittedly poor vantage point, he was surprisingly tall and thinner than she had expected. Dark auburn hair framed strong features, an aquiline nose, pale lips drawn into a thin line, and a strong jaw and cheek bones, which swept up to lightly pointed ears. The clothes he wore were rough and careworn.

Refusing to be intimidated, Sídhiel opened her arms, turned her palms upward, and began to stand while ensuring that she never broke eye contact. His sword was mere inches from her neck and she did not desire to end up in the Halls of Waiting simply because of a stupid misunderstanding. Once completely upright, she bowed, and said in her best, diplomatic voice, “Híren, do I have the honor of meeting Maglor Fëanorion?”

“I have been called that at one point in my life. Who are you, human?” he growled. “And what are you doing here?”

Even though the sword tip never wavered, Sídhiel would not be cowed. But, ever the diplomat, she also knew when to ease up on the defiance. She smiled, dipping her head in deference, and began sweetly. “I am not solely human. I am Peredhel, of a Noldo father. My name is Sídhiel. I mean you no harm, my lord, truly. Besides, as you can see, I am unarmed.”

“Such honeyed words, yet the fire remains in your eyes.” Maglor lowered the sword, but loomed closer. “You evade my questions. Do you truly know who I am and what I am capable of?” As his words brushed past Sídhiel’s ear, she trembled. His voice was deep and rich, like dark chocolate, wrapping around her in its velvety smoothness, but containing a strong undercurrent of danger.

“I know you, Híren. Better than you might imagine.” She lifted her chin, and as their eyes locked, a shiver raced up her spine. He stood so near, they were almost touching; she took a breath and tried to step back.

Before she could move away, she was seized around the waist and pulled roughly against him. Maglor quickly sheathed his sword and removed two of the hidden daggers from underneath her tunic. She trembled as his hands roamed over her body, but quickly realized that she must submit. “Only two? Why am I certain that you are more armed than that.” He twirled her around to face the cabin, but did not release her from his grip. “Walk forward, slowly.”

When they were but ten paces from the hut, the door opened, and Gildor stood there. He was shirtless, barefoot, and his hair was unbound; he looked glorious! Sídhiel stopped, causing Maglor to roughly bump into her. When her eyes sought light grey ones, she sensed no recognition in them. She refused to believe that he had no memory of her. “Gildor? Mele... dir?” Sídi, you idiot! He cannot remember you as long as he is in Irmo’s thrall.

At her words, Gildor cocked his head, looking upon the scene in confusion. To his knowledge, he had never seen this female before in his life, but she called him “friend”. More confusing still, was that he felt a flash of warmth directed towards her.

“Do you know this female, Gildor? She names you friend.” Maglor’s voiced was soft, but carried a hint of something else.

“Nay, I do not recall seeing this one before, and I am certain I would not have forgotten her,” he smirked.

Sídhiel closed her eyes, her heart failing, for she had hoped that the sight of her would loosen Irmo’s control and rekindle Gildor’s memories. “Gildor? Do you not remember me at all? Sídhiel? Erestor’s iell? Please think!” The golden ellon looked increasingly puzzled, but shook his head.

The grip on her arm tightened, reminding her that she was not safe. Soft words brushed past her ear, making her body clench. “So, at least two lies from those sweet lips. I think you are far more dangerous than you would like me to believe.” Maglor forced her back around to meet his dark eyes. “Strip. Your lies convince me to take nothing for granted with you.”

Trembling, Sídhiel swallowed, but her mind could find no way out. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she slowly began to unlace her tunic. “Speed it up. This is no show.”

Maglor’s words were deep, dark and menacing. He watched her hungrily as her over tunic was lightly dropped to the ground. The linen shirt she wore was opaque, but he could see slight bulges along her shoulder blades. “Remove everything.” As she reached up to unlace the shirt, the dark elf hastily grabbed it and pulled it from her dark leggings. Sídhiel barely got the neck open far enough that it slid freely over her head, when he pulled it up and tangled her arms in it above her head. As he held her arms in the air with one hand, the son of Fëanor took his free one and grabbed both daggers that rested in their small sheaths attached on her back. “Clever sheaths, amazing that your over tunic concealed them so completely.”

Using one of her daggers, the dark elf swiftly cut the beige linen that she had bound her breasts with, thus baring her completely. Sídhiel gasped and shivered, she had not been in such a vulnerable and precarious position in a long time, her body would not cooperate with her attempts to be still. As he pulled the rent cloths from her torso, his eyes quickly scanned her firm breasts, trim waist, and hard muscle. He leaned in and murmured, “You are like no elleth I have ever seen, but from my experience you are not fully human, either. At least one truth in your words. For that, you may have your arms free to remove the rest.”

Watching Maglor undress this female, should have had Gildor seething with jealousy. He never liked to share anything of his lover’s, even glances, but this display was arousing and he found that most puzzling.

Bringing her hands down, she quickly felt for the mithril chain Estë had given her. The ring was dangling down her back so she pulled it forward. Seeing the golden ring, Maglor lifted it with the tip of a dagger to examine it. Sídhiel could not let him do that. She hastily pulled it away and secured a slight cut in the process. “This is no weapon. You shall not have it,” she hissed, sucking her cut finger into her mouth, glaring up into flint grey eyes.

Surprised by the vehemence of her reaction, Maglor pulled back slightly. “Keep your bauble, but finish this.” He waved the dagger toward her leggings.

Licking her lips, she untied the fabric belt of her pants. Maglor watched, fascinated, as she slowly unwrapped each leg of its dark silk covering. As she loosened the ties, he saw a glint of metal, and realized how the flowing material hid openings through which she could access yet more steel. Stopping her, he dropped to one knee and reached through the openings on each leg, to pull away four more daggers, but not before lightly caressing the soft skin; he enjoyed feeling the muscles twitch under his touch. “As I suspected, and you claimed to be unarmed?” His tone was silky and rich, Sídhiel felt the words caress her. Closing her eyes, she felt his hands reach for her ankles, and her last two weapons. She was truly defenseless now.

Standing up, Maglor’s next words came from behind her, and brushed past her ear, “Remove the leggings completely. You will be naked before me.” As his words sent shock waves racing down her spine, her eyes flew open and met Gildor’s. He was watching them and seemed to be aroused by the display. Gods! Get a hold of yourself, you idiot! This is no seduction. Maglor is an expert at interrogation with mind games and you are failing miserably. The flail was so much easier to take. Again, Sídhiel closed her eyes to block out the sight of Gildor staring hungrily at her, but not with the love that normally shone from his eyes. Composing herself, she quickly stripped off her soft suede boots and leggings. Never opening her eyes, she stood there, waiting.

“Open your eyes and look at me.” It was a command, of that there could be no doubt, so she complied. “We can do this pleasantly or not. The choice is yours. Do you understand?” She nodded, unable to speak as she was pinned by that dark gaze. “Who are you?”

She managed to answer without her voice quavering, “As I said, I am Sídhiel Erestoriel, from Imladris.” Trying to avoid either set of eyes upon her, she failed, and saw Gildor’s eyes narrow in disbelief, but luckily, Maglor saw the truth of her words.

“Why are you here?” Maglor watched, as she clenched her fists at her sides, obviously trying to keep her emotions in check.

“When my... friend disappeared from our camp, I followed him.” She paused at referring to Gildor and omitted the entire truth of her search.

Large hands grabbed her upper arms painfully, causing her to gasp. “You lie. Gildor has been here for over a week, yet you have just arrived.”

Trembling, as she was now truly terrified, Sídhiel tried to explain. “I speak the truth! I followed shortly after he left camp and became... lost. I would never stop searching for him!” Her eyes flashed at the truth of her words.

Sensing that there was much more than she was revealing, Maglor switched tactics, his intent was to keep her off balance and reeling. He released her arms and began to stroke her skin slowly, trying to soothe the shivering body as he circled around her. His words were soft, barely audible, menace cloaked in sensuality. “You think I could believe that you wandered, lost in this swamp for a week, yet your clothes are barely dirty and in remarkably good shape? You will explain yourself more fully.” He tangled his hands in her hair, quickly pulling it completely loose, but kept one hand wrapped in the freed locks as he resumed stroking her bare flesh.

The slow stroking did not ease her trembling, instead the touches were leaving a fiery trail and igniting her desire. She hoped her voice did not quiver as she answered, “I did not say that I spent the entire time in the swamp, Híren, only that I became lost. As I said before, I would never give up on Gildor.” Indigo blue eyes stared up into unfathomable grey, and Sídhiel worried that the dark elf could read into her very soul.

Maglor was most perceptive; with an almost preternatural ability to read the truth of someone’s heart when he chose to. He easily read great love for Gildor in the female’s eyes. Why did he not remember her, then? Ever curious when confronted with a mystery, the son of Fëanor determined that the only way to solve this puzzle was for Sídhiel to remain with them for a time. “I am not done with you, but this we will continue later. What needs have you?”

“A bath... some food... a place to rest. Please?” She barely choked out the words. Sídhiel was mentally and physically drained, and so confused by the dark elf’s attentions, that she would have willingly dropped to her knees and begged him, if necessary.

A slight smile curved his lips, “We can meet those needs easily. There is a hot spring behind the cabin. It is quite pleasant.” With that, he released her from his gaze and let her pull away, but when she stooped to pick up her clothes and pack, he stopped her. “Nay, you may not have your things just yet. I shall bring you what you need.”

Dipping her head to acknowledge his words, she gathered her dignity about her as best she could, and walked toward the rear of the cottage.

Two sets of eyes hungrily watched her pert bottom as she walked away. Gildor was immediately in Maglor’s arms after she rounded the corner. He was inflamed and needed his lover. “Are you certain it is safe to leave her free to roam?”

Maglor could not miss the lust radiating from the blond. “She is no threat to us, in fact, there is much concern for you in her eyes.”

“I had forgotten how you toy with prisoners.” Gildor leaned in and kissed the dark elf passionately.

“I seem to recall you did not like to watch me work.”

“I hated to watch your seductions and mind games. You were mine.” Gildor was still possessive of his lover and it was quite obvious in his voice.

“Nay, not were, meleth, are. I am yours and ever have been.” Pulling the blond close, lips dueled as they both gave into the simmering desire the scene had created for them. As they kissed, Maglor untied Gildor’s leggings and pushed them down to his knees. He followed down the lean body with his tongue, stopping briefly at the pink nubs, to lick and tease them, causing his lover to moan wantonly. Their desire was raging, so the dark elf dropped to his knees and quickly engulfed the heated arousal.

After unlacing his own leggings, Maglor lifted two fingers to Gildor’s lips, and they were hungrily sucked in and quickly enveloped in wetness. Taking his own shaft in one hand, he pressed a finger of the other at the puckered opening and pushed in, never ceasing attending to the hardness in his mouth. The golden ellon groaned and shifted to bare himself further and ease access for those fingers. Both ellyn rapidly became undone, as Gildor was stroked inside and out and his release flowed down Maglor’s throat, causing the dark elf to climax with him.

The blond dropped to his knees to be held in a strong embrace, both ellyn struggling to regain their breath. Dark eyes delighted in the sated form in his arms, as he pushed wayward strands of hair behind a delicate ear tip. “You did not dislike watching me work today, melethron. Why?”

Heavy lidded eyes opened, and Gildor smirked in reply. “Ah, in truth, I believe I would like to join you, as you sample that one. She reacted quite strongly to your presence and my watching.”

Chuckling, Maglor stood and reached for the blond. “Maybe we can arrange something, for I found her quite enticing as well.”

~~~*~~~


Sídhiel was shivering, more from Maglor’s attention than from the gradually cooling air, but she managed to hold her head high as she walked away. Once she made her way to the hot spring, she stepped carefully on the stone steps and gradually sank into the deep pool, sighing in pleasure from the heat. Her muscles fluttered rapidly as the tension fled. Sídi, you are such a fool! You can never hope to compete with that one! You should have begged to stay in Lórien.

Hot tears coursed down Sídhiel’s cheeks as she gave up all pretense of being strong. She was alone and there was no one who would see her cry. Lost in her thoughts, the elleth missed Gildor’s soft steps as he walked to the pool. She jumped when he cleared his throat to call her back to the present. “Gildor!” She ducked her head to hide her tears and the raw emotion that was clearly written on her face.

Having never borne the brunt of Maglor’s questioning, Gildor could only imagine the emotional turmoil the half-elf was in, so he was unsurprised by her tears, but the glimpse of her eyes, filled with such longing and anguish, caused him more than a moment of pain for her. “I brought soaps and towels.” His words hung in the air awkwardly. He was yet unsure why he had insisted on bringing these things himself.

Before the blond could walk away, Sídhiel gathered her courage to look at him. Still seeing no recognition in his eyes, she slumped down, and quietly spoke before turning away, “Hannon le, meldir.”

~~~*~~~


Sídhiel stepped out of the water and shivered at the temperature difference. Drying quickly, she realized that Gildor had not returned her clothes, nor the pack with her fresh ones. Fortunately, he had left two lanterns hanging on hooks, one by the pool and the other by a large fallen tree that had been carved into a settee. It was quite smooth and comfortable, calling her to rest. Sitting down, she drew her knees up to her chin and hugged her legs to her chest. Even though she was wrapped in the towel, the wet hair hanging down her back chilled her, but she would not get up until she had decided upon a course of action.

He is lost to me. The Valar have decreed it be so. Why did I fight it? I am such a fool, I could not believe it, so I had to see it with my own eyes. I hope he will be happy.

Just as Sídhiel clamped down on her anguish and hardened her resolve to leave by Anor’s first light, she was startled by a light touch on her shoulder. Maglor was standing behind her holding a well-worn dark grey woolen tunic out to her. “Am I to wear your clothes? What possible threat could mine pose?”

As Sídhiel stood, she allowed the towel to fall away and quickly tossed the tunic over her head. While she struggled to keep the overlarge tunic from slipping off one shoulder or the other, Maglor finally answered her question. “I find that having nothing familiar to cling to, tends to loosen tongues.”

“You are very arrogant, even for a Noldo lord.” Clenching her jaw to keep her rampant tongue from causing her more trouble, she attempted to adjust the tunic to provide more coverage, but her actions were more sensual than concealing, and each glimpse of fair skin heated Maglor’s blood. That she was defiant and still proud, aroused him further. Trying to gain control of his raging emotions, the dark elf sat down and stretched out nonchalantly.

“That is what you shall wear. Stop fiddling with it and sit down. If you wish anything further, you will tell me your tale in full.” Where earlier his voice was dark and seductive, at this moment he was cold and dispassionate, almost as though he had no care to hear her answer.

Laughing bitterly, she answered. “My story is too fanciful; you will not believe the truth of it. So what then? Will you leave me out here in the cold? To starve? I am not completely helpless. I can make my way, even if you deny me my clothes and weapons. Why should I answer you?”

“You will answer me with the truth. I will know it, for what it is. Once done, then you can come into the cottage and share in the warmth of our fire and the bounty of our larder. What do you have to hide?” As Maglor’s eyes darkened further, Sídhiel realized with resignation that her words would change nothing, except give her food and warmth to strengthen her for the morrow.

She began her tale at the Havens as she and Gildor watched the last ship leave Middle Earth for Valinor. Her distress at breaking the promise she had made to her adas was palpable. She explained the small band’s purpose and how she doubted they would ever locate the very elf sitting beside her, but her resolve to stand next to her mate shone through her words. She continued until Maglor had heard her tale of the past week, including her detour through Lórien. In the retelling, Sídhiel finally believed Gildor was lost to her, the last spark of hope that it could be otherwise, snuffed out.

“And so, here I am.” She gripped the golden ring hanging from her neck and ripped it off, the fine mithril chain biting into her skin as its clasp broke. “Here. Take it. This is the final proof. Gildor wears its mate.” As the powerful emotions faded and cold reality sunk in, she was left numb. “Please... I am so tired, and thirsty... Have I earned food and warmth?” Not waiting for an answer, Sídhiel stood, and swayed on her feet. The travails of the day had taken their toll.

Maglor scooped her up in his arms and walked toward the cottage. “Yes, my lady, you have earned much this eve. I doubt you not.” His words caressed her, no longer dark or cold, but warm and soothing as he hummed quietly to her. With what consciousness that remained, Sídhiel felt truly cared for and snuggled into the dark elf’s neck and body heat.

By the time Maglor walked into the cottage, his burden was asleep, so he laid her down on pillows before the fire and covered her with a warm throw. As the warm body drew away, Sídhiel awoke and struggled to get up. “Shhhh. Relax. You will be warmer here.” Shivering slightly at the lost warmth, she snuggled under the blanket and tried to open her eyes, but they were so heavy, she could not, and soon she was fast asleep.

When Maglor had walked into the hut carrying the female, Gildor recognized the expression in those dark eyes. She had spoken truthfully, but her story had greatly disturbed his lover. Gildor set out some cheese, dried meats, fruit and a light wine, while Maglor made her comfortable before the fire. Even though it had been millennia since he had tended to his lover after a session like this, the blond still knew what he would need.

Maglor tugged at his braids as he walked to the table where Gildor had already set out food and was being obviously solicitous of him. Needing comfort, though guilt that his happiness was bought at Sídhiel’s expense ate at him, he gathered Gildor in his arms and just rested his head on his lover’s shoulder, hiding his face in the golden hair.

“Was it so bad? What did she say that disturbs you so?” Gildor rubbed soothing circles on Maglor’s back, with no intention of moving from the dark elf’s embrace.

“She has been cruelly used. I doubt that she has the strength to return to her friends and take ship.” Maglor tried to voice his concern at her tale, without giving away anything to Gildor. “It is not fair and it angers me that the Valar would toy with her in this manner.”

Schooling his thoughts and features, for Maglor could not reveal anything to Gildor, he pulled away. “Hannon le for the care, meleth. I believe I need to eat, hunger is causing my thoughts to darken.” He sat down and poured the wine into two glasses and chewed on a sliver of apple.

Gildor sat and took a sip of the wine, his eyes never leaving Maglor’s face. There was an undercurrent here and the blond could feel the tension, but could not surmise its cause. “Should we not awaken her to eat?”

“Nay, I know that she needs food, but fear that sleep is an equally rare commodity for her of late. Let her have her rest while we dine.” Maglor’s heart was laden with guilt, but he was also equally happy to be looking into his beloved’s eyes. The dichotomy of his emotions was radiating from him, and he tried to suppress them, not wanting to concern Gildor.

As they ate, Gildor’s nearness calmed Maglor and his anger gradually muted. He was still displeased at what had occurred, but he also knew that he was most grateful to be the beneficiary of the Valar’s largesse. Wondering if Gildor would ever regain his memory of Sídhiel, Maglor again looked at the ring that he wore, almost as though he was not even aware it circled his finger. “Meleth, may I look at your ring? It seems familiar somehow.”

Gildor hesitated for a brief instant, having no memory of receiving the ring was disconcerting, but the sheer nakedness he felt when he removed it was far worse. He handed it to Maglor and watched as his lover examined it.

Maglor took the ring and noted Gildor’s discomfort when it left his hand. So it still has much meaning for you even if you know not why. I hope that is a good thing. After looking at the ring and reading the inscription, there could be no doubt. He was holding the mate to this ring in his pocket. He had believed Sídhiel, for few could successfully lie to him, but this was incontrovertible proof. Maglor was left wondering what to do with this information. Gildor’s bonded mate was lying asleep, before his hearth, and yet, Gildor had no memory of her. Carefully he placed the ring back on Gildor’s finger. “I was mistaken. I have not seen it before, but it is a well-crafted ring. I should take her some food now.” He sighed, and grasped his lover’s hand. “I think she would be more comfortable if you stayed over here.” He suggested this to give him a chance to further discuss Gildor with Sídhiel.

After setting a tray down beside the hearth, Maglor leaned down and began to gently coax Sídhiel to wake, using soft words and tenderly caressing her cheek. As he watched awareness return and her eyes open, he was surprised at the gamut of emotions he felt when he gazed into those dark blue eyes, the intensity almost leaving him breathless. “I have food, as promised. Are you steady enough to sit up?”

Waking to flint grey eyes and a caress on her cheek, left Sídhiel slightly disoriented, but she quickly remembered who was looking at her and where she was. “Thank you, I am better.” She sat up and took the offered tray, the light wine being the first thing she reached for. After a few sips and some apple slices and cheese, she felt warm and safe, but not better, not truly. Her emotions were muted, almost as though they belonged to another. Her resignation to her loss seemed to dull everything, dimming not only her emotions but also her sight as the world now appeared grey.

Maglor caught the lie but said nothing. This was more than awkward and his own emotions were interfering with his usual ability to think and reason dispassionately. He spoke softly for he did not want Gildor to hear. “I think you should stay. We need to give Gildor a chance to shake off Irmo’s control...” And then what?

“And then what?” Sídhiel was not angry, but could not bear more false hope. It was too heartbreaking, and she knew she was not strong enough to withstand further.

Her words echoed his own and he knew he had no answer. To give up Gildor once again? What would that do to the blond? To himself? “I know not, my lady, but I would like you to stay… to walk that path with us... to wherever it may lead.” Maglor was not used to pleading. He never had and was most uncomfortable doing so now. “Please? If you leave and then he remembers… I fear the hurt it would do him. Please stay?”

She shook her head and then looked into flint grey eyes, swallowing, she answered. “Nay. I cannot. Please do not ask me to be so close without him having a single memory of me. You do not know how much that hurts.” As the tears began to spill over, she looked down and hid her face. “I will leave in the morning. Please, no more words. May I just sleep?” Sídhiel tried to hide her tears and the increasing panic she felt at staying. She did not believe she could take seeing Gildor in Maglor’s arms.

Maglor nodded and after touching her shoulder lightly, he offered his hand to aid her to stand. After she arose, he pulled her against him in a tight embrace. Soft lips brushed against her forehead as he whispered to her. “I am deeply sorry, Sídhiel. I wish for things to end differently than this, believe me.”

Sídhiel had not realized how much she needed to be held, needed strong arms holding her and offering comfort. Maglor’s warm embrace almost completely undid her and she had to bury her face in his chest to keep from sobbing aloud. She had thought she was through with her tears, but the affectionate gesture proved her very wrong. After a few moments, she regained her composure and looked up at him. “I truly wish you were someone I could despise, but that is not the case at all.” Her lips curled very slightly upwards. “I know that you love him as much as I, so he will be happy. That is all that matters.” Pulling away, she turned. “Now where is this bed that you have offered?”

TBC

Translations:
Iavas – autumn
Eryn Vorn – (dark forest) forest by the sea in western Minhiriath
híren – my lord
meldir – my friend
iell – daughter
meleth – love
ellon, ellyn – male elf, male elves
melethron – lover (male)
elleth – female elf
Anor – sun
hannon le – I thank you
Ithil – moon
You must login (register) to review.