LotR fic: Passages, chapters 35-36 [Haldir/Melpomaen, adult]
Title: Passages Chapter 35, "The Clearing"; chapter 36, "Through Mirkwood" Author: celandineb Fandom: LotR Pairing: Haldir/Melpomaen Rating: adult Warnings: PWP, angst Summary: Haldir and Melpomaen find their friendship developing beyond the expected as they travel from the Golden Wood to Dale and back via Mirkwood.
35. The Clearing
Dawn was just breaking when Haldir gently shook Melpomaen's shoulder. "Wake up, Maen. I have tea ready."
Melpomaen rubbed at his eyes and heaved himself upward, pulling the loose end of the blanket across his lap. He reached for the cup that Haldir held out and sipped cautiously at the steaming liquid. "Thank you."
"You are most welcome. We can refill our water bags before we leave this place." Haldir handed Melpomaen a cold rabbit leg left from their supper. The rest he had wrapped and tucked away for that evening's meal.
Gnawing, Melpomaen mumbled through his mouthful, "Are we in a rush?" He swallowed and took another drink of tea.
"Not especially, but it will be an hour just to get back to the path, and it's a fair morning – or as fair as they ever are, under these trees," Haldir added. "Did you sleep well?"
"Well enough. I think I was lying on some tree roots, but that's difficult to avoid in the woods. Walking will work out the kinks," said Melpomaen. He finished his breakfast and Haldir took the bone from him to bury with the rest of the refuse from their night's camp, while Melpomaen stowed his blanket in his pack and put out the fire.
It was about the middle of the morning when the path took them to the stream of which they had been warned. The trees stood back a little way from either bank, and it was a pleasure to be able to see the sky again. A low wooden bridge spanned the water. It had clearly been built no more than a handful of years before, and seemed sturdy enough to take a cart, even a Dwarf-cart laden with metal goods. It certainly posed no difficulty for a pair of Elves on foot, but they were glad that Legolas had warned them not to drink from – or even touch – the enchanted waters of the stream, for otherwise they would have replenished their water-bags and perhaps even bathed in it.
Stepping back into the heavy shadows under the branches on the other side and continuing along the path was a wrench, even after as brief a glimpse of the sun as they had had. To dispel the gloom, they spoke as they walked, picking up the thread of their conversation from the night before. They kept their voices low, so as not to draw undue attention from any creatures in the wood, especially the spiders.
"Did you ever reach a satisfactory conclusion as to what Legolas might have meant by his words to you, Maen?" asked Haldir.
Melpomaen bit his lip. "Perhaps," he admitted.
Turning his head, Haldir arched an eyebrow in query and waited for his partner to continue.
"I do not think his forgiveness was for something as simple as my having met you first. I think perhaps he suspected that my motives for inviting him to be with us were not entirely unselfish." Melpomaen hesitated, and then added in even quieter tones, "And he would have been right."
"Would he?"
"Yes, I fear he would. At least at first. I. . . I wanted it to be clear to him that you were mine, and I yours, and that he could not have you. To warn him off and perhaps even to make him jealous." He shook his head. "It was an unworthy thing to have done. Dishonorable. Even though it seems to have come out all right in the end."
"But Maen, what was your intention in so doing?" Haldir asked him. "You know that, bonded to you, I could never leave you or wish to, whatever any third person might want or say or do."
"I know," said Melpomaen, his tones mingling shame and exasperation. "I know, I knew it then, but I seemed unable to stop myself. Attention from someone like Legolas – handsome, clever, a king's son – how could that not be a temptation, or so I thought. I suppose I did not trust the bond between us to be yet strong enough to hold in the face of such a lure."
"Do you now?" Haldir's voice was level and serious.
Melpomaen shrugged. "You have given me no reason to doubt it."
"You are evading an answer, Maen."
"I don't know, Dír," sighed Melpomaen. "I don't understand the nature of our bond. I've never quite grasped how a bond is created between a benn and a bess, even, still less between two binn. It was something that I always assumed would become clear when I wedded. So far as I can tell, our bond is true and complete, but I would like to be certain of it. If I am unsure, who am a part of it, someone else might easily deny its reality."
Haldir nodded. "I feel much the same as you, save that perhaps my knowledge is a little greater." He paused thoughtfully. "Legolas believes and told me that a bond between two binn is completed when one of them enters the body of the other, just as the bond between a benn and a bess is made permanent when they are first fully joined together in love."
"That is what he believes," said Melpomaen, "but is it the truth? Can we be certain his understanding is correct? Did you feel any change in yourself when I first made love to you so? I do not think that I did."
"I don't recall," said Haldir, smiling, "I was a little – preoccupied – at the time. But I think not."
"I always thought that I would feel something when I bonded with my mate. A chill, or see a flash of light. Surely it could not pass unnoticed. Perhaps, then, we are not truly bonded?"
"No. That cannot be. Think about the last time we were with Legolas – his touch brought me no excitement, but yours did. Was it not the same for you? And does that not mean that we must be bonded?" Haldir reasoned.
Melpomaen frowned. "I had the same experience," he said, "but could it not betoken simply a lack of attraction to Legolas himself, rather than necessarily being an inability to be attracted by anyone except each other?"
"Well, then," Haldir said, "how would you test it? For I think that someone unattached would find Legolas alluring. He is, as you said, both handsome and thoughtful."
"I don't know," replied Melpomaen. "Perhaps there is no certain way to tell."
They lapsed into silence for a time, continuing to walk westward along the path. Haldir was thankful for the heavy shade of the trees at this hour of the day; else they would be staring straight into the lowering sun. Now that they were quiet they could hear the sounds of the forest around them: birds chirping to one another from their nests; some creature rustling as it moved through the bushes – a rabbit perhaps, or maybe a fox; the wind stirring eddies of dead leaves. The trees had all begun to leaf out, though they would become fuller before high summer. He could see tangles of bramble here and there, wherever a few stray beams of sunlight might pierce through the leaf canopy, and absently wondered if they would reach home before the berries were ripe. Unless something unexpected happened, they should. Haldir looked forward to seeing his brothers again, though he knew it would be a struggle to conceal from them the changed nature of the partnership between Melpomaen and himself.
Melpomaen strode, deep in thought. He kicked at an acorn lying in his way, sending it skittering along the path in front of him until it bounced off a rut and was lost in the tufts of grass on the verge. "Let us stop now," he said abruptly.
Haldir looked at him in surprise and responded, "There are two or three hours of light yet."
"I know, but what is our time for, anyway? A few days more or less will make no difference. Since we were unable to reach home last autumn, due to my foolish accident, it matters little, as you have said before."
"Let us look for somewhere to make camp, then," said Haldir. "We might as well choose a good place, since we are in no hurry."
They walked on for another mile before finding a suitable location. It would be several days before they needed to find water again, so all they hoped for was a reasonable break in the trees. At last, however, they came to a little glade, right beside the road, which clearly had been often used by other travelers. There was a stone fire pit, with several fallen logs placed nearby as seats, and even some firewood piled under one of the trees. Nevertheless Haldir went to gather more while Melpomaen laid out their camp. They had plenty of time and light to collect fuel, whereas travelers some other day might be grateful to find wood ready to hand.
The clearing was near the crest of a little hill, and the trees here were sparser, a stand of beeches and a few alders instead of the ivy-draped oaks they had seen for the past day or two. The ground here was drier as well, not damp as it had been on earlier evenings. Melpomaen was glad for the rough stone hearth, which meant that he need not take such great care in clearing a space free of any grass or leaves for their fire. He laid out their blankets and then put some pieces of dried onions and tubers into the pot, to simmer with the rest of yesterday's rabbit. There were sufficient twigs and small branches scattered about to serve as kindling, so he went ahead with building and lighting the fire.
Haldir reappeared with an armful of wood and stacked it neatly near the hearth. He looked around the clearing, measuring it by eye, and asked Melpomaen, "Would you like to practice a little sword-play?"
"Yes." Melpomaen jumped up and took a stance opposite his partner. They began running through some of the standard practice sequences.
"Clearly I did not practice enough this winter," laughed Melpomaen ruefully half an hour later, when Haldir had for the third time beaten through his defenses. "Look, you haven't even broken a sweat." He plucked at his own tunic, patched with damp. "I should have taken this off before we began."
Sheathing his blade, Haldir stepped closer and smiled at him. "You could take it off now, Maen. It still lacks an hour and more until sunset; we need not concern ourselves with keeping a sharp watch at the moment. We have been over-careless in the past, but this camp is too well-used for most creatures to come near, certainly not in daylight."
"Mm. True enough," said Melpomaen. He set his weapon down and pulled the garment off, tossing his head to free his hair from where it clung damply to his neck. Looking over at Haldir, he saw that the other Elf had already stripped to the waist. Melpomaen enjoyed the sight of his lover's bared chest, and almost regretted it when Haldir moved close enough to embrace, for then he could no longer see the strong body to admire it. Then again, to touch him was a great pleasure too. Haldir had not quite sweated through his clothing, but his skin was moist with exertion. Melpomaen ran a finger along Haldir's breastbone, then licked the salty traces directly, lapping at Haldir's rosy nipples.
Haldir put his arms around Melpomaen's shoulders. "Yes, Maen, yes," he murmured into the air, as the suckling brought an answering pull from his groin. The fabric of his leggings felt rough and tight against his swelling member, and when Melpomaen raised his head, Haldir pulled his lover close, pressing against his thigh.
The wetted skin of Haldir's chest met Melpomaen's as they embraced, their mouths clinging together. Haldir guided them over to the blankets, but it was Melpomaen who first moved to take off the clothing that still hindered them. He skinned out of his own garments, leaving Haldir standing. Then he slowly removed Haldir's remaining clothes piece by piece, running his hands along the newly-bared skin, teasing Haldir with his touch. He exhaled a warm breath on Haldir's erect member and caressed his tight pouch. Haldir gasped and held onto Melpomaen's head to steady himself.
Melpomaen tasted the tip of Haldir's organ, dipping into the slit with his tongue, enjoying the salt and bitter flavors, so different from the sweetness of his lover's mouth. His lips slid across the head and partway down the shaft, again causing Haldir to catch his breath. Melpomaen held onto Haldir's hip with one hand as he sucked; with his free hand he grasped his own organ, hot and hard.
"Oh, meldanya," Haldir panted. "Stop – please."
Melpomaen paused and looked up, still with his lips pressed around Haldir.
"I want to make this last longer," explained the golden-haired Elf. "And you have me very close, Maen."
Releasing Haldir, Melpomaen sat back on his heels as his partner sank down to the blanket next to him. Haldir brushed a stray wisp of hair away from Melpomaen's cheek and took his face between his own palms, kissing him deeply before pushing him to lie down and bending to reciprocate what Melpomaen had just been doing to him.
A groan escaped Melpomaen's throat as his lover's eager tongue lapped at his pouch and then ran up along his length to circle and draw him into moist warmth. His hips jerked, just a little, when Haldir ran a finger around the base of his shaft and then down, seeking entry. "The oil, Dír – do you have it?" asked Melpomaen urgently.
The mouth that embraced him withdrew, and Haldir said, "Just a moment."
It was more than a moment, but soon Haldir had found the flask tucked into the bottom of his pouch and returned to the blankets. He poured a little into his palm, dabbling his fingers in the slippery fluid before returning his attention to Melpomaen's waiting passage. One fingertip, then another, sought and found entry. The oil that remained on his other hand Haldir used to coat his own member first, then smeared the last drops onto Melpomaen's.
"Are you ready?" Haldir asked. "Do you want me?"
"Yes, meldanya – I want you within me." Melpomaen reversed his position, kneeling with his backside in the air and his arms folded under his cheek, cushioning his head.
Haldir's throat tightened, looking at him, so open and willing. He entered Melpomaen with one long slow thrust, until he was fully engulfed in the tight slick channel. His sigh of pleasure matched Melpomaen's. "All right?" He reached around and gripped Melpomaen's cock. Melpomaen said nothing, but the wriggling of his hips told Haldir that his motions were indeed acceptable to his lover. He leaned forward and licked, then bit, Melpomaen's shoulder blade, moving sideways along it until he reached the join between arm and back. Inhaling the tang of Melpomaen's sweat, he pumped his hand faster while keeping his thrusts small.
A hand touching him, a shaft filling him, teeth nipping him – Melpomaen would have bitten his own arm to keep back his cries, had they still been in Thranduil's caverns. As it was, he startled off two squirrels and a sparrow with the noises he made. Haldir continued to thrust into him, seeking his own release and announcing it with a groan even louder than Melpomaen's. He withdrew, gritting his teeth at the harsh touch of the blanket on tender skin.
Melpomaen rolled over and gave Haldir a lazy grin. "I should lose in sword-practice more often, if this is what will happen as a result."
"Heh," Haldir snorted. "What will happen is that you'll need the practice and not have it." But he grinned back and pulled Melpomaen close. "Too bad we don't have that bathing-room handy any more. Or even a stream."
"Are you saying that I stink?" Melpomaen poked him in the ribs. "That's rather the sun calling the moon bright, that is. But we can spare enough water to sponge off, I'm sure."
"Pass me the water bag and a cloth, and I'll do it."
Refreshed by the wipe-down, Melpomaen put on his leggings and shoes again, but left off the tunic; it was still damp from his sweat, and an airing would help. He rebuilt the fire and checked the stew-pot, simmering their meal into succulence. Haldir watched, propped on one elbow.
"Dír." Melpomaen looked over at him. "Do you hear that?"
Haldir listened. "I think we are about to be joined." Quickly he pulled on his clothing.
They watched as four carts rolled into view, each drawn by a pair of ponies and with a Dwarf riding high on a pile of crates.
The Dwarf on the leading cart began to turn his ponies into the clearing, saw the Elves, and whistled shrilly. His companions quickly looked up and reined to a halt, waiting.
Haldir saw that they had their hands on their axe-handles, and bowed to the leader. "Greetings, master Dwarf," he said respectfully, using the Common Tongue. "My traveling companion and I were about to eat our supper. Would you and your companions care to join your camp with ours?"
Behind the great russet beard, the Dwarf's face was hard to read. He said, "Greetings, master Elf. We had not expected to find any other travelers here tonight. But we will share this camp with you." He nodded to the other Dwarves. Haldir and Melpomaen were relieved to see that they left their axes in the carts as they brought them one by one into the clearing, turning each around and unharnessing the ponies, which they picketed on the grass far from the fire.
It seemed they carried provisions for themselves and their beasts in one vehicle, while the others bore the goods for trade. They had come from Erebor and were planning to travel all the way to the Blue Mountains. Their leader introduced himself as Frerin, and the other three were Orin, Borin, and Khîm. The two Elves gave their names in return, and removed their blankets to one side of the fire-pit so that the Dwarves could share the warmth of it.
Frerin was garrulous for a Dwarf and conversed at some length with the Elves as his companions took care of the ponies and set up their camp. He recognized that Haldir and Melpomaen were not of the woodland folk, and asked why they were traveling through Mirkwood at such a season.
"For truly, it is rare that we encounter any others on this road," he said. "Few are willing to use it save those who dwell in these woods, for fear of the evil things that yet haunt it, despite the cleansing of the southern part of the forest some years ago."
"We would not have taken this path, but mischance befell my friend last autumn as we were traveling along the eastern borders of the woods. So we wintered in the halls of the woodland king. Then it seemed to us that it would be best to go west first, and then turn south, to return to our own lands," Haldir explained.
"I see," said Frerin thoughtfully. "My people have had few dealings with the Elves from the southlands. We trade on occasion with Thranduil's folk, though I do not think they bear us any greater love than we them. But come. It is time for our meal, and as the late-comers we will provide the meat and drink. For I think," he added, "that on foot you cannot carry such supplies as you might prefer."
Borin had tapped a cask and offered the thick red wine to the Elves, who accepted a cup apiece. Khîm served up thick slices from a ham, and cakes made from meal stirred up with water and baked on stones. Melpomaen suggested that the Dwarves share the soup he had already prepared, and they complimented his hand with the seasoning.
"It is nothing," he said, embarrassed, "merely a few herbs."
After supper, the Dwarves seemed disposed to turn in for the night. "We generally take three watches," said Frerin, "and one man sleeps the night through."
Haldir looked at Melpomaen, who nodded. "We will watch for you all," said the older Elf firmly. "No, I insist. You have shared bread and wine and meat with us; we must repay you in some manner."
"Very well," said Frerin after a pause. He spoke a few soft words in the Dwarvish tongue to the other three. It was unintelligible to the Elves, but Orin and Borin glanced at Melpomaen and Haldir, and then nodded at Frerin..
After the Dwarves had rolled up in their blankets, Haldir and Melpomaen spoke together in whispers.
"Frerin may suggest that we travel with them. I do not seriously expect him to, but it is possible – he may think that two additional fighters would be useful in a tight spot. What do you think we should do, if so?" asked Haldir.
Melpomaen considered it. "I wouldn't mind, just to the edge of Mirkwood. After that our paths will diverge in any case."
"We won't have any chance for lovemaking," Haldir pointed out.
"No, but it would be safer. And if we all travel together the watches will be easy, every other night off for each person," said Melpomaen.
"All right; if he asks, we will accept, and if not, no harm done. Did you want to watch first tonight?"
"It doesn't matter to me," said Melpomaen. "I'll go first, if you want."
Haldir nodded. "I'll just have a cup of tea, then I will join our friends in making their beautiful music."
The two Elves grinned at each other, for the racket of snoring Dwarves was unsurpassed by anything either had hitherto encountered. Melpomaen squeezed Haldir's hand. "I'll wake you at the usual time."
Haldir drank his tea – chamomile, to encourage drowsiness, though after the unaccustomed wine he scarcely needed that help – and curled up. He watched Melpomaen moving around the borders of the clearing for a little while, and then his lids drifted closed, and he slept.
36. Through Mirkwood
"Dír. Dír." The sound of Melpomaen's voice as much as the hand on his shoulder brought Haldir to wakefulness.
"All right," he said quietly, "I'm awake, Maen." He rolled out of his blankets and stretched. "Nothing has happened, I imagine?"
"Not quite nothing," said Melpomaen in equally subdued tones. "Nothing dangerous, however. I believe the Dwarves are keeping watch themselves, over us if not over our surroundings. At least three times during the first part of my watch I saw that Orin's eyes were open – too often, unless Dwarves can rest waking, as we can in extremity, and I never heard that they could – and some time ago I saw him nudge Frerin, and now I think that Frerin is awake and aware. One might think they do not trust us."
"They may not, for all their friendliness earlier. Would you be so hasty to trust strangers, and sleep untroubled?" Haldir asked.
"I suppose not, but it galls me a little. I will try not to be offended, though, for you are right." Melpomaen crawled under Haldir's deserted blanket. "May your watch go well, meldanya."
It did. Haldir noted that Frerin was indeed wakeful, and that an hour or two into his watch Borin seemed to take over from the other Dwarf, but he pretended to be oblivious to them, instead pacing the perimeter of the clearing on a regular round, and tending to the fire.
Dawn with its twitter of birdsong woke the sleepers. The Dwarves were near-silent, almost surly to Melpomaen's mind, even Frerin who had been so full of conversation the previous night. They shared porridge and hot tea, prepared by Haldir. The Dwarves busied themselves reharnessing their ponies, now speaking to each other in their own tongue. The fire had been quenched and the Elves were readying their packs to depart when Frerin spoke to them in Westron. "Master Elf."
Both Haldir and Melpomaen looked at him.
"Our paths, it would seem, lie in the same direction for a time."
"They do," said Haldir.
"On dangerous roads, greater numbers may bring greater safety to all. Would you consider traveling with us? I doubt that the pace of our ponies would outstrip your own, burdened as they are with the goods in our carts." Behind the beard that concealed most of his face Frerin looked a little ill at ease. "Or you could ride, though I do not know that you would find that comfortable."
Melpomaen shifted, as if he would speak, and Haldir stepped on his foot, saying, "I do not think your ponies need be burdened with us, but we will travel with you." Under his breath, he added in their own language to Melpomaen, "We agreed to this last night."
"I wasn't going to object," whispered Melpomaen indignantly in the same language, but subsided as Haldir continued to answer Frerin.
"I am sure that we can make suitable arrangements to ensure the well-being of all of us; with six to draw upon, only half need take a watch each night, for instance."
"Yes, of course," said Frerin in some confusion, realizing that the Dwarves' action of the previous night had been observed by the Elves. "We would consider you a part of our company, for the time."
Haldir said, "Very well then, we accept."
"May we borrow space in a cart for our packs, though?" asked Melpomaen. "It would be easier to scout without them."
"Certainly," said the Dwarf, clearly relieved to have what he saw as the leading role once again. "There is room in the stores-cart, I am sure."
Khîm climbed down from his seat and beckoned the Elves over, moving a sack of meal and a flitch of bacon aside to make room for their things. "Be welcome," he said, surprising them with a smile that shone white in his black beard.
"We won't have to worry about water," murmured Haldir to Melpomaen as they made certain their packs would be secure, and not damage anything of the Dwarves'. A row of four great casks stood at the far end of the cart, behind a second row of smaller casks like the one that had held the wine the previous night.
"Unless it is beer," Melpomaen replied.
"Surely not," said Haldir, worried. "They would not travel without water on this road."
"No, I am only teasing you. I saw Khîm fetching the water last night. Thank you, Khîm," he added in louder tones, in the Common Tongue. "All is secure here now."
The Elves stepped back to allow the Dwarves room for the ticklish business of maneuvering their vehicles back onto the rutted earth of the road.
The sturdy ponies' pace was more rapid than they would have expected, but Haldir and Melpomaen were well able to keep up with them, even ranging ahead of the file of carts to check the path. Twice they found large branches fallen partly across it, and cleared the road before the Dwarf-carts had to stop. That day passed quickly, and the next several as well. The Elves grew accustomed to the harsh accents of the Dwarf-language, with which their temporary companions conversed on the road, calling forward and back over the thud of the ponies' hooves and the creaking of the wagons. For their part, Haldir and Melpomaen elected to speak in the Silvan tongue, less well-known to outsiders than the Grey-Elven. In the evenings, however, by common consent the whole party used Westron. Conversation was awkward at first, and confined to necessities, but over several days they became somewhat friendlier.
When they arranged their watch-schedule the first evening, they agreed that the Elves should both watch on the same nights, with Frerin as the third that night. Melpomaen was careful to conceal his pleasure at that decision. He looked forward to being able to spend several nights in undisturbed rest, with Haldir next to him.
They spread their blankets together as a matter of course when it came to it, lying close together. It was tantalizing to feel Haldir's breath upon his cheek, and yet be unable to roll over and kiss the mouth of the one he loved above all things in the world. Melpomaen considered it. Then, in the guise of shifting position, he dropped his free arm behind his back and reached to touch Haldir's belly. Haldir seized his wrist, but not before Melpomaen had discovered that his partner was as frustrated as himself by their nearness, with no chance of expressing it.
"Sh. Just let me. . ." and Melpomaen wriggled his hips backward until his buttocks rested against the hard bulge at Haldir's groin. Layers of fabric and leather, as well as the presence of the Dwarves on the far side of the fire, ensured that no more could be done. "Only to feel you close," he added, squeezing Haldir's hand.
Haldir sighed, but did not move away; instead he brought their joined hands to rest on Melpomaen's waist. Thus curled together, they slept.
On the sixth day after they began traveling with the Dwarves, as the whole party sat eating a savory stew that Melpomaen and Khîm had concocted that used a combination of Elvish and Dwarf-style seasoning, Borin indicated that their choice of sleeping positions had not gone unnoticed.
"I have never had occasion to travel with Elves before," said Borin, "and I am curious. Is it common among your people to share a bedroll when traveling?"
Haldir was in the midst of taking a large bite, and choked on it. While he was recovering himself, Melpomaen said carefully, "It is not unheard of. Some do, some prefer not. It is for them to choose what they want. In cool weather, to share warmth makes sense."
"Ah. Yes, we sometimes do the same," Borin said. "Do you recall, Orin, the journey we made many years ago, with our kinsmen Bifur and Bofur, and more than a dozen others? We began so early in the season that there was still snow on the ground. Everyone shared blankets then."
"I remember it well," said Orin. "Was it not Glóin and Bofur who continued to do so even into the summer?"
Borin agreed, "Yes, it was."
"Do you always travel with kin?" inquired Haldir, now that he had stopped coughing.
"Nearly always; certainly by preference. Though we may have a broader idea of kinship than Elves do. I do not know for certain, but," Borin stopped, and shot a torrent of Khuzdul at Frerin.
Frerin said, "I think it would be said ‘third cousin' in Westron. My father's father's mother's father was your father's mother's father's father."
"Third cousin," agreed Borin. Turning back to the Elves, he continued, "Frerin and I, then, are third cousins; that is counted as close kinship among us. The descendants of an ancestor five or six generations back are expected to be known. Within those, we prefer to search for partners for trade and travel and craftwork, as needed. Is it not similar among your people? Are the two of you not related?"
"No," answered Haldir. "Closeness among our people is not determined by kinship. Not always. I have brothers to whom I am close, and we have worked together for many years, but Melpomaen and I are not kinsmen."
"Is it appropriate to ask if either of you is espoused?" asked Khîm, entering the conversation for the first time. "Like Borin, I do not know the customs of your folk well. Except for the trading-customs of the Wood Elves. Pah. The tolls the Wood-king charges for the use of this path are high."
"We could avoid them and go around his realm to the north, but that is a far longer and yet more dangerous road," said Orin. "I have traveled it, and I would not wish to do so again." He shivered.
"Let us not discuss the Elf-king here," said Frerin.
"No. We stray from my question in any event. Do you have spouses? Or should I not ask that?" repeated Khîm.
"It is not a usual question to ask, but I do not take offense," said Haldir.
"No, we are not wedded," said Melpomaen
Borin set down his empty cup and said something to Orin in the Dwarf-tongue. Orin nodded.
Melpomaen realized that his answer was not clear, and tried again. "I have no wife, nor does Haldir."
Haldir, as curious about Dwarvish custom as they seemed to be about the Elves, decided to turn the tables a bit. "What about you? May we enquire if any of you are espoused? Is such a question allowed by your customs?"
Nodding, Borin said, "Yes, although it would rarely be asked. Usually everyone would already know the answer, having heard an announcement of the betrothal. Of the four of us here, only Khîm is married."
"Married is a mild way of putting it," said Orin.
Puzzled, Melpomaen asked, "What do you mean?"
Khîm's ears were red as he answered for himself. "They are teasing me. My wife and I have six children, four sons and two daughters, when most couples have only two or perhaps three children at most."
"Congratulations to you," said Haldir. "That sounds like a fine family. Few of our people have so many children either; two or three is common with us as well."
"Thank you," said Khîm, but he continued to look uncomfortable.
Frerin, who had been silent during the later part of the conversation, now spoke. In a strained voice, he said, "I think we should prepare for our rest, now."
Melpomaen and Haldir looked at him, wondering, but the other Dwarves seemed to understand, jumping up and gathering the remains of the meal.
"I will watch first," said Frerin, still in that tight voice.
"All right," said Haldir. "Maen, do you want second watch or third?"
"Oh, I will take second," said Melpomaen. He did not much care , and knew that if he could, Haldir preferred to avoid the middle watch, which interrupted sleep so badly. "Wake me when it is time," he told Frerin, and went to where he and Haldir had spread their blankets.
The next evening, again preparing the meal with Khîm, who seemed to be the chosen cook among the Dwarves just as Melpomaen usually cooked for himself and Haldir, Melpomaen found an opportunity to inquire further about the previous night's conversation.
"I am surprised only you are wedded," he remarked. "Is that usual, for your folk?"
Khîm gave his pot a stir and pushed it well into the coals before he answered. "It is not unusual. We are all well into our middle years of life and more; I doubt that Orin or Borin will ever now wed, and certainly Frerin will not."
"Why, may I ask?"
"There are fewer Dwarf-women than men. It has always been so. Not all of the women wish to wed; and if a man loves a woman and she weds someone else, he will rarely look at another afterward. That happened to Frerin. When he was young, he fell in love with Dís, but she spurned his suit, for he had little to offer. Her sons are dead now, and her husband as well; she might have been happier with Frerin after all."
Melpomaen thought about that as they finished their cooking and called to the others to come eat. He did not want to bring Frerin painful memories, but he was curious about the Dwarvish customs.
"What you said before made me wonder. Do Dwarves wed once only?" he inquired of Borin as they finished eating.
"Yes, of course," said Borin, surprised. "Is it not the same for Elves?"
"It is indeed." Haldir was the one who answered, in his more fluent Westron. "Most of our folk wed, usually by early in their second century. Doubtless you are aware that the lives of Elves are bound to Arda, and our bodies do not age and fail as do those of other races. But if one spouse should be mortally injured, say in battle, and die, the other does not wed again. More likely the bereaved spouse would travel to the West. I have heard though that among Men matters are different, and if a spouse dies the living partner may wed again. I have even heard that sometimes a couple may part voluntarily and choose to join with others instead, though I find it hard to credit such tales."
"I have heard such too," said Orin. "Often enough that I believe there must be some truth in them, though it seems astonishing. But Men are different from both our peoples; weaker, shorter-lived."
"Though they can be gallant and brave," said Khîm. "Think of Bard, shooting the dragon. Think of the Halfling Bilbo, who came with King Thorin, and fought against the goblins at the Battle of Five Armies."
"Halfling?" queried Melpomaen. "Is that a Man?"
"They are like Men, though much smaller, less than my height and more slender," said Borin. "We pass through their lands on our way to the Blue Mountains. Farmers, mostly, but we do some small trade with them. I know of none that live to the east of the Misty Mountains, and they do not travel."
"Save Bilbo," interjected Frerin.
"Save Bilbo," agreed Borin. "But he came only once, and has returned whence he came, with dragon-gold as his reward."
The story was unfamiliar to the Elves, so Borin recounted for them how Thorin Oakenshield had hired the Halfling Bilbo Baggins as a burglar to help him spy out the lair of the dragon Smaug, to reclaim his kingship. "And though Thorin fell," he ended, "still the battle was won, and the dragon slain, and Dáin became King under the Mountain. My kindred came with Dáin from the Iron Hills at that time; not long ago, even as men reckon it."
Melpomaen yawned, and apologized.
"It is late," said Frerin. "A good tale, Borin, but overlong for a traveling evening."
"Ah, well, we are in no great rush, are we? If we do not depart with the dawn, no harm will be done," said Borin.
Nevertheless all except Orin, who had the first watch, quickly prepared to sleep. As usual Melpomaen and Haldir curled up together on the opposite side of the fire from the three sleeping Dwarves.
"Borin sounds like you," Haldir murmured.
"How do you mean?"
"Not concerned about how long his journey is. Though I doubt his reasons are the same as yours!" Haldir had his hand draped over Melpomaen's shoulder, and his fingers strayed to find a nipple through the fabric and tweak it.
"Dír!" said Melpomaen, in a strangled voice that he tried to keep quiet. "We can't. . ."
"I know," said Haldir regretfully, and moved a few inches away. "Perhaps we shouldn't have agreed to travel with the Dwarves, but overall I have found it worthwhile. Certainly less burdensome, not having to bear our packs, and not needing to be concerned for either food or drink."
"And safer, surely. And far easier watching. I know," Melpomaen said. "It was the right decision." But he sighed nonetheless.
A few minutes later, when he was on the brink of slumber, Melpomaen was pulled back to alertness by Haldir's whisper in his ear. "Meldanya."
"What is it?"
"I have an idea. I will suggest to Frerin tomorrow that we range further ahead than usual; we could slip off, and take a little time for loving. What do you think?"
The more Melpomaen thought about it, the better he liked it. They could scout as promised, if not quite so far as they might, steal some moments together, and return to the caravan. Unburdened, it should not be too difficult. "Yes," he said. "Let us do so."
Frerin was amenable to the suggestion that the Elves go further afield than was their wont, remarking that they had had no hint of danger on the journey so far, which surprised but pleased him.
"I think I know why," said Haldir. "The king had bands of scouts out all winter, searching for a creature that has been terrorizing the wood-folk. Their presence doubtless has encouraged the more dangerous animals to depart, or at least be more wary, though they failed to catch what they were after."
"That is worth knowing," Frerin said. "I could wish that the king's guards had told us this when we paid our toll at his gates. But I expect little of help from the Elf-king; he has never been a friend to Dwarves, though to give him his due he does not harass us either, only sets high tolls to travel through his lands."
Haldir thought it best to say nothing. If the Dwarves were willing to treat himself and Melpomaen as distinct from the Elves of the woodland kingdom, he would not gainsay that. Instead he took leave, saying, "We shall see you at perhaps midday, then."
Frerin nodded, and clucked to his ponies. As usual his cart was set to take the lead. Melpomaen had been helping Khîm stow the heavy cooking pot and supplies, but now trotted forward to join Haldir. "Ready?"
"Let us go," said Haldir.
They set a quick pace and were soon out of sight of the carts. Melpomaen suggested, "Shall we scout for perhaps two hours, and then. . .?"
"That sounds like a fine idea," Haldir agreed. "Do you want to check to the north or south?"
"I'll take the north side of the road," said Melpomaen, "and meet you on the road after."
"Keep heading east, but mark the trees on the north and I'll mark those on the south, so we can find each other," Haldir said.
They took off. The journey had been so uneventful that neither of them expected trouble, though they were diligent in checking the woods for a good quarter-mile on either side. This area of Mirkwood was relatively clear of undergrowth, and the spiders seemed to have abandoned it, for only shreds and tatters of their webs remained in the lower branches of the great oaks. The two Elves had little difficulty in reconnoitering the area.
In late morning, Melpomaen returned to the road. He saw Haldir's blazes on the trees beside the path, and thus knew that his partner was somewhat ahead of him. He quickened his pace. The ground here was gently rolling, and the road twisted to find the least hilly route. Around a curve Melpomaen saw Haldir just at the next bend, and called out.
Haldir turned when he heard Melpomaen's voice, and hurried back. They embraced, kissing each other hungrily, until Haldir withdrew with a chuckle.
"Shall we stand here in the road, or find somewhere else, lest the Dwarves's ponies make better time than we expect?"
Melpomaen's smile lit up his face. "Somewhere else, please."
"I just began to see signs to a spring not far off to the north; shall we go there?" Haldir took Melpomaen's hand and drew him on.
This spring was closer to the path than the one they had found before meeting the Dwarves, though a hill concealed it from easy view.
"We've nothing to lie on, I fear," said Melpomaen regretfully. "And – I did not think to bring the oil-flask, did you?"
"No." Haldir bit his lip. "It does not matter. Come here." He pulled Melpomaen to him and began by pressing kisses on each of his lover's eyelids, moving on to attend to his ears and then the pulse in his throat, the caresses bringing a quiver to Melpomaen's belly as he stood. Haldir tugged Melpomaen's tunic loose and slipped one hand underneath it, stroking warm skin over firm muscle, pinching each nipple in turn until Melpomaen gasped Haldir's name in pleading.
Loosening the lacing that held Melpomaen's leggings, Haldir looked around. He backed Melpomaen against the nearest oak and knelt before him, setting free Melpomaen's erect member and rubbing his own cheek against it for a moment before taking it into his mouth. Melpomaen threaded his fingers through Haldir's hair as his lover began by running his tongue along Melpomaen's length, circling the tip and repeating this several times before finally engulfing him. Haldir used his hands to stroke the base of Melpomaen's organ, since he knew he would have difficulty breathing if he let Melpomaen penetrate him to full length.
Melpomaen scarcely noticed; being unable to make love for nearly a week, while being tantalized by the closeness of Haldir's body every night, made him more than ready. Within a few moments he was at his peak, biting back a cry as his seed spilled into Haldir's mouth.
A last few loving strokes of tongue on tender skin, and Haldir rose, putting his hands to either side of Melpomaen's chest as he leaned against the rough bark of the tree. Melpomaen's eyes were closed as Haldir kissed his lover's lips. "Good?" he asked.
"Of course," said Melpomaen, still with eyes closed, though his arms reached to pull Haldir close. "Always." He held him tightly and sighed.
"What is it?"
"I'm sorry that I forgot to bring the oil. I would have liked to have you inside me," Melpomaen told him.
"We could try, but I think it would be painful for you," said Haldir.
"It would, I'm sure. Well, it will be only another handful of days until we are out of the wood, will it not? I can wait that long." Melpomaen nudged Haldir's hip. "You waited how many years for me?"
Haldir said, "Longer than I want to remember, Maen." He took Melpomaen's hand and guided it to his groin.
Melpomaen needed no further encouragement to loosen Haldir's clothing in return. "What would you like me to do, Dír? The same?"
"Just touch me," said Haldir, and twisted sideways so that his left shoulder was braced against the tree. "And kiss me."
Wrapping his fingers around Haldir's length, Melpomaen began to pump his fist up and down. His free left hand traced up Haldir's chest, then circled his neck and drew their faces together. He tasted a trace of himself on Haldir's lips as he thrust his tongue between them to find Haldir's tongue and suck it back into his own mouth. But Haldir seized control, kissing Melpomaen with such intensity that the younger Elf was dizzied.
"More, meldanya," muttered Haldir, breaking free of their kiss, and Melpomaen increased the speed of his stroking, tightening his grip as much as he dared. Haldir's head was tipped to one side, the beads of moisture along his brow attesting to the heat of his passion. He groaned at Melpomaen's rough handling, but it was a groan of pleasure; when Melpomaen sought to be more gentle, Haldir put his own hand over his lover's to keep him there. "Yes," he hissed, and spent, sticky fluid spurting past their fingers to patter to the damp leaf-strewn earth. He kissed Melpomaen hard once more, then leaned against the tree, drawing deep breaths.
Melpomaen wondered at the way Haldir was acting, but could not think of how he wanted to ask about it. Instead he said, matter-of-factly, "It was a good idea of yours to come be near a spring." He stepped over to it to wash off his hands and face before rearranging his clothing.
After a moment Haldir followed suit, scooping up handfuls of the clear cold water to drink, as well. He glanced over at Melpomaen. "You have bark bits caught in your hair," he said. "Do you have a comb in your belt-pouch?"
"No," said Melpomaen, after looking.
"I think I have mine," said Haldir. "Yes, here it is. We haven't much time, but we ought to tidy up."
Melpomaen spared a fleeting wishful thought for the long evenings they had had in Mirkwood, together in their chamber with the bathing room, but resolved to enjoy these few stolen moments. When they were again both ready, they headed back to the road.
"The Dwarves haven't reached this point yet," Melpomaen decided, looking at the rutted surface.
"Good. We can do a bit more scouting, then turn back," said Haldir.