• 1-Fifteen Years
• 2-Who Could It Be?
• 3-Princely Manipulation
• 4-Princely Pains
• 5-Princely Decisions
• 6-Namarie, Prince
• 7-Becoming Courtesan
• 8-Imladris
• 9-Mistake
• 10-Caras Galadhon
• 11-Of Silver Trees
• 12-Making Adjustments
• 13-Of Trees And Leaves
• 14-New Home
• 15-More to Being A Courtesan
• 16-More Questions
• 17-Farewells and Foes
• 18-Conflict And Desires
• 19-More Than Fire
• 20-Honey
• 21-Unraveled Vines
• 22-Twisting Vines

Not my garden, I just play in it. Ah, but isn't it full of such lovely
flowers to play with?

Fifteen Years
Chapter 19: More Than Fire.

The sun was rising, her yellow gaze hazy and dark through the hovering smoke, and Legolas tilted his face toward the horizon. Around him, elves still worked, breaking apart burning logs to extinguish the coals within. They had saved the precious mallorns. Indeed, the fire had only once broken through to the forests edge, where it had quickly been extinguished.

Still, it had not quite been enough. The oak groves were destroyed, as well as a portion of the grapevines. Santgalas was striding hither and thither, his face set in anger, as he searched the cause of the fire. Celeborn and Haldir still wearily called orders as they moved amongst the elves, offering comfort and praise where it was due. Celeborn came alongside Legolas, and gave him a light slap on his still bare back.

Legolas jumped at the unexpected pain as he made contact with the welts from their earlier game and Celeborn frowned, puzzlement on his face. Then his eyes widened, "My apologies, Sarnlass. You're completely covered with soot and I'd utterly forgotten..."

Celeborn stopped a moment, sighing, and Legolas managed a heartworn smile. "It is all right, My Lord. I'd almost forgotten myself." Then he looked around them at the smoking remains of the grove, his voice betraying his sorrow. "I would rather keep that memory and forget this one."

Celeborn nodded in agreement, his smoke-reddened eyes downcast. "Trees will regrow, Sarnlass. I am relieved in that we lost no lives this night."

Legolas nodded as Haldir's voice reached them across the blackened field. Celeborn responded to the hail with a raised hand and they made their way to what once was the furthest edge of the grove. Santgalas and Haldir were looking at something in the smoking rubble, Santgalas picking here and there with a large stick.

Haldir was silent as they approached, only nodded and pointed to his feet.

At first, it looked like just more rubble. A bit of burned bark, perhaps, but then Celeborn bent to lift it in his fingers. "Clay."

"And more shards here." Santgalas pointed. "At regular intervals where these leading trees would have been."

The warden sighed, his pale face growing even more ivory in the yellow morning sun. "I wondered how it could happen. It is early in the spring yet, and there has been much rain. The oak trees do not generally become problematic until late summer, when stray lightening can ignite them."

"Men did this." Haldir's voice was sour with disgust. "Clay pots of lamp oil in the trees, probably ignited by wicking."

"Men? But why?" Legolas found himself asking. "Why would they choose to burn the oak trees?"

"Because it is the far border of Lorien. We do not guard as fiercely past the edge of the Mallorns. We tend here, and harvest, but it is not severely protected." Santgalas replied sadly, then his expression hardened. "A mistake we will be certain to remedy in the future."

Celeborn nodded in approval at the sincerity in Santgalas' words, but Legolas frowned further. "But why would they burn the trees at all?"

Haldir gave a snort. "You should stay in the bedchamber where you belong, Courtesan. Why do Men do anything? They are careless and greedy creatures."

Legolas fell silent at Haldir's sneering expression. He had plenty of dealings with men in Mirkwood. Indeed, often the tedious trips to the neighboring settlements in trade for wine and grain had been his duty. He had never known men to do anything so destructive without reason. Although he did not speak, Celeborn must have gathered his thoughts as his words echoed what Legolas longed to say.

"Men seldom do such things without motivation. I would suggest we do all we can to uncover who was responsible for this," And Celeborn's hand swept the smoking black field, "And find out why it was done."

Haldir nodded curtly, turning his scathing gaze from Legolas. "I agree, my lord."

"You and your brothers often go disguised among men. I think you should do so again." Celeborn said, his voice laden with determination. "I will continue the inspection of the borders. Report back to me in Caras Galadhron in a weeks time."

At Haldir's nod and bow of acquiescence, Celeborn turned away, gesturing for Legolas to follow him. Then he paused and turned back. "Haldir?"

The March Warden snapped to attention. "Yes, my lord."

"You and Santgalas get something to eat and take a rest." Celeborn paused, a look of anticipation on his face, and was not disappointed.

"Yes, my lord. As soon as I've met with Orophin and Rúmil." Haldir said firmly.

Santgalas echoed him. "As soon as these last logs are extinguished, I assure you."

Celeborn drew himself to his full height. Despite his weariness, his fea shone dangerously and his eyes glittered, although with amusement or frustration Legolas knew not. "That is an order, Wardens."

"And we will follow it, as soon as..." Haldir was interrupted.

"Now. Do not make me call your own guards to pin you down and feed you, March Warden."

At that threat, Celeborn walked away, Legolas trailing behind, a slight smile on his face in spite of his heavy heart, "My lord, you wouldn't really...."

"I would." Celeborn turned a glittering gaze to Legolas. "I never go back on a threat if the need is there to make good on it, Sarnlass. You would do well to remember that."

Then the Lord clasped his shoulder gently. "I probably will have to order them off the field entirely before the day is out. It is best if they rest and eat now."

Legolas glanced back to see Haldir and Santgalas making their way wearily through the rubble, halting other elves from their work. They would not rest until all were able. He felt his admiration for Haldir stir once more, although the March Warden's cold sneer and hard words kept it from turning to respect.

As they reached the edge of the wood, Legolas was surprised when his lord suddenly stopped and tilted his head, and then smiled a radiant smile.

"My lord?" Legolas asked softly as Celeborn shook his head as if to clear it.

Celeborn gave him a nod it and seemed as if his heart was lighter as he said, "Come. Galadriel has ridden through the night with aid for us. Let us be the first to greet her."

Galadriel arrived upon a white mare, her attache immediately breaking away to help the elves who remained on the field. Although Celeborn stood at the head of the greeting party, they were soon surrounded by others and Haldir and Santgalas stepped to Celeborn's sides, as was their due.

She dismounted lightly, Santgalas coming forward to take her horse from her. Celeborn moved as though to embrace her, but suddenly caught himself, well aware that they were covered utterly in grime. She smiled somberly, and embraced him anyway, traces of soot clinging to her gown as she stepped back. "'Tis a good thing I bespoke you, melleth. You and yours look as though you yourselves were caught in the flames! I would have been worried half-way to fading."

"Nay, lady. We have had only minor injuries, and all are well." Celeborn said formally, then his expression saddened. "Galadriel, we lost all but two of the oak trees."

She looked at him in shock that quickly faded to sorrow. "The Iaurdoron?"

Now Haldir stepped forward, his head bowed and his grief once more plain in his eyes. "My apologies, Lady. I am aggrieved that we could not save her. She gave her life to save the mallorns."

Legolas realized that this must be the great tree he and Haldir had cut down as the flames approached. Galadriel placed a hand on Haldir's shoulder and murmured something to him. It was clear from the way his head raised that whatever comfort she had offered had been enough. The sorrow was replaced with determination. "Hannon le, My Lady."

Galadriel nodded and then turned back to her horse, liberating a few packages from it. One, she tossed casually to Legolas. Peeking inside, he was very pleased to see his boots and his sturdy hunting tunic as well as clean trousers. Galadriel's voice spoke in his mind even as she continued her discourse with Haldir. My husband tells me his vain little bargain has put you in a most unenviable position. I am certain that he never intended that you battle a fire half naked.

Gratefully, he sent her his thanks as he turned away to stand behind Celeborn once more. She must have raised her head again at that moment, because her voice tinkled with amusement inside his head. "The tunic will at least hide those lovely marks, dear. Better than your current soot coat."

Legolas nearly tripped, only pulling himself upright at the last moment. Celeborn gave him a chagrined look of apology and Legolas shrugged his acceptance, grateful that no more words were needed between them. Santgalas and Haldir were just describing the cause of the fire, and Galadriel's face was set with dismay and anger. "Why would they do such a thing?"

"That is what we intend to find out, My Lady." Haldir replied firmly. "And rest assured, we will find out." Then he paused. "I walked the inner perimeter myself after dinner, and saw nothing amiss. How could I have missed such a thing?"

His voice was deep with regret, but it was Santgalas who answered, only just having arrived, his pale white hair still wet from his dunking in the stream. "With all respect, you walked the inner perimeter, March Warden. All of the oil coffers were on the far south-east border. There is no way you could have seen them. And I imagine the Men disguised them well amidst the foliage."

"I should have realized something was amiss." Haldir persisted, shaking his head.

"And I as well. It was more my duty than yours, and I was busy playing when the fires began." Santgalas said firmly. "Shall we both resign our posts and spend the rest of our days in self-pity?"

There was a long moment of silence. Celeborn and Galadriel waited, their faces expressionless. Legolas tried to wipe the look of shock off of his face at someone daring to speak so to the March Warden of Lothlorien.

Haldir frowned, then he met Santgalas' eye. "Nay, brother of my mother. I say we find the perpetrators, alter our defenses such that this never happens again, and begin the work of regrowing what was lost."

Santgalas nodded seriously, then turned to Galadriel and Celeborn, his veiled wink hidden to Haldir. "There is much work to be done. By your leave, my lord?"

Celeborn bowed slightly, "By all means. Report to me at sunset tonight."

"Warden Santgalas." Galadriel called him back with a soft voice. Extending her hand, she held out a small pouch. "Soil of Valinor, for the regrowth. Use it wisely, friend."

Santgalas held the pouch in his hands, not bothering to hide the tremble of his fingers. His eyes were red from more than smoke and weariness when he looked up. "Are you certain, My Lady? I know there cannot be much left. It must be preserved."

Galadriel swept forward then and took the weary elf into her embrace, whispering something that none of those standing near could hear. When she stepped back, Santgalas smiled, brushing the moisture from his cheek. "Hannon le, Lady Galadriel. Not a grain shall go to waste."

"I am assured it would not." She said kindly before she turned to Celeborn and Legolas. "You two are as filthy as you are weary. Bathe and rest. I shall see to the clean-up efforts." Her voice turned soft, and a secretive smile lit her face, "Then I want to see the remains of Iaurdoron."

She brushed her hands together, already turning away from them and Celeborn chuckled. "Go and bathe, Sarnlass. I want a word alone with her." At Legolas' smirk, he held up his hand, "Do not be concerned. I know better than to get in her way when she has a plan!"

The elves had set up tubs of warm water with which to rinse the black soot and grime away so as not to contaminate the clear running stream and Legolas gladly ladeled the warm water over his body, using a cloth to wipe away as much of the ash and soot as possible. There was a tsking sound behind him and he turned to see Santgalas approaching, stripped of his stained clothes.

The Warden's eyes were regretful, although his voice was factual as he came near and reached for a clean cloth. "Sarnlass, allow me to clean your back. We broke the skin earlier, and it needs looking after."

Legolas turned to present his naked back. "My thanks, Warden."

He gasped, but managed to stay still as the hot water was ladled over his back and then the cloth put to good use Santgalas scrubbed the oily soot from the raw marks. At last he couldn't help himself and twinged, "Oooh. That hurts. And not in a good way."

Santgalas chuckled in spite of himself. "If we had known what the night was going to entail we would have chosen a less ... shall we say... strenuous activity."

Now it was Legolas' turn to chuckle. "Ah, but a Courtesan's lot is to never know what the night might entail."

Santgalas' hand stilled for a moment, then the ladel poured once more. "There. You're ready for a proper bath. Into the stream with you, Courtesan."

Legolas nodded his thanks and started to turn away, but Santgalas' hand paused on his arm. When Legolas looked up at the bright green gaze, made deeper by the dark circles of weariness. "You handled yourself like a warrior this night, in all things. You wear the collar well, Courtesan. Better than many I've seen. Better than I, myself, in my time."

Then Santgalas turned away and began dousing himself liberally with the warm water, as though to wash away more than merely dirt.

Dismissed, Legolas dove into the cool water and surfaced, letting the streaming water help to hide the smile on his face; the smile that reflected the pride that splashed across his heart at the Warden's words.

Translation

iaurdoron: roughly "Older Oak"


Ta Da!

---------------------------------

My dearest readers! Thank you so much for sticking with me for so long!

We never really learn what it is that Galadriel gave to Samwise to help regrow the Shire, but I thought perhaps it might be a bit of Valinor itself, brought to Middle Earth.

Minerva Ann McGonagall: YAY! I'm so glad you liked it! I wanted to capture the essence of Legolas in that chapter and it sounds like I succeeded. And yes, not much gets by Galadriel. Or Celeborn, for that matter.

kîan: So glad you liked it! This chapter is less action oriented, but there's alot of interplay happening that's necessary for the plot to work. The next three chapters are all good to go, so even if life intervenes, you'll still get your weekly update. :)

DarkDreamer: Thanks, Dreamer! I'm so glad you liked it! I was worried that the bondage scene might be a bit much for some of my readers so I'm glad it wasn't. As I write, I ask myself, "What am I seeing? If it was in front of me (or happening to me) how would I describe it?" I'm happy to know it works.

*ahem* Not to nag or anything, but its been days with no new "Ayagoon"... do not make me send Hal..no wait, already sent him out..well..Oroph..no..don't have him around any more either... Well! Don't make me send SOMEONE after you!

MorierBlackleaf: Worried about the sexual encounter? Was it too much? I know it was a bit more intense than what I've put in this story so far, but once Santgalas got started, he didn't really want to stop. Truthfully, I didn't try too hard to stop him, either. Besides, I needed the last scene in this chapter to work. :D Now, where is that chapter of "Subjugated Penitence" I distracted you from with my untimely posting of "Two Elves"???

Nikkiling: Oh! I am thrilled that you liked it! YAY! ...ummm, excuse me a moment, *What was that, Celeborn? Ask if Nikkiling is doing anything next Thursday?* Ahem...Cel says if you're not busy next Thursday perhaps you would like to come by for some wine and -*ahem*- conversation? He knows I'm always busy writing on Thursdays.


And how do you feel now that you know the fire was set? *evil laughter*

Tuxedo Elf: Ah we shall see about Haldir and Legolas relationship, won't we? *more evil laughter* :) But seriously, I'm glad you liked it. It was my favorite, so I had the jitters when I posted it, thinking omigod, everyone will hate this! Sooooo relieved to be wrong!

Gabby: Here's the next chapter!!! No sex at all in it, though. I'll make up for it next week. *snicker*