Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Hearts of fire, souls of ice	By : Nuredhel Category: -Fourth Age to Modern times and beyond > Het - Male/Female Views: 2339 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings, it belongs to Tolkien, and i do not earn any money from this work of fiction, it is solely written for entertainment and not for profit at all.I do not own Lord of the Rings, it belongs to Tolkien,

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Things are moving ahead, and the mystery of Nireariels past starts to become more important than she would have imagined. Getting closer to the king will also bring her closer to danger, being in pursuit of something can be very risky if someone else is pursuing the same thing.
No warnings for this chapter.
Chapter six: The hunter and the hunted

She had gotten dressed in a riding suit someone had left for her by the door to their rooms, it fitted perfectly and it was made from a rather thick and deep purple fabric, she knew that it looked amazing on her. She felt so uncertain, so shaken. She had no idea of what she should do or say and how she should sort out her own emotions. She almost hesitated when she got through the gates to the courtyard and saw that he was waiting together with a couple of guards. She swallowed hard and managed to smile although the smile was both pale and a bit shivering. He sent her a wide grin when he saw her approach them and he could see that she was a bit nervous. He bowed his head to her and she took his hand with a small nod. “Do not worry my lady, you will be perfectly safe with me”
She looked down. “I know my lord, I am just not used to riding.”
He petted his huge bay horse on its neck. “He has never thrown anyone and he will take good care of us, this I swear. Remember, we are just taking a trip around the palace area.”
She smiled but he could see that she was shivering ever so slightly. “Then shall we go?”
She nodded, he took her hand and placed it on the saddle horn. “Grasp onto that when I lift you up, I’ll sit behind you.”
She took a deep breath and felt his hands around her waist, he lifted her as if she weighed next to nothing and she yelped when she suddenly was placed this high above the ground. He was in the saddle behind her within the blink of an eye and she had to close her eyes to keep her composure. The feeling of his body this close to her was overwhelming and she felt how he placed one arm around her waist to support her. When the horse started moving she had to yelp once more and she felt how stiff she became, as if every joint in her body became fused together. He leaned towards her. “Relax, it is safe, I assure you. Just let yourself go and follow his rhythm.”
She tried to grin and noticed how the guards were staring at her, they did try to hide their mix of amusement and worry. She tried to sit upright and do what she had been told to do but it was difficult.
Thranduil noticed how uncomfortable she had to feel and so he tried to take her mind off the things which worried her. “So, when was it that your father got hurt so bad?”
She turned her head towards him, grateful for his attempt at starting a conversation, at least she didn’t look down anymore. “It was just after my brother was born, so he has suffered for many years. “
Thranduil swallowed hard, he remembered how Astar had been fighting, he had rarely come across an elven warrior with such a technique and fierce will to slay his enemies. He wondered if any of Astar’s qualities had been transferred to his daughter. She appeared to be strong, able to see the good side of every situation and that was admirable in itself. . “I am truly sorry to hear that, your father was one of the best fighters I have ever met. He was brave as a lion and he did never back down.”
She giggled. “I know, ada is rather stubborn. He doesn’t know when to quit. “
Thranduil could feel her starting to relax a little more, she wasn’t trying to move against the motions of the horse any longer and that felt much better for him too because he no longer had to worry about her shapely ass rubbing against him with every step the horse made. “I remember that yes, but I have never heard anything about him getting married? I did not know that he had family at all.”
She sighed and he felt how she tensed up. “Forgive me penneth, I should not have said those words, I have caused you sorrow. “
She shook her head, stared down into the neck of the horse. “No need to apologize my lord, it is your right to know all there is to know about your subjects. My mother died just a couple of weeks after I was born so I have never gotten any memories about her. Father has told me that she was a healer once, and a good one too but something happened and she stopped. She worked as a seamstress when she met him, and they fell in love immediately and got married as soon as they possibly could.”
Thranduil was puzzled. “She just stopped? That is unusual, most who start to work as healers continue.”
Nireariel sighed and she bit her lower lip. “I do not know why she stopped, father has refused to tell me anything and he has never told me why she died either. I mean, she lived for two weeks after I was born, if there had been complications during my birth it would have appeared earlier.”
Thranduil cringed a bit, he had never really bothered learning anything about such female problems, he always felt like he was way out of his comfort zone when anyone started discussing such delicate matters. “I am not an expert but if she got some sort of infection it could perhaps have killed her slowly?”
Nireariel shrugged. “She was a healer damn it, she should have been able to detect the symptoms of septicemia even in her own body, I have never been able to understand why she had to leave us. It almost broke ada, and when my sister and brother died he almost perished. I was sure I was going to be all alone in this world. “
Thranduil smiled at her and tried to sound as compassionate as he possibly could. “He is strong your adar, stronger than most others, I think I can tell you right now that you have inherited that strength.”
She blushed and he was stunned by how the color in her cheeks were like the petals of roses, it was so delicate and he wanted to kiss her but he could not, not with the guards there. “I am not that strong my lord.”
He leaned forward, whispered into her hear. “But you are, who other could have survived living the way you have without slipping into insanity? I think you just haven’t been able to perceive the wholeness of your strength, but you will, of that I am sure. “
She just nodded, they rode along a rather wide path made for both riders and carriages and she was starting to notice her surroundings. The moonlight made the colors pale or non-existing and the shadows were like blankets of dark velvet thrown on the ground, she was in awe of the sight. The trees were enormous and she could feel them welcoming her, their voices were so ancient and so pure and she reveled in the feeling of being as one with the forest. She saw a meadow of flowers right ahead, they shone like small stars in the dark grass and she made a small shriek of pure joy. “Oh, I have heard of them but I have never seen any, they don’t grow where I lived.”
Thranduil was stunned by her childlike joy at the sight of the flowers, to everybody in this area they were a common sight but now he started to really look at them again. They were indeed lovely, shining and delicate as if they were made of thin sheets of ice. These flowers did only bloom under the light of the fullmoon and they would not be seen again for months, it was this one night they were in their prime showing their full beauty and they reminded him of her. He stopped his horse and petted her on the shoulder. “Wait here my lady”
He got off the animal and started to carefully pick a few flowers. The guards were flabbergasted, he was picking flowers? One of the ellyn stared at the skies, he suspected that it would start raining pigs and gold coins any minute now. When the king was finished he gave her the flowers and she blushed and could not meet his gaze, the flowers were even more beautiful now when she could admire them up close. She could smell them very well, the scent very heavy and sweet and it made her nose tingle. Thranduil saw how she lifted the bouquet to her face and he just stared in a state of absolute amazement, not even these flowers could compete with her beauty. It could only highlight her features and pale skin. “Thank you”
Her voice was but a whisper and he gently squeezed her hand. “It was nothing my lady, let me show you the rest of the wonders of this forest.”
She nodded and he got on the horse again, urged it forward. They left the main path and now he showed her his favorite spots, he told her of the trees and herbs which grew there and she loved to hear the enthusiasm in his voice. She knew that he really did care about every living thing within his realm and she felt a new sort of respect towards him. They encountered a whole herd of deer and they weren’t afraid of the elves at all. The huge stag which was the leader of the herd came up to Thranduils horse and the elf reached out and petted the stag on its neck. Nireariel swallowed and then she reached out too and let her hand graze against the animals long soft ears. The stag snorted, then he turned his head and stared at her, it was wisdom in those deep dark eyes and a clear intelligence. It licked her hand, then it made a strange noise and walked towards it’s does again with a very regal expression. Thranduil gasped and stared at her. “He has never done that to anyone before?”
Nireariel grinned a little. “The animals likes me I guess.”
He was in awe. “I agree with them then, they are wise.”
She giggled and hid her mouth behind her hand. “Then you like me too?”
He felt how his breath caught in his throat. “You know I do Nireariel, very much so”
She did not know how to answer to that, she felt how it made her blush and she had not anticipated that he would be so fore and honest.
He got the horse to move again and now they followed the river. It shone in the moonlight like a string of mithril through the dark woods and she was in utter awe of the sight. She was not used to anything more than a tiny brook and the river amazed and scared her in equal amounts. It was such a treat to see her joy at seeing new things and she was eagerly listening to him when he explained about things they saw. She began to feel drowsy even if she wanted to see more and learn more. He showed her some vines which could produce a rather nasty poison when boiled and he did also show her the strange mushroom which worked as an antidote. He made them ride past the ruin of a very ancient fortress built so long ago that nobody remembered who or what it was that had constructed it. She was asking questions and her almost naïve way of being was so very charming. It was very late when they returned to the palace, she had been sitting across the horse with her legs together for the last hour, she rested heavily against Thranduils chest and he felt how he barely dared to move out of fear of disturbing her.
Nireariel wasn’t sleeping, she was just enjoying the comfort of his arms and the strange sensation of being utterly safe. She felt as if she could have remained there forever, she felt how some strands of his long hair tickled her and almost made her sneeze. His scent was surrounding her and she found it very calming, he smelled of the forest itself and it was mixed with something very masculine. She almost wanted to protest when he stopped the horse and the stable helpers came to take the reins. He jumped off and lifted her down, very carefully. For a second he held her very close to his body and she shivered for a second when she saw the expression within his eyes. They were filled with a deep sadness but also an intense longing and hope and she looked down, had no idea of what she should say.
He took her hand, kissed it gently but the kiss lasted a little too long, he let it linger and she felt how the warmth of his lips against the back of her hand seemed to spread through her entire being. “I thank you my lady, it has been a wonderful night. “
She blushed and nodded. “Likewise my lord, I had never believed that this part of the forest could be so beautiful.”
He looked a bit proud and bowed his head with a small smirk. “But now you do know my lady and I would very much like to show you more of it, that is if you’d like to go for another ride?”
She could only nod, she felt her cheeks burn slightly and he looked truly happy. “Then I shall let you know when the opportunity presents itself. “
She smiled. “Yes, that would be…great!”
She curtsied and hurried back towards her room, she felt very tired once more and she was a bit shocked when she saw that her father had been waiting for her. He was sitting in a chair with a blanket around his shoulders, staring into the flames. He lifted his head and looked at her and she tried to look calm and unaffected but she could not. She had a strange tingling in her heart and remembered how safe she had felt with him by her side. “So, did you see much?”
There was a hint of mirth in her father’s voice but also a small hint of worry, she grinned. “A lot, I saw moonflowers ada, and they were so beautiful. And I saw the river, and a ruin and the stars.”
He smiled, the smile was a bit melancholic. “Then you had a great trip, and the king? Did he behave himself?”
She giggled. “He was very well behaved ada, I cannot complain in any way. He made me feel…I don’t know, safe?”
He sighed and leaned back towards the back of the chair. “When I met your mother the first time I too felt safe with her, like nothing ever could harm me when I was around her. But I was very wrong, do not let yourself get carried away before you know for sure what this is.”
She frowned. “I don’t understand?”
He got on his feet, made a grimace. “I know you don’t my dear, but you should know that I am watching out for you. I am rather old you know, I have seen a lot. I am rather good at reading people and our king is a very troubled soul, one who carries many dark secrets and harbors entire seas of pain and fear.”
She swallowed. “Should I fear him? Is that what you are saying?”
Astar shook his head. He took her hand. “I spoke with Lendarion this evening, when you were away. The counsellor had in fact hoped that the king would find some elleth to his liking among the refugees, but you have become so much more already then what he planned for. The king is falling in love with you Nireariel, you should know this. “
She swallowed hard, leaned back toward the table, she had problems speaking. “The head healer said something similar to me today. He claimed that I would do the realm a great favor if I opened my heart to our king. “
Astar placed a hand on her shoulder, he stared deep into her eyes. “I do not fear for your safety my daughter, he would never hurt you in any way, I know that. You are nothing like the queen, your heart is the pure flame of good and love, you cannot harbor any dark emotions. But if you open your heart to him and love him in return he will have to marry you, and are you prepared for the responsibilities that will come with that?”
She gasped, felt very small all of a sudden. “I…I don’t know, oh ada, how can you be so sure of it, that he is in love with me? We have only met a couple of times?!”
He smiled, a very sad smile. “I know because I recognize the light within his eyes, he is already bonding with you and please my child, do not take this lightly, it is very serious. You have to be honest about your own feelings, towards yourself and towards him. Do not allow him to hope if your heart remains cold, it is too serious to be taken lightly.”
She blushed. “My heart is not cold ada, I think I like him but this is too much to deal with right now. I cannot think straight.”
Astar embraced her lovingly. “Oh my dear, I am so sorry, you must be awfully tired and I have kept you awake for too long. But do answer me truthfully to this one question before I bid you goodnight. “
She bit her lower lip, feared the question she somehow already knew. “Yes?”
Astar sighed. “If he comes to me and asks for my permission to court you, what would you have me answer?”
She had problems speaking. “He cannot marry me? I am nobody, but if it was possible my answer would be yes.”
He closed his eyes for a second. “I admire your courage my child. I think it is time that you receive something I have kept for you ever since your mother died. “
She just stared at him with confusion as he went to a casket placed on the floor, it held all of his clothes. He opened it and took out a small box, within it was an even smaller one and he opened it. It held a thin chain and attached to it was a strange pendant. It looked like bone but was more shiny and it appeared to almost glow. He took it out of the box and undid the latch. “This was your mothers, it is yours now.”
She was shocked to see tears in his eyes, and his hand was shivering. “What is this? It feels almost alive in some strange way, it frightens me!”
He grabbed her by her shoulders and stared deep into her eyes. “One day the truth will be told, and you will know it all, but until then, keep this hidden and know that it will protect you. I have not been entirely honest towards you my child, not everything you have been told has been true, and some has been hidden. But believe me, it has all been for your protection. Go to sleep now, I will tell you what you need to know but not until it becomes necessary.”
She just stared at him, her eyes were huge. “I know mother was a healer but that she stopped, has this something to do with that?”
He looked down, took a deep breath. “My dear, sometimes I think that you are smarter than what’s good for you. Yes it does and no. I will not answer any more questions now. They will have to rest until later. I just wish you to know this, your mother was so very very brave and selfless beyond imagination, she gave up everything to be with me. My Haldanare would never give anything but her very all and I know that you are so very much like her.”
Nireariel gasped and felt how tears filled her eyes. He rarely ever spoke of her mother and never by name. Hidden fire, Nireariel started to get a creeping sensation within her heart, a feeling of confusion and fear. Her past had been so peaceful and normal in spite of the tragedies within it but now she had to doubt everything, even her own identity.
She fled the room and threw herself onto the bed, sobbing softly. How could life suddenly have become so very complicated? Why were the Valar so cruel towards her? She fell asleep in spite of her tormented soul and did not feel that her father gently placed a blanket over her to keep her warm. His eyes were filled with love but also fear. “Sleep well penneth, do not let dark dreams ruin your rest tonight. Fear not, I will watch over you. You deem yourself unworthy of him but know this, it is he who is unworthy of you. Oh if only fate was not so cruel, so without mercy, It tears my heart from my chest knowing I have hidden the truth from you my little one, but it is for a reason and I pray you will forgive me when the day comes and you learn of it.”
He kissed her forehead gently and left the room, he closed his eyes and whispered to the darkness. “Oh Haldanare, I hope she has your strength, twice blessed and twice cursed as you all are. Keep your watchful eyes on her my beloved, I fear I may not be there for her much longer.”
Thranduil had returned to his private chambers and he had removed his heavy jacket and tunic, he felt tired but also in a strange way filled with energy. He remembered how her eyes had been shining and he had to smile, he could not fight it at all. He remembered the scent of her, how her body had been pressed against his own when they sat on the horse and it made him feel warm all over. She had such light, such joy. It was as if she was completely untouched by the shadows and her innocent heart had encountered grief but never hatred. It was so rare these days, so very precious.
He pulled off his boots and breeches and got into his night clothes, the moonlight was still very bright and he remembered how she had almost been glowing in the moonlight of the garden. His breathing got heavier when he thought of what he had seen, he knew she was flesh and blood now and he was able to regard her in a new way. Yet he felt something akin to shame for thinking of her as a female and not as something almost god-like and ethereal. He wondered how her skin would feel against his own, if she would moan when being kissed? His thoughts were heading in a dangerous direction and he forced himself to think of something else. He felt as though he was defiling her by thinking about her in such a carnal way. But he wanted her, he had to be honest with himself, he wanted her so bad. He would have to ask her father for permission soon, he knew he had to court her and do it properly too. He could not rush this and he blushed when he remembered that he never had courted a lady before. His queen had been completely unknown to him until their wedding day, they had never gotten the chance to get to know each other and he did not want to do that mistake again. He felt how his body slowly got back under his control again, he sighed and closed his eyes to sleep. There would be a lot of turmoil within the realm when his subjects heard of this, but just for once he wanted and needed to have one thing of his own, to do something only because of his own needs and wishes.
The palace was silent, almost everybody was sleeping and some servants went around and made sure that all flames were extinguished and that there were no danger or fire anywhere. The guards were at their posts and the horses slept in the stables. But there was one person in the palace who did not sleep, in one of the more luxurious rooms an elleth was walking around in circles, her fair face contorted with rage and she was clenching her fists so hard blood was dripping from her hands. Her blue eyes were ablaze with rage and she wanted to scream. She was alone in her rooms, her maidens were asleep and she was glad they were heavy sleepers. She stopped by the fireplace and trembled visibly. It was going straight to hell, all her carefully laid plans and all her dreams were crumbling in front of her, because of that pale little bitch. How did she dare to just show up there and catch the king’s attention like that when others had fought to gain it for years? She had been so sure that she soon would reach her target, that the king would notice her beauty and claim her as his, but no. This stranger had appeared out of nowhere and now he was obviously wooing her? The audacity of that elleth, she wanted to smother that snow faced freak with that idiotic dress she had been wearing. Suddenly all the ellith wanted one just like her, who did she think she was?! Apparently her parents were just commoners and as if that wasn’t enough the elleth was such a freak. An albino, such a creature should have been killed at birth, who had ever heard of an elf with such flaws? She was a mistake, an abomination.
Faicariel was almost hissing, she was the one who should be the next queen, to rule next to Thranduil. She did not love him, not even a bit. She did not even desire him, but she did desire the power which followed the title of queen. Oh she would have been so good at it, fooling everybody into believing that she cared, that she loved him. He would have showered her with affection she was sure, if she only could manage to awaked his interest and desire. She stopped in front of the fireplace, bit her teeth together. Her eyes were dark and told of a soul not entirely sane, well, the battle was not lost yet. The hunter could yet become the hunted and these forests were dangerous, many things could happen to you if you were unfortunate, or unaccustomed to the dangers. She smiled, a terrible grin filled with malice. Oh yes, an accident would be easy to arrange and then she would come forth to show her sympathy and offer her help. It would be very sweet indeed, this freak would be just another step stone on her way to the top. She sat down and grabbed a pen and some paper, she had people who owed her favors, it was time to demand that they were paying their dues.
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Hearts of fire, souls of ice