Gifts Of Silver

Posted: June 2004
Title: Gifts of Silver
Author: Fimbrethiel
Type: FCHet, FCS
Characters: Orophin/Rúmil/OFC
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: HET, SLASH, INCEST, non-PETA friendly! Fur warning!
Disclaimer: Don't own the Elves, they are owned by Tolkien's estate. Master Tolkien, I mean no harm. No profit has been made. I do, however, lay claim to the human characters and the horses.
Beta: Orchyd Constyne
Summary: Orophin and Rúmil find themselves in a blizzard and seek shelter from the storm.

* * *

They galloped into town, the beating of their horses' hooves muffled by the thick snow that fell heavily around them. They had traveled in this region before and knew there to be a small village nearby where they could get a hearty meal and seek shelter from the firith storm that raged through the valley. They had hoped to return to their home well before the first snowfall, but the unseasonably early storm caught them unawares. It was foolhardy to brave the weather and camp this night, and the two were no fools, despite what their elder brother often told them.

In a matter of moments, their keen eyesight located a faint glow through the gloom, the window of an inn, its light barely visible through the swirling snow. Without a spoken word, as one, they slowed their horses and turned toward shelter.

The boy who minded the stables started in fright when the howling wind tore the barn door from the grip of the first figure that entered. The heavy door slammed against the wall with a resounding crash. He jumped when the dark figure swept through the barn door in a flurry of snow, closely followed by a second mysterious being. Each led a giant beast encrusted with snow and ice, nostrils snorting and steaming in the cold.

"Who be ye, sirs?" The boy was young, no more than twelve in Man-years, and was frightened by the ghostly specters that seemed to simply materialize out of the gloom.

"Rest easy, young one. We mean no harm. We are two weary travelers who seek shelter from the storm," the first figure said. His voice was deep and melodious. Eyes glittered from beneath the folds of the hood he wore, which veiled most of his face in shadows. The second figure stood silent, cloaked in darkness, content to let the other speak. They were both tall, taller than any the boy had seen, and appeared to be slender, though from the heavy clothing they wore it was mostly a guess. Something abut the quiet authority with which they held themselves led the boy to believe they were of nobility, perhaps wealthy gentry of a neighboring town.

The boy caught his breath and forced his racing heart to slow. He instinctively knew the two were of no danger to him. He spoke and moved forward toward the enormous beasts which stamped impatiently. "Ye'll be findin' plenty o' shelter at the inn, milords. Lots ‘o rooms free tonight, what wi' this storm ‘n all."

Slowly the boy approached the magnificent beasts. He had seen many fine specimens of horseflesh in his few years, but none so magnificent as these creatures.

The cloaked figure whispered quietly, speaking to the horses in a strange language the boy did not recognize. The one nearest to him almost seemed to nod, then nuzzled the boy's cheek with a cold wet nose, wresting a small giggle from the boy's chapped lips.

"Ye be a fine beast, ain't ye, boy? Aye, and ye too there, luv, do no' worry, I'll be takin' good care o' ye while yer masters sup an' warm up a bit," the lad crooned to the horses as he began the task of drying them off and rubbing them down. Enthralled by the beautiful creatures that almost seemed to understand his speech, he almost forgot the horses' owners. He remembered himself and gave them an embarrassed grin. "Do no' worry about yer beasts, milords. I'll take good care o' them. They be fine animals. Git yerselfs inside and git warmed up. Ye kin ask for Seolfren. He be the innkeeper. He'll git yer a room."

The first figure gestured toward the gray stallion. "This is Authrom, and this," he nodded in the direction of the black stallion beside his own, "is Badhor."

"Who be ye, milords? I am called Bearn." The child scratched Badhor along his proud nose. Badhor tossed his head and flipped his wet mane, as if letting the boy know his rough fingers felt good, and by all means, please continue.

"I am called Orophin," the first being said, "and this is my brother Rúmil." The one called Rúmil gave a slight bow in greeting, his features still hidden by the deep folds of his hood. Orophin pressed a coin into Bearn's hand, ensuring their horses would receive the best care, the most sheltered stalls, and an extra bit of feed to last them the night. The boy's eyes grew wide as he stammered his thanks. The brothers bade the boy a good night, then turned and disappeared into the storm.

* * *

The inn was warm and comfortable after the buffeting snow and biting wind. The Elves did not feel the cold as acutely as their human counterparts, but they did not relish the thought of spending a night burrowed in a snow bank. They knew their animals would be hard put to wait out the storm without shelter. They headed directly to a large room that appeared to serve as a dining hall and saloon, and approached a rather stout Man behind a counter.

"What brings ye out on a night like this, lads?" The Man looked at them curiously as he wiped down a counter.

Orophin spoke while he removed the hood that dripped on the floor. "We are travelers passing though this land on our way back to our home and were caught in this storm. We have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of young Bearn in the stables; he instructed us to ask for a Man by the name of Seolfren. Would you be him, sir? We are in search of a warm meal and a room for the night." Rúmil slipped off his wet cloak and held it at arms' length, eyeing it distastefully as the snow rapidly melted and left a growing puddle on the floor.

The Man's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing their fair features, silver hair and pointed ears. "Why, yer Elves!"

Rúmil spoke with a faint smile on his face, but it was obvious to his brother that his voice held a trace of annoyance. "Aye, so we have been told. Would you be Seolfren, then?" he repeated.

"Beggin' yer pardon, sirs… milords… I meant no disrespect. We don't often get Elves in these parts," the Man stammered by way of apology. "Aye, I am Seolfren. I own this place. Ye be wantin' a room? We've got plenty tonight. Two pounds for the night."

"No offense taken," Orophin replied. "Would it be possible to request a meal as well? We would dine in our room, if possible."

"And a hot bath," Rúmil added hopefully. Orophin turned to glare at his brother, who shrugged and gave him an innocent look in return.

"Aye, I'll have someone show ye to yer room and have a hot meal sent up. Cost ye' an extra pound. Cook din't show up, all we got left is stew an' bread. Ain't much, but it be hot and tasty." Seolfren lowered his voice and continued in a conspiratorial whisper, "an' if ye be needin' any other – services -," he added with a lewd wink, "Leanefira will be happy te yelp ye. She's a fine lookin' one, she is, if ye don't mind ‘em a bit haughty."

Orophin, unwilling to be rude, simply chose to ignore the suggestive comment. "That would be most appreciated."

"LEANE!" the Man bellowed, eliciting a surprised grimace from the brothers, who barely restrained from covering their sensitive ears. "Come ‘ere, wench, show these here lads t' the big room ‘n the east wing."

A young woman scurried over, wiping her red, raw hands on a cloth. She was small in stature and wore a plain rough woven dress. While she appeared to be attractive, her brown hair was pulled back severely in a tight roll at the nape of her neck. Her eyes were green, haunted and shadowed with weariness. The woman peeked up at the pair that towered over her, the only sign she was aware of their race was a slight look of surprise as she took in their features. She curtsied slightly before the tall Elves. "Yes, sir, right away," she spoke deferentially to the portly Man, lowering her eyes to the floor. "Please follow me, sirs," she instructed and motioned for them to remove their wet outerwear. She reached for their sodden heavy garments and led them up a narrow stair at the rear of the room. They followed her to the end of a hallway lined with doorways and entered the door she opened for them.

The room was surprisingly large, neat and well appointed. A few chairs surrounded a small table in one corner. Fluffy rugs scattered about helped to insulate the room from the chill of the highly polished wood floor. A private bathing chamber opened off one wall. A large four-poster bed dominated an entire corner of the room close by the fireplace. The bed looked warm and inviting, its soft mattress piled with warm blankets and a thick fur throw to ward off the chill of cold winter nights.

The woman, Leanefira, hung their cloaks on a rack near the door and immediately began bustling about the room lighting oil lamps. She laid a fire in the large fireplace and drew the draperies against the storm. Shyly she excused herself with a promise to return in a few moments with their meal.

Barely had the Elves a chance to peel off their wet boots and over-tunics and begin to warm their chilled hands before the fire that now crackled merrily, then the woman returned bearing a large tray laden with food and drink.

With a word of greeting, Rúmil took the heavy tray and placed it on the table. Orophin thanked her and moved forward to begin setting out the food, when the tiny human shooed him away with a "Nay, sir, allow me. It would not be seemly for paying guests to see to themselves," and quickly laid a simple feast for them.

The woman uncovered a tureen and ladled rich meaty stew into two heavy crockery bowls. She arranged thick slices of white bread, a dish of creamy yellow butter, chunks of firm cheeses and sliced apples on two plates. There was also sweet cider in chunky glasses, as well as a pitcher of foamy ale and two tankards. Leanefira spoke quietly as she worked. "I was unsure which you would prefer, the cider or the ale, so I brought both. From what I know of the fair folk, you do not much care for ale, but we are low on our supply of wine. We are awaiting our next delivery from the south. The passes through the mountains are treacherous and make deliveries unpredictable."

"Our thanks, lady," Orophin bowed slightly and seated himself at the small table. "Forgive our eagerness, we have traveled a long distance through the chill and are famished."

Rúmil joined his brother at the table, reached for the ale, and poured a tankard full. "I have indeed acquired a taste for the ale of Men. Thank you, my lady." He took a healthy draught and licked a bit of foam from his upper lip. He motioned to an empty chair and enquired, "Would you sit with us and have a bite? You appear to be weary; perhaps some food would refresh you."

"Nay, my Lord, it would not be proper for the hired help to dine with the guests," Leanefira blushed slightly and shook her head, eyes wide with surprise that the two handsome Elves would even think to share their meal with her.

Orophin smiled gently and shook his head in the negative. "We are no lords, lady. I am called Orophin, and my brother is Rúmil. We are simple guardians of the Golden Wood, returning from an errand for our Lady."

Leanefira's eyes grew large with awe as she gaped in fearful astonishment. "Your lady is the Lady of the Golden Wood?! I have heard it told she is a powerful witch who holds all the forest under her spell!"

Rúmil sipped his ale and replied thoughtfully, "Aye, our lady is the Lady Galadriel. She rules the wood with the Lord Celeborn. She is indeed powerful, one of the most ancient and revered of our kind who still walks these lands, but no witch is she. She is beautiful, and wise, and kind. She can be stern and has many powers, but she casts no spells. Our Lord Celeborn is powerful in his own right. He is a prince himself, a prince of a kingdom that was destroyed long ago. Their laws are strict but fair. Together their love and dedication to our people keep our woods safe."

The human listed intently to his words, settling unconsciously into the empty chair while Rúmil spoke, and now attempted to rise, embarrassed by her familiarity with the two strangers. Orophin stayed her with a hand on her arm and gently forced her back to the seat. "Please, lady, stay and sit for a while." His gray eyes twinkled with humor as he teased her gently, trying to put her at ease. "Surely this fine establishment can do without your attention for a few moments more? You have not even properly introduced yourself."

Flustered, Leanefira sat again, looking somewhat uncomfortable but pleased. She folded her hands together in her lap and responded, "My apologies, my lo… Orophin. My given name is Leanefira, but around here they call me Leane. I will stay," she relented finally, "but only for a few moments. Seolfren will be looking for me if I do not return shortly to retrieve your bath water." Orophin detected a flash of distaste in her voice as she spoke the Man's name. Something about her words led him to believe all was not as it seemed.

Rúmil spread a thick slice of bread with the creamy butter and laid it, along with a few sliced apples, on a heavy cloth napkin and offered it to the woman. With a grateful smile she accepted the food and a glass of sweet cider. She nibbled daintily at the morsels while the two tall Elves dug in heartily.

Between bites, the three companions chatted about the town, the mountains, the recent uprising of Orc sightings in the area, and the terrific storm, which had come out of nowhere. Gradually, Leanefira grew more at ease and curious, and began asking questions of the brothers. They spoke of their land and the beauty of the woods of their home. They told her they had an older brother, and that Orophin was the youngest of the three. They spoke of their parents, who had sailed to he Undying Lands years before, leaving their three sons in the care of their Lord and Lady.

Leanefira volunteered few details of her own life. When the conversation came perilously close to her own life, she skillfully maneuvered the talk back to the Elves. The brothers grew fascinated by the tiny woman. She was quite attractive, if one looked past the rough, plain clothing and the severe manner in which her hair was pulled back. Her eyes were an interesting shade of green, dark like the forest, flecked with gold. She was well spoken and genteel, not the typical sort of serving wench one would find in a country inn.

Finally, Rúmil, the more talkative of the two, asked the question Orophin was too tactful to ask, but was curious about. "What of you, Leanefira? You do not have the rough speech common to the people of this village, begging your pardon. Where do you hail from? How did you come to be in this place?"

A crimson blush crept up the woman's pretty face. She stared silently at the floor, unable to meet Rúmil's questioning gaze. "What is it, Leane? I did not mean to pry. I simply seek to understand how a beautiful, intelligent woman such as you came to be a serving girl in an inn in the middle of nowhere," he struggled with the words, attempting to make an apology but not certain how he had offended.

The woman suddenly bolted from her seat, tossing the napkin from her meal on the table as she rose. The chair teetered precariously, nearly knocked over by the haste of her rising. "I will return shortly with water for your baths," she choked out, and rushed for the door, pulling it firmly closed behind her.

* * *

Leanefira leaned against the wall in the hallway just outside the door, breathing hard. She stuck her fists roughly against her eyes, willing herself not to cry. //How could I have so little self respect as to whore myself, is what he wanted to know,\\ she thought angrily. //If they only knew…\\ and allowed the tears to finally fall as she cried at the hopelessness of her situation.

After a time, she began to regain control of her emotions. Sniffling and scrubbing the lingering tears from her cheeks with the sleeve of her dress, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall. //Rúmil did not mean any harm,\\ she deduced. She intuitively knew his question was asked in innocence and that, by nature, he was kind and caring. Despite having made the acquaintance of the two exquisite Elves just a short while ago, she felt strangely drawn to them.

With a sigh, knowing she must fulfill her duties, she pushed away from the wall and walked down the hall. Her heart was heavy and full of loneliness, as she trudged downstairs and to the kitchens to order hot water sent upstairs.

* * *

"What was that about?" Rúmil stared in confusion at his brother.

Orophin growled in frustration and slapped a hand across his eyes, perturbed with his older sibling's appalling lack of tact. For all his years, Rúmil had never grasped the fine art of subtlety. "Manwë's balls, ‘Mil, she is a prostitute! Did you not hear Seolfren's words upon our arrival? Leanefira is obviously ashamed of what she does. It is apparent, to *me* anyway," he gave his dismayed brother a scornful look, "that from her words and actions, she has little choice in the matter."

He saw the hurt expression reflected in his brother's eyes and felt a pang of remorse at his uncharacteristic outburst. Rúmil truly did not mean to be tactless, but his innate curiosity about everything around him sometimes caused him to unwittingly cause hurt by asking questions when he should not. Orophin leaned forward and placed hand gently against his brother's cheek, stroking it softly. "I am sorry, ‘Mil; I did not mean to snap at you. I am still chilled to the bone, and weary. Forgive me?"

Rúmil turned his head and kissed the palm of the hand stroking his face. "Aye, tôren, you are forgiven. I agree, my words were thoughtless." He leaned forward and captured Orophin's lips in a tender kiss, assuring his brother of his forgiveness. "She is comely, though, is she not? There appears to be much more to our serving lass than meets the eye." (my brother)

Orophin ran his hands up the strong muscles of the older Elf's thighs. "Rúmil! I dare say you have become enamored of lovely Leanefira. Can this be so?" he teased gently, amused that his brother had become so quickly charmed by the young Human.

The Elf had the decency to blush as he confirmed his brother's suspicions. "Aye, I have. She is an intriguing contradiction. Well spoken and obviously somewhat learned, yet she sells herself to Men for a living. I would solve her mystery, if she would but allow it." He sensed a great sorrow and shame that she carried within her, and felt moved by the grace and dignity she radiated, despite her profession.

"I am hurt, Rúmil. You are not forsaking me, are you?" Orophin chided. His hands strayed from the muscular thighs and drew between them, allowing one finger to trail along the bulge that formed there.

Rúmil traced the delicate bow of his brother's upper lip with the tip of his tongue. "Never…" he murmured in approval of the light touch of Orophin's finger.

A loud knock sounded at the door, startling the Elves, and they drew apart reluctantly. Orophin muttered under his breath, something that sounded suspiciously like "…blasted snowstorms…" as he rose and tugged the hem of his tunic down to cover the swelling in his own leggings. "We will continue this ‘discussion' later, tôr iaur," he said. He opened the door and let in two young boys burdened with heavy pails of steaming hot water. Leanefira trailed behind the boys carrying a large stack of bathing towels. (older brother)

The lads followed Leanefira silently to the bathing chamber and emptied the buckets into the large bathtub, then left to refill them from the kitchens. Leanefira stepped from the bathing chamber and wordlessly busied herself cleaning up the table that contained the remains of their dinner. She studiously kept her eyes on her task, refusing to meet the eyes of the Elves who followed her movements covertly.

"Mmm, tôr dithen, a hot bath will feel wonderful, will it not?" Rúmil eyed the half-filled bathtub eagerly. (little brother)

"Aye, it will indeed," Orophin agreed. He seated himself in the center of the large fur-covered bed with his long legs folded under him and began to untwist the side braids from his hair. He set the delicate mithril clips that bound the ends of the braids on the bedside table. Rúmil perched on the edge in front of his brother and allowed the other Elf to remove his braids as well. They spoke softly together in their own language, wondering about the care of their horses. The boys soon returned with more water and filled the bathtub to the top. Leanefira passed the dinner tray to one of the boys and instructed him to return it to the kitchens. When the boys left, she closed the door behind them and returned to the bathing chamber.

The woman set out a selection of soaps and bathing oils from a storage cabinet and lay them near the stack of towels. She reappeared in the doorway briefly and forced herself to meet the brothers' eyes. When she spoke, her voice was soft and subdued. "I shall assist you with your bathing," she said, and disappeared into the bathing room.

The brothers glanced at each other in silent agreement as they rose from the bed. Orophin stooped to retrieve a small pouch that was bundled within the pack he had left by the door of the room when they entered, and removed a silver coin. He strode to the bathing chamber, following his brother.

Tendrils of steam rose invitingly from the bathtub. Orophin moved in front of Leanefira and pressed the coin into her hand, and spoke softly, "We would have you stay with us, Leane, if you will. For company only, nothing more, unless you wish it so." The woman nodded, blushing, and the Elves began stripping off their clothes.

Unused to such obvious displays of nudity, Leanefira shyly averted her eyes when the Elves reached for the lacings of their leggings, but could not resist a quick peek. The Men she entertained were only concerned with uncovering their private parts long enough to grunt and heave atop her, before rolling away and quickly stuffing themselves back into their trousers.

There was something exotic about the two Elves that fascinated her. Their duties as – what had they called themselves? Guardians? - obviously kept them fit, for though they appeared slender, both brothers were rather broader through the shoulder than they appeared. They were finely muscled, well defined chests tapered to slim hips. Orophin was slightly taller than his older brother, Rúmil slightly broader through the chest. They had long, well-sculpted legs and hair, silvery and long that shone as moonlight reflected upon the water. She also noted the almost complete lack of hair on their bodies, the only place other than the hair on their head being a light dusting at their groins, gracing the semi-erect members that bobbed gently as they undressed.

Completely nude, and oblivious to the shocked woman who did her best to avert her eyes, Orophin strode across the bathing chamber and reached for the assembled selection of oils and soaps. Selecting a few at random, he opened the vials one at a time and sniffed, finally settling on one and returning to the bath. He poured a generous amount in the steaming water. Immediately, the scent of honey and sweet spices filled the air.

The Elves moved toward the tub and climbed in, sighing with pleasure as the hot water covered their chilled bodies. Leanefira did her best not to gape in surprise as the two settled in the water together, one at each end. The bathtub was indeed large enough for two, but the Men of her acquaintance would never take to a bath that readily, let alone two bathe in the same tub.

Rúmil lay back and rested his head against the edge of the bathtub with a small smile on his lips, his eyes closed in obvious delight. Orophin reached for the soap and a washing cloth and began to clean himself.

Leanefira knelt by the tub and gently removed the cloth from the younger Elf's hand. "Please, Orophin, allow me to assist you."

Orophin noted the faint blush staining the woman's cheeks as he released the cloth, and allowed her to assist him. Her hands were strong and soothing as they soaped the planes of his chest and stroked the cloth down his muscular arms.

The silence was broken when Rúmil spoke suddenly. "Leanefira, I apologize for my words earlier. I should have realized there were things you did not wish to share, things that you found painful to recall. I find myself being drawn to you without knowing why, and I simply wished to know more about you. Please accept my apology."

His words, spoken so sincerely, caused tears to well in the woman's eyes. "I do accept your apology, Rúmil. I should have known you did not mean any harm. Neither you nor your brother mean disrespect, I know that. I feel comfortable with you…" she trailed off, unsure how to voice her feelings.

She reached for a large pitcher on the floor and began washing Orophin's long silver locks. Surprising herself with her forthrightness, the words poured from her mouth as she told them her story. It was a tale long and sad, and the Elves sat in reverent silence as she poured out her heart to them, two strangers from a far away land.

* * *

She had been eighteen that spring, and innocent. She thought she was in love. She knew it was improper to give herself to him before they were wedded, but he pleaded so sweetly and promised her all of Arda; he promised her marriage and a home and everything she had ever wanted, so she allowed him to bed her. She took little pleasure from their joining, but allowed them, certain that in the summer they would be wed and everything would be perfect.

A freak accident left her a widow before even a bride. A few weeks later, she missed her monthly moon time, and as another moon passed without her regular cycle, she knew with certainty she was with child.

She hid her condition as long as she could, fearful of her parents' reaction, but when she was almost five months along, it was impossible to hide the swelling of her abdomen any longer. Her parents were furious and disowned her, calling her a disgrace and a whore.

Shamed and heartsick, she packed her meager belongings, stole a few pounds from her parents and rode away with some passing travelers. The travelers were kind to her and were willing to give the young mother-to-be safe passage to this village. At her bidding, they left her in the village, continuing on their own journey to the west.

Leanefira took a room at the inn and looked for work, but found the residents of this new village were as biased against a young unwed mother as her old home, and unwilling to take on an employee who was obviously with child. She was guileless, and it did not occur to her to lie about her marital status. Had she been more jaded, she could have concocted a ruse about being widowed, but in her innocence the thought simply never entered her mind. Soon, her meager funds ran out, but Seolfren took pity on her and allowed her to stay in her room. He gave her menial chores such as light cleaning and dishwashing to do.

Four months later she bore a girl child and named her Maeledreth. When her daughter was a few weeks old, Seolfren came to her room and offered her a position.

On her back.

He said he had taken her in out of the goodness of his heart, and allowed her to stay without charge in her room, but it was time for her to "pay up". If she agreed, she would be allowed to stay and would be expected to service any Man who wanted her, beginning with him, in return for room and board for her and her child. She was alone and desperate, terrified of not being able to provide for her daughter, and had no other prospects for employment. She agreed, having nowhere else to go, and had been in Seolfren's dubious employ for the past three years. She was now twenty-two.

By scrupulously saving the small tips the Men she served sometimes gave her, she was able to hire an old woman to sit with Maeledreth while she worked, both at the inn and above it in the guest rooms. The old woman had trained once as a healer, and taught her a concoction of herbs she could use to prevent the getting of another child. One day, Leanefira hoped to save enough to be able to leave this village for good and start over again in a place where no one knew her, passing herself off this time as a young widow.

* * *

Absently Leanefira ran the washing cloth over Rúmil's chest as her speech trailed off, lost in the memory of hurt and shame. She did not realize how far she leaned forward, and how close to Rúmil's body she had become.

Moved by her tale, Rúmil impulsively leaned forward and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. Surprised out of her introspection, she froze, too startled to pull away. Taking her stillness as assent, he pressed his lips more firmly against hers. A dormant spark deep within her suddenly flared into life, and then she was kissing him back eagerly. Stunned and pleased with the woman's sudden surge of passion, Rúmil parted his lips and tasted her lips with his tongue. Leanefira opened her mouth and allowed him entrance, his tongue teasing and swirling within her as she reacted enthusiastically. At last, they broke apart, gasping for breath at the intensity of their kiss, her eyes glassy and wide with shock at her own behavior.

Orophin reclined in the warm water, a silent observer, and watched his brother and the woman kiss passionately. He felt himself harden further and shifted his position, thankful the water covered his growing erection.

Rúmil gently removed the clip that held Leanefira' hair firmly at the nape of her neck and allowed the thick tresses to spill across her shoulders. The Elf noted with pleasant surprise that what he had thought was a nondescript brown was rich and lustrous, subtly streaked with auburn. It was lush and looked silky; he wanted to twine his hands in it and feel its texture while kissing her breathless.

"Come, Leane, join us. We would take care of you as you have cared for us. There is plenty of room," he offered, hoping to put her at ease.

Uncertainly, the woman rose and slowly began unbuttoning her dress. A lingering sense of shame caused her to blush, but she unfalteringly continued her undressing. She had taken their money; she belonged to them for the night and it was her duty to please them. For her daughter's sake, she would.

Underneath her shame was a sense of curiosity about the striking Elves. She had never been kissed so thoroughly or so passionately before, and wished to taste more. Even her betrothed had never awoken these feelings in her. She felt strange – she could not label the feelings, but Rúmil's kisses had started something within her that could not be denied. She knew she wanted more.

Shyly, Leanefira dropped her dress to the floor and stood only in chemise and stockings. Slowly, she unrolled the stockings that covered her legs, followed at last by the final flimsy undergarment. Leanefira stood naked a moment as if waging a final internal debate, which gave the Elves a few seconds in which to admire the nude woman that stood before them. Neither had ever been intimate with a Human woman before, and they admired the differences between Leanefira and the she-Elves they had loved. Unlike the slender, willowy forms of the females of their kind, the woman before them was more curvaceous with rounded hips, ripe breasts, dark nipples and a thick thatch of curly hair at the juncture of her thighs. A few fine silvery lines tracked across her hips, the only evidence of the child she had once carried within her.

At last curiosity won out, and the woman climbed in the bathtub with the two tall Elves. As she lifted one shapely leg over the edge, Orophin was treated to a glimpse of the pink flesh of her most private place hidden within the curls between her legs. He shifted again uncomfortably, his erection full and throbbing now as he wondered what those luscious curls felt like. He imagined burying his nose in those wisps, tasting her and breathing in her scent. He was certain his brother was having much the same problem.

Leanefira lowered herself in the water and settled back between Rúmil's legs with her back against his chest. He held his breath, fearful she would pull away when she felt the hard rod pressing against the cleft of her buttocks, but she rested her head back against his shoulder and he breathed a silent sigh of relief. He lifted her thick mass of hair and laid it over his shoulder where it hung nearly to the floor, mingled with his own, dark and light. Rúmil folded his arms about her. Her soft breasts pressed against his arms that were crossed over her chest.

Taking up the washing cloth, Orophin lathered it well and began gently cleansing her body while Rúmil pressed gentle kisses up and down the column of her neck. She lay back in the circle of the younger brother's arms, eyes closed, enjoying the feeling of being cared for. Quiet sighs of pleasure were the only sounds the woman made as Orophin ran the soapy cloth over her arms and across her stomach. Cautiously, not wanting to startle her with sudden movements, he moved the cloth down to wash between her parted legs. She hissed when the rough cloth touched against her center and her eyes flew open at the thrill that coursed through her body.

Orophin smiled kindly and removed the cloth, wringing it out and dropping it on the floor. "Shh, lovely one," and motioned for her to lean forward in order for him to wash her hair. Calming, she complied and closed her eyes dreamily as the Elf rinsed the suds from her locks.

The water grew chill and Rúmil stood finally, signaling bath time was over. Dripping, he stepped from the bathtub, and Leanefira allowed her eyes to roam appreciatively over his form when she saw what had been pressed firmly against her backside. Orophin stood as well, and she gulped at the sight of such perfect male specimens.

Reluctantly, the woman climbed out of the bathtub as well, and the three wrapped themselves in large bathing towels to dry off. They gathered a few dry towels and a comb, and moved to the main room to dry their hair in front of the fire.

"Wait a moment," Orophin stayed them and reached for a vial of bathing oil. His brother raised an eyebrow in an unspoken question. "Leane's hands are dry and red. I wish to massage oil on them to aid with their healing," he explained. Rúmil looked at him suspiciously, but wisely let the remark pass.

The three seated themselves cross-legged on the large bed, nude, the soft fur of the bed throw tickling their bottoms and legs. They took turns toweling each other's hair dry. Orophin opened the vial of bathing oil and rubbed a few slippery drops between his palms, warming and emulsifying it. He massaged the warm oil into the reddened skin of Leanefira' hands. She thanked him and remarked that her hands no longer felt sore and itchy.

Orophin knelt behind his brother and began combing out his long silver locks. Rúmil's head leaned back as he surrendered to his brother's ministrations. He loved having his hair combed and braided, and his younger brother enjoyed performing this ritual for him. Orophin absently leaned down and kissed his brother's lips. Rúmil moaned in pleasure and pressed up, deepening their kiss. Comb forgotten, the brothers kissed deeply as Orophin began to run his hands across the well-developed planes of his sibling's chest.

A shocked gasp caused the Elves to draw apart. They were so engrossed in each other they had forgotten Leanefira. Her jaw dropped in disbelief as she exclaimed, "But… but you are brothers! Is it common among your kind that you are lovers as well?"

Orophin silently cursed himself for forgetting he was not alone with his brother. "I apologize for making you uncomfortable, Leane. Aye, we are lovers as well. It is accepted among our people. There is no shame among the Firstborn; we are free to take pleasure in one another regardless of gender. Relationships among siblings is not common, but it is not forbidden."

Rúmil straightened and pulled back from his brother. "Our eldest brother, Haldir, has had a male lover for many years. They are bond-mates, although they must often spend many years apart." He continued, "We will stop, if you so wish it."

The sight of the pale brothers locked in a passionate embrace strangely moved Leanefira. Such a relationship among Men was not accepted, but the way the two Elves had kissed and touched each other seemed perfectly natural. "Nay, I am not uncomfortable. I found the way you touched each other strangely beautiful," she told them honestly.

Rúmil turned and gave his brother a brief kiss before he slid across the bed and kissed her soft lips. Leanefira responded eagerly and raised her arms to wrap them around the Elf's neck. He parted her lips with his tongue and darted his flesh into her warm, sweet mouth, drawing her out. Tentatively, she explored his wet cavern, running her soft tongue over his strong teeth, tasting him. Orophin moved to sit next to them and ran his strong archer's hands down the length of her smooth back and up again, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.

Gently Rúmil lay her down on the soft fur and looked intently into her eyes. "Leane, will you allow us to pleasure you? We would make love to you, pen-velui, and make you forget your troubles for a while. We would give you delight such as you have never felt before, if you would allow it." (lovely one)

Her body tingled with desire. Many Men had bedded her, but none had ever touched her thus, intent on giving as much pleasure as they received. Rúmil's kisses and touches kindled a fire between her legs. She felt swollen and aching. More than anything else, she wanted to forget, just for a while, the shame and humiliation she felt when those Men looked at her. She wanted to be loved and cherished, if only for a night, and feel a woman's pleasure at the hands of the glorious beings that set her body aflame. She looked deeply into Rúmil's green eyes and nodded wordlessly.

Orophin lay down next to her and kissed her gently while his brother nuzzled her neck, trailing a path of kisses down her neck and to her breast. Leanefira moaned into Orophin's mouth when his brother rolled one dark nipple to a hard peak with his calloused fingers and then suckled it, teasing it between his teeth.

With a final nibble at her full lower lip, Orophin drew back and moved down the bed. He ran his hands down her smooth skin, around the narrow waist, over the curve of a gently rounded hip, the length of a slim leg. He knelt between the woman's thighs and parted them gently, breathing in her fresh scent. Long fingers touched the silken curls between her legs and he marveled at their texture, coarse yet silky soft. He spread her folds and lapped at her tiny pleasure nub and she moaned, arching off the bed.

Orophin lifted her legs and settled them over his shoulders, his large hands holding her open whilst his mouth drove her into frenzy. He lapped and licked at the center of her pleasure, swirling around the hard nub and flicking it with the tip of his tongue. Her hands wrapped in Rúmil's hair while he teased and sucked on her breasts. Leanefira cried out sharply in rapture, and Rúmil quickly tore his mouth away from her pebbled nipples and kissed her deeply, taking her cries into his mouth as she came.

The woman collapsed boneless on the bed, shaking with the force of her orgasm. None had ever bothered touching her in her in that manner, and she was overwhelmed with the sensation.

The older Elf gently dropped her legs on the bed and slid up her body, pressing his hard length against her hip when he kissed her softly, allowing her to taste herself on his lips. Rúmil stroked her damp hair and asked, "Leanefira, would it make you uncomfortable if I made love to my brother now? If it will upset you, please tell me."

The woman curled on her side, still trembling, and replied with a shaking voice, "Nay, Rúmil, though I have never seen males join before, I would not mind." With a weak smile, she added, "I fear I have no energy to do more than lie here."

Rúmil chuckled and searched on the floor near the bed for the bottle of oil his brother had massaged into her hands. Orophin rose on all fours next to her, his arousal thick and long between his legs, and looked back over his shoulder at his younger brother. His gray eyes were almost black with desire. Rúmil drizzled the slippery fluid over his fingers and gave his brother a cursory preparation.

When Orophin hissed, "NOW, ‘Mil!" he slicked a palm full of oil hastily on his own heavy length and quickly sheathed himself in his beloved brother's body with a sigh of relief. "Ah, Oro, melin chen, you feel so good…" The lovers groaned with contentment as they joined. (I love you)

Orophin's long hair dragged against the plush fur bed covering as his lover rocked into him forcefully, setting a rapid pace. Leanefira watched the two make love, slowly recovering her breath. It was a beautiful sight, the two pale bodies moving in perfect rhythm, silver hair swaying with each thrust, eyes closed in bliss as they moved closer to their completion.

Orophin gritted his teeth and willed his own orgasm down, wanting to hold back in order to make proper love to tiny Human woman and feel her come undone beneath him. He imagined the feeling of her tight velvet walls closing around his member, milking his orgasm from him as she cried out his name.

With a final deep thrust and a low growl, Rúmil spilled within his brother's tight passage, his cock pulsing as he pumped his seed deep into Orophin's body. His softening member slipped from his brother's channel, his essence shiny as it trickled in a thin rivulet down Orophin's inner thigh. He reached to grasp his brother's shaft and give him release, but Orophin pushed his hand away and shook his head, nodding in Leanefira's direction.

The woman's eyes followed their every movement. Her pupils were dilated with need, her lips parted as she breathed harshly in excitement. Rúmil nodded in understanding of his brother's silent entreaty. He grabbed a damp towel from the floor and lovingly cleaned Orophin's body, then made his way to the bathing chamber to cleanse himself.

With only a glance, suddenly the woman was in Orophin's arms. Kissing her deeply, he rolled her on her back and spread her legs. She mewled, kittenish, when he pumped a finger into her woman's channel, feeling her wet and ready. He smiled indulgently when he heard her whimper and begin to grind her hips to meet the finger. //Aye, most definitely ready,\\ he thought with satisfaction, and positioned his throbbing cock at the slick entrance to her body. He held himself with one hand and ran the blunt head up and down over her folds, spreading her wetness, then with one long movement, sheathed himself fully within her.

Leanefira groaned when he entered her and thrust her hips to meet his. Never in her life had she felt such wondrous delight. She wrapped her legs around his lean hips and met each of his thrusts with one of her own. Angling his hips slightly, he pounded against the spot deep inside her body. She threw her head back, baring the slender column of her neck to her lover's mouth. He nipped and kissed her neck, marking the pale flesh as he pumped deeply into her, and she tensed as her orgasm built within her body. The lovers barely noticed when Rúmil returned and lay down beside them.

His sac drew up hard and tight to his body; he could feel his release welling within him. The Elf raised his chest to brace himself on one bent elbow and reached with the other hand between their bodies to rub her sensitive nub. Three or four strokes against the hard button and she arched her back, holding her breath as she climaxed, the muscles of her channel clenched around him. The rhythmic pulsing of her inner walls wrenched Orophin's orgasm from him as well, and he released explosively, jets of milky white seed deep into her body. Exhausted, the lovers collapsed against the soft fur bed covering, still joined.

* * *

Leanefira woke a short time later. She was drowsy and content, enfolded on both sides by warm, solid Elf, snuggled deep under the cozy fur throw. She giggled softly, self-conscious, when she realized she had fallen asleep.

"Awake at last, are you?" Rúmil spoke lazily from behind her, nibbling the lobe of her ear, while Orophin faced her, tracing languid circles with a finger around her navel. Palming a firm breast. Stroking the dark peak with a calloused thumb.

She stifled a yawn and replied, "I am sorry, I did not mean to fall asleep on you. I was so comfortable, I just drifted off." She suddenly thought of something, and spoke again. "Rúmil, what did you call me before? Pen-something?"

He chuckled in reply, idly twining a strand of her hair around his finger as he nuzzled her neck. "Pen-velui means ‘lovely one' in our tongue. You are indeed lovely, Leane."

Touched, she smiled with pleasure. "And the other thing? When you… ah, when Orophin…" Embarrassed, her words trailed off.

Orophin responded and gave his brother a loving smile over the woman's shoulder before he returned his gaze to meet hers. "When he made love to me?"

She nodded, suddenly shy. "Melin chen means ‘I love you.' He told me he loves me," Orophin replied, kissing the tip of her nose gently.

Leanefira sighed happily. "That is lovely. Your language is beautiful."

Rúmil's warm breath against her ear sent a delicious frisson through her body, distracting her from further thought. Her loins suddenly felt swollen and full. She realized her legs were wrapped around Orophin's thigh and she was unconsciously riding his leg, rocking her hips against him. She winced in slight discomfort as she moved the wrong way, feeling a bit tender from Orophin's rather enthusiastic lovemaking.

"Poor child, are you sore?" purred Rúmil. He threw back the thick fur covering and, slinking down her body, parted her legs. "I know how to make you feel better," he said mischievously, and ran the flat of his tongue up the entire length of her core, from the perineum, over the lips of her moist passage and up to the hard button. She gasped and spread her legs wider, welcoming him; her previous discomfort was a distant memory as her juices began to flow.

Orophin's arousal pressed against her hip, hot and hard, as she rocked her hips up to meet Rúmil's maddening tongue. Already she was on fire, wanting him. Wanting them.

The younger Elf's mouth sucked at her hard nub, surrounding it with wet heat while his brother teased her erect nipples between his fingers. Rúmil tasted her tangy salt and his brother's seed and plunged his tongue into her center. He pumped into her with his tongue, using the pad of his index finger to rub circles around the erect button until she was writing and gasping, begging him to take her. He reversed position, removed his tongue and replaced it with two fingers, fucking her with them until he could feel her inner muscles begin to clench, the sign of her orgasm drawing near. He licked lazily around her clitoris, keeping her near the edge, using her own moisture to lubricate his fingers. He moved his fingers lower and traced a circle around her puckered opening, then gently slid a single finger in that virgin hole. Leanefira let out a strangled gasp at the penetration. It was not painful, but the invasive feeling was strangely filling.

Rúmil withdrew his finger and glided up her body, sliding his arousal into her velvet heat with one stroke. He lay motionless for a moment, kissing her soundly, and then with one fluid motion rolled over, away from Orophin, so she was on top and straddling his hips. The Elf lifted her body up so she was sitting astride him, impaled deeply on his shaft. With strong archer's hands, he rocked her back and forth. The woman moaned loudly as his length rubbed against the pleasure spot inside her body. The friction of her clitoris against the soft, downy hair of his groin made her bite her lower lip and whine in frustration when he would not increase the tempo and allow her climax.

He reached for her and drew her down to him again, capturing her lips and kissing her hungrily. Her lover thrust upward into her heat, his arms wrapped around her and pressing her breasts to his chest.

Leanefira's eyes flew open widely when she felt a slick finger penetrate her rear passage. She had never been taken that way before, and suddenly felt afraid.

"Shh, pen-velui," Rúmil murmured against her lips. "Relax. Do not be afraid; Orophin will not hurt you. He is very gentle and will make sure you feel only pleasure. You must relax your body, though, or you will feel pain." (lovely one)

The woman tried to relax her muscles and concentrate only on the wondrous feeling of Rúmil's hard flesh deep within her body. It was with no pain that Orophin was able to slide a second, and finally a third finger in her passage, stretching and scissoring. He worked the oil deep in the smooth channel, making sure she was well lubricated. He poured oil into his palm and spread the viscous fluid thickly along his sex before settling between his brother's legs and positioned himself at the puckered rear opening to Leanefira's body.

Slowly and carefully Orophin pressed his length into Leanefira's confined backside, hissing with pleasure as her strong inner muscles enveloped him. The woman drew breath sharply between her teeth as she was stretched and filled beyond anything she had ever dreamed possible. Gods, it felt so wonderfully good, she thought, as her eyes rolled back in her head with feverish hunger. She was frantic with need, her breath came in rasping gasps as her lovers thrust within her, driving her higher and higher in her desire.

Orophin curled around the woman's back and stretched toward his brother, desperate to possess the other Elf's mouth as they held Leanefira between them. Rúmil craned upward to meet his brother's lips, tongues dueling, teeth clashing as they drove each other on, sexes pressed together separated only by the thin walls of Leanefira's body.

The woman cried and moaned, waves of pleasure crashing through her. "Harder," she pleaded, and they knew she was close. Despite their intentions to draw out her pleasure as long as possible, each sound she made sent vibrations straight to their groins and both knew they could not hold back much longer.

Then her body tightened and bowed, and she came hard, stifling a long groan by biting down into the soft flesh of Rúmil's neck, drawing small beads of blood. Her body trembled violently, and the spasms of her orgasm drew the brothers over the edge with her. They spent deep inside her, shuddering and groaning.

Sated, sticky and breathless, the lovers drew apart, the brothers' softening members slipping from the confines of Leanefira's body. Orophin reached for a discarded towel and tenderly cleaned the woman's flushed body, then his brother and finally himself before pulling the heavy fur cover over their spent bodies and lying next to the human. The Elves cradled her tenderly between them as she drifted off into a dreamless sleep, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly in a smile of contentment.

* * *

Morning dawned bright and sunny, the sun's rays reflected on the blanket of new-fallen snow. Leanefira woke alone in the large bed. She stretched, smiling, and hugged a pillow close to her. The Elves' scents lingered still on the pillow, and she breathed deeply, willing their scent to be forever imprinted in her mind. Her entire body was sore, but she did not mind the discomfort. It was a pleasant reminder of the night before, the memories of which she would always hold close within her heart

The woman rose, her milky skin liberally dotted with scarlet marks of passion. As she turned to retrieve her long-forgotten garments from the bathing chamber, she noted a small bag on the bedside table. Curious, she picked it up and peered inside at the contents.

Tears of love and gratitude spilled from her eyes as she emptied the contents of the pouch into her hand. Coins of gold and silver spilled into her palm, along with two tiny silvery hair clips.

Orophin's hair clips.

* * *

Four months later…

Seolfren stared in disbelief as the woman turned her back on him. A girl-child was propped on one hip and she held a large satchel in her other hand. Dark hair draped across her shoulders, swaying as she walked. Tiny silver clips bound the end of two thin braids at the rear, glinting in the sunlight. She strode proudly out the door and out of his life.

* * *

firith = "fading" season - the Elven season between autumn and winter

A/N 1: According to canon, Orophin spoke little Westron and Rúmil, none. Yes, I know. The Canon Nazis are going to crucify me. *shrug* And one may ask what they were doing traveling when they were supposed to have been back home guarding the Golden Wood. Well, Celeborn sent them on a secret fact-finding mission… Yeah, that's it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. *smile*

A/N 2: All names other than Tolkien's Elves were created using a random name-generator. The villagers' names are loosely Rohirric in origin, although the setting of the village was not in Rohan. Orophin's and Rúmil's horses' names are Elvish (obviously). I do not know if they translate to anything intelligible in Sindarin.

*****

THE END

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Fimbrethiel