Chapter 17
At the first touch of Faramir’s lips on his, Teleziel held his breath. His mind leapt from thought to thought in a whirl of confusion and hope and desire. No daydream ever prepared him for something so sweet. Of their own volition, his lips parted, offering more of himself to Faramir. And when the captain’s tongue dipped into his mouth, Teleziel inhaled deeply, taking Faramir’s breath into his body. Cautiously, lest he really be dreaming, Teleziel raised his hands and brushed his fingers over the backs of Faramir’s hands. They were warm and the fine hairs on his wrists tickled the Haradrim’s palms. His body quivered like a bow strung too tightly and he moaned softly against Faramir.
Hardly believing his own forwardness, Faramir tried to will his body to cease. His lips moved sensuously over Teleziel’s mouth, gently exploring the sweetness, coaxing his prisoner into a response. Hands clasped his wrists and at first, Faramir thought Teleziel meant to push him away, but then he felt the slight trembling, felt the sharing of their breath and knew that Teleziel needed him. The thought, as it rushed through him, filled him with a combination of fear and longing. To be needed and wanted meant more to Faramir than he’d ever dare admit. Boromir, perhaps, would have understood. But Boromir was no longer able to share his hopes and dreams and so Faramir was forced to walk the narrow path between duty and love alone, with only his own conscious for guidance. Throwing all caution aside, forgetting his duty to Gondor, he thrust his tongue deeper, forcing Teleziel’s mouth wider as he swirled his tongue inside the warm cavity. His hands roamed down, gliding lightly over Teleziel’s shoulders, feeling the fine bones beneath the tightly drawn skin, and moving over his back, tracing the vertebra with his fingertips. Teleziel’s soft moans made his blood race hotly through his veins, traveling directly to his loins. He could feel himself hardening and he longed to thrust himself against the Haradrim.
Strong arms wrapped around Teleziel, pulling him inexorably forward between the captain’s thighs until his chest pressed against Faramir’s growing hardness. He gasped as the first contact. Memories flooded through him and he struggled against Faramir, seeking escape. Instantly, he fell back as he was released from the light grip. He fell against his cot, thumping his head against the wooden frame, with his legs twisted awkwardly beneath him. His chest heaved and tears stung his eyes. His throat was tight and his chest ached as his heart thudded heavily. The gentle touches and caresses were what he’d longed for, so why did he shudder with revulsion?
Faramir wanted to sit down on the stone floor next to Teleziel and comfort him, but he knew what the Haradrim needed most was space. The horrible events of his rape must still be fresh in his mind, reasoned Faramir as he gazed at Teleziel’s pale face. At least that is what he hoped, for that could be healed with time and patience.
At last the dark eyes turned from the ceiling and Teleziel met Faramir’s troubled gaze. “Are you angry?”
Faramir smiled softly, once more drawing attention to the lines around his eyes. He shook his head. “No, I am not angry, nor am I disappointed. You have been misused and are still recovering from your illness. Come, let me help you back into bed. You need rest, if you are truly to fight with us.”
Teleziel said nothing as Faramir took his arms and helped him to his feet. The captain did not try to put his arms around him or press against him. He did not belittle Teleziel for his weakness, and for this the Haradrim was truly grateful. The small kindnesses drew him to Faramir. He lay on his back and, like a small child, allowed Faramir to draw up the blankets around him. His eyes followed every movement and gesture, searching for a clue to Faramir’s thoughts. Fear kept his tongue locked rigidly behind is teeth and the blanket was tucked snugly around him. What was wrong with him that he was always afraid?
Faramir bent and lightly kissed Teleziel on the forehead, a fatherly kiss, nothing more. He saw the way the dark eyes followed him, recognized fear and confusion in the depths. “Do you remember it all?”
“Yes,” Teleziel didn’t even pretend to not understand. “I cannot forget the pain and ..humiliation.”
“You must have been terribly afraid. I would have been. I do not think I could have suffered through it as bravely as you. That you survived amazes me. Other men, weaker men, would have died from it.”
“I cried like a babe. That is not so brave, I think.”
Faramir settled comfortably on the floor and put his back against Teleziel’s cot. He was within touching range, but made no move toward Teleziel. “Tears are not a mark of shame. I have seen my father cry. When our mother died, my father wept for many days. My brother, too, has wept and for far less, I should think. Even I have cried, my love, in the dark of the night. Loneliness has brought tears to my eyes. Pain. Sorrow. The gods gave us the gift of tears. They cleanse us and set us free.”
“Haradrim do not cry.” Teleziel said as he blinked the tears from his eyes. “It is a sign of weakness. I will not be weak.”
“No, you are not weak.”
Teleziel inched his hand closer to Faramir. The long curls brushed over his knuckles and he lifted his hand higher and ran his fingers through the thick tresses. Faramir made no move and Teleziel grew bolder. As he spoke he moved his hand over Faramir’s shoulder, silently inviting the captain to take his hand. “It hurt, what they did to me. I want …” he paused and felt the blush forming on his cheeks. “I want to be with you,” he said firmly.
Faramir took Teleziel’s hand and kissed the soft skin between his knuckles and forefinger. “When you are ready, we will make love. In the meantime, I will content myself with holding your hand and kissing your lips, if you will permit.”
Teleziel nodded and then realizing Faramir could not see him, added. “I would like that. Your kisses are sweeter than wine. I dreamed, once, of such kisses, but I was ignorant of the reality and so my dreams seem trifling.”
“Dreams are not trifling. They are the stuff from which we create our reality. Even the dreams that seem silliest guide us to the things we want most in life. You dreamed of Imiro for a while. Do you think that was a mistake?”
Teleziel considered. “No, it was a boy’s crush. In my dreams, I believed he would love me. The reality is different, of course.”
“Yet, had you not spoken to him of your dreams, you would not now be here.”
Teleziel stared at Faramir for a moment. “Do you think this is the god’s will?”
“I do not know the mind of the gods, Teleziel. I only know that you are here now, and wouldn’t have been save for Imiro’s betrayal. Despite what was done to you, I am not sorry, because it brought you to me.”
How long, thought Teleziel, will your patience last? Will you grow bored and tired of a silly boy who dreams of being a man? “One day, I will repay your kindness.”
“You have already.” Faramir stroked Teleziel’s hand with his thumb.
“Kiss me again, please?”
Faramir twisted around so that he leaned over the cot and gently, slowly, giving Teleziel time to change his mind. He stared deeply into the dark eyes, reading the flickering emotions. Anticipation warred with fear and he took his time as brushed his lips over Teleziel’s. The sweet mouth opened beneath his and he delved his tongue deeper, careful that only their lips touched. He kept the kiss soft and gentle, allowing Teleziel to set the pace as they grew used to one another. When Teleziel squirmed, Faramir raised his head and saw how flushed the Haradrim was and the way his eyes dilated. Teleziel’s lips were kiss-swollen and Faramir thought he looked quite sexy and told him so. The blush and smile was his reward and dipped his head for yet another kiss.
This time, Teleziel moved them more quickly and Faramir, eager to explore all of Teleziel’s sweetness, allowed his lips free reign. He nibbled first on the full lower lip and then ran his tongue over the outer edge of Teleziel’s mouth. He paused briefly, then enveloped Teleziel’s bottom lip with his own and gently sucked it and then bit down before lifting his head again to stare down at Teleziel. The eyes were now glazed and a warm, fuzzy smile played around the edges of the Haradrim’s mouth.
“Shall I stop?”
Teleziel shook his head once before lifting their entwined hands and running his finger over Faramir’s jaw. The beard was not scratchy, but soft, like the fur of a short-haired puppy. In some ways, it felt funny, but Teleziel found that he liked it.
Faramir laughed and was delighted when Teleziel laughed with
him. It was the first time he’d ever heard the Haradrim laugh and he rather
enjoyed the soft, musical sounds. He kissed Teleziel one last time. “I
have patrol in the morning.” Then unable to resist, he kissed Teleziel
yet again.