Summary: Mel is in Mirkwood for the first time, and meets its enigmatic ruler, King Thranduil.
Author's Notes: Notes: I was so excited when I received this challenge. Melpomaen and Thranduil are both my favourites, but I have never written them together. There was only one little detail I wrote slightly differently as requested. The request said, that one of them had never been fishing, but I decided that only the way of fishing was new to Mel. This �spear-fishing with a lantern� is a very old way to fish, and in Finland it is called �tuulastus�.
~~~
Melpomaen was exited when the
escort finally reached Mirkwood�s borders. The young scribe had never
been so far away from home before, but he hadn�t hesitated for a moment
when Lord Erestor had asked him to join this trip as his secretary.
Melpomaen had always heard stories about Mirkwood, and it was told that
the elf - kingdom was a mysterious place; that one could never know
what would happen in there. And the most enigmatic of Mirkwood�s secrets
was its ruler, King Thranduil. Melpomaen had never seen him, but his
reputation was well known everywhere.
The first day in the woods
had been unnerving for Melpomaen, and he felt grateful for the escort
finally stopping for the night. For some reason, he had felt as if someone
had been watching him the whole day. Actually, the whole forest seemed
to be somehow� alive. Melpomaen didn�t like the feeling at all,
but he hid his uneasiness. No one seemed to notice anything, and Mel
started to think that he had imagined the whole thing.
When they finally had the camp
ready, Elladan and Elrohir came to Melpomaen and told him that they
had found an excellent place to wash himself. The young elf was delighted,
and ran to the little pond when his turn finally came. At first he hesitated;
he didn�t know if he dared to go for a swim, but in the end the temptation
was too big. The water seemed inviting, and Mel felt dirty after such
a long ride without any possibilities to wash up. He quickly removed
his clothes and headed towards the water. Melpomaen swam around
slowly, fully enjoying himself. He was completely unaware of someone
watching every movement he made with hungry eyes.
* * * *
�Aiya, how beautiful!
I must have you, little one, and I must make you mine,�
The silent observer thought to himself. The whole day he had watched
this little elf; his heart was burning with desire. It was Mirkwood�s
way to observe every escort since the moment it crossed the borders,
even if the proper welcoming- party would appear a little bit later.
The elf didn�t usually guard the borders himself, but this morning
he had felt an unusually strong urge to patrol the area. Now he knew
why.
He took a while longer to study
the swimming beauty, admiring his creamy skin and silky, auburn hair
that cascaded over his shoulders and his back. The pale moon has already
risen, making the elf�s beauty almost ethereal. He had never seen
anything so pure and untouched, and he knew that he had to make him
his, at all cost. Reluctantly, he turned around and left, leaving the
young elf alone. How he waited for tomorrow, and the moment he would
see this lovely creature again!
* * * *
The rest of the trip was uneventful,
and Melpomaen was happy when they finally rode to the courtyard of Thranduil�s
caves. The young scribe was dead tired after riding so long and he was
happy when they were escorted straight to their rooms. To his surprise,
Mel received a spacious room, which contained a private passage to the
little garden. He watched bewitched at the trees and beautiful blooms,
as they lightly swayed in the soft breeze. Mel thought to himself, that
he could watch, spellbound, at this forest forever, without getting
tired of it. The young elf was unusually absent- minded when he finally
began to dress up for the King�s audience.
When their escort finally waited
outside the Great Hall, Melpomaen was quite nervous, but also curious.
He wanted to see with his own eyes, if the rumour about King Thranduil
were true. It was said, that he possessed a fierce spirit and also the
ability to charm anyone. Melpomaen�s daydreaming was abruptly interrupted
when the doors swung open. He quickly collected himself and followed
Lord Erestor to the Hall. Melpomaen was determined to not let down his
superior, who had entrusted him this task.
It took a while, before Melpomaen
dared to raise his gaze. He listened silently while Lord Erestor started
to speak on behalf of them; his rich voice echoing in the room. Melpomaen
had always thought that Lord Erestor had the most magnificent voice
he had ever heard, but soon he realized he had been completely wrong.
Melpomaen shivered when he
heard The King answering with a deep, sensual voice that made his knees
weaken. He almost forgot how to breath when Thranduil continued, welcoming
them all to his realm. Helplessly, Mel could only stare at the magnificent
sight the King was to them; sitting on his throne. Thranduil was dressed
in deep-green regal robes with golden embroidery, that matched his golden
hair and vivid green eyes perfectly. Not even the heavy robes could
conceal the fact that the King was built like a warrior; and Mel could
see his well-toned body under the clothing. His circlet was also golden,
beautifully engraved with emeralds. In one word: King Thranduil was
the most stunning sight Melpomaen had ever beheld. Melpomaen couldn�t
prevent the wave of desire that rose within him. The feeling made him
feel ashamed, and he turned his head away, in hopes that the audience
would be over soon. It was in a brief moment that his silent wish was
crushed completely.
The King stepped down, and
to Mel�s horror, he started to make his way straight towards them.
�It is so good to see you
all here. It has been a very long time since Mirkwood received guests
from Imladris. I almost know each one of you, but I see that here is
someone who had never graced our realm with his presence. Would you
tell me, who is that little one who is trying to hide behind your back,
my lord Erestor?� The King said with a teasing tone.
Erestor warningly glanced back
at Mel over his shoulder, before turning to the King and introducing
him. Mel met Thranduil�s gaze with all courage he could gather, but
inwardly, he was terrified. To his surprise, the King smiled at him
fondly, allowing his gaze to wander over him. Mel blushed under his
heated eyes, feeling completely embarrassed for such an unexpected attention.
It was as if Thranduil was undressing him with his gaze, and he got
even more bewildered when he felt his body stirring. He could only stand
there, stunned, when Thranduil took his shaking hand, raising it to
his lips.
�I hope that you enjoy your
stay in my realm, little one,� the King said softly to him. Mel couldn�t
move or think; he was completely drowned in Thranduil�s closeness.
He finally gathered his wits and managed to mutter his thanks to the
King. He was relieved when Thranduil finally turned his attention to
Lord Erestor, inviting them all to dinner.
* * * *
Melpomaen was exhausted when
he was finally able to return to his room�s safety. His head reeled;
he had felt the King watching him the whole evening, making him all
the more flustered. He was ashamed of his feelings. He feared what could
happen if someone found out about his pitiful crush.
�What do I do? What can
I do? I cannot feel this way; it is such shameful behaviour, and he
is the King, for Valar�s sake! Why did it have to be him the one who
finally takes my breath away? He is completely out of my reach, this
I know. I have no other options but to bury this madness forever.�
Silently, Mel opened the door
to the garden and sat under the tree, trying to get comfort from the
beautiful nature surrounding him.
* * * *
Thranduil watched at the sleeping
elf, feeling sorry for having to wake him up. This little beauty was
even more tempting now; his beautiful features were languid and his
warm brown eyes clouded in dream. His whole being ached with the need
to take this elf into his arms and never letting go. But Thranduil knew
that he had to proceed slowly; Melpomaen was the elf who deserved to
be wooed with respect and affection.
Melpomaen woke with a start
when he felt someone touching him gently. He flinched when he saw the
King kneeled down in front of him; his beautiful eyes were smiling at
him.
�I� I�m sorry my King!
I didn�t mean� � Mel began, but the King waved for him to keep
silence.
�You don�t need to be afraid,
my little beauty. Would you come with me?� Thranduil chuckled, extending
his hand. Melpomaen didn�t dare to say no; wordless, he took the offered
had and let the King help him up. Thranduil didn�t let him go, but
turned and started to lead him trough the nightly forest.
�May I inquire, where are
we going, my King?� Melpomaen asked, after gathering his courage.
He observed the other elf, and felt him less intimidating than before.
Thranduil had changed his formal robes for a casual shirt and leggings.
The only problem was, that Mel could see Thranduil�s body even better
in this attire, and again, he felt the heat rising within him.
�Soon, you will see. I will
show you something you have never seen before. This night is perfect
for it,� Thranduil only whispered, without stopping.
When they finally stopped,
Melpomaen saw that they had arrived to the little pond, that seemed
black and bottomless under the pale moon�s light.
�So, would you come and fish
with me, little Mel? I would appreciate greatly your graceful fellowship,�
Thranduil asked with a soft voice, not wanting to break the spellbounding
moment. He could see that the young elf was bewitched by the silent
night and the forest. The fact warmed Thranduil�s heart; there were
few, who loved these nigthly moments as much as him, and who also wanted
to share them with him. Gently, he led his adorable companion
to the little boat , coaxing him to hop in. Melpomaen did as asked,
and Thranduil untied the boat, sitting on his own place in it.
Melpomaen was surprised, when
he saw Thranduil lighting a lantern and, after attaching it, he took
a spear.
�What in Arda�? Where are
our fishing rods?� Mel wondered, but the King merely smiled.
�I told you, I would show
you something. This is Mirkwood�s way to fish. Just wait and see.
And remember: you have to stay quiet,� Thranduil explained.
Melpomaen nodded; he knew full
well how to behave in a fishing- boat. He was born in Gray Havens, and
was quite familiar with fishing. He had gone fishing countless times
with his own ada, until his parents had sailed for the Aman. Melpomaen
stirred from his thoughts when he suddenly saw movement under the water.
He watched, bewitched, at Thranduil taking his spear, and at the very
next moment, saw him shoot it at the water. When the spear was pulled
up, Mel saw a big fish split by it.
�So, you see? Care to try
this yourself?� Thranduil smiled at Melpomaen.
The young elf hesitated at
first, but then his curiosity won his inner battle. He had always loved
fishing, and this time was no exception; besides, he wanted to spend
more time with the King. With Thranduil�s instructions he soon learned
how to use the spear, and their prey increased rapidly. But in his enthusiasm,
Melpomaen forgot to be careful. He drew a little bit too far, and within
seconds, he fell into the water.
* * * *
Melpomaen opened his eyes and
found Thranduil studying at him, concerned.
�Are you all right, Mel n�n?�
The King asked, and Melpomaen blushed, embarrassed.
�I am� I�m sorry, when
I�� Mel stuttered, shivering under close observation. The King was
far too close for his liking. Mel felt extremely vulnerable and defenceless.
�I see you are cold. It would
be better if I took you back to your rooms, You need to change your
clothes for something dry and comfortable,� Thranduil decided, picking
the young elf in his arms.
Mel tried to stop the tremors
that ran trough him. The King obviously assumed that he was cold, but
actually, he felt extremely hot; there were not the tremors of cold,
but rapidly growing need. What should he do? Mel knew that he would
die of embarrassment if Thranduil found out about the true reason for
his discomfort. When they were finally back in his room, Mel tried
to get rid of Thranduil, with no success.
�It is my fault you are cold;
don�t you dare to think that I will leave you like this,� the King
said, and carried Mel to the bathroom. The young elf was terrified
when he noticed Thranduil�s intention.
�Nay, saes! I don�t want
this!� Melpomaen begged. He couldn�t let Thranduil undress him,
no matter what!
�There is no reason to be
afraid, Mel n�n. You are beautiful, and have nothing to be ashamed
of,� Thranduil shushed, confused by Mel�s behavior. It was highly
uncommon, that an elf was so shy.
�But� I� I�saes, My
Lord! Don�t do this! I beg of you,� Mel breathed; his tears were
threatening to break out.
�Would you tell me why? I
can�t believe you are this shy. Or am I so repulsive that you don�t
want me to treat you�, Thranduil asked gently.
�Oh, nay! You are not repulsive!
It is just that� I��
�You�re� what? Tell me,
saes, Mel n�n. Don�t you see that I�m worried about you.�
Mel tried to think of way out
of this horrible situation, but found none. He didn�t resist anymore,
but closed his eyes while Thranduil readied a bath for him and lowered
him in the tub. The King hadn�t said anything when he had gently
undressed him, and Melpomaen was grateful for that. Was it possible,
that Thranduil was more compassionate than he had thought him to be?
The King had surely seen his arousal, but still, he didn�t tease him,
nor laughed at him.
Thranduil was at a loss. Was
it possible that this beauty didn�t consider himself attractive enough
to entice him? Did he think that he would even laugh at him? The answer
became obvious when Thranduil watched Melpomaen�s tightly closed eyes
and trembling lips. Nothing could have been further away from the truth,
and Thranduil decided to show that to his little love. He knew by now,
that he had fallen in love with this beautiful young elf at first sight,
and he hadn�t any intentions to let him go, ever. He made up his mind,
and started to undress himself. When he was totally naked, he slipped
into the tub, behind Melpomaen.
Melpomaen gasped when he suddenly
felt a strong, bare body sliding into the tub; strong arms wrapped around
him, pulling him against a firm chest.
�How could you think that
I didn�t find you attractive enough, Mel n�n? Don�t you know that
your mere presence makes my heart race? This is what you do to
me when I hold you close,� Thranduil whispered at him huskily. Mel
moaned when he felt Thranduil�s arousal pressed against his buttocks.
Gentle hands explored his face and neck, and he felt hot breath against
his ear. At the very next moment, his lips were captured into a deep
kiss.
Melpomaen was on fire. He had
never felt anything like this before; Thranduil explored and caressed
his writhing body, devouring his lips at the same time, until he was
mindless with pleasure. He had never imagined such intense need as this;
how a lover�s touch could make one�s soul sing. This was what he�d
been missing all his life, without even knowing it. Mel cried hoarsely
when he felt Thranduil�s hand wrapping around his rock- hard arousal,
starting to stroke him. Slowly but surely, he slipped away into total
abandon.
Thranduil groaned when Mel
writhed against him in the midst of his newly awakened passion. The
young elf was so tempting in his pleasure, that it almost proved his
undoing. He closed his eyes, cradling Mel�s trembling body in his
arms, silently hoping that this spellbinding moment would never end.
* * * *
Melpomaen stirred when Thranduil
rose from the tub and carried him back to the bedroom. Silently, he
wondered how this powerful elf could be so gentle, when Thranduil took
a towel and rubbed him dry. He watched at the King in awe while he dried
himself after lowering him to the bed. Thranduil was magnificent; a
perfect combination of beauty and power. Was it just a moment ago that
those hands had caressed him till completion?
His heart started to race when
Thranduil finally threw the towel away and walked towards the bed; he
was a true vision; like a big, hunting cat with a feral gleam in his
eyes.
�What� what are you going
to do now?� Mel asked; the heat was rising within him.
Thranduil smiled gently, leaning
down to kiss his cheek.
�What I�m going to do�
depends on you, Mel n�n.�
�What� do you mean?�
�If you want me to go, I
will do so. But you can be sure that I will come back later, and woo
you until you accept me. Or� I can stay and take you, first slowly
and sweetly, and then fast and hard. When we are finished, there will
be no doubts in your mind about how much I want you.�
* * * *
Melpomaen stared at Thranduil,
thinking of how this elf had made him feel precious and wanted. He pulled
Thranduil closer, kissing him with all the passion he held in his heart.
Breaking the kiss, Mel looked into those beautiful eyes that seemed
to shine only for him.
�I didn�t know it was possible
to feel like this. I want you to take me, to satisfy this hunger
you have set in me.�
Mel trembled when he saw Thranduil�s
eyes starting to flame with a hot flare of passion. A powerful body
covered his own, pinning him against the mattress and he moaned; a raging
fever was pulsing through his veins. Mel heard Thranduil whispering
endearments to him, while the king caressed his flushed body with a
fervor one starved. Hot lips nibbled his neck, sucking gently, leaving
marks of passion on the sensitive skin. Mel gasped as Thranduil moved
lower, teasingly kissing and licking his hardened nipples. He arched
and wailed helplessly, begging for more. Cries filled with passion and
pleasure escaped from his lips when his body was thoroughly caressed
and explored.
�Oh� Oh� I� need�
want,� he panted softly, opening his legs for his lover.
�What a greedy little beauty!
Soon you will have all of me,� Thranduil chuckled with a sultry voice,
smoothing his trembling thighs. Melpomaen trembled with anticipation,
when he felt a hot breath on his heated skin and then, a greedy mouth
swallowed his arousal.
�Valar! Thran� Thranduil!�
Melpomaen wailed, delirious. He could only open up; give himself to
this elf, who had shown him what pleasure truly was. He gasped when
one finger slid inside him, touching him carefully. He was trapped between
the hot mouth that still feasted upon him, and exploring fingers that
prepared and stretched him further. He trashed on the bed, begging to
be taken, presenting to Thranduil the most tempting sight he had ever
beheld. Mel panted when the fingers withdrew from his body, leaving
a strange emptiness and longing in him.
�This is your last chance
to stop me, Mel n�n. Are you sure, you want to give me this?� Thranduil
gently asked, looking into Melpomaen�s dilated eyes. He wanted to
be sure that the young elf truly wanted this as much as him.
�I�m sure, meleth n�n.
I want you to make love to me,� Melpomaen whispered; his voice was
heavy with need. He didn�t notice the endearment that had escaped
from him. Thranduil heard it anyway, and that little word brought tears
of happiness into his eyes.
�I will love you, Mel n�n.
I will make you mine,� Thranduil said softly, capturing Melpomaen�s
lips into a heated kiss. He could feel a moan rippling against his mouth
when he finally began to thrust in. Slowly, gently he continued, until
he was buried into the hilt. Panting, Thranduil studied Melpomaen�s
face carefully and he was relieved when he didn�t find any signs of
pain on it. After a moment, Melpomaen�s eyes fluttered open and Thranduil
gasped, when he saw the first glimpse of ecstasy in them.
�Are you all right, Mel n�n?�
Thranduil still asked. He needed to be careful and gentle, so that Melpomaen�s
first time would be everything he had hoped for.
�You� you feel� heavenly,�
Mel managed to say. His whole being ached and pulsed, but the pain was
so sweet, that Mel wanted it continue forever. Thranduil�s first,
tentative movements made him see stars and soon he was meeting his lover�s
thrusts with equal fervor. A wild flood of sensations washed over the
young elf, pushing him towards ecstasy. Trembling and moaning Thranduil�s
name he finally found his release and fell into mindless oblivion.
* * * *
Melpomaen was completely exhausted.
He laid in Thranduil�s arms, with his face buried into his lover�s
golden hair. A strong hand caressed Melpomaen�s back and buttocks,
and sweet soreness still pulsed in him. Their lovemaking had been beyond
his wildest dreams, but still� Mel felt a strange emptiness inside
him. He couldn�t meet Thranduil�s gaze nor could he say anything
to him.
Melt couldn�t stop thinking
that he had given up each one of principles, by letting Thranduil take
his virginity. Hadn�t he thought that it would be his most precious
gift to the one he loved? Thranduil hadn�t said anything about his
feelings; only that he wanted to bed him. Was this only a one-night-stand
then? The mere thought brought tears to his eyes.
Thranduil began to worry when
Melpomaen laid still, as if he wanted to hide from him. What was he
thinking right now? Was it possible that he was already regretting their
lovemaking?
�Are you all right, Mel n�n?
I hope I didn�t hurt you�, Thranduil finally whispered, hoping to
find out what was wrong. Melpomaen still didn�t say anything, but
raised his head slowly. Thranduil started, when he saw tears shimmering
in those beautiful, dark eyes:
�Oh, meleth n�n! Why you
didn�t tell me that you were hurt? Tell me what is wrong, saes. I
love you so much, and I can�t bear the thought of having brought you
pain,� Thranduil said with his heart aching. He wanted to do
something, anything, to take away that pain from Melpomaen�s eyes.
�I just� I will be all
right. If you want to go now, I understand,� Mel whispered shakily.
He didn�t want to withhold Thranduil, if the King wanted to leave
him now he was free to do so. He could full well hide away his broken
heart and mend it later when he could be alone. He didn�t blame Thranduil
for taking what was so eagerly offered to him. Hadn�t he asked for
this himself? Hadn�t he begged Thranduil to stay and take him?
Thranduil stared at the young
elf, stunned. Did Melpomaen really believe him so calloused as to leave
him after what they had shared together? Thranduil knew that he would
never forget how this adorable, innocent creature had stirred in his
arms and had found his first taste of love and rapture. The mere thought
of it brought tears of emotion to his eyes.
�Would you listen to me,
Mel n�n? I want to tell you something,� Thranduil finally said. He
had to try, and assure Melpomaen he loved him.
�What is it? I�ll listen,�
Mel whispered, trying to ready himself for rejection.
�My heart was captivated
the very first time I laid eyes on you. You were so beautiful, so tempting,
that I knew my life would never be the same again. I know I took you
by surprise, but not even a whole lifetime with you will be long enough.
Would you let me love you like that, meleth n�n? Would you make me
the happiest elf in all Arda, and bind with me?� Thranduil asked.
He saw how different emotions changed Melpomaens� beautiful face,
until his words finally sank in.
�Oh, Thranduil! Do you�
you really want me? I love you, but I thought�� the young elf stuttered;
a shy smile slowly appeared on his face.
Thranduil kissed his love,
until they both were panting.
�I �really� love you,
Mel n�n. How could you think that I could abandon you after you had
given me everything? We shared together something of such beauty that
I could weep out of sheer joy, meleth n�n. Don�t you want that for
us, for the rest of our lives?�
Finally, Melpomaen believed
that Thranduil really loved him. He could see it when he looked into
Thranduil�s beautiful eyes that shone for him, full of love and devotion.
He could feel it in Thranduil�s hands, that still touched him ever
so lovingly.
�I want to bind with you,
meleth n�n. I want to be in your arms forever,� Mel said happily,
his whole being shivering with emotions. He relaxed, enjoying the intimate
embrace they shared and smiled when he felt a gentle kiss on his brow.
Melpomaen had never felt so warm and happy before, and he knew that
this was where he belonged: in Thranduil�s arms, forever.
�I�m glad to hear that,
Mel n�n. But I want you to promise me something.�
�And what is it?�
A wicked smile appeared on
Thranduil�s face when he whispered to his lover�s ear:
�Promise me that you will
never go to swim naked again, when you are alone.�
The End