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Chapter 10- Another Year Older

Gandalf's P.O.V

The road goes ever on and on…as the song sang. I hummed the tune in my head as a distraction from the weariness that threatened to overwhelm me. Putting one tired foot in front of the other, I followed the magical trace as one would a winding road through the wood. I could almost see it, the sparkling trail of conjured light glowing bright in the mid-afternoon sun, drawing me closer to what I hoped would be an end to my journey. Many miles have I travelled, over land and sea. Many things have I seen, some familiar others most foreign to me. I have crossed over tall mountain peaks only to descend into endless plains. I have traversed the scorching deserts to then find bitter solace in the sweltering jungles of the Amazon. From there I gained passage across the great ocean named Pacific into the lands of Asia. I skipped from island to island before reaching solid land again. I wandered through India into the arid climate of the Middle East up into the bitter cold of Russia before voyaging through the North sea.

After stepping off into a land called England I felt it. Not to say that magic did not exist in other places of this extraordinary world, but it was strange… unfamiliar to me. I still remember the rush of awareness…closeness even as it embraced me like a mother's arms would her lost son. I felt it tug me along and step by step I followed it through many realms. From England to Germany, Germany to France, the magic pulled me further south. Where would it bring me next, I wondered. Over my travels, I had acquired many tomes filled with knowledge and maps of this new world. From these I learned that I had crossed over the Italian border through a mountain range called the Alps. For many days I climbed those high peaks until I could descend into civilization and from there I traversed even further south until arriving in the region named Tuscany. Here I could feel the magic pulse wildly and I wondered if I were foolishly daring to hope. Filled with excitement I did not risk stopping to rest even as my old rattled body cried out for repose. After a full days trek, I arrived in a small wood surrounding a large house sitting near a cliff. Taking a breath, I let the smell of salt fill my nose. The gulls flew over head and the soft crashing of waves filled my ears. I was near the sea. I wondered if this was where the prince had been all along. If so, would he not be tormented by its call? The song of the sea pulled at the heartstrings of the elves, filling them with longing for the halls of the Eldar. Would his Silvan heritage spare him thus or have I travelled all this way only to return with a sea-stricken elf? My only hope was that, I was not too late.

Hidden in the trees, I pondered over what I would do if in fact the call of the sea had taken Legolas. Long I thought before my contemplation was severed by a lilt male voice beyond the trees. It was clear and pure and was unique. It was Elvish. Peering around the boughs, I saw him, resplendent as I remembered if not more. There he was, the lost Prince of the Greenwood, Legolas Thrandulian, alive and well. It could have been eons for how long I watched in bewilderment. Had my long journey really come to its end? As much as I enjoyed a good adventure every now and then, my heart filled with joy at the prospect of returning to Middle Earth. Ready to take the next step I went to make my presence known when suddenly I heard the happy cry of a young child.

"Ada!"

My brow shot up into my graying hair as the prince awaited the child on bended knee with open arms and a wide smile. Once the child was near he sat him upon his knee and tickled the boy, whose giddiness filled the wood. I took a step back. Legolas of the Greenwood…a father? Had the prince taken a bride upon arriving? I observed the child as closely as I could. He was no elfling but he had to have seen at least two winters. Unless time moved differently here, it would have been impossible for Legolas and his bride to conceive and birth a child in his short time here. Looking further, the child bore no resemblance to the elf he called father. His unruly red curls were nothing akin to the straight flaxen hair the prince was born to. Not even the blue of his eyes matched that of the elf.

Silent and still I remained as I watched them play in the garden for many an hour when a woman with vibrant auburn curls slipped silently thought the back door of the house. She smiled curiously at the males with her arms comfortably crossed in front of her. It was no wonder that the prince was taken with her. She was tall for a female, with an attractive shape and flawless skin. Her emerald eyes stood out like gems against her pale tone and red tresses. She was a sight to behold.

"Mamma!" the boy cried once again, drawing attention to her.

Her smile grew as her lover and child went to greet her. She efficiently balanced the boy on her hip as his majesty curved his arm around her waist and bestowed a chaste kiss to her cheek. They chattered for a moment before she indicated to the house with a nod of her head and placed the child on the ground just in time for him the race through the open door. I felt much the voyeur as I watched the lovers embrace freely now that young eyes were otherwise occupied and turned away as silently as I came.

Once I was far enough away from the home, I allowed my old bones to rest on a fallen log. Letting out a long sigh, I thought about how I could proceed. What was to say that his majesty would even listen to me? He was obviously happy…but he did not belong here. On my travels throughout this strange new world, I found neither elves nor dwarves nor any other race native to Arda. No…this land was home to men and beasts. There was no place here for the Elvish prince, he would have to return. I decided that I would take whatever measures to ensure that he did. However there was still one more obstacle before me. Even if I could convince Legolas Greenleaf to return how would I accomplish the task? I would wait to confront the prince until I had a plan, deciding it wise. Until then I would observe just to see how attached the elf was to his mortal family.

Cora's P.O.V

"Mmh," I sighed at the soft brush of lips against the curve of my shoulder. The pleasant prodding began to rouse me as I squinted at the morning light filtering through the window. Closing my eyes again I let myself enjoy the treatment of my lover as he attempted to wake me. I figured if I stayed still he wouldn't realize that I was already awake. The lips, that had now moved to my neck, became more insistent making silence difficult. I bit my lip to keep another sigh from escaping.

"You were dreaming again, meleth-nin," his morning voice murmured through his kisses.

He was right, I had been dreaming again. As if our frequent love-making wasn't enough my nights were filled with his touch even in my dreams. I had always been told I was a verbal sleeper and where in the past it was embarrassing now I found it torturous. The Elf in question reveled in using my dream-ridden slumber as fuel for his lust and would take any opportunity to coax my fantasies from me. I once teased him that given his age his performance was remarkable. I had paid very dearly for that comment, I recalled with a grin.

"AI!" I squealed as he nipped at my neck, pulling me from my reverie. I whined with false irritation, "Legolas! Knock it off."

His hands came out to play as he pulled my back flush against his chest before caressing the soft skin of my belly. His hot breath against my ear sent shivers down my spine as he playfully whispered, "I only wish to share in your delight, Cora. You seemed to be having much fun without me."

"Poor Baby, are you jealous?" I replied flirtatiously.

"Should I be?"

My grin spread across my face, "Maybe"

In a split second I found myself on my back, my eyes now wide open in mild surprise. My lover hovered over me his beautiful hair flowing over his bare shoulders. With my hands pinned beside my head, he playfully asserted himself, "Who is this dream lover of yours? You must tell me."

Feeling quite playful myself I answered, "Why? So you can take pointers?"

His brow raised in question before he attacked me, "Pointers, she says! I'll show her."

His hands and kisses tickled me and I shrieked with laughter as I tried to push him off, "Legolas! Stop!"

He kissed me deeply and I moaned in response to the pleasure I felt as his body pressed against mine. He rained kisses down my neck before sliding down my body to tease my breasts with his tongue. My breath caught in my chest as he continued his path south. Between kisses, bites and flickers of tongue he asked, "Do you still bid me to stop, woman?"

Unable to respond verbally, I shook my head and used my now free hand to gently push his golden head further down. I could feel his smug grin on my hip, "So insistent, meleth-nin. Do you still believe I need instruction?"

He took his first taste of me and I gasped at his expertise and that's when I heard it.

"Ada? Mamma?"

Throwing an arm over my face, I fought to ignore the cries and focus on the pleasure I was feeling. Legolas had paid no attention to the call as he diligently worked between my legs. He would be fine, we only needed ten more minutes, I thought as a jolt sinfully ran through me. Relaxing into the pillows, I allowed my fingers to brush against the elf's sensitive ears, earning me a sharp nip in warning.

"Mamma! ADA!"

There it was again, stronger and persistent. This time even Legolas paused in his ministrations and caught my eye waiting to see if I would ignore the plea or not. Before I had the time to tell him to go back work, a shrill shriek rang through the house and I grimaced as Legolas covered his ears in pain. We both groaned in displeasure at the lost moment. Shifting I moved to get up when I felt a firm hand hold me down. Looking up at him, I found him already out of bed, "I shall go. Rest, my love, perhaps I can coax him to sleep again."

Relenting I enjoyed the view of him gracefully pulling his pants over his slim hips and blew him a kiss as he walked out the door. I heard him slip into the bathroom for a moment, no doubt to wash up a bit, before moving into Alistair's room. I could hear the happy babbling he made at the sight of his Ada and smiled.

Leisurely I sat up against the headboard, wrapping the sheets around me to take off the slight chill in the air. Propped against the pillows, I listened to my two men moving about the house. Well, so much for getting him to go back to sleep, I thought half-reluctant. I got up to throw on a shirt, one of Legolas' button downs, and a pair of shorts before returning to my upright position in bed. Five more minutes, I thought, then I'll get up.

Outside my window, I could see today was going to be a another sunny one and smiled. Happy Birthday to me, I mused. It was a good day to be twenty six, as good as any I guessed. I sat there quietly in a bed enjoying the few moments of peace and smiled at all the things that had come in this year. Last October I celebrated my first birthday with Legolas, who spared no expense at ensuring my happiness. In December, Elisa and Francesco gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Ginevra, and named us godparents. Now almost a year old, the little baby was an adorable little heartbreaker who had all the men in our mismatched family wrapped round her finger.

My own little boy now three had grown so close to his step-father that they were near on inseparable. I found it heartwarming to see my son toddling after Legolas like a little duck and Legolas only beamed with pride when Al would call him Ada. I couldn't help but smile at how we have settled in as a family and though I still missed Marco and wondered what kind of family man he would have been, I knew those days were gone. Yet knowing this there was still one thing I just could not do. Although I knew it with every beat of my heart, I could not tell Legolas I loved him. I had been trying for a while now, but no matter how hard I tried to find the right way to tell him the words just wouldn't come. I frowned at the frustration I felt simmering within me. Why couldn't I just do it? What was I afraid of? I was so caught up in my pondering that I was startled by the creak of the bedroom door opening.

The sight before me brought a smile to my face. In came Legolas with Alistair on his hip and a breakfast tray in his free hand, laden with my morning brew and a blueberry muffin with a lit candle in it. All the while they sang me happy birthday, Legolas' soft tones clashing horribly with Alistair's shouting.

"Happy Birthday, Dear Mamma. Happy Birthday to you!" their chorus finished off and Alistair hopped down onto the bed and into my arms.

I hugged my baby tight and asked, "Was this your idea, Mister?"

His curls bounced around his face as he nodded, "Mm-hmm, all mine…but Ada helped."

"Did he now?" I questioned with a grin, looking up at the elf in question. He stood patiently with a serene smile, "Well, I can't say no to such great treatment."

Setting my son next to me, I let Legolas place the tray in over my lap. As he leaned down, he paused leaning his forehead against mine, "Happy Birthday, Cora."

I rewarded him with a kiss albeit a short one as the little boy next to me protested, "Ew! Mamma, Ada! Stop it!"

Legolas came round to sit on his side of the bed only to take the said protestor in his arms and tickle him mercilessly. Alistair squealed in delight as Legolas reasoned with the little monster, "One day you will not find kissing ladies so abominable, ion-nin. In fact, I believe you'll enjoy it."

"Legolas," I chided playfully as Alistair escaped from his tormenter and snuggled into my side, "don't say such things. We know that Alistair will only ever love his mommy. Isn't that right, baby?"

The little twerp nodded while grinning evilly at his step father, who chuckled in response, "We shall see about that."

Sipping at our coffees, we enjoyed our breakfast in bed and before long I was caressing the soft curls of a sleeping little boy cuddling into my side. I smiled at him while resting my own head on Legolas' shoulder.

"What are you thinking of, Cora?" he murmured into my hair after one particular sigh.

I smiled at my wistfulness replying, "Just wishing he would stay like this forever. Little and precious. Just like this."

We looked at each other and his fingers came up to trace my jaw, "You know that cannot be. He will grow tall and into a fine man but you will always be his mother. Sons do not forget their mothers."

"Not even when their old and grey?" I pondered darkly, "And what about immortal lovers?"

His brow quirked up in silent question and I answered, "What will you think of me when I'm wrinkled and weathered? How will you see me when I'm soft instead of fit and firm? Will you still want me then?"

His hand cupped my cheek pulling me into a soft kiss filled with love and tenderness. My heart nearly exploded from it all. When he pulled away just enough to affectionately rub his nose against mine he said, "Cora… I love you not for the body you were born to. Although I am quite fond of it, my love for you lies with your heart, your mind, your soul. No matter our outward appearances, I will love you for who you are."

Fighting back tears, I felt those three words lingering on my tongue. Yet still I was unable to speak them, even now as my heart filled with warmth. So I kissed him softly and deeply all the while screaming in my mind, I love you, Legolas. When we separated I looked into his eyes and willed for him to have heard me and the way he smiled back told me that maybe… just maybe he had.

Gandalf P.O.V

Here I sat on my perch on the edge of the woods and the household garden waiting and watching. Eight turns of sun and moon had passed as I pondered the answer to how I would return the prince to Arda. My observations troubled me. Legolas Greenleaf was obviously in love and devoted to the woman and child. I found myself torn between my promise to the King and my own feelings on the matter. Were it only of my own desires, I would leave him here to his happiness but I knew I could not go without an attempt at convincing the prince.

The last night in my slumber, I received a calling from the Valar. A vision of a ship crafted from crude wood and metal, drifting through veils of magic on the sea. At the bow stood the prince, torn with a choice. Return to Arda and fight the call of the undying lands or give in and join the Eldar in the peace of Valinor. Should I convince Legolas to return, this will be my task as trying it will be.

So here I sat, watching the festivities take place in the garden as they celebrated the woman's birthday. I came to know her name was Cora, as the neighbors were not of the quiet sort. Silently I observed her holding her son on her lap as she blew out the candles. Legolas stood proud behind her, his hands upon her shoulders and I felt a pane of guilt tear at my heart knowing that I must try to separate them.

Tonight, I will give them tonight, I resolved.

Legolas' P.O.V

"Though her words are simple and few…listen, listen, she's calling to you…"

I stood in the door watching Cora sing our son to sleep. A smile on my lips as he curled up in bed. Cora slowly got to her feet and finished the song as she backed her way to the door. When she came close, I reached out and wrapped my arms around her relishing in her warmth as she leaned into my chest. Silently we stood looking at the little boy being taken deep into sleep. I could not help but wonder at the possibility of another child sharing this room. One with our combined features, an elleth perhaps with blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. I allowed myself to dream as I dropped a soft kiss onto my mate's neck.

By the Valar, I must bind myself to her, I thought vehemently. How I desired to call her wife and to hear her name me husband. Every time she held little Ginevra in her arms, I felt myself swell with need to see her holding our own child.

Filled with desire, I softly pulled her into the corridor and led her towards our bed chamber all the while listening to her soft sighs as I covered her neck and lips with kisses. Once in the room with the door shut, we began to pull at our garments needing to feel skin against skin. She moaned into my mouth when I filled my hands with her breasts, palming them. I growled as she scraped her teeth across my own nipples before being pushed on the bed. Soon we were completely bare before each other. My woman perched over me, ready to take me into her. My hands went to her hips to firmly guide her down and we cried out at the feel of our bodies merging as one. I watched hungrily as she rode her own pleasure through me. My eyes raked down her sweat glistened body, as I imagined her breasts fuller, her belly protruding, carrying new life. I knew these were dangerous thoughts and tried to veer from them and then she came down hard and I felt my own elfhood swell deep inside her. I couldn't fight it. She was mine; mine to take. And take her I did.

In a moment I had her on her back beneath me as I burrowed myself further inside her with every thrust. She bit her lip, fighting her moans and cries as I took her body to new heights. I felt my own climax mounting and came down to lay my body over hers. My lips at her ear, I whispered my love and need for her in my own tongue. I murmured my desires and dreams. I groaned out hervess-nin in her ear, naming her wife and smiled as she moaned in response. Before long she was clinging to me crying out her release and only then as I felt her walls flutter around me did I allow my own. I forced myself deep inside her and stayed there groaning loudly as I filled her womb. I felt sated and rolled onto my back keeping us connected even when she tried to move away.

"Stay," I commanded not wanting to let her go just yet.

She obeyed laying her head on my chest. I ran my fingers up and down her spine as I pondered what I had just done. I knew that I should not have given in to my base desires but I consoled myself knowing that human female bodies were not always receptive to their mates. Although part of me dared to hope the more rational part knew that this was a topic to be discussed before taking such a step. Comforted, I drifted off to sleep and in my exhaustion I failed to notice the spark of life that began to form within her.

Hello Everyone! Yes, I'm still here! I am very sorry for the lack of posting and I have excuse other than real life and lack of motivation. While I have no intentions of abandoning this story, I honestly have not been inspired to write in the past months. This chapter itself took 4 months to get on paper and another two to be typed and edited. As I am not fully satisfied with it I would appreciated any constructive criticism you can offer, so please review and let me know what you think.

Lots of love to all my readers out there - Celbereth