I've been a longtime stalker and have decided to finally try my hand at writting LotR. CONSTRUCTIVE critism is encouraged but flames will be laughed at and deleted ;)

Summary: While still under the fosterage of Lord Elrond, Estel visits a travelling market and while he is there makes the acquaintance of a mysterious elven slave. A/L, MPREG, SLAVERY.

Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be.

Warnings: THIS STORY WILL CONTAIN SLASH, MPREG AND SLAVERY (fun, fun, fun!). If my capital letters haven't given you sufficent warning then nothing will. Also, I'm not forcing you to read this so if you're going to lecture me in a review about how evil homosexuality is or about male anatomy then you might as well hit backspace right now. I'm currently sitting on a solid A for Biology and English so I know that ONE: in real life males can't have babies and TWO: fanfiction = fans, writing FICTION about the books.

I have altered the timeline and cannon slightly. In this story, Aragorn didn't leave Rivendell until he was twenty-five.

The inspiration for this story comes from the movie Stardust. You may notice some parts that are very similar but I am once again disclaiming :)

That everything? Are we all clear? Okay, onto the story:

Estel strode through the colourful tents and stalls. The market was very busy this day and he was forced to push his way through the crowd, roughly shoving people out of the way. He wasn't in a hurry, by any means, as his foster father had given him leave to spend as much time as he wished at the travelling market. It was staying in a position just outside of Rivendell for one week only, plenty of time for Estel to purchase the new boots he needed and some healing supplies for Elrond.

The atmosphere of the market was stifling, the men loud and rude and the smell horrendous. Estel could not imagine living the life these people led. These people all travelled together in this unpleasant environment. He was well use to Rivendell and its quiet, peaceful elven inhabitants, having spent nineteen of his twenty-one years of life there.

He was hurrying down the streets in an attempt to find a stall that would sell what he needed when suddenly a soft, sweet melody filled the air. Estel listened to the song and found that it was an old elvish lullaby he'd been taught growing up in Rivendell. Wondering at who could possibly be singing such a thing in a place like this, Estel turned towards the sound, gasping at what he saw.

An elf. An elf here, in a human travelling market. The elf had a needle and thread and was patching up a long rip in the faded, crumpled brown tunic spread across his lap.

He was sitting on the small ledge at the back of a large, grey wagon. Dressed only in a dirty undershirt and a pair of tattered green leggings, Estel thought he was the most beautiful elf he'd ever seen.

His voice was soft as he sung the lullaby. Estel found himself captivated by the elf, as he pushed his long, blond hair back when it fell in front of his eyes. High cheek bones and dark eyelashes were accentuated by pale, marble skin.

Estel could see an angry, half-healed cut decorating the skin from the elf's left eye to his leaf-shaped ear. He couldn't imagine where he must've received an injury to that extent.

To Estel's surprise, the elf seemed to sense his gaze and looked up from his darning. Azure eyes pierced grey ones for a moment, then the elf's lips quirked slightly in a hint of a smile as he continued singing softly.

Estel finished the finally line of the lullaby as he stepped up to the stall as he did so. "It has been long since I have sung that song, Master Elf."

"You know it well," the elf said in a lilting voice. His face split into a warm smile.

"Indeed I do," Estel replied, grinning himself.

The elf looked back to the tunic he was mending. "How can I help you, good sir, on this fine evening?"

"Well, I-'' It was only then that Estel realized he had no reason for approaching the elf.

"Yes?"

He glanced around that the merchandise the stall sold. "I need a new shirt."

The elf put down the tunic and slid from his perch on the back of the wagon. "Well, I think I can arrange that, sir. What would you prefer?"

Estel's eyes were drawn to the elf's for inspiration. "I'd like a blue shirt, please."

The elf nodded and went to the closest rack of shirts, pursing his lips in thought before making a selection. "Something like this, sir?" he said, holding out a nightshirt that was four different shades of blue and had large ruffles for the sleeves.

"No, not quite what I was after," Estel choked out.

"I see," the elf said with a nod. Reaching into the rack again, he pulled out another. This one was the colour of the sea and would have come to mid thigh if Estel were to put it on. And it was made of what looked to be a mixture of silk and fleece. "More of this like, perhaps," the elf asked, raising his eyebrows in mock-seriousness.

Estel began to laugh. "I don't think so, no."

"They are really quite hideous, aren't they?" the elf commented, holding them from his body and surveying them.

"No, no, of course not. They are lovely, really."

The elf chuckled. "Do not worry about offending me, good sir." He threw them over the top of the rack and used one hand to lean on a table. "I will never understand why Braeon even tries to sell these clothes. I believe there is no one in their right mind who would buy them."

"Indeed, you are right," Estel agreed with a laugh. This elf was amiable and he found himself surprisingly taken with him. "So what is a beautiful, charming elf like yourself doing in a place like this?" The elf blushed slightly and looked away. Confused, Estel used his hand to turn the elf's chin and force him to look him. He peered deeply into the bright blue eyes and, for a split second, saw a childish desperation for home that puzzled him to no end.

Suddenly, a harsh voice broke the moment. "What do you want?" The elf gasped and hurried away from Estel, eyes on the ground. A large hand grabbed onto his thin wrist and pulled the elf behind a huge body. "I said, what do you want?" Estel stared at the man, who was taller than him and slightly brawnier, and thought hard for an answer.

"I was just-"

The huge man cut off his rebuts with a growl and loomed over him. "You stay away from him, you hear me?"

"Of course, I just wanted to take a look at your merchandise," Estel replied, desperate to dissipate the man's anger and continue talking with the elf.

The man glared at him once more then pulled the elf out from behind him. "Be certain this man gets what he desires. I'm going for dinner and some entertainment. I expect everything to be packed up by the time I get back." The elf nodded at the floor and the man stormed off down the street. Estel thought that he must have been a very close friend to the elf to be that over-protective of him.

The elf craned his neck to watch until the man disappeared around a corner before turning back towards Estel. Placing his hands on his astonishingly slender hips, he frowned slightly. "Just having a look? Here I was, under the delusion you actually wished to purchase one of these fine articles." He gestured towards the clothing around him. Estel could see that the elf was fighting to remain serious and took up the charade also.

"I do so wish to be the laughing stock of my group," he replied as sincerely as possible, laughing on the inside at the elf's quick wit. "Do you have anything that isn't positively garish?"

"You would be hard-pressed to find an item of clothing that is worth purchasing, but perhaps I can interest you in a pretty necklace or pendent?" The elf disappeared for a moment underneath the table and came up with a large wooden box in his hands. Balancing it on one hand, he gestured to Estel to place it on the table then disappeared again to bring up another. Once the second was settled next to its pair, the elf lifted the lids to reveal rows of beautifully made jewellery. Finely interwoven bracelets and delicate earrings shone in the dim lighting. Stunning brooches and necklaces rested upon the red silk.

"They are exquisite," Estel exclaimed. "Where do they come from?"

The elf lent nonchalantly on the table, chin in his hands. "Braeon has two daughters. One believes she has a way with silk and thread, and you can see the outcome." He gestured with one hand at the revolting shirts and dresses around him and used the other to support his head on the ball of his hand.

"She creates very," Estel searched for the word, "urm, interesting items?"

The elf laughed. "Not the first word that comes to my mind, but it is indeed what she thinks. Braeon's second daughter, on the other hand, is truly gifted in the art of jewellery making."

Estel peered at the pieces before him. "I can see that. But they mustn't come cheap."

"They cost a pretty penny, yes." The elf pointed with one bony finger to a thin chain with a small pendent. "Seven pieces of gold just for this bracelet."

Estel whistled appreciatively. "That is a little out of my price range." The elf gave him what Estel could only describe as an impish grin. He found himself enchanted by this strange elf and couldn't stop his next words coming from his mouth. "But what about the pleasure of your company? How much would that cost?" he asked jokingly to hide his nervousness.

"Braeon doesn't like to share, so I suggest you do not bother even asking," the elf said harshly, pushing away from the table and turning away.

"I was joking," Estel exclaimed, brow furrowing in surprise. Were the human and the elf lovers? "I just wanted to invite you for supper. What do you say?"

The elf turned slowly back to him and gave a shy smile. "Are you asking me out, my good sir -?"

"Estel," Estel put in, realising he hadn't given a name yet, "and yes, I am. What say you?" He reached to brush the elf's cheek gently.

The elf was blushing now. "I am very flattered, Estel, but I cannot leave the wagon. Thank you anyway."

Estel frowned, wondering if the elf was trying to turn him down gently. "I am sure your friend wouldn't object terribly to your leaving for a short time," he protested.

Another timid smile graced the elf's lips. "Thank you, but I cannot." Estel found himself smiling anyway, even though he had just been rejected. "So, do you see anything you desire?" the elf continued, his hands on his hips as he met the human's gaze confidently.

"Yes, I do," Estel said honestly, his eyes on the elf's beautiful face. He eventually gestured to a chunky silver ring with a gold inlay, the first piece to catch his attention. "How much for that one?"

"Trust me, adan," the elf said, with a coy smile, "you don't want that piece. It will not suit you." He picked up a necklace and held it out to Estel, the pendant lying in the palm of his slender hand. "Buy this one instead."

Estel touched the necklace, running his weather-beaten fingers over the pendent and lightly grazing the elf's soft skin. It was a thin silver chain with a beautifully carved silver leaf at the bottom. "It is beautiful," he said honestly. "But what does it cost?"

"This one … costs a kiss," the elf replied seriously. He undid the clasp and placed it around Estel's neck. Estel held his breath as the elf leaned close to him, his lips dangerously near to Estel's. He could feel the soft hair brush his lapel and tickle the bare skin of his chest, and smell the sweet scent. The elf lingered for a moment then finally did the clasp up. He pulled back and tapped the side of his cheek. "Come on, then."

Estel leaned forward to give him a chaste kiss but the elf turned his head swiftly and captured the human's lips with his. They kissed fervently for several moments until the elf broke away from him. His eyes were sparkling and his cheeks were flushed.

"Would you come with me?" the elf asked, holding out his hand. Estel nodded wordlessly and took it, allowing the elf to lead him towards the wagon. He stopped short in shock when he noticed that the elf's feet were bare and that a cuff was around his slight ankle. His eyes followed the thin chain of mithril that was attached to it and realised it was fastened to a loop on the wagon. It was the type of thing worn by slaves. "What is that?"

The elf turned back and followed his line of sight. "You misunderstood me early when I said I could not have supper with you. I am not free to leave," he said wryly.

"You are a … a slave?"

The elf licked his lips. "Does it make a difference to you?"

"No. Is there anyway I can liberate you?" Estel asked honestly.

"The only way I will be free is if my master dies or decides to give me up. That will not happen," the elf said, with a small, sad smile. "Sorry."

"Well, if I cannot liberate you, what do you want of me?" Estel asked. The elf gestured with his head towards the wagon.

"Are you coming?" he asked slyly.

"Y-yes," Estel managed to choke out. The elf pushed him into the space and shut the caravan doors behind him. Estel's eyes strained against the darkness. He heard the elf move then a match spluttered to life and the elf lit a candle.

"You have lain with a male before, haven't you?" The elf asked in a husky voice. Estel nodded once. "Very well."

The elf dragged the human towards a sofa by the lapels of his coat. He lay back, pulling the human down on top of him. Estel kissed his neck hungrily as skilled fingers found his buttons and began to divest him of his coat. Estel shrugged out of it then pulled his shirt off quickly, throwing it on the floor, along with his scabbard and sword. The elf eyed his chest appreciatively then kissed him on the lips again. With gentle touches, Estel ran his hands under the elf's shirt and pulled the flimsy material over the elf's head.

The elf reached back over his head and scrabbled with the handle of the small chest of drawers beside the sofa. He managed to grasp a bottle of oil as Estel slid his leggings off and stripped away his own trousers.

"Here," he said breathlessly, "it will ease your passing."

Estel trailed his lips tenderly over the elf's neck, up his jaw and to his lips, then behind his pointed ear as he carefully prepared him. The elf moaned, his eyes closing in ecstasy. Once he was ready, the elf wrapped his long, strong legs around the human's waist.

Gently and slowly, Estel pushed in. The elf's back arched and he cried out. "Ai, elbereth!" Estel trailed his hands over the elf's body, moving his hips sensually.

They moved together, slowly at first, until both reached breaking point. Almost simultaneously, they cried out in release. Estel collapsed onto the elf. He brushing the silky blond hair from the fair face then tenderly claimed his lips.

"That was … amazing," Estel groaned breathlessly as he pulled out and rolled over to lay beside the elf on the small sofa. The elf smiled sweetly at him. He trailed his fingertips of the short stubble that covered Estel's chin.

"Thank you," he whispered. "I have not had someone make love to me in such a long time."

"I am honoured that I could give you this pleasure," Estel said sincerely. "Perhaps I could come back tomorrow?"

"The market leaves tomorrow," the elf replied sadly. "I'm sorry. But, and I don't mean to assume anything by saying this, but maybe you could seek me out next time we come this way? It will be less than a year that we will return."

"I shall count down the days." They lay together in silence for quiet a long time, until eventually Estel sat up. "I have to go. My father would have expected me home quite a while ago."

"Of course," the elf agreed. He sat up too, wrapping his arms around his naked legs. "I am sorry to have kept you."

Estel grinned as he pulled up his trousers. "There is no way I would rather have spent it," he said honestly. "In the company of a beautiful, charming elf - What more could I ask?"

-

Estel returned to Rivendell, never speaking to anyone about his foray at the marketplace with an unknown elven slave. First, he had been convinced it had simply been a dream, until he'd found that the necklace he had been given was very real. Then, he had been unwilling to speak of his experience to Elrond, who would surely disapprove of him bedding an elf slave, despite the fact that it was the elf that had initiated, encouraged and enjoyed it. Also, they were no accounts from other elves that Estel had spoken to of an elven slave in the travelling market, leading him to believe that he would be ignored or ridiculed if he were to say such a thing. Estel supposed that the elf's master must have successfully hidden him away whenever he received word that elves were coming to the market.

Regardless of his reluctance to reveal that an elf was being kept captive by humans, Estel vowed that the next time the market was near Rivendell he would find the elf again and try his hardest to liberate him.

So now he found himself, ten months later, combing the market place for the long blond hair and fair face or the grey wagon. Eventually, he laid eyes on the wagon. He rushed up to the bulky man tending the stall, the elf's master, Braeon.

"Good evening, sir," he said respectfully. Braeon grunted in reply. "I was looking for the elven slave that was tending this stall last time you passed this way." He glanced furtively into the wagon, finding no sign of the elf.

"What business have you got wit' him?" Braeon said. His interest was piqued and he frowned at Estel suspiciously.

"I – We spoke last time I was here and I wanted to see him again," Estel replied, stuttering. Braeon hefted himself to his feet and bore down on Estel.

"You be the one that whore lay under, eh?" he growled loudly. The hustle and bustle occurring around them halted and all eyes turned to the pair. "He's not satisfied and so he puts out for any man he comes across?"

"That's a lie," Estel replied, his voice rising.

"Or did you force him, hmm?" Braeon yelled, spittle flying from his mouth. "Liked to see the hapless whore struggling beneath you, did you? Thought you'd stake claim on something that was mine?"

"No!" Estel yelled. The irate man clenched his jaw shut and cocked his head, seemingly waiting for Estel to explain himself. "I simply wanted to … thank the elf for … helping me choose a perfect piece of jewellery for … the maiden of my desires. It was a wonderful gift."

Braeon grunted. "That right, boy? Well then, you need not search out my slave to thank him. He was just doing his duty."

"No, no, sir," Estel hastened to say. He thought quickly. "I feel in debt to him for now the maiden I was wooing has agreed for us to be married."

"Well, the elf idn't here," Braeon eventually said. "He's been … taken ill and rather than risk loosing business while waiting on the side of some road for him to become well again, I left him with one of the healing women while I travelled here. Paid her a hefty sum to give up her stall for several days while she tended him too, I might add."

"When will he be getting back?" Estel asked desperately.

"Well, we move on tomorrow so the elf and the woman shall have to keep moving if they wish to catch up with us."

"Thank you," Estel said, not at all meaning it. The man was cruel and despicable.

Estel turned dejectedly and left the market, returning to Rivendell. How he had been looking forward to finally meeting the elven slave again, and now it appeared he would have to wait at least another ten months.

The next morning, though, Estel was woken by a young servant woman knocking franticly on his door.

"Yes?" Estel asked, rubbing his eyes wearily. She was clutching a covered basket in her hands.

"My lord, this was brought to the gates by a young woman. She told us to give it to you," the elleth said. She passed him the basket. Estel lifted the edge of the blanket covering it, gasping when it revealed an infant within. The baby was very small, smaller than most children Estel had seen before, and was swaddled with no clothing, only a diaper. While the newborn's head was topped with a smattering of dark hair and had familiar grey eyes, it was almost a splitting image of the elven slave Estel had spent an evening with ten months ago. Her thumb was squashed into her mouth and she was gazing up at Estel with wide eyes. He reached out and stroked the girl's hair.

"Thank you," he said to the elf maiden in delight, taking the child without question. He closed the door and walked over to the bed, setting the basket carefully down. He lifted the infant into his arms, gaping down at her tiny face. He looked down and noticed a folded piece of parchment poking out from underneath the downy blanket the child had been resting on. It was written in elegant, flowing elven script, though it had run in some places by small wet patches on the parchment.

Dear Estel,

Forgive me, I know that this must come as a shock to you. You must have been utterly surprised to be handed a newborn infant you never knew existed. Please know that I only wanted the best for my child. Had my master allowed it, I would have kept her in a heartbeat. As it was, he commanded me to leave her at the bottom of the river the moment I had given birth. I hope that you will understand why I choose to save her and send her to you, and I hope that you can forgive me. Obviously, she is much better off with a much more competent father and I trust that you will love her as much as I do.

I also wanted to assure you that it was never my intention to fall pregnant. Despite what you may be thinking, I did not know I was fertile and was shocked to discover that was why I began to feel so poorly. I was very so ill for such a long time and eventually realised that I was pregnant. I hid it for quite a while, over four months, until eventually my master noticed. He was furious and demanded that the local healing woman rid me of the child. She refused and my master finally agreed that I would have to carry the baby to full term. It was utterly miserable and, although I am a monster for saying this, I could not be happier to finally give birth. I know that must sound like the most horrible, heartless thing to say and honestly she was much safer inside me than outside, once my master could have destroyed her, but I am a slave. It is not easy being on your hands and knees scrubbing floors with such a large stomach, or raped by a vindictive master who is intent on harming you for falling pregnant. I pray that you can understand this and not resent me for it.

Also, I want you to understand that I do not seduce random strangers on a daily basis. You probably require an explanation for my actions that evening. Honestly, I cannot give you any reason that sounds entirely sane. I can, though, explain that I have not had someone make love to me since I have been a slave. As strange as it may sound, I have wished for nothing more than painless, loving sex. I cannot believe that I am telling a person who is little more than a strange this, but that was the first time I have voluntarily climaxed by another's hand and I could almost not remember what it felt like to be treated like a lover, rather than a whore.

Please, Estel, I am begging you to take in our daughter. As soon as I gave birth, I knew that she was yours. I am beseeching, please raise her comfortably, safely and with love. I may not understand how, but you obviously live in Rivendell amongst my kin. Your clothing and your nature, it gave it away. I know that she will be well cared for. You are a good man. I trust that she will be provided for in a way that I could not manage and be cherished.

I know that I have already selfishly asked so much of you but I have one last request. Please, if there is anyway at all that you can avoid telling our child of who I am I would be eternally grateful. Say that her other parent is dead, sailed, gone, I care not, but I beg that you do not make her live with the burden of knowing that she was born of a whore-slave. I would rather that she did not know who I am than be embarrassed of her heritage.

I cannot fully express what I am feeling now, so I will simply say thank you once more. And, I will lastly add that I have taken to calling her Annari. It is entirely up to you, as you are her father, but perhaps that could continue to be her name.

Sincerely.

TBC

/Looks around hopefully/ Reviews?