Arahaelon

I admire Annalee from afar as she tidies up our chambers, wearing a dress that Itylra made. The neckline dips far down her chest, and the sleeves and back are see-through, save for a strip of very fine embroidery that runs down her spine. 'Tis gray in color, matching the sky on a rainy day, and the skirts swish around her legs like water. She is every bit of a walking daydream, and I cannot keep my eyes off of her.

She hums as she works, casting glances at me over her shoulder every now and then, blushing each time she catches me staring, and my heart is warm with joy to even be in her presence. Anytime I close my eyes, I am there again in the wash tub, holding her close and feeling her mouth on my neck. She drives me senseless.

Even though it has been a few weeks since the battle, my wound is still healing slowly. Elrond said the after effects of the poison could be the problem that is slowing down the healing process. I just want to be rid of it. Lying here day in and day out is making me insane. I want to be able to walk on my own again, to wander the forest and play with Nym again, but most importantly, I want the elleth that is blissfully unaware of her affect on me at the moment.

Annalee is still embarrassed about the bathing incident, and I find it so adorable and endearing. When I mention it- not that I would do it just to see her squirm, or anything- she blushes deeply, brushing her hair behind her ear timidly.

"Are you going to share what is on your mind?"

I look up to see Annalee approaching me, and she perches on the edge of our bed, staring at me expectantly.

"I was thinking that I am in need of another bath," I reply, a smile growing on my lips as her cheeks flush.

"Lord Elrond said that Melnor helped you bathe yesterday when I was out visiting Faraine and Papa."

"Yes, but that was yesterday," I counter, raising a brow. "I need a bath today, too of course."

"Ar," she sighs, rolling her pretty green eyes, but I do not miss the smile that crosses her lips for a moment.

"You have not helped me bathe since that day several weeks ago," I say, sounding as if I am whining, and I guess I am. "I am tired of Melnor or Elrond helping me. I am especially tired of Ada trying to help."

This makes her laugh, and she leans down to kiss my forehead, smoothing my hair down with her fingers.

"You will need a bath as well," I mention quietly, observing her beautiful features, "Maybe this time I can bathe you?"

A shy laugh bubbles up from her chest as she tucks the blankets around me snugly. "Maybe later, Ar," she says, and I notice the way her smile drops.

"Annalee, what is the matter?" I ask her worriedly, and I touch her cheek as her eyes begin to water. "I will not tease you any longer."

"That is not the problem," she assures me, "I just- I hurt you last time. You are still healing, and I do not wish to hurt you again."

"Annalee," I whisper, pulling her to me as her face crumples with sadness, "You did nothing wrong. It was an accident."

I gently wipe away her tears, kissing her.

"I do not want to hurt you, Ar," she says as our lips part.

I place her hand on my chest, our noses brushing. "You will not."

She searches my eyes for a moment, making her decision, and she kisses me once more. "I promised to watch Nym and a few of the village children today, but when I return tonight..."

"I will be here," I reply, causing her to smile amusedly.

She nods, eyes shining with happiness and excitement.

I run my fingers over her sheer sleeves, observing her with a small grin. "You look beautiful," I tell her truthfully, "I really like this dress."

"Then I shall let you take it off of me tonight," she replies in a low tone, and I meet her gaze in utter surprise. Her skin is rosy with shyness, but I can sense her determination to be bold.

If only she knew how much such a notion affected me.

I clear my throat. "You know, if I had not been in so much pain that day, I would have never let you leave that tub. At least, not until I had made you mine."

Her fingers weave through mine, our hands resting upon my chest. "And how are you feeling today?" she inquires, trying to look innocent, and I cannot keep a grin off of my face.

"Elrond makes powerful pain remedies."

She stares at me for a moment before running her free hand through her hair. "We are getting carried away," she sighs, playing with the ties on my tunic, "You are still very much injured, no matter how powerful Elrond's healing is. I want you, Ar, all of you. I really do, but I want you when you are healed and healthy. You cannot stand on your own for long; you can barely move. I would feel terribly guilty if we were to... well, if you only worsened your injury tonight."

"We shall wait until I am healed before I make love to you, of course, but you are not making up excuses for tonight," I state, caressing her cheek. "Tonight you will let me take that dress off of you, and I shall return the favor you so graciously bestowed upon me those many weeks ago."

My heart swells with inexplicable love for her as we share a smile, and she leans in to kiss me. "I will see you tonight then, my king," she whispers against my lips.

"Hurry back to me."

She kisses me once more before leaving our chambers, and an idea forms in my mind as Legolas appears a few moments later. He sets my lunch down on the nightstand and then sits to my right, sinking down onto the bed comfortably.

"I have a favor to ask of you, Legolas," I say, and he nods.

"Anything."

His clear blue eyes analyze me closely, listening to my request with no judgement or teasing to be found in him. "I require many roses, enough to fill a bath with petals. Also, dozens of candles, like the ones we use at balls and feasts."

A smile tugs at his lips as he crosses his arms. "I can do that. Where will you put the candles, may I ask?"

I am silent for a moment as I turn my head to gaze around the room thoughtfully. "Around the room and in the washroom. On the floors, on tables, shelves: whatever will look romantic. I would do it myself..."

He does not comment on my last statement, knowing how hard and frustrating it is for me to be helpless. "I understand. I will ask Naneth to help, or Lossenel. Now, eat."

He helps me to sit up, with much difficulty on my part, and then he places my plate of food in my lap as I sag against the headboard wearily.

"Thank you."

He stands, walking to the door, and I call out to him before he leaves. "Oh, and, Legolas, tell Elrond that I am in need of the strongest pain medication he can provide."

He looks back at me worriedly, nodding his blonde head once. "I will."

________

Much later, after I have eaten and rested for a few hours, Legolas appears with Naneth and Lossenel behind him. Each of them holds baskets full of roses and candles, and all wear matching smiles on their faces.

"I am glad to know you are feeling better," Naneth says as she walks into the bedroom, sending a small, suggestive wink my way.

Lossie laughs brightly, setting her baskets on the bed at my feet. "Me too. Annalee will be so surprised when she comes home. Not to worry, Ar, we will make your chambers beautiful."

"I appreciate your help, truly," I tell them, feeling the warmth and love building up inside of me as I watch them move about the room.

Naneth steps into the washroom for a moment before emerging with a plan. "Alright, we shall fill the bath last. Annalee should be back soon, so we need to work quickly."

Legolas helps set candles all around the bedroom and inside the large washroom, never once complaining or acting like he wants to be anywhere else. He has always been so giving and selfless. He could be out with Faraine now or at the practice fields, yet he is here, helping fulfill an idea of mine.

As they work hard, Melnor brings me the medicine I asked for, and I swallow the concoction with difficulty. Melnor laughs brightly as I choke, and once it is down, I glare at him jokingly. "That is disgusting. Are you trying to poison me all over again?"

He shakes his head, still laughing. "Did you honestly expect it to taste good, my king?"

"I was hoping."

"Well, no matter the taste, it is the strongest that Lord Elrond could prepare on such a short notice. You should feel no pain at all once it settles in, but continue to be careful if you are planning to walk on your own. You are still very weak, and too much exertion could cause the wound to reopen. Other than that, you should be fine. I am sorry to know that you are still in so much pain."

Legolas shoots me a look from behind Melnor, and a smirk spreads across his lips. He raises his eyebrows teasingly, and I ignore him.

"Thank you, Melnor. I will be careful."

The healer looks around the room, seeming to only just notice all of the unlit candles and the roses lying in baskets. He clears his throat as understanding dawns on him, and he stands, bowing. "I will take my leave then, my king," he says, hesitating before finishing, "Please... do be careful."

"I will. Thank you," I reply, suddenly feeling very embarrassed, and I watch him leave with a frown on my face.

As the door shuts, Lossie and Legolas burst into laughter, and I glare at them.

"Poor, Melnor," Lossenel sighs, sending me a grin.

"Are you almost finished?" I change the subject, casting a glance at the tall glass doors that lead to the balcony to see that it is getting dark outside.

"Yes," Naneth calls from the washroom. "Legolas, Lossenel, begin lighting the candles while I draw the bath."

Once they are finished, they pull the petals from the roses, scattering them in the hot, bubbly water in the tub.

A knock sounds at the door, and Almarëa appears with a smile. "Annalee has reached the palace! Are you finished?"

My family quickly scurries from the room, and I call a "thank you" to them as the door shuts. I move to sit up, feeling no pain, yet the weakness in my limbs makes it very difficult. I throw my legs over the side of the bed, placing my feet on the cool floor warily.

The door opens slowly, and I hear the sound of Annalee's feet approaching the bedroom. "Ar?"

I look up as she enters, and she looks at me in surprise. "Ar! Do not hurt yourself! Let me help you," she exclaims worriedly, lifting the bottom of her dress in order to rush over to me.

"I am fine. I do not feel any pain," I explain to her, and I watch amusedly as she notices all of the candles in the room.

"Oh my goodness," she whispers in surprise, "This- this is beautiful."

"My family helped me. I wanted to surprise you," I say softly. "There are more in the bathing chamber. Would you help me?"

She takes my arm, leading me slowly to the washroom, and she gasps as she opens the door. "Rose petals in the bath?" she questions in amazement. "Arahaelon, you are so sweet."

She reaches down to run her fingers through the water, and I am unable to keep my eyes off of her, admiring the crimson curls that spiral down her back.

"How are you feeling?" she asks, turning to look up at me with worry in her eyes.

"Much better, thanks to Lord Elrond," I reply with a small chuckle, sinking down into the chair that usually sits in front of Annalee's vanity.

"Oh, I am so happy to hear that," she breathes, smiling beautifully. She crosses the floor, sinking down to her knees in front of me. "You look so handsome in the candlelight."

Her statement is just a whisper as she gazes at me lovingly, and I reach out to touch her face.

"Take my hand," I command, reaching out to her, and she places her small hand in mine.

"I love you," I say lowly, standing and pulling her up with me, and I drink in the sight of the candlelight reflecting in her eyes.

"I love you," she whispers back, and I kiss her deeply.

As I trail my fingers down the embroidery on her spine, I can feel her tremble nervously. I hold her ever tighter, a silent promise to be caring and gentle with her, and her body relaxes against mine. My fingers unfasten the first button on the back of her dress, and I breathe shakily against her lips, unable to believe that this is finally happening.

Her eyelashes brush my cheek as she pulls back for a moment to breathe, closing her eyes tightly as I continue to unfasten her dress. Her fingers find the ties on my tunic, and I smile against her lips as she tugs them open. Her gaze trails down my chest and stomach, and I allow her to slip the tunic over my head. My pulse races beneath my skin, wanting nothing more than to be enough for her- to please her.

Sensing my doubt through our bond, she kisses the corner of my mouth. "Ar, you are perfect," she whispers to me, honesty reflecting in her eyes.

My heart swells with love for her as the last button on her dress is popped open, and I pull her closer, feeling her nervous, shaky breath fanning over my skin as our noses touch. "Do not be nervous," I whisper to her, and she nods, eyes falling closed once again. "I want you to trust me, Annalee."

"I do trust you," she replies immediately, meeting my gaze.

My hands move up her bare back, memorizing her soft skin, and I slowly pull the top of her dress down her shoulders. I keep my eyes locked on hers, wanting her to not be scared as I pull her dress further down to her body until it pools at her feet.

"I trust you," she repeats, the words a mere breath from her lovely lips.

I kiss her, allowing my hands to really touch her for the first time. I commit every curve to memory, every emotion that she sparks within me, and she allows me to look at her, to bask in her ethereal beauty. She is so shy and endearing as she blushes under my heated gaze. I admire her as she steps into the bath, sinking down into the bubbles and rose petals, and after taking off my trousers, I follow her.

I take her hand, pulling her to me.

"Are you still feeling alright? No pain?" she asks worriedly, resting her head against my chest as I hold her close, and she traces patterns across my skin.

"No pain," I assure her, kissing her head gently. I caress her face lovingly, wishing she knew just how much she means to me. "I love you."

She pulls back to smile at me as I run my fingers through her hair. "I love you, too, Ar- more than you will ever know," she says quietly, searching my eyes.

I run my fingers up her back, tilting my head down and placing my lips on her shoulder. "I love you," I mumble against her skin as I kiss her neck, and my heart aches with affection for the elleth in my arms, for my wife and my queen, "I love you."

Her arm moves around my neck. "This is the best night of my life," she whispers to me, "'Tis perfect."

"I have to agree," I reply, kissing her nose, and she laughs breathlessly.

"So, are you planning to actually bathe me?" she teases, raising an eyebrow. "You offered, and I would like to take you up on that deal."

"Whatever you say, my wife," I say with a grin, reaching for a bar of soap.

As she lays her head against my shoulder, she kisses my neck once. "Thank you, Ar."

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A/N: They are so cute :) Hope y'all enjoyed! Wishing everyone a late Merry Christmas! God bless xxx

Arahaelon