Song of the Wood Thrush
By Caerali

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Contact Email: laenemackintosh@yahoo.com

Beta: dragonfly :)

Rating: NC-17

Main Characters: Lindir/OFC, various Tolkin elves 

Written For: Erynlinia

Request: Lindir uses his music to help reach a scared, untrusting young woman/elleth.  Lots of angst and fluff is good, if you want to go for more, have at it!

Summary: Response to DreamElf & Little Balrog's 2006 Stocking Stuffer Swap

Warnings: A/U, het, minor violence, sexual content

Word Count: 7118

Disclaimer: Minaiel is a character of my creation. Other then that, I own nothing, nada, zilch. Please don’t sue me, I still have 54 payments on my car.

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Chapter One

"What was that?!" Lindir jerked swiftly to his feet. As he leapt to the windowsill, he upset the contents of his lap. Arwen glanced up from her instrument to see her instructor hanging dangerously over the window edge.

"It sounds as if someone is strangling a songbird," Arwen scrunched her elegant face as the panicked sound again resonated through the valley. Arwen stood from the chaise, taking advantage of his momentary distraction and set down her dulcimer to take her leave.

"Keep practicing, please," Lindir gave her a weary glance as she tried to make her escape from her tutor, "I shall return quickly. I would bet an elfling was using it for target practice."

Arwen pouted and picked up the stringed instrument and placed it again on her lap. Her off-key plucking faded from his ears as Lindir gathered his robes about him and he bolted out the entry towards the tortured screeching.

~~~~~

"It’s not funny," Minaiel threatened with a menacing finger towards her captain. She knew she was being insubordinate, but it was in pure defense.

Glorfindel, in his infinite wisdom, understanding, and superior guidance of his wardens, was laughing so hard he fell backwards out of the low branch of a tree. He held his side as he wheezed between gasps of air. He snorted and rolled onto his side and attempted to get up with assistance from Elladan, Elrond’s eldest son.

"Do it again," Elrohir cackled gleefully at the tiny elleth.

"No, I refuse," Minaiel gritted out between her clenched teeth. She folded her arms fiercely and glared at her father as he slumped to one side and Elladan helped him to his feet.

"What mad elf is slaughtering song birds?!" Lindir asked as he came upon the cluster of archers.

Glorfindel burst into laughter once again and waved off the minstrel. Elladan declared that his face hurt and everyone should stop making everyone laugh. Glorfindel went slack against his shoulder as he laughed, desperate to hold upright.

"It’s not that funny!" She scowled at the newly arrived ellon and waved her finger vigorously at him.

"I cannot breathe, hîn," Glorfindel smiled down at his pouting daughter, "Minaiel, be sure and practice, but I beg of you, out of my ear shot. I will give away my position in the woods."

"I am most assuredly missing something." Lindir turned to the seneschal questioningly. "Where is the injured bird?"

"Elladan, Elrohir, please take the squad to the upper field to practice. Lord Lindir, our resident musician, I do believe you can be of assistance to the distressed songbird."

Minaiel looked skeptically at the golden-haired ellon and her father, but said nothing.

"I would gladly be of assistance. Tell me how, Lord Glorfindel."

With one hand grasping his side, he extended his other hand to his new archer. "Our newest archer, Minaiel. Minaiel, this is Lindir, the greatest musician I’ve had the honor to meet."

"You speak too highly of me," Lindir immediately waved away the compliment with cool grace.

Minaiel gave a quick nod of her braided head in his direction, and shifted her feet nervously.

"As you may know Lindir, we use sounds of nature in the fields to communicate with each other. My young archer here was practicing the call of a wood thrush that we use for location of each other when --"

"That was you?" Lindir jerked his head to her quickly, then covered his face to hide his smile. Minaiel scowled darkly at the minstrel.

"You see, she requires some . . . practice still. Oh, I have a remarkable idea!" Glorfindel’s face lit up immediately. "Lindir, you can assist her! You used to teach the twins when they were young," jerking his thumb in the direction of the ellyn.

"That was quite a long time ago," Lindir thought back to Elrond’s sons, as he would take them out into the woods while the Lord attended to some of his more courtly duties. "That was more as a favor to Elrond, to keep the elflings from climbing the archways."

"This will work out great. Thanks, Lindir!" Glorfindel clasped the bard’s hand and shook it fiercely. "She will follow your instruction as if it were my own. If she gives you any trouble, bring her before me immediately." He raised a questioning eyebrow towards Minaiel.

"I’m not a child any more, adar."

He stepped back for a moment and assessed the archer before him.

"Of course not," he winked at her and smiled before turning away and leaping over a small wooden decorative fence.

Both Lindir and Minaiel watched his graceful form as he rejoined the other members of Glorfindel’s guard before the group headed away from Imladris.

"This way, please," Lindir sighed, and turned back towards where Arwen had been left practicing. Minaiel hesitated before following the ellon in the flowing robes, and glanced back towards the other ellyn as they brandished their wooden praticing swords.

"Minaiel?" Lindir paused at the top of the walkway, looking back.

"Yes, I’m coming."

~~~~~

"You can place your things there, I suppose," Lindir gestured towards the mantle of a fireplace in a large hall.

"Where is this place?" Minaiel did as she was told, resting her bow across the mantle, but resting her sheathed sword and bow towards one side against a rack designed for instruments.

"This is my main concert hall. We can practice here undisturbed," Lindir gathered up Arwen’s abandoned instrument and sheet music from the outer patio and brought them inside. He closed several sets of windows and doors.

"So no one will hear us in here? While I, um, practice?"

"Assuredly no, the oak is very dense as are the walls. It’s perfect for acoustical reasons. I would think you would prefer it that way," he gave a ghost of a smile and she folded her arms defensively. "Are you wearing anything under that tunic?"

"Yes. . . Why do you ask?"

"Is it suitable for mixed company?"

"I believe so."

"Remove your outer tunic as well then, please. It’s too restricting."

Minaiel gave a weathered gaze when she was certain he was no longer watching. She turned away as she untied the laces, and removed the leather tunic along with her protective bracers. She placed it across the back of a chair before turning back to him. Lindir nodded his approval as after placing the last of the sheet music on his desk, he beckoned her closer with his index finger. She walked directly towards him, with her arms still crossed against her chest, and stood before him with a stance that made Lindir immediately think of an intimidating Glorfindel surveying his archers.

"Your hands, please," he held out his own, with his palms up and waited. She glanced at each of them, and questioned them as if they held a long sword and a bow. "Come now, your hands, Minaiel."

"What does this have to do with bird calls?"

"I believe you were instructed to do as I say." Minaiel instantly released her vice grip around her ribs and rested her hands in his. With her sudden movement, her cotton tunic slipped down over one shoulder and she itched to put it back in it’s place. He didn’t seem to notice her discomfort so she bit her lower lip and ignored it. He closed his fingers around hers, and he shook them up and down gently in a vain attempt to get her to relax. She shifted her shoulder hoping to bring the material back into place, but it only slid further. "Good. Ready, Minaiel?"

"I suppose."

"Let’s hear your voice a bit better, do you know scales?"

"You want to hear me sing. . ." She suddenly looked worried.

"I want to ensure you’re not tone deaf." Minaiel snarled and tried to jerk her hand away from him, but he was far quicker than she expected. Lindir held tightly and stepped closer to follow her movements. "It was a joke, little one, and an ill said one at that. I attempted to make you smile, but I failed. Forgive me."

"Let go of my hands, I warn you."

"You warn me?" He said with a hint of playfulness. Her blue eyes flickered dangerously and his smile faded as he found she spun him with a swift movement of her foot, knocking him back into the desk behind him. Lindir’s hand was twisted at an odd angle behind his back and he realized she could easily hurt him if she wished to.

"Though I find your antics amusing, I hope you don’t intend to break my hand."

"Better your hand than what I had thought of only a moment ago," she released him and stepped defensively away, again in a age-old stance her father often held. She quickly adjusted her tunic closed and tied at the neckline. Minaiel failed to notice his eyes follow her almost sensual movements across her own skin as her modesty got the best of her. He turned and leaned lightly against the desk and rubbed his wrist self-consciously. "I have a concert to attend tomorrow evening and I would sacrifice nearly anything to save my hand."

Minaiel gave Lindir a meaningful glance and he again approached her. He reached out again, expecting her to extend her hands. She did so, but not before releasing an exasperated sigh.

"Scales, correct?"

"When you’re ready, Minaiel."

Lindir tilted his head to one side and listened critically to her voice. He placed both of her hands in one of his hands. He then asked her to sing a song she was familiar with, and she obliged without argument. It was an excellent choice, a song well suited to her willowy voice. An old lyric based on a true love prevailing over great distance. It was commonly song as a duet, but could easily be sung as a solo.

He waved his hand, allowing the sleeve of his robes to slide away from his hand. Lindir waved his hand at the wrist to provide cadence to the light tune. Minaiel’s eyelids fluttered closed as she went into the second to last stanza. Upon seeing her relax finally, Lindir stepped closer, and placed his index and middle finger under her diaphragm. She did not react as well as he hoped, for she suddenly froze and her eyes shot open.

"Sing from here," Lindir insisted, "you hold back, my little bird. Such a love song should be sang from deep within." The melody died sharply when Minaiel jerked violently back from him. Lindir followed her movements across the floor, like a strange dance of their willpower. He turned her palm outward, placing it firmly across his chest and held it there. He then pulled her close and her fidgeting died sharply when he spoke. "Listen . . . Feel. . . "

Lindir picked up exactly where she had left off. The velvet smoothness of his voice halted her immediately and drew her in. He grasped her hip firmly and guided her into a waltz. As he spun her about, her tunic sleeve again slipped off her shoulder and he reached to adjust it. Minaiel beat him to it, snagging the ends of the laces and gave them a quick jerk to snug the top closer together. She placed her hand cautiously on his shoulder, with a feather-light touch. She stared at the back of his hand, where it covered her own against the folds of his shirt. The resonation in his chest as he sang a song meant for two lovers made her palm itch and her skin burn with instantaneous heat.

"You have a lovely voice," he said quietly when he finally spoke, "Not tone deaf as I first feared. Now. . . we need to mimic a wood thrush, correct?"

She shook her head and glanced hesitantly at him. Minaiel did not trust herself to speak quite yet, she nodded and worded ‘yes’.

He gently captured her hand from his shoulder and placed it at his throat directly under his jaw. Lindir refused to surrender her other hand, which he now had buried under his robe only a single layer away from his skin. With a deep breath, he released a perfect rendition of the common wood thrush that made its home in the forest around Imladris. She stared at him in wonder, and a slow, but broad smile graced her flawless face.

"Do it again."

"As you wish," he smiled. He continued holding her hands tightly and he stepped closer.

Her face was turned upwards to him, and he found it an odd angle to have to look down at this full-grown elleth at his shoulder. He did not mind, he thought for a moment, great things sometimes come in small packages. Her throat hitched at his nearness and she expelled a soft breath through her mouth. They stood so close, the breath she took unsettled his hair that rested on his shoulder. He stared longingly for a moment at the dampness of her lower lip as she unconsciously licked it. Lindir blinked, looked away, and prayed silently for salvation. Minaiel was not looking at his face directly, she was watching her own hand where it rested across his throat, waiting for the inevitable vibration it would make when he made another bird call.

"Well?" She glanced up innocently and he smiled brilliantly.

"Wood thrush."

"Yes," she laughed lightly, and Lindir suddenly felt dizzy.

"Anything you wish," he whispered.

When Lindir repeated the call, Minaiel laughed, declared him ‘amazing’ and ‘wonderful’. His eyes drifted back to her perfect lips and he was mesmerized by the light sound that came forth. Like a song he had never heard before, it tickled his chest and fogged his thinking. He was lifted from his fog when he realized he had lost control of his own mouth, and his lips made contact with hers.

As he gave into the craving to taste her sweet lips, he felt lightheaded and drunk on her scent. To Lindir, an eternity of time passed and for a faint moment he felt a surge of hope when she returned his kiss. He leaned downwards to the small elleth and she wrapped her long fingers snugly across the back of neck. Without notice, Minaiel planted her knee squarely between his legs. He went down to his knees swiftly and gasped for breath.

She approached him carefully and rested her hand on his shoulder. When Lindir looked up into her almost worried eyes, his face was pale. He attempted to speak, but words did not come out. He made an odd fish- like face as he gasped for air before finally emitting a small 'squeak'.

"At least it wasn’t your hand," Minaiel squatted down next to him, patting him on the shoulder. She gathered up her things and tried to leave quickly. When he finally got to his feet she was at the door and it took every shred of strength not to look back.

Chapter Two

"Well, I admit, it sounds better," Glorfindel mused after his daughter’s latest rendition of the bird.

"May I go then? With the others when they leave this afternoon?" Minaiel looked hopeful.

"You’re not quite ready yet, pen-neth."

"You’ll never let me go. I am ready, I’m a better archer than Elladan and better than half the squad with my long sword."

"I’m warning you not to take that tone with me, Minaiel," Glorfindel leveled a dark look at her. She hung her head and racked her sword without another word. He crossed the family room and wrapped one arm around his only child, placing his chin on the top of her head with a long sigh. She leaned into him lovingly and he held her tighter. Their hair matched so closely, it was impossible to tell where her father’s began and her own ended.

"I’m sorry," she said simply.

"I know. Youthful exuberance. Mind your tongue, Minaiel. For one day it will get the better of you and someone outside this room may hear. I have to be harder on you then the others, I hope you understand this."

"I know this. And I love you adar, because you make me strive for more than I knew I was capable of. But sometimes it’s just not fair."

"I had intended for us to go today, but this morning I had a chat with Lindir."

He felt her go ridged in his embrace as she waited for the inevitable scolding. With the hand he had been embracing her with, he tilted her chin upwards to him.

"You know what he told me?"

"He brought it on himself!" She burst suddenly, clenching her fists.

"He invited us specifically to his concert tonight. Though I find it highly -- brought what on himself?" Glorfindel’s eyebrows shot to the edge of his hairline with haste.

"Um, nothing, we had a disagreement."

"Minaiel. . ."

"Nothing, really father, think nothing of it. We had a slight disagreement, but even he isn’t giving much thought to it anymore. Go on please."

He looked at her skeptically. "Is there something I need to speak to him about?"

"Concert, did you say?"

"Hmm," he brushed her cheek with the back of his thumb in silent thought. "I see. Yes, a concert. Your nana and I will be attending, and you as well. He asked for us specifically, and as a good friend of mine, I can hardly tell him no. Be ready after the evening meal." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, knowing she would do as he bid.

~~~~~

"It’s too tight," Minaiel grumbled to her friend from behind her locked bedroom door.

"Minaiel, bodices can never be too tight. Deep breath!"

"You must be kidding, EEK!" Arwen giggled as she pulled the lacing tight across her friend’s back before securing it closed with the tiny clasps hiding the laces.

"I’m not going out like this, I look --"

"Edible?"

"Arwen! I’m bursting out of the top! I haven’t worn this dress in thirty years! I was just coming out of childhood!"

"And now you’re developed enough to put it to good use."

"If I breathe wrong I’ll come out the top."

"Minaiel, my child, are you all right?" came her mother’s worried voice from behind the door.

"We’re perfect, my lady!" Arwen called out in a fit of giggles. Minaiel smoothed down the laced silk as it fit snugly about her narrow waist and down her hips.

"Arwen, you are giggling, I know something’s wrong."

"We’re fine, naneth," Minaiel said with false assurance.

"Very well dear, we’re leaving soon. Arwen, will you be attending with us or your father and brothers?"

"Adar is singing tonight, and Elrohir and Elladan are horrible company for such things. Could I attend with you? Elrohir fell asleep last time, it was terribly embarrassing."

"Of course, we leave in fifteen minutes. We want to have good seats."

"Arwen, I cannot go outside like this. I must wear under things."

"You cannot! The dress will not lie flat if you do! It needs to hug your hips."

"It hugs my hips because it’s too small! I wore at least two layers under this when I was younger. I need to change."

"Impossible," Arwen said in a singsong voice as she disappeared behind the floor length mirror and adjusted it from behind.

"Why is that?" glancing at her appearance and finding it hard not to notice her cleavage pushed upwards in an alarming manner.

"Because we leave in fifteen minutes," Arwen suddenly peered out sideways from the mirror, with a wicked grin.

"Father is going to kill me."

"Here, so to get us to the concert without a scene," Arwen removed her own knitted shawl and Minaiel snatched it quickly from her friend and placed it about her shoulders. She plucked at the long silky gold of her hair and watched it float about the back of her neck as it came to rest. She smiled knowingly, and unlatched the door. Arwen walked in front of her best friend to shield the parents from the abundant view.

"So! Shall we?" Arwen hooked an arm into each of theirs, and walked between them, all the while distracting them with idle chatter.

Minaiel hugged the shawl close to herself, feeling naked when the chilly night air reached her skin. The gentle breeze prickled at her body and suddenly she feared the material was transparent.

~~~~~

Minaiel wanted to spear the elf who decided an outdoor concert in fall would be a novel idea. Arwen whisked Linaiel away when Glorfindel stopped to talk with many of the archers who were in attendance with their families.

"Take it off," Arwen whispered without moving her lips or breaking her smile.

"No way," Minaiel whispered back, but now with the exact perfection Arwen had so easily mastered over the years.

"Chicken."

"Mother hen."

"I’ll tell your father about you and Elladan."

"You wouldn’t!" She turned suddenly. "That was several years ago. Nothing became of it. We’re friends now, nothing more."

"In some elvish communities it would mean you’re bound. Take off the scarf."

"It was one ellon, one time, and you would not dare!"

"Try me," Arwen smiled sweetly and Minaiel knew her friend had her beat. Minaiel unclasped the scarf and handed it to Arwen. Arwen smiled sweetly, and glanced genteelly about. Several musicians who had been warming up smiled at the pair. Arwen exaggerated the movement as she placed the scarf about herself before waving to the ellyn.

"Lovely evening, is it not?" Arwen asked sweetly as she looked upwards towards the stars, before glancing to her friend, who folded her arms about her and pouted. A loud squeal was produced as a musician ran his bow across his cello the wrong way after glancing towards Minaiel. The sound earned an audible grumble from Lindir. He turned towards the cellist and followed his line of sight before realizing what had him distracted. He noticed how Minaiel’s folded arms had produced an interesting affect on her dress. It was forcing her breasts even higher, and he doubted she knew. Sweet Elbereth, he prayed quietly. He snapped his eyes shut after a few seconds, but it was too late. The delicious image was already burned into his memory.

He tapped the edge of the podium heavily, making the musicians turn back towards him. Everyone took their seats, with Arwen sitting between Minaiel and her parents.

"I think someone has taken notice of you," Arwen whispered triumphantly.

"Yes, the entire section of strings and half the percussion," Minaiel slumped slightly in her chair.

"I wouldn’t do that," Arwen grinned, "Your bodice becomes more pronounced."

With that, Minaiel shot straight up in her chair. She glanced across the row and saw her father’s muscled jaw was set with corded agitation. He didn’t appear to be amused. Glorfindel did not chance looking in her direction, hoping not to draw any more unneeded attention.

She flipped though a small paper outlining the evening’s performance. Oh, Lindir is singing, as well as playing, she thought silently. She thought to the day before, how his song made her skin come alive and his touch made her heart race. . . She glanced darkly at the ellon as he took his seat with the others and they started the first song.

The entire performance was wonderful. Lindir clearly outshined the other performers, though he did not intend for it. He was just simply amazing. Everyone stood to clap at the performance, but he was able to bring the outer theater to a silence after a few graceful movements of his hands.

"I have one more song, if everyone here would grant me one last luxury."

After a low murmur and nodding heads, he bowed gracefully to the crowd and the stage cleared for his solo performance. His voice began low, but raise in perfect cadence to the old song. The song Minaiel had sang the day before in his practice hall. It suddenly hit her, he was singing this intentionally for her. She blanched and gazed up at him. At first he looked out into the crowd at no one in particular, but his eyes finally came to rest on Minaiel.

"Arwen," Minaiel whispered, trying not to move her mouth as she did so.

"What?"

"I sang this song for him yesterday."

"You did not!" Arwen jerked suddenly to look at her friend. "It’s not meant for casual singing. This song is meant for two lovers."

"He put me on the spot, it was all I could think of at the moment!" The both glanced back up, but he was again looking out among the crowd.

"I was right then, someone has taken notice of you," she squealed with victory. Arwen silenced herself when she recieved a leveling gaze from her father. She immediately became composed and smiled politely.

A standing ovation immediately came forth when Lindir’s song end. Lindir called up all the artists and faded back into them, allowing them to bask in the glory of a wonderful performance. As the audience surged forward Arwen pulled Minaiel towards them, but was stopped by Elrond.

"It’s late, we should take our leave, Arwen," Elrond gave her no chance to make excuses when he hooked his daughter’s arm into his.

Glorfindel wrapped his arm around his own daughter’s shoulder. "I agree, and Minaiel is cleaning stalls this next week and needs her rest before she gets started early tomorrow morning," Glorfindel nodded to Elrond.

"I am?" Minaiel thought to argue but changed her mind when her mother appeared looking decidedly upset. "I mean, yes, I am. Good night, Arwen."

"You’ll see her in the morning, assuredly."

"Adar?" Arwen glanced questioningly at her father. Elrond’s only answer was a raised eyebrow and both of the ellith sighed.

"Sorry ," Arwen whispered to Minaiel sadly, as she was escorted away.

~~~~~

"Are you mad at me still?" Arwen wiped her forehead with a silk cloth the following morning.

"I never was, Arwen."

"It could be worse, Minaiel," Arwen grasped the handles of the wheeled cart before closing the stall.

"Oh?" Minaiel asked, removing the next horse from it’s stall and placing it in an empty one.

"At least our adars gave us the small barn, we’ll be done in four hours instead of seven," Arwen smiled. "I thought I saw Lindir stop breathing when he saw you. It was well worth it."

"Please, he hardly took notice," Minaiel waved off her friend, entering the now empty stall with Arwen.

"Who didn’t take notice?" Elrohir smiled rounding the corner.

"Nothing, dear brother," Arwen rolled her eyes when she turned away from him.

"Minaiel, care for a walk tonight after your chores and dinner?"

"I suppose, but I really must bathe first," Minaiel smiled as best she could.

"No, she’s busy. Move along," Arwen glowered and stuck her tongue out at her older brother.

"She says she’s not," he replied, scrunching his nose at his sister as he plucked a piece of straw from her dark hair. He turned back towards Minaiel as he spoke, "Since when does my sister speak for you?"

Elrohir hit a mark on that, and all three knew it. Minaiel was her father’s child through and through.

"I said that I would," she smiled, undaunted.

"She’s busy," came a fourth voice and all turned towards the minstrel as he entered the far end of the stable. The ellyth’s eyes darted to each other questioningly. "We have a prior arrangement. I promised her father to teach her the rest of the bird calls used for communication in the forest."

Elrohir glanced to Minaiel, who slowly nodded.

"I see," Elrohir sighed grudgingly, "Another time then, my lady, I hold you to your word. You owe me a walk or possibly dinner some time."

"She owes you nothing," Lindir smiled faintly.

"Isn’t adar calling you?" Arwen smiled at her brother. Indeed, in the distance, Elrond’s voice could be heard above the terrace, calling for Elrohir and his twin. "Bye, brother dear! So good of you to stop by!" She waved, and he made a face at her before stepping out.

"Hello," Minaiel breathed.

"Mae govannen," he bowed with a smile.

"I -- I really must finish up here, or I chance upsetting my father."

"You’re done," Arwen interjected, "You’ve done your half, this is my half." She leapt forward and pushed her friend out of the stall towards Lindir.

"What are you doing?" Minaiel whispered to Arwen.

"Saving you from yourself. Go bathe, you might not get this chance a second time."

"So you’re free as of now?" Lindir looked confused, as he stepped gracefully around the wheeled cart full of soiled straw.

"Yes, she is, she was helping me because I’m slower at this," she flashed a smile at Lindir, "She’s off to bathe now, aren’t you? Have fun!"

Arwen gave her friend another push out of the barn and waved as she picked up the fork and began to dig into the stall.

Chapter Three

Minaiel folded her hands as she sat on the edge of Lindir’s desk in his main concert hall. She her back turned partially towards him and he regarded her quietly from his seat at the desk. After a long moment, he stood and busily shifted a few items on his desk.

"Minaiel, have you practiced?"

"Not much to be honest, a lot has happened in two days."

"Mmm, I agree. Shall we try a different tune?" He stood before her, and resting his cool gaze on her as she met his glance fiercely.

"You don’t intimidate me."

"I would find that unfitting of someone of your heritage. Your parents are very strong willed." He gathered one of her hands, placing it on his throat as he did the first day they had practiced and her other hand on his chest.

"Then you see me as an obstinate child."

"I definitely do not see you as a child," Lindir slid one knee between hers to stand closer.

"You’re a brave soul," she eyed him carefully as he stood pressing against the desk fully wedged between her knees.

"Aye, I play with fire. Let us try something a bit more predatory. You use owl calls at night for shift rotations, correct?"

"Yes," she drawled. Lindir cleared his throat to begin, but Minaiel withdrew her hand from his chest to silence him. "Lindir?"

"Last night, when you sang. . . that song. . . was it meant for me?"

"It’s a haunting tune is it not? I always wanted to sing it to a love of my own."

"That’s cryptic," she pouted. Lindir reached to her jutted out lip to pluck at it. She turned away and he laughed lightly.

"I suppose that was rather cryptic. You see, Minaiel --"

"Sing for me, Lindir?"

"As you wish," he began, but it was not the song she thought he would sing. She did not have the heart to stop him though, his voice vibrated in his throat where her fingers rested against his skin. Minaiel rolled the back of her fingers across his cheek, watching his face with contentment as his voice flowed like water. The sound was incredibly sweet and she was almost bitter when the words came to an end.

"Tell me little bird, what is your request now?"

Minaiel was silent for a moment and became self-conscious.

"Move, please," he did as she bid immediately and she jumped down from the desk. Minaiel paced about the room, eyeing her surroundings. She touched the instruments and leafed though the sheet music.

He moved from his point at the desk and began walking towards her. She raised her hand to still him, and he again took his place by the desk. She turned and walked towards him, sensing his growing uneasiness.

"I will not hold you here. Minaiel, I am aware Arwen allowed you to shirk your duties this afternoon," Minaiel visibly flinched when he said ‘shirk’. "You may leave anytime you wish. I don’t want you to be here, if it because you feel obligated to keep me company."

"What!?" Minaiel’s face flushed red with immediate resentment, "I do what I want, when I want! I owe you nothing."

"Quiet yourself, I’m not finished."

"How dare you," Minaiel seethed, she bound up to him, eating up ground at a dangerous pace for someone so small.

"Stay if you’re going to stay. Go now if you wish to go," Lindir said with quiet resignation.

"Of all the conceited, half-witted --"

"Are you staying?"

"Dress-wearing --"

"I take that as a ‘yes’ then."

"No use --"

Lindir snagged her by her belt and silenced her with a searing kiss that stole her breath away. She buried her hands in his hair as he pulled her coarsely into him. She returned his kiss with equal hunger and they stumbled collectively backwards into the hardwood desk. He let out a sharp yelp into her mouth and she seized the opportunity to suck his tongue into hers.

"Easy, take it easy," he whispered, when he finally got a breath. Minaiel looked embarrassed, and almost pulled away but he pulled her in close. "Let me show you."

"Sing to me, Lindir," she begged.

"I will," he breathed heavily as he kissed her again, "Just not yet, I fear my voice would crack."

Lindir glanced across her top, noting for the third day in a row her bodice was again slipping off her shoulders. He racked his fingers across her shoulder, dipping the collar well down her upper arm before lowering his mouth to her collarbone. He let out an exasperated moan when he could taste the heat of her skin rising though his lips. He nipped playfully as he placed gentle kisses around her neck. Minaiel grumbled in impatience, and tried to lift his face to meet hers. He laughed, and nipped again at her neck where it met her jaw line.

"This way, my little bird."

"What?" She gasped.

"This, will not happen on my desk. You deserve better," he kissed her gently, before backing up. He shifted out of his formal outer robes, noting dryly she had already removed all the buttons from their holes without him noticing. He allowed the garment to fall to the floor and he kicked it out of the way.

She clung to him, not wanting to move, but he eyed her evenly. Minaiel allowed him to swiftly lead her from the hall. Lindir hooked his hands under her arms and lifted her with ease. He perched her on his forearms as he carried her through series of doorways, away from the music hall.

With a sideways boot, he shut the last set of doors. When she realized they had reached his personal rooms she became quiet and didn’t fidget with him any more. He rested her on the edge of the bed and knelt before her. He slowly began to remove his outer tunic and then started on the inner one. He had half of his chest exposed before she spoke.

"Lindir?"

"Yes, my little bird?"

"Would you sing to me now?" Minaiel’s voice cracked with nervousness, "Please, I wish it."

Like a bucket of cold water, her fear washed over him.

"Anything you wish," he replied quietly from across the expansive bed.

Did she wish for him to join her? He pondered as he pursed his lips. Minaiel suddenly looked frail and young, Lindir thought to himself. He raised up off his heels and took a chance by scooting her across the bed so he could join her. The bed groaned slightly, and she folded her arms about her and watched him with wide eyes. He made no further attempt to undress as he pushed a pillow up under their heads and rested his head on his forearm.

"Requests?"

"Something from here," she reached out to his chest, with three fingers brushing across his warm skin. He sucked in a deep breath, and smiled slightly. Her hand retreated back to herself, and he looped some of her stray hair out of her face and around her delicately shaped ear.

"Anything for you," he smiled. His voice faltered in the first stanza, though Lindir believed she had not noticed. The sublime happiness that lit up her face as he sang the song she longed to hear. He found it amazing to sing the song to an elleth and truly mean it, for until now he had only sang it during binding ceremonies for couples. He continued to gently fuss with her hair, smoothing it out around her ear. Her eyelids fluttered closed, as he sang to her all four verses. His voice cracked, as he knew it would, and thankfully she couldn’t care less. When he finally fell into silence, her eyes opened as she watched him from an arm’s distance away.

Lindir inched slowly forward, waiting for some sign of hesitation on her part, but saw none.

"My I taste your lips again, Minaiel?"

"You ask now?"

"I would beg if you wish."

When silence ensued, he chuckled. It was a deep throaty chuckle that made her smile.

"You need not ask ever again," she finally said.

His lips brushed across hers, gently, but teasingly. Minaiel was no longer consumed with reckless hunger as she had been, though her skin heated quickly as his fingers played across the exposed skin of her cheek and shoulder.

Lindir inched even closer still, until her breath hitched. He raked his fingers across her shoulder blade, gently urging her to come closer until she did. Minaiel lay half across his chest as they tasted, kissed and explored each other's bodies. He quickly came to realize she liked being teasingly nipped at. She in turn, noticed he would squirm under her caress if she kissed him directly behind his ear in a specific spot.

He made an obvious move to slowly unhook the rest of her tunic buttons, and tug it loose from her pants. She mimicked his movements until they were both tunic-less before they began to work on other items of clothing. He lifted both of her legs to one of his shoulders before hooking his fingers around the top of her leggings before peeling them off in one swift move. When he rolled to one side of her, Minaiel’s fingers groped at her side for the bedcovers in a vain attempt to shield herself.

"Is this your first time?" he finally asked.

"No," she looked away hesitantly, "Just once before. It hurt --" When Lindir furrowed his brow in instant anger, she held her hand out to calm him. "He tried to be careful. I know he did not mean to hurt me in any way. Please, I want this. I want us. I’m only nervous."

"How can I resist a ‘please’?" he smiled, then softly kissed her lips. "Here, see for yourself, Minaiel. Nothing to fear. It is just I, Lindir."

He grasped her wrist, and placed her hand firmly against his chest. Under her fingers, Minaiel could feel his steady heartbeat.

"The rhythm is steady, almost reassuring my childish fears," she smiled faintly.

"It remains steadfast, as do I. You can change your mind, I will not be angry. I admit I want this, but I can wait if it is too soon for you."

Minaiel hands hesitantly drifted lower across his abdomen until it came in contact with his hardness. Lindir’s eyes fluttered closed when he had his answer.

"Teach me what you like," she smiled, though still with some reservation.

"I will teach you a new song," he breathed deeply into her hair, savoring the sent of lilac and spring water.

"What are the words?" she asked he rose above her, settling his hips between hers.

"No . . . real words," he groaned as his whole body brushed against hers. She rested the bottoms of her feet on his hips, allowing him to grind into her heavily.

"Then how will I know?" she said weakly, then kissed his neck nervously.

"You’ll know. Patience, my little bird," he sank inside of her slowly. She bit her lip and pushed her face into his neck, but he pulled away, waiting for a hint of regret on her part. Minaiel realized until that moment she had been holding her breath, and he breathed a sigh of relief as her color returned to her face.

"Hurt much?" Lindir asked with concern.

"Not at all," Minaiel gazed up at him and smiled and he leaned down to kiss her tenderly.

"Good," he slid almost completely out of her then pressed forward eliciting an audible hiss of lust from her. "I see you know this song already." He smiled victoriously, and repeated the movement several times over.

~~~~~

A robin called through the trees not far from Glorfindel. He was adjusting the string on his bow and did not notice. The robin called again with more urgency, and finally he looked up. The songbird was winding her way up the tree at that moment and climbed up an adjoining branch.

"I was calling you down for lunch," Minaiel said as she settled in next to him..

"I was busy, my bowstring came loose," he said with resignation.

"You couldn’t tell it from a regular robin could you, captain?" She smiled warmly at her father.

"You’re getting arrogant. I may have to speak to your. . . your lover. You might need less practice."

"You’re not implying Lindir and I should stop --" she stifled a giggle as he blanched and covered his ears.

"Don’t speak of it! La, La, la!"

Minaiel laughed and leaned back into the crook of a tree. Glorfindel was barely acknowledging Lindir’s existence just recently. He had been highly upset when they first announced they were lovers by winter time. It was now spring, and he was just finally getting back to speaking terms with his old friend. He begrudgingly accepted Lindir in his daughter’s life just before this month’s patrol began.

Elrohir called for the location of the pair and Minaiel responded with a perfect song of a wood thrush. She had a sly grin on her lovely face when he gave her a sidelong glance.

"I suppose he’s done you some good," Glorfindel grumbled, before leaping out of the tree.

"I’m glad we finally agree," she smiled towards the south, in the direction of Imladris and her love, who was patiently waiting for her return.

 

Elvish Translations:

adar = father
ellon, ellyn = male elf, elves
elleth, ellith = female elf, elves
hîn = child
‘Mae govannen’ = well met (common Elvish greeting)
pen-neth = young one

THE END